But " I guess I paid him off." My father established his factory at the south part of the town, then called Washington street. At that time, and for some years after, wrhat is now called Washington street was then the Main street, and from the old Fortification, which was near the mansion of the late J. D. Williams, Esq., on the neck, down to a little north of State street, it was divided into Washington, Orange, Newbury and Marlborough streets, and below that, to the market, Cornhill, and Dock Square. Boston, since 1798, has undergone a remarkable change, both in beauty and convenience. There is hardly a portion of it, of any magnitude, that has not been extensively improved.
Then, where Charles street now is, was a gravelly beach extending from the bottom of the Common to Cambridge bridge. This beach was overlooked by a steep hill, called " Mount Whoredom," on the summit of which was a powder house, and around that vicinity, and on the northern slope, there was a collection of negroes, and characters of the worst grade. In 1805 and 1806, the top of this hill was dug away, and removed by a railway, to build Charles street. Philanthropic and enterprising capitalists then commenced the purgation of this filthy place, by erecting handsome brick dwellings, and laying out regular and convenient streets. And it is now one of the most beautiful portions of our city.
Then, from Fort Hill to Long Wharf, was little else than a beach; no India, or Central wharves until several years after; but 'tis not my intention to enter upon the history of Boston, therefore I have merely alluded to a few among the many valuable improvements that our city has undergone. My father's business succeeded well, and would, no doubt, have continued well, had he not unfortunately formed a connection with two unprincipled villains who nearly ruined him. These two scoundrels, one named Eichards, and the other Eobbins, proposed a partnership, pretending to have a knowledge of the business. They were also to furnish a certain amount of capital, which, it afterwards appeared, they did not possess.
After being together about a year, by which time they had acquired a considerable knowledge of the business, they persuaded my father to take a lot of manufactured articles to New York, and establish a branch there; and himself to manage it, while they carried on the concern in Boston. This all appeared so plausible, and my father, not suspecting treachery, readily consented, and a quantity of goods were packed up, and as there was no other mode of conveyance between Boston and New York than the mail stage, and Hingham packets, my father chose to go by land to Connecticut, with the intention of selling the goods he had with him, and also of obtaining customers in the towns through which he might pass.
He had been absent only a few days, when these cloven-footed villains came out with their scheme, which was to rob my father. My mother was not aware of what they were doing until it was too late to prevent it. They had collected the most valuable part of the stock, and what cash they could get hold of, and then went off. Before they went, however, my mother, understanding what they were about, demanded an explanation. The reply was, that the partnership was broken up, and that my father had his portion of the property with him. All this she knew to be false, and before she could obtain assistance from any one, they were off, and I believe we never heard of them afterwards.
They no doubt met their deserts, as all such villains are sure to do. My father was apprised of the whole affair, by letter, immediately, but did not get the letter until some weeks after they had gone off. It was sad news for him, but taking the whole matter into consideration, as the prospect for business was good in New York, and as they had taken all, and probably there were some demands against the concern, he arranged matters so that it was not necessary for him to return to Boston. In the following spring he sent for his family. We put our household stuff on board a Hingham packet, which plied between Boston and New York, and sailed on the 20th of May, 1801, and arrived there in eleven days, all well, and were soon comfortably located.