Memorial letter for Taylor

              One day in 1885, while Mr. Whitney was Secretary of the Navy, he sent for me and told me to find a suitable person for the superintendency of the gun factory at the Washington Navy Yard. This roving commission I was to fulfill as I saw fit; all he desired was results.

Being furnished with letters of introduction to certain leading manufacturers and others who might be able to assist me in my labors, I set out on my quest. Among the establishments visited during this search was the Midvale Steel Works, where the late Frederick W. Taylor occupied the position of Chief Engineer. I had met him casually before but this was the first occasion when I had any very long conversation with him. I told him what I was after and received from him valuable suggestions, together with advice, which I was only too glad to adopt. Nothing passed between us to indicate either that he would accept the position in question or that I had him in mind as a possible appointee.

At the conclusion of my journeyings to and fro, I submitted to Mr. Whitney a list of persons whom I thought competent, heading it with the name of Mr.