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remaining two—James Hunter, of Virginia, and William B. Thompson, of the District of Columbia. The new firm was called "Hunter, Harris and Co." In November, 1847, the contract was greatly modified; the time for the completion was extended, specific changes in the plan of construction were made, and certain portions of the work were entirely dispensed with—all this with a view to a saving of cost, which was absolutely necessary. Under the new contractors' management operations were quickly resumed, but, prosecuted under such constant embarrassment, again ceased March 11, 1850. The contractors made great sacrifices in their sales of the bonds, and, although stimulated to perseverance in the honest expectation of completing the canal, they had previously abandoned all hope of profit, and found the pressure too great to continue. This suspension, however, lasted but a few days. Hunter, Harris, and Company made an assignment of their interest in the contract to two of their agents and attorneys, for the benefit of their creditors, and the work was recommenced and continued until July, 1850,