CHAPTER I.

Stephen Girard.

The fog in the Delaware—­News of the war—­Alarm of the French skipper—­A narrow escape from capture—­Arrival of Girard in Philadelphia—­Early history of Stephen Girard—­An unhappy childhood—­Goes to sea—­Is licensed to command—­Becomes a trader in Philadelphia—­Marries Mary Lum—­Unfortunate issue of the marriage—­Capture of Philadelphia by the British—­Early commercial life of Stephen Girard—­How he earned his first money, and the use he made of it—­Aid from St. Domingo—­His rigid attention to business—­Thoroughness of his knowledge—­One of his letters of instructions—­His subordinates required to obey orders though they ruin him—­Anecdote of Girard and one of his captains—­His promptness and fidelity in business—­He never breaks his word—­How he lost five hundred dollars—­Buys the old Bank of the United States and becomes a banker—­Cuts down the salaries of his clerks—­Refuses his watchman an overcoat—­Indifference to his employes—­Contrast between his personal and business habits—­His liberality in financial operations—­He subscribes for the entire Government loan in 1814, and enables the United States to carry on the war—­His generosity toward the Government—­The suspension of specie payments—­Financial troubles—­How Girard saved his own notes—­His public spirit—­How he made half a million of dollars on a captured ship—­Personal characteristics—­Why he valued money—­His ambition—­His infidelity—­Causes of the defects of his character—­A favorable view—­Heroic conduct of Stephen Girard during the prevalence of the yellow fever in Philadelphia—­The Good Samaritan—­He practices medicine, and congratulates himself that he has killed none of his patients—­His industry—­Visit of Mr. Baring to Mr. Girard—­A curious reception—­Failing health and death of Stephen Girard—­His will—­His noble bequests—­Establishment of Girard College.

CHAPTER II.

John Jacob Astor.

Legitimate business the field of success—­Reasons for claiming Astor as an American—­Birth and early life—­Religious training—­The village of Waldorf—­Poverty—­The jolly butcher—­Young Astor’s repugnance to his father’s trade—­Unhappy at home—­Loses his mother—­His desire to emigrate to the “New Land”—­Leaves home—­His voyage down the Rhine—­Reaches London and enters the service of his brother—­His efforts to prepare for emigration—­Learns to speak English—­Peace between the United States and Great Britain—­The road to the “New Land” open—­Astor sets out for America—­His first ventures in commerce—­The voyage—­How he proposed to save his Sunday clothes—­Arrival in the Chesapeake—­The ice-blockade—­Astor makes a friend—­The fur trader’s story—­Astor sees the way to fortune—­Reaches New York—­His first situation—­Learning the business—­His method of proceeding—­An example to young men—­His capacity for business operations—­He