"Misfortunes never come singly;" and Watt was borne down by the greatest of all misfortunes--the loss of a faithful and affectionate wife--while still unable to see a successful issue of his schemes. Only less disheartening than this was the loss of fortune of his steadfast friend, Dr. Roebuck, and the consequent loss of his aid. It was at about this time, in the year 1769, that negotiations were commenced which resulted in the transfer of the capitalized interest in Watt's engine to the wealthy manufacturer whose name, coupled with that of Watt, afterward became known throughout the civilized world, as the steam-engine in its new form was pushed into use by his energy and business tact. Watt met Mr. Boulton, who next became his partner, in 1768, on his journey to London to procure his patent, and the latter had then examined Watt's designs, and, at once perceiving their value, proposed to purchase an interest. Watt was then unable to reply definitely to Boulton's proposition, pending his business arrangements with Dr. Roebuck; but, with Roebuck's consent, afterwards proposed that Boulton should take a one-third interest with himself and partner, paying Roebuck therefor one-half of all expenses previously incurred, and whatever he should choose to add to compensate "for the risk he had run." Subsequently, Dr. Roebuck proposed to transfer to Boulton and to Dr. Small, who was desirous of taking interest with Boulton, one-half of his proprietorship in Watt's inventions, on receiving "a sum not less than one thousand pounds," which should, after the experiments on the engine were completed, be deemed "just and reasonable." Twelve months were allowed for the adjustment of the account. This proposal was accepted in November, 1769. [Illustration: Matthew Boulton.] MATTHEW BOULTON, who now became a partner with James Watt, was the son of a Birmingham silver stamper and piecer, and succeeded to his father's business, building up a great establishment, which, as well as its proprietor, was well known in Watt's time. Watt, writing to Dr. Roebuck before the final arrangement had been made, urged him to close with Boulton for "the following considerations: