no such prejudice

subject unknown, from the Baltimore-Pritchett collection

In Philadelphia, Patterson took Marchant to the textile machinery firm of Furbush and Gage. D. T. Gage, an Englishman who wanted no truck with rebels, scorned Marchant's efforts to purchase equipment. But the other partner, C. A. Furbush, a Quaker who had no such prejudices, agreed to provide for $5,950 the machinery needed for a one-set mill. Two six percent bonds maturing in two and three years solved Marchant's embarrassing need for money. In addition, Marchant received a letter of introduction to the Knowles loom manufacturers and some practical advice. Being aware of the superior ability of New England woolen mills in weaving fancy and shoddy cloth, Furbush cautioned Marchant to produce coarse and medium grade cloths designed for the local market. Fortunately, Marchant heeded this suggestion in the critical years ahead. He also found in the Philadelphian a life-long friend. Later, Furbush became an important stockholder in the Charlottesville Woolen Mills.--Harry Poindexter