The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-01-03
Gbe Nnipn yournal.
John Jacob Aston.
now nE srAxrKD IN LIE, AND now nk GOT hi'i

aav asked him what particular TRANSACTION
or peculiar kind Of business hrst gave MIN
~. ,,ea, start? Mr.. Astor never claimed
any great sagacity for intelligence over bis
fellows.
10 said, in reply, that at one period Of his
,;fe he had accumulated quite quantity OF
upsaleable furs in the New York market,
sueh as beavers. The common furs that he
or his agents picked up, viz: muskrat, rab-
bit, mink, squirrel, &C., he could sell in this
city, and at good prices. The other and
costly he had to buy, but could not sell here,
and they were packed away in whiskcy casks
down in the cellar. He had no correspond.
ent in London to send them to, and no dispo-
sition to send them II no had. After talk
ing the matter over with his wife, they con-
cluded II would be best for himself to 20 out
to London with the choicest kind Of furs.-
He did so. The prospect of the trip was I'M
certain, and to economist as much Us posi-.
bic he went out as Storage passenger.
When he reached London, he found a
ready market for his choice furs, and sold
them at a very high rate. He made a list
out Of such goods as he thought would make
money by being taken out to the New York
market, purchased and shipped them by
vessel bound thither. After he was all
through with his business, he was detained
couple Of weeks by heship not being ready
to sail. The idle time was spent in looking
about London, and picking up all the in
formation possible, especially such as was
likely to be Of advantage to his business in
New York. Among other extraordinary
places no visited, was the great East India
House. Ho visited the warehouse and Offices
on one occasion nc asked one oil the porterS
what the name OF the governor was. The
man replied, giving German name very
familiar to Mr.. Astor. lie asked his in
former II the Governor was an Enslishman.
lie replied that he had come from Germany
originally when boy. Mr.. Astor deter
mined to SEQ him-watched an opportunity
and sent in his name. He was admitted.-l
When he entered he said to the Governor
as not YOUR name Wihelm-g Did
Won not 90 to school in such n townY'
Il did, and now | remember YOU very well. |
Your name is Astor.'
After this they had long chat, and talked
over old school matters. The Governor in
sisted that Mr.. Astor should dine with him.
Hc declined for that day, but next day they
met again. He asked Mr.. Astor several
times il there was nothing he could do Tor
him. Mr.. Astor said no he had bought
oil he wanted he needed no cash or credit.
Almost every day they met. The Governor
kept urging Mr.. Astor to name something
bo could do for him. He asked what presen.
would DO acceptable. Astor declined any.
Finally they met two days before the vessel
was to sail, and again the Governor asked
Mr.. As'or IL he would accept any present he
made him. Mr.. Astor seeing the Governor
30 anxious, said:
YES
When no called to bid the Governor good
bye, the latter was really quito affected at
parting with his old German schOOlmate.
Take these said he, you may find their
vaiueF Ono oil tho documents was simpiya
canton price current