From 1868 to 1870, Goldsworthy was Inspector General of Police in Sierra Leone; during this time he married a widow named Eliza Egan. He was then commandant of the Hausa Armed Police and District Magistrate of Lagos until 1873. He then became Inspector of Customs for the Gold Coast until 1874. In 1874 he was made CMG for his role in the war with the Akumahs. His next appointment was as President of Nevis from 1876 to 1877.