For the better Management of the several
Companies I made the Caldera Smelting
Works my head quarters, placing Sub-
Managers to assist me elsewhere.
Things were prospering fairly when suddenly
in 1865 War broke out with Spain and
Caldera among other Chilian ports was
blockaded by the Spanish squadron.
Much distress followed.
I was ordered to Close up the Smelting Works
and in 1867 went home to see the Directors
+ receive their last orders.
Marianne + the Children had meanwhile
gone home for Schooling of the latter.
Arrived in England I was instructed to
come back + sell off the Smelting Works,
+ the Copiapo Extension Rway.
The Mining + Gas Compspies [sic] remaining
under my care.
This was hard lines obliging me to bring
out at once my wife + family who arrived
safely in Valpso about the year 1872.
With a view to mprove my income I joined
in business Dr. J Mackay, Sam Oxley,
Robert + Tom Mackay, under the firm of
Powditch Oxley +Co, ea partner contributing
20000f. The result at the end of two years
(Continued on Page 8)
