Asked for coffee a little earlier, promised in ten minutes; in less than
five, fish (bass) and eggs, etc., ready. Walked up to the stage office
and set off at eight; found it carrying the letters. Got to Hulmesburgh
1/4 before ten, paid only 25 cents for ten miles. Walked to the works
immediately, found Pilling's brother, learned the following particulars.
That uncle had come from New England booking at a Croft, 18th Decr.,
that since he had worked very regularly not missing a day in 6 or 12
months, spent his money in drink at his lodgings, hardly ever at a
public house; much respected and particularly so by P., had grown
corpulent, scalded 16th Jan. and only able to work about two days since,
was occupied in the dye-house and earned 67 dollars per week, half past
four to half past six being a quarter of a day over. Had appeared rather
depressed of late and wished to go home, still more so when he heard of
my father's death. A subscription was begun among his men to pay his
passage as soon as he was fit to go; this seemed to overcome him as his
memory had been failing at times. On the 14th May he eat a hearty
dinner, smoked his pipe, went upstairs as if to lie down for half an
hour. Came out and entered the carpenter's shop, shut the door after him
and immediately came out with his throat cut; was told of it by two
women who happened to be going by. He denied it and walked towards the
pump, a doctor was sent for but no help could be afforded and he died in
less than an hour; he seemed to repent of it. I walked to the grave,
attended by one of the jurors; he said every respect had been shown by a
numerous attendance of his fellow-workmen--had a good coffin.