The Portland daily press., 1876-03-04
GONE WEST.
Mr. Proctor en- route for California; His
Liabilities in Boston. New York and
Portland,

The first public announcement of the depart
ure of Mr. Fred Proctor from this city was
made in the PRESS yesterday morning. 1t was
great surprise to his many friends who have
put the utmost confidence in him. From dis
closures made recently it appears that he has
not been doing very Irregular" business for
some time past. The worst feature of his de-
parture, however, is that he owes his help
large sums. He has employed eight sewing
girls recently, and he owes each of them from
$40 to $115. Several of them have not paid
their board for some time, and this position is
anything but pleasant.
The following letter was received by Mr.. B.
A. Norton of Boston, from Mr.. Proctor Thurs
day morning:
New YORK, March 1, 1876.
DEAR BENZ am sorry to write what am
obliged to, but the times have been so very
hard that can't meet my payments and I've
got a prospect to go West at cutting and my
creditors will have to take my stock. I've left
everything there. Do the best you can with it,
and if ever am in condition to make up the
balance, will do so.
Yours truly,
FRED PROCTOR.
Immediately after the receipt of the above q
meeting of Proctor's creditors in Boston was
held. At the meeting it was shown that his
liabilities in Boston alone amounted to about
$4,000. Mr.. Norton and Mr.. F. w. Spaulding
were appointed committee 10 come to Port
land at once and look after the interest of the
creditors. These gentlemen arrived here on the
Pullman train Thursday night and yesterday
morning began to look about to see what could
be done. After scar ching diligently for some
time they came to the conclusion that all the
property had been attached, SO they quietly re-
turned to Boston disguised with bankrupt
firms in Portland. These gentlemen stated
that Mr.. Proctor has several large bills in New
York.
Mrs. Proctor, who is stopping with her moth
er ct Saccarappa, received letter from her
husband yesterday, in which he confessed that
he had left to get clear of his creditors. He
declared that he had taken only money enough
with him to pay his fare to California, where
he expected to get work, and il able would
send for his family. The news came like
clap of thunder to Mrs. Proctor, who had no
reason to believe but what her husband would
return as he had stated. She is most estima-
bic lady and the affair causes much sorrow
among her friends
A strange part of the transaction is that
Proctor should write to a lawyer in this city,
asking him to look after the interest of one of
the girls whom he owes about $50.
At an early hour yesterday morning an Off
Ger appeared at the former residence of Mr..
Proctor and attached all the furniture and
household goods. The notes which are due in
few days are endorsed by Boston parties, 50
the bank will loose nothing. After a careful
examination of the stock. it is thought that it
is not worth $2OO-rather light for fashion,
able tailor He owes two of his pressmen $3.50
each.
Mr.. Proctor has been first lieutenant of the
Portland Light Infantry for some time, and
has also acted as treasurer of the company. 1t
is claimed that he has carried off quite a sum
of money belonging to the company. Some
time ago it will be remembered he was very
earnest in the matter of obtaining new uniforms
for the company. About dozen Of the men
advanced SIS each to go towards the purchase
of the uniforms but the uniforms have not yet
been purchased and the money is missing.
About a month ago the company voted to as
sess each man S. to pay up the indebtedness of
the company. The late treasurer collected
considerable of this money, it is reported, and
forgot to turn it over to the company when he
departed.
The cause o his departure is still mystery
to be solved. His friends are unwilling to be,
lieve that it was on account of debt alone for
he could have gone into bankruptcy and after
getting his discharge commence business again.
His liabilities it is thought will amount to from
$4,000 to $4,000, and as he has been doing a
good, profitable business, is is thought he must
have taken small pile with him to open in
business on the Pacific coast. This is the sup
position of many of bis former friends, and it
seems very plausible, for if he did not take
funds with him and his debts were honest ones
why did he run away from them. 1t seems
that after leaving here he made out bill of
sale of some of his effects and sent it to
friend. This friend succeeded in getting a
mirror valued at $50 from the store before the
articles were attached.