My five years apprenticeship was completed in May 1851, on my
twentieth birthday. Having had but very little "black time," as
it was called, beyond the half-yearly holiday for visiting my
friends, and having only "slept in" twice during the five years,
I was at once entered on the books as a journeyman, on the "big"
wage of twenty shillings a week. Orders were, however, at that
time very difficult to be had.
Railway trucks, and even navvies' barrows, were contracted for in
order to keep the men employed. It was better not to discharge
them, and to find something for them to do. At the same time it
was not very encouraging for me, under such circumstances, to
remain with the firm. I therefore soon arranged to leave; and
first of all I went to see London. It was the Great Exhibition
year of 1851. I need scarcely say what a rich feast I found
there, and how thoroughly I enjoyed it all. I spent about two
months in inspecting the works of art and mechanics in the
Exhibition, to my own great advantage. I then returned home;
and, after remaining in Scarborough for a short time, I proceeded
to Glasgow with a letter of introduction to Messrs. J. and G.
Thomson, marine engine builders, who started me on the same wages
which I had received at Stephenson's, namely twenty shillings a
week.
I found the banks of the Clyde splendid ground for gaining
further mechanical knowledge.
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