The Cashier
and Mr. Dewey knew far more about the business and condition of the
institution than anybody else, and managed it pretty much in their
own way. The directors, if not men of straw, might almost as well
have been, for all the intelligent control they exercised. As for
Judge, Bigelow, the principal duty required of him was to sign his
name as President to great sheets of bank bills, the denomination
running from one dollar to a thousand. Touching the extent to which
these representatives of value were issued, he knew nothing certain.
He was shown, at regular periods, a statement wherein the condition
of the bank was set forth, and to which he appended his signature.
But he had no certain knowledge that the figures were correct. Of
the paper under discount over two-thirds was drawn or endorsed by
Floyd, Lawson, Lee, & Co.
At the time Judge Bigelow began investing in mill property, he was
worth, in productive stocks and real estate, from thirty to forty
thousand dollars. He now estimated his wealth at from sixty to
eighty thousand dollars; but it was all locked up in the mills.
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