is promoted—­His journeys to Canada, and their results—­Sets up in business for himself—­The fur trade of North America—­A survey of the field of Astor’s operations—­His capital—­His tramps into the wilderness in search of furs—­Predictions as to the future settlement of the country—­His first consignment to England—­His marriage—­A good wife—­Improvement in his prospects—­Buys his first ship—­The secret of his success—­Close attention to business—­His economical habits—­His indorsement disputed by a bank clerk—­Statements of the profits on furs—­He engages in the Chinese trade—­How the Government aided the early China traders—­Amount made by Astor in his legitimate business—­His real estate operations—­His foresight and courage—­How eight thousand dollars yielded eighty thousand—­His real estate in the City of New York—­Purchases the half of Putnam County—­The Roger and Mary Morris estate controversy—­Astor wins his suit, and makes half a million of dollars—­Astor’s scheme of colonization—­A grand enterprise—­Settlement of Astoria—­Betrayed by his agents, and the scheme brought to failure—­Astor withdraws from active business—­His boyhood’s vow and its fulfillment—­Builds the Astor House—­His voyage to Europe—­The return—­The troubles of a millionaire—­The great man seasick—­A curious draft—­The last years of his life—­His fondness for literary men—­His death and burial—­His will—­Opposite views of his character—­How his refusal to buy a chronometer cost him seventy thousand dollars—­He remembers an old friend—­His gift of a lease—­His humor—­“William has a rich father.”

CHAPTER III.

Alexander T. Stewart.

Birth and early life—­Becomes his grandfather’s ward—­Designed for the ministry—­A change in his plans—­Comes to America—­Teaches school in New York—­Becomes a dry goods merchant—­Receives a legacy—­His first importation—­How he began business—­An energetic trader—­His sample lots and their history—­Success of his enterprise—­He begins by encouraging honesty in trade—­Wins a name for reliability—­The system of selling at one price—­Inaugurates the “selling off at cost” feature—­His courage in business—­How he raised the money to meet his note—­Improvement in his business—­He enlarges his store—­As an inducement to the ladies, employs for clerks handsome young men—­The crisis of 1837—­Stewart comes out of it a rich man—­How he did so—­Builds his lower store—­Predictions of failure—­The result—­Compels the Government to purchase goods from him—­His foresight and liberality—­Charged with superstition—­Lucky and unlucky persons—­Story of the old apple woman—­Remarks at the opening of the St. Nicholas Hotel—­Reasons of Stewart’s success—­A hard worker—­How he receives visitors—­Running the gauntlet—­How he gets rid of troublesome persons—­Estimate of Mr. Stewart’s real estate in New York—­His new residence—­His benevolence—­Aid for Ireland, and free passages to America—­Home