Crime Classics 53-06-29 003 The Checkered Life and Sudden Death of Colonel James Fisk

Summary

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Crime Classics 53-06-29 003 The Checkered Life and Sudden Death of Colonel James Fisk
Release Date: August 1, 2025

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of Crime Classics, hosted by Thomas Hyland, listeners are transported back to the tumultuous year of 1872 in New York City. Hyland masterfully weaves a tale of wealth, betrayal, and tragedy surrounding Colonel James Fisk Jr., a prominent figure whose seemingly steady life takes a dark turn leading to his untimely death.

Setting the Scene

Thomas Hyland sets the stage with a vivid portrayal of 19th-century New York, a city brimming with opulence and intrigue. "The year is 1872. The place is New York City now. 1872 was a vintage year for pearls in the bottom of champagne glasses of fatted railroad stocks," he narrates (14:18). This backdrop introduces us to a world where fortunes are made and lost with the volatile railroad market, setting the foundation for the ensuing drama.

Introducing the Key Characters

• Colonel James Fisk Jr.: A wealthy and influential man, associated with notable figures like Jay Gould and Boss Tweed. Despite his indulgent lifestyle, friends praised him for his steady demeanor (02:21).

• Edward S. Stokes: The Colonel's close friend, described as handsome and fashionable. His friendship with Fisk is pivotal to the unfolding events (07:03).

• Josie Mansfield: A young widow seeking companionship and stability, caught in the web of Fisk and Stokes' relationships (02:59).

• Annie Wood: Josie's aunt, who plays a crucial role in the plot's progression (03:12).

The Brewing Tension

The episode delves into the complex relationships between the characters. Josie Mansfield seeks to connect with Colonel Fisk, leading to an intimate dinner where connections deepen (04:07). Edward Stokes reveals a tender side, showing his affection for Josie:

Edward S. Stokes: "I kiss your hand, Josie." (04:40)
Josie Mansfield: "You're a very sweet man." (04:43)

However, beneath the surface, financial strains begin to surface. Colonel Fisk manipulates the stock market, particularly the Erie Railroad stocks, directly impacting Edward's wealth. Hyland emphasizes this shift:

"The colonel forced down the value of the Erie Railroad stocks, wiping me out." — Edward S. Stokes (19:31)

The Descent into Conflict

As Edward battles financial ruin, tensions escalate. Colonel Fisk demands Josie distance herself from Edward, fearing their growing bond might expose his dealings. The strain culminates in threats and confrontations:

Edward S. Stokes: "I'll ruin you." — (12:43)
Thomas Hyland: "You are a fat stupid fool." — Colonel Fisk (18:17)

The drama intensifies with an orchestrated blackmail scheme. Colonel Fisk leverages intimate letters between him and Josie to coerce Edward into relinquishing her:

Thomas Hyland: "A quarter of a million for the letters, Colonel." (23:00)
Edward S. Stokes: "Ten thousand or you may publish them or do what you want with them." (23:08)

The Climactic Confrontation

The tension reaches its peak at the Grand Central Hotel. On a cold Saturday afternoon, Edward Stokes encounters Colonel Fisk in the grand corridor:

Thomas Hyland: "Don't you ruin me. For the love of heaven, someone help me." — Edward S. Stokes (27:12)

A scuffle ensues, resulting in Colonel Fisk being shot. Despite Edward's pleas of self-defense, he is swiftly apprehended:

Thomas Hyland: "Edward Stokes was convicted of manslaughter in the third degree." (27:42)

Aftermath and Resolution

The episode concludes with the fallout of Fisk's death. Josie Mansfield retreats to her aunt's care, and Edward faces the repercussions of his desperate actions. Hyland poignantly reflects on the fragility of friendships and the destructive power of desperation.

Notable Quotes

• Introduction of the Crime:

  "The man who just fell down the stairs is Colonel James Fisk, Jr.... He was shot." — Thomas Hyland (00:32)

• Edward's Plea:

  "Don't you ruin me. For the love of heaven, someone help me." — Edward S. Stokes (27:12)

• Colonel's Threat:

  "I'll ruin you." — Edward S. Stokes (12:43)

Production Insights

This episode is an adaptation of court reports and newspaper accounts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The atmospheric score by Bernard Herrmann and the compelling performances, including Lou Merrill as Thomas Hyland and William Johnstone as Colonel Fisk Jr., bring the story to life. The production, directed by Elliot Lewis, captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, immersing listeners in a bygone era of suspense and storytelling.

Conclusion

Crime Classics delivers a captivating narrative that intertwines personal vendettas with broader societal issues of the time. Through meticulous storytelling and memorable performances, the episode sheds light on the complexities of human emotions and the lengths one might go when pushed to the brink. For enthusiasts of true crime and historical dramas, this episode offers a compelling blend of fact and fiction, leaving listeners pondering the fine line between friendship and betrayal.

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Timestamp Reference:

• 00:32: Introduction of the crime.
• 02:21: Background on Colonel Fisk Jr.
• 02:59: Josie Mansfield's conversation.
• 04:07: Dinner scene.
• 07:03: Introduction of Edward Stokes.
• 12:43: Edward's threat to Colonel Fisk.
• 18:17: Colonel calls Edward a fool.
• 19:31: Edward discusses stock manipulation.
• 23:00: Blackmail offer.
• 27:12: Edward's plea at Grand Central Hotel.

Transcript

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[Edward S. Stokes]

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[Thomas Hyland]

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[Ryan]

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[Thomas Hyland]

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Good evening. This is Crime Classics. I am Thomas Hyland. I'm going to tell you another true crime story. Listen. The man who just fell down the stairs is Colonel James Fisk, Jr. Although the Colonel is a man given to the consumption of dozens of Blue Point oysters and bottles of heady wine at a sitting, his friends were given to pointing him out as a man inordinately steady on his feet. So why did he tumble down the stairs? And in New York's Grand Central Hotel, no less, where stair tumbling was frowned upon. The Colonel didn't slip. He wasn't pushed. He was shot. The sudden presence of two bullets in him had upset his equilibrium. The man who's running away is the man who just shot the Colonel. His name, Edward S. Stokes. Until recently, the Colonel's very dear friend. There he goes. And tonight, my report to you on the checkered life and sudden death of Colonel James Fisk, Jr. Crime Classics.

A series of true crime stories taken from the records and newspapers of every land, from every time. Your Host each week, Mr. Thomas Hyland, connoisseur of crime, student of violence and teller of murders. And now, once again, Thomas Hyland.

Colonel Fisk lay at the bottom of the stairs a few minutes before 4 o' clock on a Saturday afternoon, January 6, 1872. He was dying. His life was coming to an end and he would be sorely missed by his family, Mrs. Fisk and the children and whom were Jay Gould, Boss Tweed and the heavier stockholders of the day. A man dying. And I know the precise instant when his dying began. It started some months ago in a rather ornate house in Washington Square. Two women were talking, and the younger.

[Josie Mansfield]

One said, annie, how can I meet Colonel Fisk?

[Thomas Hyland]

That was the instant. And the older one said. But the younger one was not young enough to take dearie for an answer.

[Josie Mansfield]

I mean it, Annie. I want to meet him.

[Annie Wood]

He's so wealthy, isn't he?

[Josie Mansfield]

And all I have is a black and white silk dress and an empty purse. So very empty. Dear Annie.

[Annie Wood]

Oh, often's in the rain and empty purses sadden me so, dear Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

And I've heard he's coming here tonight to visit with you.

[Annie Wood]

The dear colonel says I set such a good table, dear Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

Yes?

[Annie Wood]

Walk over there to that cabinet, dear Josie. In the very bottom drawer you will find two candlesticks given to me by the minister from Egypt. Get them.

[Thomas Hyland]

Yes.

[Annie Wood]

Now put them on the table and light them. Good. Now blow them out gently.

[Josie Mansfield]

Well, Annie, dear Josie, Will you join.

[Annie Wood]

The dear colonel and me for dinner tonight?

[Josie Mansfield]

So nice of you to ask. I'd be delighted, dear Annie.

[Thomas Hyland]

And so it was that colonel Fiske and Josie Mansfield met.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I kiss your hand, Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

You're a very sweet man.

[Annie Wood]

Isn't she a dear?

[Edward S. Stokes]

So lovely and so poor. So sad.

[Thomas Hyland]

The colonel was a man easily touched. And this was the era for young widows, beautiful and pennile. It was the era for weeping at the mere thought of such a situation. It was a decade of compassion and champagne. And this night, the meeting night, was one of the most poignant of the decade.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Tomorrow, Josie. A jewel to lie against the throat.

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

My carriage will call for you at noon and bring you to me.

[Josie Mansfield]

The necklace counted.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Of course, my dear. More wine. Look at it, dear. Do you like it?

[Josie Mansfield]

It's very nice.

[Edward S. Stokes]

And it's all yours.

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, thank you. I've always wanted a home of my own. And servants of my own.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Six.

[Josie Mansfield]

Kiss me, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Good evening, colonel. Evening, Wimby. This is Mr. Stokes.

[Thomas Hyland]

May I take your cane, sir?

And thank you, Quimby.

This is in the drawing room. She's waiting for you.

[Edward S. Stokes]

This way, Stokes.

[Josie Mansfield]

Hello, colonel. And you must be the colonel's best friend, Mr. Stokes.

[Thomas Hyland]

I hope this is no imposition, ma', am, preparing dinner?

[Josie Mansfield]

Certainly not. I just sat here all day listening to the new present the colonel sent me while the servants made ready.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Do you like the new music box, my dear?

[Josie Mansfield]

It reminds me of you when you're away from me.

[Thomas Hyland]

Such a pretty speech. How fortunate you are, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Ah, wait till you taste her pheasant.

[Thomas Hyland]

Ala. Esther, I can hardly wait.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Excuse me for a moment.

[Josie Mansfield]

Where are you going, colonel?

[Edward S. Stokes]

I left a small package for you out in the carriage, my dear.

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, of course. We'll excuse you. So you're Mr. Stokes. I must say, he was right. You are elegant.

[Thomas Hyland]

He was right. You are very lovely. And you. You're what you are.

[Josie Mansfield]

Will you help me light the candles, Josie? Will you help me with the fireplace, Josie? The music box is run down, will you, Josie? You won't help me with anything you're wicked. You're very wicked.

[Thomas Hyland]

Mr. Edward Stokes was 5ft 9 inches high. His head was covered with glossy curls, his complexion clear, his features regular, and his eyes dark blue. He was dressed in the height of fashion and his diamond studs gleamed brilliantly. And after the colonel returned with a forgotten package.

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, a ruby pendant. Thank you, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

You're very welcome.

[Thomas Hyland]

And after the wine was drunk and venison devoured and the fingers dipped in the lemon water. After that evening of old friends anew. After that, there was a new day. And there was this. Good morning, Mr. Stokes.

Good morning.

Quimby is the mistress is in the sitting room. She's waiting for you.

Thank you, my man. Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

Edward. Await. Edward. I was out this morning early shopping. Here, I bought something for you. Open it.

[Thomas Hyland]

Josie. Little stick pin. There was no need for you to.

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, yes, there was. Now be quiet.

[Thomas Hyland]

Wild storm tossed lovers you might care to eavesdrop upon since they'll give you a better understanding of the current sweeping these two upon violent shores like this one.

The best champagne in new york. Now take off your little shoe. Here, use my malad, dear. This croquet has brought the pink to your cheeks. Make your shot.

As is always the case in skullduggery of this sort, there is an in the meanwhile in the park avenue home of Colonel James Fisk Jr. The Colonel and his lady. The children have been tucked away for the night, the servants snug in their quarters as were the animals. A quiet hour. An hour for a man. For family discussion.

[Annie Wood]

You fool. You cheat.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Blackguard. Dear, the children. You'll awaken them.

[Annie Wood]

A woman like that.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Have you no compassion in your heart? She's a widow.

[Annie Wood]

Ha ha.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Alone in the world, I. I am but her advisor.

[Annie Wood]

Ha ha. Now that's all you are.

[Edward S. Stokes]

What are you talking about?

[Annie Wood]

What all of new york is saying.

[Edward S. Stokes]

And that is.

[Annie Wood]

Ha ha.

[Edward S. Stokes]

And that is?

[Annie Wood]

The most concerned is the last to know.

[Josie Mansfield]

Know what?

[Annie Wood]

Your precious widow and edward stokes.

[Edward S. Stokes]

What?

[Josie Mansfield]

Ha ha.

[Annie Wood]

Colonel, now you know what I've been through.

[Josie Mansfield]

The aggravation, the shame, the heartache, the sorrow, the unrequited love.

[Thomas Hyland]

Where is the mistress? Is in her boudoir. Go awaken her. It's not Mr. Stokes, ma'. Am.

[Josie Mansfield]

Why? Why, good evening, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

What's this I hear about you and that. That scamp Edward stokes?

[Josie Mansfield]

Why? What have you heard?

[Edward S. Stokes]

That you and he.

[Josie Mansfield]

Who told you that?

[Edward S. Stokes]

My wife, the colonel. Then it's true.

[Josie Mansfield]

I love him very much. Josie, go back to your wife.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I warn you.

[Josie Mansfield]

You warn me? You, colonel Listen to me.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I'll ruin you.

[Josie Mansfield]

Please go home.

[Edward S. Stokes]

You and Edward Stokes. Mark my word. I'll ruin the both of you. My promise to you if it takes the rest of my.

[Thomas Hyland]

The colonel left. The colonel was driven to his club where the colonel spent the night. And the next morning, early. The colonel began the final week of his life.

You are listening to crime classics and your host, Thomas Hyland. A dead man's coat is the key to a killing. Its disappearance starts Mr. And Mrs. North off on a merry, mysterious manhunt tomorrow night. Don't miss coat of arms. A matter of murder. Confronting Pam and Jerry north tomorrow. Listen to. For John Lund is yours truly, Johnny dollar. This the insurance sleuth with the action packed expense account. And now, once again, Thomas hyland and the second act of crime classics and his report to you on the checkered life and sudden death of Colonel James Fisk Jr.

I'd like to set the coordinates for you again. Take a reading of exactly where we are in time. The year is 1872. The place is New York City now. 1872 was a vintage year for pearls in the bottom of champagne glasses of fatted railroad stocks. And the diamond harvest was spectacular. The term rags to riches was coined on a day in this year when a raggedy sewing machine girl was summoned from her chores, taken by the hand, dressed in silk, then released into a gilded cage. New York city at this time was a center for many similar dramas, one of which we're concerning ourselves with. Colonel James Fisk Jr. Had compassion for a widow named Josie Mansfield. Josie Mansfield had compassion for the colonel's friend, Edward Stokes. The colonel, upon hearing of this arrangement, immediately went into action in a colonel like manner.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Your honor, I want to swear out a warrant for the arrest of Edward S. Stokes for embezzlement.

[Thomas Hyland]

Why, certainly, colonel. We'll have the culprit in jail in no time at all.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Inside, will you, Mr. Stokes?

[Thomas Hyland]

Jailer.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Yes, sir.

[Thomas Hyland]

Mr. Stokes, do you have the list?

[Edward S. Stokes]

Yes, sir. Your living room furniture, the portraits and the bed, I'll have them here in no time at all.

[Thomas Hyland]

Edward Stokes was a model prisoner for two days. He was then released when the charge against him was dropped. Not to be outdone, he went into action in a manner which gained the plaudits of his cronies.

Your honor, I want to swear out a warrant for the arrest of Colonel James Fiske Jr. For false imprisonment.

Why, certainly, Mr. Stokes. We'll have the culprit in jail in no time at all.

[Edward S. Stokes]

J.R. yes, sir, Colonel. The living Room furniture, your easy chair in the library and the bed. I'll have them here in no time at all.

[Thomas Hyland]

War of nerves. Tactics and strategies and reprisals. And the real victors, the gatherers of the loot, the lawyers.

[Ryan]

It is Ryan here and I have a question for you. What do you do when you win? Like, are you a fist pumper?

[Edward S. Stokes]

A woohooer?

[Ryan]

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[Edward S. Stokes]

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[Thomas Hyland]

So the Colonel and Mr. Stokes called a truce, Waved white napkins at each other across a gleaming table at delmonico's.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Stokes, I think we both acted like children.

[Thomas Hyland]

I agree with you, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Let me fill your glass. Yeah, a toast to a friendship.

[Thomas Hyland]

Our friendship, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Enough of jails and lawyers and arguments. Life is too short.

[Thomas Hyland]

I'll drink to that too, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

And we can settle our affairs like men.

[Thomas Hyland]

I'll drink to that too.

[Edward S. Stokes]

No, wait. Let's settle our affairs first.

[Thomas Hyland]

Delighted.

[Edward S. Stokes]

There is only one thing which stands in our way. Obviously Josie Mansfield. You're right, Stokes. You're not ever to see her again. Colonel, you agree?

[Thomas Hyland]

Colonel, you're a fat stupid fool.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I accept that. But you're never to see Josie Mansfield again.

[Thomas Hyland]

Josie told me that if I saw you, I was to tell you you are a fat stupid fool.

[Edward S. Stokes]

And you are. I warned you once, Stokes. I'm not going to warn you again.

[Thomas Hyland]

Then I'll warn you. If you make any trouble, Colonel, you won't live to enjoy it. My promise to.

Good evening, Mr. Stokes. The mistress is in the parlor.

Josie. Josie. Josie, wake up.

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, Edward, how nice.

[Thomas Hyland]

Edward, dearest, listen, it's important. Are you awake?

[Josie Mansfield]

Of course. I just drowsed off. I was reading, waiting for you, and now you're here.

[Thomas Hyland]

Josie, listen. It's about colonel fisk.

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, please don't talk about him. Not now.

[Thomas Hyland]

He's ruined me.

[Josie Mansfield]

What are you talking about?

[Thomas Hyland]

I am a pauper.

[Josie Mansfield]

You? Why, you're one of the wealthiest young men in.

[Thomas Hyland]

No, not now. I don't have a penny.

[Josie Mansfield]

What happened?

[Thomas Hyland]

The stocks. I had all my assets. Well, the colonel forced down the value of the erie railroad stocks wipe me out.

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, Edward, I'm so sorry.

[Thomas Hyland]

Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

Yeah.

[Thomas Hyland]

I'm poor now. Do you want me to leave? Never come back?

[Josie Mansfield]

Darling Edward. Darling, dearest Edward.

[Thomas Hyland]

Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

We'll beat him. We'll destroy the colonel. You and I together.

[Thomas Hyland]

That's impossible. He's too powerful.

[Josie Mansfield]

He's a weakling.

[Edward S. Stokes]

What?

[Josie Mansfield]

I can prove he's a weakling. He writes letters. Letters I saved him. And that's not all.

[Thomas Hyland]

What do you mean?

[Josie Mansfield]

Dealings. He's had dishonest business dealings. Would you like to look at them?

[Thomas Hyland]

Dearest Josie, I love you so much. So that's why I thought it more discreet to hire a cab. Colonel, surely you understand.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I must tell you, Stokes, when I agreed to meet you to ride with you in a hired hack at night.

[Thomas Hyland]

I explained the necessity of secrecy, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

As indeed you did not. You merely said secrecy. That is why I must tell you. I am confused. Have you made another decision about Joseph?

[Thomas Hyland]

A tentative decision, colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Tentative?

[Thomas Hyland]

Yes. It depends on you. Oh, I need money.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I know.

[Thomas Hyland]

Badly.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I know.

[Thomas Hyland]

Colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Yes?

[Thomas Hyland]

You love Josie very much, don't you?

[Edward S. Stokes]

I understand you now, Stokes.

[Thomas Hyland]

I thought you would.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Do you want me to reimburse you for the money you lost? I.

[Thomas Hyland]

Quarter of a million dollars.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I know. In return for which you'll give up Joseph.

[Thomas Hyland]

That's right.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I'm sure there must be a name for you, Mr. Stokes.

[Thomas Hyland]

I'm sure of it.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I had an experience last night. I had dinner at home with my wife. The children were with us. After dinner, I played on the floor with my children. I heard them laugh. I heard my wife laugh too. And I laughed too. And there was no other meaning behind my laughter except enjoyment of my family.

[Thomas Hyland]

Very touching and rewarding. Then you're not interested in my proposal?

[Edward S. Stokes]

I'll get off at the next corner, Mr. Stokes. Tell the driver.

[Thomas Hyland]

Of course.

Next corner, cabby.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Well, Mr. Stokes, give my regards to Josie. Tell her I'm truly sorry for what's going to become of her. Goodbye, Mr. Stokes.

[Thomas Hyland]

Colonel, wait.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I'm sorry. We have nothing else to talk about except the letters. What letters?

[Thomas Hyland]

You have a rich way with words, colonel. I congratulate you.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I don't understand.

[Thomas Hyland]

Oh, of course you do. The letters you wrote to Josie.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I see.

[Thomas Hyland]

All of them.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I see.

[Thomas Hyland]

They could ruin you.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Perhaps.

[Thomas Hyland]

I remember one of the letters opened with dearest Josie, my poor little widow, your sad tears still on my shoulder.

[Edward S. Stokes]

$10,000.

[Thomas Hyland]

And another. Dear Josie, this morning I was at Tammany hall and with boss Tweed, arrangements were made to relieve the city.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Ten thousand dollars.

[Thomas Hyland]

A quarter of a million for the letters, Colonel.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Ten thousand or you may publish them or do what you want with them.

[Thomas Hyland]

Surely you're not serious.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Good night, Mr. Stokes.

[Thomas Hyland]

10,000.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Bring your letters to me tomorrow and you shall get your money. Good night.

[Thomas Hyland]

An old almanac I have occasion to call on now and then says that Saturday the 6th of January in the year 1872 is the 66th anniversary of the volunteer fire department of roanoke, virginia. Also, it predicts the day will be cold and clear with high westerly winds. So we'll make an assumption. On a cold, clear Saturday morning, buffeted by the high westerly winds, Mr. Edward Stokes made his way to the wall street office of Colonel Fisk. Here he received more coldness and $10,000. Here he deposited with the colonel a stack of letters wrapped in blue ribbon and sachet. Then edward stokes called on josie mansfield. He told her of the transaction. We must imagine that josie's reaction went something like this.

[Josie Mansfield]

You idiot. You bumbling, spineless idiot. But, Joseph, I should have known better than to trust you with those letters.

[Thomas Hyland]

But $10,000 is better than nothing.

[Josie Mansfield]

If you'd had the courage.

[Thomas Hyland]

You told me 10,000 or nothing.

[Josie Mansfield]

If you'd had the courage, he would have given you everything he owns. Why, the mere possession of the letter dated June 16, 1871, would have been a fortune. Ten times the amount you got.

[Edward S. Stokes]

But.

[Josie Mansfield]

But what?

[Thomas Hyland]

You have your jewels, this house. Surely you must be worth nearly a million yourself.

[Josie Mansfield]

I love you, dear Edward, but that's my money you'll just have. What is it, Quimby?

[Thomas Hyland]

Ms. Annie Wood wishes to speak with you.

[Josie Mansfield]

Tell her I'm busy.

[Thomas Hyland]

She said it's extremely urgent.

[Annie Wood]

Extremely urgent.

[Josie Mansfield]

Hello, Annie.

[Annie Wood]

Josie. Dear Josie and Dear Mr. Stokes.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Hello.

[Annie Wood]

The judge came to see me for lunch a little while ago.

[Josie Mansfield]

Judge. What are you talking about?

[Annie Wood]

Judge tripler.

[Josie Mansfield]

Well, I don't see.

[Annie Wood]

He just come from court. He just signed a warrant.

[Josie Mansfield]

Yes.

[Annie Wood]

For the arrest of dear Mr. Stokes on the charge of blackmail.

[Thomas Hyland]

Colonel Fiske.

[Annie Wood]

Yes. The dear judge told me that the colonel asked him to sign such a warrant. Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

Yes.

[Annie Wood]

We'll be seeing each other more often, won't we? Dear josie.

[Thomas Hyland]

Publication of the time I quote. The next that was seen of edward stokes, as far as is known, was at a few minutes before 4 o' clock, when he was walking carelessly up and down the main corridor of the grand central hotel on the parlor floor. This corridor is one story above. The street is parallel with broadway, and at its northern end is reached by a staircase from the street. Passing and repassing the head of the staircase, stokes glanced furtively down the stairs. It was nearly 4:00 clock when Colonel James Fisk Jr. Drove up in a carriage to the door. Stepping out of his carriage and walking briskly across the pavement, he passed through the outer door of the hotel. When he had done so, he was heard to inquire for a certain Annette Latour. He was told she was in and started up the stairs.

Good afternoon, Colonel Stokes.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Don't you ruin me. For the love of heaven, someone help me.

[Thomas Hyland]

Edward Stokes was restrained a block away. The Colonel didn't die immediately. He was lifted by three bellhops and taken to chambers supplied by the management. Doctors were called and the Colonel joked with them as he joked with his many friends who came to visit him. He joked with everybody. The next day, in the middle of a joke, he died. Thomas Stokes pleaded self defense. He was convicted of manslaughter in the third degree. Josie Mansfield spent her remaining days with her aunt, Ms. Annie Wood.

In just a moment, Thomas Hyland will tell you about next week's crime classics. This Wednesday night, screen hero Jeff Chandler plays a young man hired for an important job. A job of guarding the very much alive body of a notorious gangster. Hear the exciting details in the story entitled the web on your playhouse on Broadway. It's presented by CBS radio this Wednesday night on most of these same stations. And here again is Thomas Hyland.

Next week long Melford in the county of Suffolk in England. The year 1739. My report to you will be on the shrapnel body of Charles Drew Senior. Thank you. Good night.

James Fisk Jr. Tonight's crime classic was adapted from the original court reports and newspaper accounts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The music was composed and conducted by Bernard Herrmann. And the program is produced and directed by Elliot Lewis. Thomas Hyland is portrayed on radio by Lou Merrill. James Fisk Jr. Was played by William Johnstone. Featured in the cast were Mary Jane Croft, Martha Wentworth, Steve Roberts, Harry Bartel, Paula Winslow and Charles Calvert. Bob Lamond speaking. Stay tuned now for Gary Moore with Arthur Godfrey's talent scouts which follows immediately over most of the these same stations. And remember, your news is always accurately reported when it comes from the CBS radio network.

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[Edward S. Stokes]

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