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Baldwin knew of my reputation as an aeronaut and soon after his arrive, we had several discussions about the airship he designed and built in California. After going over the many problems to be met, we made a verbal agreement. We would work together, I was to do all the hard work, make the gas, build the propeller, the rudder, the undercarriage or framework and, in fact, I was to build and assemble the airship in addition to flying it. In payment, he was to give me on half of the net profits, after all expenses were paid. As I had nothing to lose, I accepted.

Baldwin was a typical showman, knew all the tricks of the profession, was genial and kindly and soon won the admiration and good will of everyone connected with the fair.

Assembling the Baldwin airship, the California Arrow, was not an easy matter. We had no blue prints, but used instead some sheets taken from the Scientific American, illustrating the Santos Dumont airship. Some spruce lumber was purchased and roughed [[??]] into shape, these strips served as longerons and uprights. We used piano wire for the bracing. On being assembled we have it a coat of aluminum paint which improved the appearance. The next step was to inflate the balloon with hydrogen gas. Using wooden casks furnished by the fair as generators, the balloon was filled to capacity. The car or frame work was then placed under the balloon and the cords leading from the netting were secured to the frame. the propeller and rudder were then secured in place.

When all was declared to be ship shape, Baldwin mounted the frame, and we found that with all the gear and a two hundred foot trail rope in place, the ship would not lift him.

Transcription Notes:
3rd paragraph, unsure what the inserted word is. Left [[??]]