My master, Mr.Thomas Toward, was in declining health; and, being desirous of spending his winters abroad, I was consequently left in full charge of the works.
But as there did not appear to be a satisfactory prospect, under the circumstances, for any material development of the business, a trifling circumstance arose, which again changed the course of my career.
An advertisement appeared in the papers for a manager to conduct a shipbuilding yard in Belfast.

I made inquiries as to the situation, and eventually applied for it.

I was appointed, and entered upon my duties there at Christmas, 1854.

The yard was a much larger one than that on the Tyne, and was capable of great expansion.

It was situated on what was then well known as the Queen's Island; but now, like the Isle of Dogs, it has been attached by reclamation.