Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 3.djvu/267

Rh the meeting adjourned. In about two weeks after this meeting the four, with J. F. Miller at their head, came to me at my desk and Miller in an authoritative and to me insulting manner said, "Pratt, we will run this thing now.' I (being surprised) replied, "I suppose you have no further use for me?" Don't recollect of either of them making any reply to me, but waiting a few minutes and nothing being said or notice given me, I went home. In a few days Mr. Rector was sent to me by them with a proposition to return and take the agency of the company and set up the new machinery which had then arrived in Portland. I declined their proposition, and made them a proposition stating the terms on which I would return, which they in turn declined with a threat that, unless I acceded to their terms and came and set up the machinery, (which in fact was all they wanted of me,) they would make such representations that would reflect seriously upon my reputation and prevent me from getting another situation in Oregon. I replied, "That settles it. If those men will condescend to such contemptible business, they altogether have not money enough to employ me. Tell them they can go to ." Thus ended my connection with the Willamette Woolen Manufacturing Company.

[The lines of the following sentence are inclosed within braces: "The next year ('64) located, drew up plan of the Oregon City factory, procured the machinery and put the mill in operation."]

Upon leaving the factory company I sold my stock in the company, and also advised my friends, Daniel Waldo and W. H. Rector, to do the same, particularly advising Mr. Waldo to draw his money he had loaned the company, as I was sure he would then realize more for his stock and money than he ever would again. He declined to take my advice. The result was as I told him.