What was Girard’s creed as a financier?
He believed to buy and sell for
others on a commission basis and on a large scale was the safest and most
profitable business.
Did
Girard specialize in this endeavor?
His interest and expertise in foreign
trade led him to exchange operations. He also firmly believed that a nation
prospered best when the country enjoyed uniform and healthy financial
conditions.
What
did Girard do when he learned that the United States Bank was in trouble and
that Congress was concerned about renewing its charter?
Girard supported a renewal of the
charter and sent lobbyists to Washington to express his views. He then managed
to secure a state franchise for the nation-wide operations of the bank. Through
his London agent, he ordered Baring Brothers to convert all his European
credits into cash in order to use the funds to purchase abroad all the United
States stocks that could be obtained and to convert the remainder of his
British pounds into approximately $300,000 and transfer them to the bank in
Philadelphia.
Did
this make Stephen Girard America’s first hedge investor?
It is true that until Congress
decided whether or not to re-charter the US Bank, Girard hedged his bets
knowing that in either case, he would make a handsome profit on the outcome.
Did
Girard work hard to help the US Bank survive this ordeal?
He worked the entire year of 1811 to
help the bank survive. In November of that year, he realized that his efforts
had been in vain. The US Bank was to close its doors. Faced with the problem of
liquidating its assets, the bank turned to Girard for help. Girard agreed to buy
the bank’s buildings for $115,000. The value of the property was about three
times this sum.
What
made Girard think he would be permitted to buy the bank?
Girard was a firm believer that
fortune smiles on the audacious. He had the capital, he had the property and he
had the valuable services of George Simpson. After consultation with George
Simpson in the spring of 1812 and
having ascertained through him that there should be no problem in Girard’s
purchasing the bank as well as the cashier’s house at a much reduced price,
Girard pressed on. The deal was struck on May 12, 1812. It was also agreed that
George Simpson would continue his services under the same conditions as
previously.1
How
did the public react to the change in bank management?
Most people never saw or knew of any
change. The changeover was rather seamless. Some professionals were against an
unchartered bank but few knew the details of the succession. The impression
spread unchecked that Girard was closely affiliated with the US Treasury. This
misconception gave Girard prestige and helped his business.
How
did Girard capitalize the bank?
Girard deposited funds from checks he
had drawn from other bank accounts. This amounted to $71,000. To that sum, he
added $556,115 in securities he owned.
Did
Girard earn a reasonable profit from his first year as bank manager?
By his own estimate, his first year
earned him only about 3%. He was confident he would do better in subsequent
years.
How
did the professional banking community receive the new Stephen Girard Bank?
Two weeks after the opening of the
new bank, only the Farmers’ Bank of Lancaster and the Bank of Wilmington
recognized Girard’s bank. The Mechanics Bank of Baltimore began relations with
him a bit later. By September of 1812, two New York bank institutions
recognized Girard as their Philadelphia agent.
Were
other Philadelphia banks as welcoming as those from other states?
No, they were not welcoming at all.
The four state-chartered institutions conspired to put Girard out of business.
They resorted to unfair criticism saying to Girard’s clients that they were
risking their money in an unchartered bank. Some said that upon Girard’s death
the money in the bank would become part of his estate.
How
did Girard handle that particular criticism?
He declared that upon his death, five
trustees would immediately assume control of the bank’s management and continue
its operations.
At
a time when Girard’s fortune seemed limitless, he received many requests for
donations or loans. Aside from buying
bonds to support the War of 1812, did he lend money to any important government
figures?
Correspondence shows that no less a
person than James Monroe, President of the United States appealed to Girard for
financial aid under the date of October 25, 1822. Monroe wrote at length from
Washington saying: “his long employment in the public service under
circumstances which had prevented him from giving proper attention to his
private affairs and in positions which did not afford compensation adequate to
his support had involved him in debts for which he wished to provide in such a
manner as would be satisfactory to those to whom he was obligated and as would
be also the least hardship on himself.” To accomplish these ends, Monroe asked
that Girard loan him from $25,000 to $40,000. President Monroe went on to say
that he offered prime real estate as collateral for the loan. There is no
evidence that this correspondence was answered.2
How
did James Monroe perform for President Washington during his tenure as minister
to France in 1794?
The
Liberty had sailed for Bordeaux on the 25th of September carrying as a
passenger the gentleman who was to succeed Monroe as Minister from the United States
to the French Republic. The conduct of Monroe while Minister to France had been
far from pleasing to President Washington. Monroe had reached Paris early in
August 1794 to find the people rejoicing over the downfall of the infamous
government of Robespierre, and the execution of the tyrant and his associates
St. Just, Couthon and Henriot. Though dead, their arbitrary decrees remained in
force and the most arbitrary related to foreign commerce. A captain who entered
a port of France with a cargo of flour, grain and tobacco was forced to sell it
for assignats. The government was the sole purchaser, for all private trade had
been suppressed. And when the assignats were paidnot a livre could the captain
expend for a return cargo till permission to do so was given him. Meanwhile he was
fortunate if his ship was not boarded and the crew taken off and thrown into
prison.
What,
according to Stephen Girard, was the second war for American independence?
The War of 1812 has well been called
the second war for independence. Immediately following the Treaty of Ghent,
Girard wrote to his correspondent in Bordeaux, “the peace which has taken place
between this country and England will consolidate forever our independence and
insure our domestic tranquility.”3
How
again did Girard show his true allegiance to the United States over France in
1812?
Correspondence at this time indicated
the high regard in which Girard held America.
A letter from Joseph Bonaparte held out to Girard a temptation to return
to France and with his large wealth create a great estate. Girard refused point-blank saying that he did
not wish to figure as a great proprietor in a country to which he would never
go and under a government inimical to republicans.4
It
seems that Girard treated Joseph Bonaparte very well. Did Girard ever
disappoint Joseph by not granting a request?
He did disappoint Joseph in two
matters. Bonaparte asked Girard to sell him the downtown property on Chestnut
and Market Streets. Girard said “no”; unless Joseph were willing to cover the
land with silver dollars standing on end. He also turned Bonaparte down by not
moving his wealth back to France.
What
happened when the bank charter was refused for renewal?
When the charter was refused, Girard
was determined to use the funds he had drawn from London to establish a private
bank of his own, bought the banking house and residence of the cashier of the
old Bank of the United States on 3rd Street providing him with the information,
employed its one time cashier, Mr. George Simpson, to act in the same capacity
for him, and on May 23rd, he wrote Governor Simon Snyder of
Pennsylvania providing him with information.5
Was
there a law governing the purchase of a bank?
The law did not forbid any individual
engaging in the business of banking, because, as yet, no one had ever
established a private bank in Pennsylvania. The first man to do so was Stephen
Girard.
Is
it true that Stephen Simpson was critical of Girard’s treatment of his bank
employees?
Yes. Simpson wrote that Girard was
generous to a fault with large donations for the beautification of the city but
never paid his employees a penny more than agreed to in their employment
contracts. Girard was a firm believer in the maxim “take care of the pence, and
the pounds will take care of themselves.”6
Did
Stephen Simpson consider Girard to be unjust?
No. He said: “Stephen Girard had a
sense of justice that was always paramount in his actions and never laid down a
rule for others which he was not willing to observe himself.7
What
provides us with the most information about Girard’s character?
The Stephen Girard Collection
contains numerous correspondences relating to his business ventures that sheds
a strong light upon the development of his character, under a succession of sad
and in some cases disastrous events, mingled with incidents and ventures of
surprising success. “The subjects of
public interest include his close business relations with France during the
Reign of Terror, in which his personal friend and trusted correspondent, Mr.
Samatan, of Marseilles, fell a victim to the guillotine; the Negro Slave
Insurrection in St. Domingo, in which some of his closest friends were brutally
murdered and others escaped only to die in abject poverty and suffering; the
suppression of American trade in the Mediterranean by the Algerians and other pirates,
and the depredation on American commerce by British and French cruisers in each
of which he had a strong personal interest."8
With
the return of peace between Great Britain and America in 1815, how was Girard’s
business faring?
Girard wrote that despite his large
losses during the war and in addition to the capital which was employed in his
banking operations and the money which he had invested in real estate and lands
in the country, he had commercial capital sufficient to buy his goods for cash
and to sell on credit without the necessity of discounting his paper.9
We’ve
seen Stephen Girard as a sailor and as a merchant; what other professional
interests did he have?
Above all he had
an uncanny ability to make money. He would hardly think about making a purchase
without thinking ahead about selling it for a profit. This is why he became
interested in banking.
Where did Girard conduct his business?
Girard was operating his trading
business from his home and counting room at 21 and 23 North Water Street,
Philadelphia, a building that was demolished in 1845 to make way for
warehouses, one of which later became the Girard Meat Packing Company.
What
made Girard consider withdrawing his funds from the Second United States Bank?
In Girard’s own words he said:
“indeed when I take into view the increase of enemies to that bank I am alarmed
and desirous to sell and realize what I have on hand this anxiety arose from my
belief is owing to the improper
management.”
Did
Girard change his mind?
Girard continued to transact a
general banking business parallel with the Second United States Bank. His
enterprise was so essentially personal and the amount of capital which he
handled so great that he feared a possible disarrangement of the public
finances.10
What
single event gave Girard his first big step in banking?
When the charter for the First Bank
of the United States expired in 1811, Girard purchased most of the stock as
well as the building with its furnishings. His staff was small. He began his
operation with eight employees—a cashier, two tellers, two bookkeepers, a
clerk, a messenger and a janitor. George Simpson was given the responsibility
of day-to-day operations.
Was
the fact that Girard owned a bank that was unincorporated legal?
It had never been done before and
Girard wanted to be sure so he hired two Philadelphia lawyers—Jared Ingersoll
and Alexander Dallas to research the matter. But being the risk taker that he
was, Girard opened his bank before his lawyers had their answer. As he anticipated,
the lawyers told him it was legal.
What
was the location of the First Girard Bank in Philadelphia?
This bank was located on South Third
Street. In 1816, Girard influenced the Government to establish the Second
United States Bank. Girard was appointed
a board member of the bank and bought nearly a million and a half dollars of
its stock. His involvement influenced
others to purchase stock. He believed
his involvement was necessary for the bank to succeed, but he disliked this
appointment because he thought some of the other members were corrupt or
incompetent. He accepted the appointment
for only two years.
Stephen
Girard had been called the “Napoleon of Merchants.” Did Girard resemble
Napoleon physically?
He did to a degree. Girard was described as being low in
stature and squarely built. He was often clumsily dressed. His feet and hands
were large, while his legs were short. His face was not attractive–wrinkled,
colorless and stony. One eye was dull and the other blind – a wall-eye.11
What
work habits made him similar to Napoleon?
Like Napoleon, Girard never
undertook any great enterprise without hearing the advice of those best
qualified to give a sound opinion.12
How
did Girard’s eye condition and the mean nicknames he was called affect his
personality?
From his early years, Girard lived a
life of reserve, kept his own counsel and neither received nor gave the
confidences which come from intimacies of friendships.13
How
did his appearance hurt his effectiveness?
Although he seemed
cold, close, ungainly and ungracious, his mind was brilliant and always
focused. He would often avoid social settings because of his looks but he was a
superb business man. As far as his clothing was concerned— his coats were
plain: however, they were made of the best broad cloth. It was said that he
kept a pair of boots for each day of the week. His linen, cravats and the dress
of his hair were after the fashion of the 18th century. In later
years, his person was scrupulously neat, and every morning his French barber,
one Dorphin, came to his house to shave and dress and powder his hair and retie
his queue (pigtail) and brush his
clothes.
How did Joseph Bonaparte affect the habits
of Girard?
One of Bonaparte’s
American achievements was to civilize Girard. In Joseph’s company, Girard was
less morose and friendlier. He smiled more and was more prone to play pranks on
his friend.14
How did the man who saw him daily comment
on Girard’s apparel?
Simpson said:
“What he saved (on buying) clothes, he expended in the embellishment of the
city; but personal vanity, he had none to gratify.” 15
How was Girard in social conversation?
Girard had little
to say except on business matters. He was impatient with idle chatter but loved
to describe in detail his methods of closing a deal.16
What did Wildes say about Girard’s
reticence in boasting about business matters?
In Girard’s own
words, he said: “I like to keep silent for two reasons. If I boast, I may make
a rival. In the opposite case, should I lose my credit, people would believe I had ruined myself.”
It is apparent that Girard learned to read English
very well; he would continue to write in French. How was his spoken English?
He was never
comfortable speaking English. His pronunciation was not clear. Biographer Wildes speaks of Girard’s accent
as a definite advantage. He drew the trade of other Frenchmen and Polish
soldiers serving with the Continental Army. His hand-printed signs, partly in
French and partly in English made his customers confident that his prices were
reasonable.17
Was Girard as parsimonious in his food
selection as he was for his clothing?
No. He enjoyed
food and good claret. When in vigorous health up to the year 1824, he ate well.18
What were Girard’s favorite beverages?
At dinner he drank
the best French claret, rarely touching the heavier wines. In the afternoon he
liked to have a tablespoon of Holland gin from stone crocks. His favorite
beverages were cider in season and coffee of the strength seldom tasted by
others.19
What did Stephen miss the most about his
native country?
Girard was
disappointed that Americans, unlike the French, did not understand the use of
vegetables in preparing meals. He especially missed his beloved cauliflower. He
was disappointed that Americans could not make good bread. He also missed the
wonderful vineyards of Bordeaux and the wine he had tasted there as a young
man.
Did Girard keep any pets?
He loved his breed
of canary birds which was among the most choice and extensive in the world. His
fondness for these birds was remarkable. He even encouraged them to sing by the
use of a bird organ.20
Hubbard writes:
“On each of his ships, he (Girard) placed a big Newfoundland dog– to keep the
sailors company.”
What was Girard’s most marked mental trait?
He was able to
anticipate events and reactions of people. His thought process was deep and
thorough.21
How did Stephen manage his business affairs with his wife being incapacitated?
When Girard learned that his wife was an incurable lunatic,
Girard was devastated. For two years, he tried without success to have the
medical community help her. But in 1787, Girard finally recognized that his
marriage was ended. He took a mistress, Sally Bickham, into his home to replace
the lost affections of his wife. At that time, there was no stigma associated with
the practice of acquiring a mistress. Girard no longer had a wife with whom he
could continue a peaceful and compatible relationship. Sally Bickham would fill the void.
If not emotional
love, what did Sally give to Stephen?
She cared for him and gave him pleasure but she also
provided sensuous delights— presiding over the selection of food and making
certain the kegs of fine herring were available. She reminded him to order
anchovies when the ships went to France.22
Did Sally also help
Stephen improve his appearance?
She worked on him to buy good clothes of a better cut,
persuading him that it was more economical in the long run. She chided him not
to shove the four inch receipt book into his small pockets. She was not very
successful in this endeavor.23
How did the
thirty-seven-year-old Girard, now with a mistress, manage his business
responsibilities?
Like a lion. His
astute business instincts led him in the direction of the trade with China, a
decision that had him take the lead as a global trade prospector.
With his wife incurably insane, what legal steps did he take concerning her?
Girard made his will, which obliged him to pay out some
small amount for a lawyer's fee. “The latter tells me that the law of
Pennsylvania allows the wife, during her life time, one third of the income
from the real estate left by her husband at his death, and in addition she
receives absolutely one third of the personal property, or, in case there are
no children, one half of the said personal property. As I wish to be just, I
think, that having been so unfortunate as to marry this unfortunate woman, it is
my duty to see that she is provided for to the best of my ability.”
Who was Martin
Bickham?
One of those who benefited most by Girard's generosity was the
brother of his mistress, Sally Bickham. Girard had taken her younger brother
into his care many years earlier. Martin Bickham gained much from Girard's love
and teaching; he was treated as the son Stephen Girard never had. With Girard
as his mentor and protector, Martin was introduced to the business world when
only fourteen years of age. Under Girard's tutelage, Sally Bickham watched with
pride as her brother became an eager student, absorbing the business savvy that
his benefactor so willingly put before him, and prospered as a lifetime
employee. With Sally and her brother under the same roof, Girard lived the
family life he seemed to enjoy. Martin became Stephen’s friend and always the
most important of his proteges.24
What made Girard so willing to have Sally’s brother live with them?
Girard’s closest associates
affirmed that Girard had a need for children around him. It was for this reason
that he invited the eight-year-old Martin to live with him and Sally.25
Was Martin ever a disappointment to Stephen?
Like Stephen, Martin made mistakes
on starting out on his own. One serious mistake was the purchase of a ship he
intended to use for buying slaves. When Stephen learned about it, he severely
chastised his protege.26
After Martin’s bad decision to buy and sell slaves, did Girard forgive
him?
Girard was very forgiving and
urged Martin to come home to Philadelphia to resume his place in Stephen’s home
and counting house.
In what way did Martin Bickham mimic Girard’s own behavior?
Like Stephen, he stayed away from—
rather than face debt repayments. 27
Young Martin asked Stephen about his first voyage as a new captain.
Girard explained that it was surprisingly very
successful. He managed to pick up a cargo and take it to New Orleans. Because
of his fluent French, he could make useful contacts and nice profits.
What occurred during his visit to France in 1788?
During his journey, in April of
1788, Girard's father died, though Stephen would not learn of it for months.
Stephen Girard's inheritance amounted to less than one hundred dollars, an
irony considering his own gathering wealth. He also inherited the house where
his father had lived. This was also the house where Stephen Girard was born.
When Mrs. Girard grew worse and could no longer be kept at home, what
measures did Stephen take?
In August of 1790, Girard had his
wife committed to Pennsylvania Hospital as an incurable lunatic. This
was not done without total awareness of the enormity of his actions. Girard,
sparing no expense, made certain that there be effort made to ease his wife's
discomfort; she was afforded every luxury possible.
When Girard finally
agreed that he had to commit his wife to the hospital at the insistence of her
doctors, how did Stephen express his feelings?
In a letter written in 1804, long afterward, to his friend
Duplessis, Girard said: “As to myself, I
live like a galley slave, often passing the whole night without sleeping. I am
worn out with care.”28
Who was William Wagner?
He was the founder and president
of Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia. He was also a confidential
friend and apprentice of Stephen Girard. He was known for a series of lectures
he gave on Girard.
How was William Wagner able to describe Mary so well during her
hospitalization?
Wagner, as Girard’s apprentice,
was usually tasked with paying Mrs. Girard’s
hospital expenses. He was able to
see her often.29
What was Wagner’s description of Mary Girard in the hospital?
He described her as “a dark-haired
woman always sitting in the sunlight, still bearing strong marks of the beauty
for which she was celebrated in early life."
What might have been
Girard’s life had his wife not suffered from mental disease?
The couple might have had several children, as Stephen’s
father had and he might have been less driven and more cordial. His role in
life might have been that as a teacher of men and children and less tyrannical
and judgmental.30
Did Girard suffer any
financial setbacks by 1790?
After the dissolution of his partnership with his brother
John, Girard’s estate was valued at only thirty thousand dollars.
This loss was due to troubled times—The French Revolution, the massacre at San
Domingo and disturbed relations with England and France.
Were these the years
of his great mercantile expansion?
Yes. By 1795, he had built his fleet from two ships to twenty-two
ships and was worth more than a million dollars.
How, in retrospect, did Girard analyze his disadvantages during the period after the War of Independence?
America had no naval force. During the war, France provided
America with protection on the high seas. Britain’s warships and privateers were gunning for merchant
ships flying under the American flag. President Washington declared American neutrality in the ongoing
war between France and Britain.31
What was France's reaction to America's policy of neutrality?
France may have considered America to be ungrateful after
France had gone to war for American independence.
How did Girard
personally suffer under this neutrality policy?
In 1794, Girard owned five ships. All five of them had been
seized by Britain and France.
Could Britain and
France do this legally?
Both British and French warships could seize cargo and
American ships in a liberal interpretation that these ships and cargoes would
benefit their enemy.
What was Girard’s
point of view regarding Washington’s decision?
The US should have remained on the side of France—if not
for a sense of gratitude, then rather because America could benefit from France’s
continued protection on the high seas until such time as the US could build its
own navy.
At whose urging did
Washington declare neutrality for America?
As in several other decisions, the Secretary of the
Treasury, Alexander Hamilton had the President’s ear.
What consequence did
this decision have?
The Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson resigned his
position saying that neutrality in this case was a mistake.
Did Girard express
his dissatisfaction with this policy as well?
Yes. He wrote: “The war now being carried on by the European
pirates is very disturbing to our commerce… Our ships are not only stopped and
plundered daily but even run the risk of being taken to the ports of these
despots.” 32
In a letter to Alexander Hamilton, Girard asked that the
Federal Government take steps to have his ship released from a French port.
“Justice and the interests of a citizen of the United States may require.”33
What was the result
achieved by Girard’s rally in support for a change in US foreign policy?
Focus was placed on three areas of concern: (l) better
protection for US merchant ships; (2) compensation for loses due to
confiscations; (3) higher tariffs on goods exported to the US from countries
failing to respect US shipping.34
While waiting for the
nation to tire of having its merchant ships taken or destroyed, what remedy did
Girard seek?
When both presidents—Washington and Adams failed to take
measures to protect American merchant ships, Girard took matters into his own
hands. He had guns mounted on the decks of his cargo vessels. He also sent
ships out in convoys so they could protect one another. On a voyage to Cuba,
his two ships carried 48 guns.35
What further
information did Girard give to a crowd of interested supporters on March 18th
1794?
He accused Great Britain of violently seizing American
ships; attempting to impose limits of American commerce; imprisoning American
citizens and forcing some into the British navy; encouraging Barbary States,
especially Algiers, to prey on American ships; refusing to abandon British
outposts on America’s western frontier and fomenting war with Indians.
Was this rally
effective for Girard?
It was very effective. Thousands in attendance started to
bring pressure on President Washington and on Congress.
Was there a principal
reason that John Adams did not seek a second term?
He had barely had a victory for his first term and because
his popularity had suffered when so many ships were seized, he opted not to run
a second time.36
What was the Sedition
Act?
The Sedition Act prohibited any libelous attack by writing,
printing, publishing or speaking of any criticism of the President, or any
member of Congress. Punishment was a fine of $5,000 and from six months to two
years imprisonment. Congress passed this Act in 1798.
When did Girard urge the government to open another national bank?
One day in March, 1830, his assistant cashier brought him
a bundle of deeds just deposited in his Bank by Mr. Pratt, a trustee of the old
Bank of the United States. No sooner had he looked them over than he wrote Mr.
Alter of Pottsville: "At about four o'clock this afternoon Mr. Carpenter, assistant
cashier of my bank, handed me a bundle containing several deeds written on
parchment which embraced the lands expressed in the mortgage given to the old
Bank U. S. by Messrs. Morris and Nicholson, all of which appear to be duly
recorded as per annexed statement, which please to examine and compare with the
book or books of record, and if you find that everything is in conformity and
is sufficiently secured by the quantity and quality of the land, please to
communicate me immediately all the information and observations which you have
made, adding your remarks respecting the number of acres of coal land and your
opinion respecting the highest price at which I can venture to purchase. "The
aforesaid deeds have been kept in the dark and at last have been delivered to
Mr. Pratt one of the trustees of the old Bank U. S. who has sent them to my
bank where they shall remain until the sale of that property is over, which I
have reason to believe will be in about 25 days from this date. “The lands in
question were duly offered for sale by the Trustees of the old Bank, and Mr.
William J. Duane was sent to obtain information "respecting the validity of
the title of the old Bank of the United States, principally also the lawful
Hens which may be on said lands or a part thereof, the number of settlers and
their names, and the quantity of acres which each of them possesses, the epoch
when they settled thereon, the nature of their title adding the quantity and
quality of coal lands and of wood land unsettled. In short be so obliging as to
take correct notes of all your remarks so that I may not be at a loss to fix
the price which I should give for that property. In regard to yourself I
recommend you to take good care of your health, and when you go to visit the lands
to take a suitable carriage with competent and honest judges who are well
acquainted with that part of the country and can give every correct information
which you require. I wish it to be understood that I think it is correct to pay
for the services of all the persons which will go with you."
Who in Congress was
especially receptive to Girard’s concerns?
James Madison in the House of Representatives introduced a
bill that called for precisely the kind of changes Girard wanted. The bill
passed in the House but failed in the Senate.
Was it hard for the
American people to understand why Congress would not retaliate against countries
that would ban American goods?
Yes. Madison wanted the US to ban products from countries
that showed America no respect or fairness in trade.37
How was the banker
Stephen Girard described?
As Girard lived on into the nineteenth century, he continued
the eighteenth century style of dress wearing a white neck cloth and an
old-fashioned full-skirted coat of the revolutionary period. He also continued the eighteenth century
custom of wearing long hair in a pigtail down his back. In temperament he was intense, walking with a
swift firm step; he was decidedly aggressive in speech and action.38
His dress was
old-fashioned and sometimes shabby; a wide-brimmed hat, and the large-skirted
coat of the last century. He was blind of one eye; and though his bushy
eyebrows gave some character to his countenance, it was curiously devoid of
expression. He had also the absent look of a man who either had no thoughts or
was absorbed in thought; and he shuffled along on his enormous feet, looking
neither to the right nor to the left. There was always a certain look of the
old mariner about him, though he had been fifty years an inhabitant of the
town. When he rode it was in the plainest, least comfortable gig in
Philadelphia, drawn by an ancient and ill-formed horse, driven always by the
master's own hand at a good pace. He chose still to live where he had lived for
fifty years, in Water Street, close to the wharves, in a small and inconvenient
house, darkened by tall storehouses, amid the bustle, the noise, and the odors
of commerce. His sole pleasure was to visit once a day a little farm which he
possessed a few miles out of town, where he was wont to take off his coat, roll
up his shirt-sleeves, and personally labor in the field and in the barn, hoeing
corn, pruning trees, tossing hay, and not disdaining even to assist in
butchering the animals which he raised for market. It was no mere ornamental or
experimental farm. He made it pay.39
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