We shall have our hands full, but we can do as much as anybody." He was owner and part owner of several ships lying dismantled during the war, three miles up the river, which was covered with ice an inch thick.
He knew that it would be a month before the ice yielded for the season, and that thus the merchants in other towns where the harbors were open, would have time to be in the foreign markets before him.

His decision therefore was instantly taken.
"Reuben," he continued, addressing one of his clerks, "go and collect as many laborers as possible to go up the river.

Charles, do you find Mr .-- --, the rigger, and Mr .-- --, the sailmaker, and tell them I want them immediately.

John, engage half-a-dozen truckmen for to-day and to-morrow.

Stephen, do you hunt up as many gravers and caulkers as you can, and hire them to work for me." And Mr.A.himself sallied forth to provide the necessary implements for icebreaking.