Career
He was also a long-term official and defender of the Royal African Company. Having made a voyage to Africa and spent some time there, he had a reputation as a geographer, and was chosen annually to be sub-governor or deputy-governor of the Royal African Company. When the Royal African Company was dissolved in 1752, Hayes settled at Downe, Kent.
John Nichols remarks that Hayes spent much time in philosophical experiments.
Hayes found favour with his contemporaries from his ‘sedate temper’ and clear exposition. And Charles Hutton remarked that he had erudition concealed by modesty.
Hayes died at his chambers in Gray"s Inn on 18 December 1760.