I frankly avowed what my purpose was, viz.: To aid two friends, raise
money to help me pay a few small debts, and to enable me to sell some
Texas land. Just how this was to be done I did not know, but thought a
crowd would gather and a collection could be taken up. My great mistake
was in selecting a manager, F. M. Russell of Bay City, who was well
recommended, but who proved in every way unworthy the trust reposed in
him.