This memoir discusses the significant contributions of Samuel Slater, who played an instrumental role in establishing the first textile mills in America. The book provides a detailed history of the rise of cotton manufacture in both England and the United States, and offers valuable insights into the moral influence of manufactories in American society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in American industrial history. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.