early ventures—Feeling their way to success—Their publications—Character of their books—How they drove the "yellow covers" out of the market—Their prosperity—Admission of new partners—The great fire—Destruction of the establishment of Harper & Brothers—Energy of the firm—Re-establishment of their business—Their new premises—Description of the buildings—Personal characteristics of Mr. James Harper—Religious life—Liberality of sentiment—His industry—Elected Mayor of New York—Kindness to his operatives—Physical Vigor—"The Lord knows best"—Accident to Mr. Harper and his daughter—His death.
JAMES T. FIELDS.
The old "Corner Book-store" in Boston and its associations—Carter & Bendee employ a new clerk—Birth and early life of James T. Fields—His literary talent—Governor Woodbury's advice—Enters mercantile life—Determined to rise—His studies—The result—Associated with Edward Everett at the age of eighteen—His business talent—Steady promotion—Becomes head clerk with Allen & Ticknor—Establishment of the firm of Ticknor & Fields—Success as a publisher—High character of his house—Relations toward authors—Publications of Ticknor & Fields—Removal—Organization of the firm of Fields, Osgood & Co.—The new book-store—An elegant establishment—Mr. Field's literary success—Statement of a friend—"Common Sense"—His contributions to the periodicals of the firm—Travels in Europe—Personal appearance.
JAMES GORDON BENNETT.
Birth—Intended for the Romish priesthood—How he was induced to come to America—Arrival in Halifax—Comes to the United States—What came of a shilling—Employment in Boston—Reaches New York—Attempts to establish a school—Becomes connected with the press—Success of his Washington letters—Services on the "Courier and Inquirer"—Leaves that journal—Removes to Philadelphia—Establishes "The Pennsylvanian"—Ingratitude of his political associates—Returns to New York—Establishment of "The New York Herald"—Early difficulties of that paper, and how Bennett surmounted them—The first "Herald" office—A determined effort to succeed—First numbers of "The Herald"—How one man carried on a newspaper—A lucky hit—The first "money article"—The office burned down—The great fire—Bennett's reports of the disaster—Success of "The Herald"—His first advertising contract—Increasing prosperity—The journal of to-day—How it is conducted—The new "Herald" office—Bennett's pride in his paper—Personal characteristics—His independence.
ROBERT BONNER.
Birth and parentage—Emigration to America—Becomes a printer—A first-class compositor—Engaged upon the "Evening Mirror"—The "Merchant's Ledger"—Bonner purchases the paper, and changes its name to the "New York Ledger"—The new literary journal—Predictions of failure—Bonner confident of success—Engages Fanny Fern to write for him—A handsome price for a story—Wonderful success of the "Ledger"—Skillful advertising—Popularity of the paper—How Bonner silenced the critics—"Edward Everett writes for the 'Ledger'"—How Bonner treats his contributors—"Henry Ward Beecher writes for the 'Ledger'"—Immense circulation of the paper—The new "Ledger" building—Private residence of Mr. Bonner—His stable—His love for horses.
VI. LAWYERS.
JOHN MARSHALL.
The model American lawyer—Birth and early life of John Marshall—A devoted father—Early education—The young patriot—Troubles with England—Marshall becomes a soldier—The "Culpepper Minute Men"—Marshall's popularity in the army—Finishes his law studies—His journey from Williamsburg to Philadelphia—Commences the practice of the law—Elected to the Legislature—Establishes himself in Richmond—The power of a powdered wig and velvet coat—Marshall's services in the Virginia Convention of 1798—Becomes the champion of Washington's Administration—Refuses public honors—Is made Minister to France—Public reception in New York—Elected Member of Congress—His memorable speech—Enters the Cabinet of President Adams as Secretary of State—Is made Chief Justice of the United States—His record—His "Life of Washington"—Personal characteristics—His generosity—William Wirt's pen and ink sketch of him—His courtesy and kindness—Fondness for manly sports—The quoit club—How he carried a proud man's turkey home—The supper party—The Chief Justice loses the wager—Mode of traveling on his circuit—The scene at Maguire's Hotel in Winchester, Virginia—The unknown champion of Christianity—A brilliant defense—Last illness and death of Judge Marshall.
JAMES T. BRADY.
Birth and early life—His "big head"—His kindliness of disposition—Enters his father's office to study law—Merry nature—How he studied law—A model for ambitious youths—His father's opinion of him—Admitted to the bar—His first case—The newsboy case—sudden rise in popularity—Practices in the Supreme Court—The India-rubber suit—A compliment from Daniel Webster—Brady's integrity—Professional success and generosity—His readiness in managing his cases—Conduct toward witnesses—His fearlessness—A bold declaration in Tammany Hall—His profound knowledge of his profession—His industry—His disinterested kindness—His humor—Meets his match—Political life—Personal appearance—A genial old bachelor—Literary tastes and labors—His generosity to the poor—Devotion to his relatives—Last appearance in public—Forebodings—Death.
BENJAMIN WEST.
