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Reminiscences 71 of 123
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a portion of the workmen, in the spring of the year 1808, attempted
to establish a flint-glass manufactory upon part of the premises now
occupied by Bakewell & Pears, extensive
flint-glass manufacturers. The persons engaged in the enterprise,
however, were deficient, both in the requisite knowledge and capital;
the effort proved abortive, the parties quarrelled, and the establishment,
in an incomplete condition, was offered for sale.
In the August following, a Mr. Bakewell and his
friend, Mr. Page, being on a
visit to Pittsburg, were induced to purchase the concern, under the
representation of one of the owners that he possessed the information
and skill requisite for the proper pursuit of the business, having
been engaged (as he stated) in the business before he left England.
Mr. Bakewell had scarcely entered upon his new pursuit before he
discovered the qualification of the person alluded to had been entirely
misrepresented, and that to succeed he must rely upon his own experience
and diligence in the attainment of the peculiar knowledge indispensable
to the success of his undertaking. In this the fortune of his family
and friend were, of course, deeply involved, and he therefore set himself
to the
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