CHAPTER VI.
OPERATIONS OF FRANK MERRILLS--A SAD HISTORY .-- BUSINESS TROUBLES, ETC.
In the fall, of the year 1840, a young man by the name of Franklin Merrills was introduced to me as one the smartest and likeliest business men in the whole country.

It was said that he could trade in horses, cattle, sheep, wool, flour, or any thing else, and make money.

He belonged to one of the first families in Litchfield county.

I thought by his appearance and recommendations that he would be a good customer for me and I sold him a thousand dollars worth of clocks to begin with.

He gave me his four months' note which was promptly paid when due.