After turning 18, he worked for several years on fishing boats operating in the Bay of Fundy and Straits of Belle Isle.

While the two were unsuccessful in mining for gold, De Laittre became involved in a profitable mill which supplied lumber to the area's miners and also invested in other local businesses.

After her death in October 1860, he returned to California after a brief stop in Conway, New Hampshire to deliver some letters on behalf of friends.

The two were married in July 1865 at the William K. Eastman House and, after briefly visiting Boston and New York, the two decided to set out for Minneapolis, Minnesota to connect with Clara's brother who had moved there previously.

While he was pushed to run for a second term, De Laittre declined as his business interests had suffered from his inattention while he was in office.