For the next ten years, he would continue in the field of journalism while also serving as a canal toll collector in Hamilton from 1854 to 1855. By 1861 he was made an inspector of customs in New York City and promoted three years later to weigher. In 1863 he received the honorary degree of master of arts from Hamilton College. James later received honorary LL.D. degrees from Madison College (now Colgate University), the College of St. Francis Xavier in New York City, and St. John's University, also in New York City.