While in office, he generated commissions for the government by selling confiscated cotton from Confederate plantations. The Department of Treasury controlled licensing of cotton brokers, trying to regulate the market, but a black market flourished for the lucrative sale of cotton.
While in office, he issued government contracts by selling seized cotton from Confederate plantations. The Department of Treasury managed licensing for cotton brokers, attempting to control the market, but a black market thrived for the profitable sale of cotton.