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the cattle kings of America. This was the first firm that ever drove
cattle from the West, and Drew, ever watchful for opportunities to add
to his already increasing income, bought a tavern which became, as Drew
knew it would under good management, the centre of the cattle business
in the city on market days.

As time passed, as a matter of course, following such a line of
procedure, he became a very rich man, and his disposition being of an
enterprising nature, he began to cast about him for new investments,
seeking new fields to conquer. The explosion of a boat on the Hudson,
discommoding for a time the existing line, offered to Drew the favorable
opportunity for which he was looking, and as was characteristic he at
once improved his chance. He immediately placed on the river the "Water
Witch"; the old line resumed business; the fares were reduced until the
profits of both companies were eaten up. The opposition tried to
intimidate, they tried to buy out, and then tried to negotiate some
other deals, but all in vain. On the contrary Drew put on the
"Westchester," and instead of stopping at Peekskill, he extended to
Albany. He next bought the "Bright Emerald," and started an evening
line. This was a new feature in those days and as it enabled the
business men to travel without loss of time, it became eminently
popular.

Drew was a man with a fertile mind; he made a study of whatever he
undertook; he was a hard man to beat. He bought the "Rochester," and
next bought out the old line. For a long time he had things pretty much
his own way; then came a new opposition. This time, through
negotiations, he won the opposition over and established the celebrated
"People's Line," naming their first boat after his new partner, "St.
John." Mr. Drew, in connection with others, formed the "Stonington Line"
between New York and Boston, and still later he opened the "Champlain
Transportation Company" from White Hall, New York, to Rouses Point,
Vermont. He next placed his shoulder under Erie, endorsing its paper to
the amount of ten millions. Later still he was elected President of this
company, and as Erie and Central are natural enemies, Vanderbilt and
Drew henceforth became hostile toward each other. Mr. Drew wanted to
extend Erie west. To do this he must get a special act of the
Legislature. Of course, he had Vanderbilt and Central, with all their
patronage, with which to contend, and a bitter fight it proved to be;
but in tho