 While trade and farming activities were prominent , wrecking was the most important economic activity in the settlement . Northern newspapers started a campaign against wrecking in 1832 , claiming that the activity was just a disguise for piracy ; the 33 percent salvager 's fee underscored their claim . Cooley , already in charge of overseeing wrecking , received a territorial appointment as appraiser of the sunk vessels and their cargoes . The strength of hurricane seasons affected the activity , and the especially active 1835 season brought even bigger profits . 
