After the subsequent annexation of the Punjab, he was employed from 1849 to 1853 in making a military reconnaissance of the northern-west frontier from Peshawar to Dera Ismail Khan. He took part at the end of 1849 in the attacks on Suggao, Pali, and Zarmandi under Colonel Bradshaw, and was mentioned in his despatches for the skill and ability with which he had bridged the rapid Kabul River. In 1850 he served under Sir Charles Napier in the expedition against the Afridis of the Kohat Pass, and in 1852 under Sir Colin Campbell in the operation against the Utman Khels, where his men bridged the swift Swat River. In 1853 he served under Colonel Boileau in his expedition against the Bori Afridis. On the completion of the military survey of the Peshawar frontier he was promoted to lieutenant.