Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-10-27
From the Massachusetts, Journal aud Tribune

From the Massachusetts Journal aud Tribune.
Mr.. CHLD-Sir, Being in company
the other day with people who had been
more or less concerned IN manuiacto-
rics, the conversation turned upon the
suspicion that had sometimes been enter
tanned concerning English agents in this
country setting fire to factories. Some
ridiculed the idea, and others thought
there was a good deal ofground for it.
As proof Of the latter supposltion, one
of them related the adventures OF Mr..
Slater, who established the first manuiac-
tory in Pawtucket. This Mr.. Slater had
been several years employed in n manu-
featuring establishment in England, when
the idea of coming to America first cap
tivated his Imagination. The Jealousy OF
the British government then interposed
so many obstacles in the way of emlgra-
ton, that it was extremely difficult for a
skiliul machinist tc leave the country
In order TO obviate these difficulties, MIR.
Slater let himselto farmer, and after u
certain period obtained from him a certit-
icate that he was farmer, well fitted for
all kinds of agricultural labor, &c. I'm
der this cover he was enabled to emf
CRATE. He came to Pawtucket, II. L.
1t was his wish to establish a manuiacto-
y; (whethcr for cotton or woOllen, ! am
not certain, but he was out of funds, s.
he was foreigner in strange land
1t can readily be imagined that he had
many trials and discouragements. AT
last some fthe wealthy gentlemen in the
place, furnished him with money to make
the desired experiment. He worked at
the machinery with the eagerness Of a
man, who feels that everything is depend
ent on his skill and industry; and his pa
irons saw in his ingenuity and energy IA
bundant promise OF success.
The important day came-all was fin
ished-but alas! the machinery would
not work--there was defect somewhere;
but where the obstacle was, and what it
was, lay beyond the knowledge Of MIR.
Slater. Days and days he puzzled him
self to ascertain the source of the mis-
chief, and to find a remedy; his anxiety
amounted to agony, almost to despair
1t was SO painful to disappoint the san.
guine expectations Of his friends, that he
felt as if the total failure of his schemes
must drive him from the country; almost
as il it would drive him from existence. /
In this state of mind he one night fell
asleep. lie dreamed of his machinery
he searched for the defect,
and found it-that remedy instantly
Cd ~ IT,,
and put his dream in practice. Wonder
full to relate, he had dreamed aright; the
worked well, and his factory
tlourished!
When he was well established, he sent
over to England for his two brothers,
They came, and | believe the family are
very prosperous. Some time after he
had fixed his residence in II. Island, he
received small box from Engla |
do not know whether he had heard any
thing previously to excite suspicion, or
the construction ofthe chest was
but for some reason or other
he declined opening it. He consulted
his friends, and they agreed with him in
thinking there was concealed Danger
He carried the box into field, & threw
n heavy log Of wood upon it. The cover
broke in, and pistols exploded! Had he
been nearit would undoubtedly have shot
him through the heart.
He knew OF no reason for this attack,
except his skill in machinery, and his
emigration to the U. S.; nor was any 9TH
cr reason ever given by his relatives and
friends /.
The person who told me the above par
ticulars had been acquainted with MIR.
Sater's brother; he had always heard the
account of the dream and the pistol rcla-
ted as facts, and he believed them to be
SO. The incidents must have occurred
as much as thirty years since, and per-
haps some of the particulars may have
been forgotten or slightly changed.
As connected with the first establish
nent of manufactures in n. England,
thought the account interesting, * have
therefore sent it to you for your paper.