 Charles was a businessman, becoming involved in national politics during the Franco-Prussian War when he served in Paris as aide to Jules Favre, Vice-President of the Government of National Defence.After the war, Ferry was appointed prefect of Saône-et-Loire, then served as government commissioner in Corsica in October and November 1871, and prefect of Haute-Garonne after that until May 1873.Leaving government service, Ferry returned to business and banking.