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To survive financially, Henry was forced to find multiple sources of income. He wasn't rich enough to rely on land for his family's support. One skill that served him most of his life was surveying, a trade that he practiced at all times of the year. With his family connections in the New York legislature, Henry could also usually count on a political position to bring in a little more financial help. Though you couldn't depend completely on political posts, as Henry wrote to his son Charles. Go on, my boy, and prosper. You have industry and talent and integrity and if heaven blesses you with health and protracted existence honors and wealth will follow. In due time you will form an item in your state legislature. To this I have no great objection. But beware of Congress: never consent to go there, except your fortune becomes tip-top-i-cal. While in active business you can never afford to spend half your time in Washington.