The money was not paid to them directly, but was expended judiciously and for their benefit.

They gave me no trouble afterwards.
Later the freedmen were engaged in cutting wood along the Mississippi River to supply the large number of steamers on that stream.

A good price was paid for chopping wood used for the supply of government steamers (steamers chartered and which the government had to supply with fuel).

Those supplying their own fuel paid a much higher price.

In this way a fund was created not only sufficient to feed and clothe all, old and young, male and female, but to build them comfortable cabins, hospitals for the sick, and to supply them with many comforts they had never known before.
At this stage of the campaign against Vicksburg I was very much disturbed by newspaper rumors that General McClernand was to have a separate and independent command within mine, to operate against Vicksburg by way of the Mississippi River.