Also in the city of St. Louis, David Desara, who was a Mississippi pilot for many years.  He made much money at his business, and owned at one time, a steamboat, which he piloted himself.  Mr. Desara also failed, in consequence of having his business all in the hands of white men, as most of the slave state colored people have, entrusting to them entirely, without knowing anything of their own concerns.

Charles Moore, long and familiarly known as “Chancy Moore the Pilot,” was for many years, one of the most popular pilots on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.  Mr. Moore made much money, and withdrew from his old business, purchasing a large tract of land in Mercer County, Ohio, where he has for the last ten or twelve years been farming.

Mr. Moore was an honest man, and we believe upon him originated the purely Western phrase, “Charley Moore the fair thing”; he always in his dealings saying “gentlemen, do the fair thing.”

Abner H. Francis and James Garrett were formerly extensive clothes dealers in Buffalo, N.Y., doing business to the amount of sixty thousand dollars annually.  They were energetic, industrious, persevering gentlemen, commencing business under very unfavorable circumstances, in fact, commencing on but seventy-five dollars, as the writer has been authentically informed by the parties.

They continued successfully for years, where their paper and endorsements were good for any amount they wanted—­highly respected and esteemed; Mr. Francis sitting at one time as juryman in the court of quarter sessions.  These gentlemen failed in business in 1849, but since then, have nearly adjusted the claims against them.  Mr. Francis has since settled in Oregon Territory, Portland City, where he is again doing a fair mercantile business.  They bid fair again to rank among the “merchant princes” of the times.

Robert Banks was for many years, a highly esteemed and extensive clothes dealer, on Jefferson Avenue, in Detroit, Mich.  No man was more highly respected for unswerving integrity, and uprightness of purpose, than Robert Banks, of Detroit.  Mr. Banks, had much enlarged his business, immediately succeeding a fire in which he was burnt out two years previous to closing, which ensued in July, 1851, being the second time he had lost his store by fire.  He might have, had he done as merchants usually do under such circumstances, continued his business; but instead, he made an assignment, with few preferred creditors, rather as he expressed it, ruin his business, than wilfully wrong a creditor.  What speaks volumes in his behalf, every person, even his greatest creditors say, “He is an honest man”; and while settling the business of the late concern, those to whom he was indebted, offered him assistance to commence business again.  But this he thankfully declined, preferring to take his chance with others in the land of gold, California, where he now is, than commence again under the circumstances.  Doubtless, if no special prevention ensue, Mr. Banks will be fully able to redeem his present obligations, and once more be found prospering and happy.