 He was hired by Harvard as the college's first tutor.In 1645 he sailed for the West Indies with slaves in tow, as a preacher and instructor of the seamen, and arrived in England some time afterwards, becoming chaplain to Colonel John Okey's regiment (who had originally sponsored Downing's education in America).While Downing Street, London, is named after him, Downing College, Cambridge, derives its name from his grandson, Sir George Downing, 3rd Baronet.