CHAPTER XIII.

Inefficiency of the Newcomen pumping-engines--More orders from Cornwall--Watt in Cornwall--United Mines district--Mines drowned--Watt and Jonathan Hornblower--Mrs. Watt’s account of Cornwall--Chacewater engine finished--Its successful working--Watt’s embarrassments and financial difficulties--Boulton’s courage and perseverance, and Fothergill’s despondency--Fire at Soho--Engine royalty on savings of fuel--Altercations with adventurers--Watt’s frequent calls for Boulton’s help--Boulton’s harassments--Proceeds to Cornwall--Watt’s return to Birmingham--His despondency--Boulton sustains the firm--Orders for engines from abroad--William Murdock, his excellencies of character and ability--First interview with Boulton and engagement--Sent to Cornwall--His mode of dealing with the captains--Watt’s altercations with the Cornishmen--His reliance on Boulton--Altercation with Trevithick 230–260