Field pushed the project ahead with tremendous energy and speed. Even before forming a company to carry out the project, Field ordered 2,500 miles of cable from the Gutta Percha Company. The Atlantic Telegraph Company was formed in October 1856 with Brett as president and Field as vice-president. Charles Tilston Bright, who already worked for Brett, was made chief engineer. Wildman Whitehouse, a medical doctor, was appointed chief electrician. Field provided a quarter of the capital himself. After the remaining shares were sold, largely to existing investors in Brett's company, an unpaid board of directors was formed which included William Thomson, the future Lord Kelvin and a respected scientist. Thomson also acted as a scientific advisor. Morse, who was a shareholder in the Nova Scotia project and acted as the electrical advisor, was also on the board.