Henry Astor’s prosperity had been temporarily checked by the evacuation of New York, which had occurred five months before, and which had deprived the tradesmen of the city of their best customers.  It was not only the British army that had left the city in November, 1783, but a host of British officials and old Tory families as well; while the new-comers were Whigs, whom seven years of war had impoverished, and young adventurers who had still their career to make.  During the Revolution, Henry Astor had speculated occasionally in cattle captured from the farmers of Westchester, which were sold at auction at Bull’s Head, and he had advanced from a wheelbarrow to the ownership of a horse.  An advertisement informs us that, about the time of his brother’s arrival, this horse was stolen, with saddle and bridle, and that the owner offered three guineas reward for the recovery of the property; but that “for the thief, horse, saddle, and bridle, ten guineas would be paid.”  A month after, we find him becoming a citizen of the United States, and soon he began to share in the returning prosperity of the city.

In the mean time, however, he could do little for his new-found brother.  During the first evening of his brother’s stay at his house the question was discussed, What should the young man do in his new country?  The charms of the fur business were duly portrayed by the friend of the youth, who also expressed his preference for it.  It was agreed, at length, that the best plan would be for the young man to seek employment with some one already in the business, in order to learn the modes of proceeding, as well as to acquire a knowledge of the country, The young stranger anxiously inquired how much premium would be demanded by a furrier for teaching the business to a novice, and he was at once astonished and relieved to learn that no such thing was known in America, and that he might expect his board and small wages even from the start.  So, the next day, the brothers and their friend proceeded together to the store of Robert Bowne, an aged and benevolent Quaker, long established in the business of buying, curing, and exporting peltries.  It chanced that he needed a hand.  Pleased with the appearance and demeanor of the young man, he employed him (as tradition reports) at two dollars a week and his board.  Astor took up his abode in his master’s house, and was soon at work.  We can tell the reader with certainty what was the nature of the youth’s first day’s work in his adopted country; for, in his old age, he was often heard to say that the first thing he did for Mr. Bowne was to beat furs; which, indeed, was his principal employment during the whole of the following summer,—­furs requiring to be frequently beaten to keep the moths from destroying them.