He was profoundly religious, absolutely incorruptible, a man of very kind heart, not afraid to break out new paths, apt to succeed in all his undertakings, a lover of Liberty and thoroughly devoted to his work.

The resources at his command were the unclaimed pay of the negro soldiers and some other sums specially granted from the Treasury.

But the work was one entirely different from anything which had been accomplished by government agency in the country before.
He purchased tracts of land, which were divided into building lots, which were sold to the colored people.

Money was advanced to them to build houses, the Freedman's Bureau taking a mortgage as security.

The Bureau endowed Howard University, of which General Howard was made President.