The Treasurer may appoint agents to manage all property to which the state becomes legally entitled and to sell any such property not necessary for the use of the state, at public or private sale, for cash or on credit, on such terms as the Treasurer approves. The Treasurer shall execute any conveyances thereof and shall render an account of his proceedings to the General Assembly if in session or to the Governor during the recess of the General Assembly; but, if any owner of such property appears, he shall be entitled to it, or, if sold, to the avails thereof, after deducting the necessary expenses.