mechanical ideas
into a successful sewing-machine. I soon tested the practical success of
my first machine by sewing with it all the principal seams in two suits
of clothes, one for myself, and one for my friend. Our clothes were as
well made as any made by hand-sewing. I still have my first machine;
and it will now sew as good a seam as any sewing-machine known to me. My
first machine was described in the specification of my patent, and I
then made a second machine, to be deposited in the patent office as a
model."

"I then conveyed one-half of my invention and patent to my friend, for
five hundred dollars; in fact, though a much larger sum (ten thousand
dollars) was named in the deed at his suggestion. My patent was issued
on the 10th of September, 1846. I made a third machine, which I tried to
get into use on terms satisfactory to myself and friend. For this
purpose I endeavored to attract notice to it by working with it in
tailor shops, and exhibited it to all who desired to become acquainted
with it. After my patent was obtained, my friend declined to aid me
further. I then owed him about two thousand dollars, and I was also in
debt to my father, to whom I conveyed the remaining half of my patent
for two thousand dollars. Having parted with my whole title, and having
no means for manufacturing machines, I was much embarrassed, and did not
know what to do."

"My brother, Amasa B. Howe, suggested that my invention might succeed in
England, when, if patented, it would be wholly under my control; and on
my behalf, with means borrowed of my father, my brother took my third
machine to England, to do the best he could with it. He succeeded in
selling my machine and invention for two hundred pounds in cash, and a
verbal agreement that the purchaser should patent my invention in Great
Britain, in his own name; and if it should prove successful, to pay me
three pounds royalty on each machine he made or sold under the patent.
He also agreed to employ me in adapting my machine to his own kind of
work at three pounds a week wages."

"The purchaser obtained a patent for my machine in England, and I went
to London to enter his employment. I then made several machines with
various modifications and improvements, to suit his peculiar kind of
work, and they were put to immediate use; but afterwards we ceased to be
friendly, and I was discharged from his employment. In the meantime my
wife and three children had joined me in Lond