He was specially promoted to commander, June 8th, 1841, for his services at the capture of the Bogue Forts, in China, February 26th, 1841. After studying for a time on half-pay at the Royal Naval College, he commanded the _Flying Fish_ in the experimental Brig Squadron, and afterwards on the West Coast of Africa, from 1844 to 1846, subsequently serving in the _Ganges_, from which he was promoted to captain, October 19th, 1849. He was appointed flag captain to Sir W. F. Martin, in the _Prince Regent_, in 1851, and left her in 1852. Two years later Captain Harris received the appointment which he was destined to hold for the long period of eight years--for it was practically continuous, though in two different vessels--and in which he performed the valuable services in connection with which his name is best known in the service. In 1854, during the Crimean War, Sir James Graham, then First Lord of the Admiralty, conceived the plan of establishing at Portsmouth a training ship for young seamen, in order to provide a better class of men to fill the vacancies in the Fleet. They were shipped under the name of "novices," and were popularly known as "Jemmy Graham's novices," the scheme being probably regarded with some disapprobation, not untinged with ridicule, by many of the old "shellbacks" in the Service--the usual fate of innovations, however well conceived and beneficial. The _Illustrious_, a two-decker, was appropriated for this purpose, and Captain Harris was placed in command. He had already, beyond doubt, an excellent reputation at headquarters as a most zealous and capable officer, whose heart was in his work; and he speedily proved that his selection for this special duty was a peculiarly happy one. He possessed in a marked degree the somewhat rare gift of being able to combine with unflinching strictness the power of winning the goodwill of his subordinates; and so zealously and effectually did he perform his office that "Jemmy Graham's novices" were soon better known as Captain Harris's seamen, eagerly sought for, when vacancies were to be filled in the Mediterranean, as well-conducted, well-trained lads, requiring but little experience in a sea-going ship to make them efficient able seamen. Lord Fitzhardinge, writing to Captain Harris some years later, says:-- They came to a sea-going ship perfect in the various drills, and were good artillerymen. You were naturally anxious for sea service in time of war; but Sir James Graham, after consulting with myself on the subject, came to the decision that your services, as recruiting officer and teacher of the new raised men, could not be dispensed with.