When in England he lived much with his relations, to whom he was sincerely attached.

He was generous in a high degree, and the young people owed to him books which they otherwise could never have obtained, and treats and excursions which formed the only recreations that broke the uniform current of their lives.

They regarded their uncle Colin as the man of the world of the Macaulay family.
Zachary Macaulay's circumstances during these years were good, and constantly improving.

For some time he held the post of Secretary to the Sierra Leone Company, with a salary of L500 per annum.

He subsequently entered into partnership with a nephew, and the firm did a large business as African merchants under the names of Macaulay and Babington.
The position of the father was favourable to the highest interests of his children.