After some time, the Messrs. Thomson determined to build their
own vessels, and an experienced naval draughtsman was engaged, to
whom I was "told off" whenever he needed assistance. In the
course of time, more and more of the ship work came in my way.
Indeed, I seemed to obtain the preference. Fortunately for us
both, my superior obtained an appointment of a similar kind on
the Tyne, at superior pay, and I was promoted to his place. The
Thomsons had now a very fine shipbuilding-yard, in full working
order, with several large steamers on the stocks. I was placed
in the drawing-office as head draughtsman. At the same time I
had no rise of wages; but still went on enjoying my twenty
shillings a week. I was, however, gaining information and
experience, and knew that better pay would follow in due course
of time. And without solicitation I was eventually offered an
engagement for a term of years, at an increased and increasing
salary, with three months' notice on either side.
I had only enjoyed the advance for a short time, when Mr. Thomas
Toward, a shipbuilder on the Tyne, being in want of a manager,
made application to the Messrs. Stephenson for such a person.
They mentioned my name, and Mr. Toward came over to the Clyde to
see me. The result was, that I became engaged, and it was
arranged that I should enter on my enlarged duties on the Tyne in
the autumn of 1853.
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