CHAPTER V.

ADMIRAL OF THE SOUND FLEET.

Fisk as admiral-The Sound steamers-The Narragansett line-The twin steamers, Providence and Bristol-The outfit of Fisk's boats— Superb Saloons-Costly furniture-Rich decorations-Bands of music-Distinguished travellers entertained-President Grant going to the Peace Jubilee-Preparing for the gold corner-The Plymouth Rock-Long Branch-The ferry boats "James Fisk, Jr., and "Jay Gould."

ONE of the most delightful routes between New York and Boston, is by way of the Long Island Sound steamers to Bristol, and thence by railroad to the capital of New England. In the summer of 1869, a new corporation was formed under the name of the Narragansett Steamship Company, and of this James Fisk, Jr., was chosen president. Two steamboats, the Providence and the Bristol, were fitted up and furnished in the most luxuriant style; furniture, upholstery and ornaments were of the richest and most elegant selection. The saloons and staterooms were complete in all their appointments, and the dining room was equal to that of a first-class city hotel. A band of music accompanied each boat and gave a first-class musical entertainment to the passengers. For a time these steamers were the chief pride of" Prince Erie." He procured for himself the full uniform of an admiral of the navy, and appeared in the glitter of gold lace and gilt buttons at the company's

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pier, and gave general directions to the officers regarding the reception of passengers and freight. Frequently he continued on board the vessels during their trips up the Sound, and always on such occasions made his presence known and felt to all on board, by the magnificence of his entertainments. After his appearance in uniform he was named "Admiral Fisk," and was gazed upon by passengers as a prodigy, as one of the curiosities of life. Every offi cer and man employed on the vessels was required to appear in appropriate uniform, wearing a badge to indicate his position. The discipline was perfect, and the attention to shippers and travellers was all that could be desired.

Fisk's line of steamers at once became deservedly popular, and were patronized by the travelling public to an extent far beyond what had been attained by any other line.

Fisk was always delighted with the opportunity to entertain the great men of the country. When General McClellan was relieved from duty as commander of the Army of the Potomac, and was feasted and loaded with presents by his admirers, among the people of New York and New England, James Fisk, Jr., was one of the most conspicuous of all fawning worshippers of the deposed commander of the Army of the Potomac. "Little Mack" was precisely such a man as Fisk could lionize with all the zeal of the reckless impetuosity of his nature; and McClellan would be greatly pleased at the fussy attention that a man like Fisk would bestow upon him. For a time,

therefore, while McClellan was "the rage," Fisk was in his glory, and when the furore subsided, he was ready for a new sensation, which he was at no time long in seeking.

The possession of a line of steamers plying on the Sound, in a route between the metropolis of America and the heart of New England, afforded numerous opportunities for entertaining distinguished and notorious men. No opportunity of the sort was ever allowed to pass unimproved by the Admiral in command of the fleet.

The Peace Jubilee" was celebrated in Boston. All the world was going thither, and whoever went or returned and did not take passage in "Fisk's Sound Steamers " lost much that was worth enjoying in the way of travel.

Among those least likely to overlook the pleasures of such a route as this, was General U. S. Grant, President of the United States. Upon the arrival of the President in New York City, he was taken in charge by Admiral Fisk and conveyed to the steamer, and conducted into one of the grand saloons, where he was introduced to Mr. Jay Gould and others of Fisk's associates, who entertained in a most sumptuous manner, and instructed the Chief Magistrate of the nation in the art of finance, with a view to convincing him of the advantage it would be to the farmers of the West to keep gold at a high premium during the time the products of the farms were being sent to market in the fall of the year. To cap the climax of this affair, Fisk, in full uniform, accompanied President Grant to