 Archer married Sophia Mattinson of Hobart on 3 September 1833 and the pair established a home in New Town with their many children.Due to a temporary decline in colonial revenue Archer was retrenched in 1838 and was never reinstated in his role.As others moved in to take over his responsibilities in his absence, Archer became isolated from his profession at the age of 47 with little hope of local employment opportunities.