up and get in operation the machinery with two men to assist and learn to operate when set up. In the last week in December ('57) we had the machinery in good working order, and at the end of the first week in January ('58) were finished the first lot of fine white blankets, and in a few days after cloths and flannels were finished and ready for market.
About this time E. M. Barnum was appointed "general agent.' In about one month after his appointment he resigned, discouraged with the unfavorable prospect of disposing of the goods and furnishing money and wool to keep the factory in operation.
A. S. Watt was then appointed his successor. About May 1 ('58) the stock of wool was nearly exhausted, the mill was stopped and all hands except myself went or started for Frazer River. About July 1 ('58) the men all returned and work was resumed. A. S. Watt not meeting with any better success than Mr. Barnum and for the same reason he resigned. A contract was then made with Joseph Watt to take all the goods manufactured, except what might be required to exchange for wool at the mill. He was to furnish money and wool sufficient to enable me to keep the mill in operation. After about two months, having been applied to a number of times for relief and failing to furnish any money and very little wool, and the employees being in debt to the market and stores in town and further credit being refused, a suspension of operations appeared certain in consequence. I then presented to the directors a statement of the situation of affairs, showing that it was impossible to continue longer without relief. A meeting of the company was called, which resulted in the abrogation of the contract with Joseph Watt with a stipulation in his favor and a decision as to the course to pursue.
