Career
Born in Maugerville, Sunbury County, Perley played a dominant role in producing the New Brunswick Indian Acting of 1844. He had an extensive knowledge of Indian affairs through his travels and communication throughout the province. He was appointed commissioner for Indian affairs and further influenced matters covered under the Indian Acting.
Perley also was appointed as emigrant agent for the province and, in 1855, was appointed a fishery commissioner to enforce the Canadian-American Reciprocity Treaty.
He died after an illness on board the HMS Desperate near Labrador while engaged in duties associated with this post.