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

Summary

Podcast Summary: Crime Classics 53-06-29 003

Title: The Checkered Life and Sudden Death of Colonel James Fisk
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: June 3, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Crime Classics, host Thomas Hyland delves into the tumultuous and tragic life of Colonel James Fisk Jr., a prominent figure in 19th-century New York. Set against the backdrop of the city's opulent society and burgeoning industrial landscape, the story unravels themes of friendship, betrayal, and vengeance that culminate in a dramatic and untimely death.

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Background of Colonel James Fisk Jr. and Josie Mansfield

Thomas Hyland sets the stage by introducing Colonel Fisk as a wealthy, steady man admired by his peers, including influential figures like Jay Gould and Boss Tweed. Despite his indulgent lifestyle—famously consuming "dozens of blue point oysters and bottles of heady wine"—he is considered reliable by his friends. The narrative takes a poignant turn when Colonel Fisk meets Josie Mansfield, a young widow yearning for stability.

Key Interaction:

• [05:02] Colonel James Fisk Jr.: "Tomorrow, Josie. A jewel to lie against the throat."
• [05:36] Josie Mansfield: "I'll drink to that, too."

This meeting ignites a bond of compassion and sets the foundation for the ensuing conflict.

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The Growing Tension Between Colonel Fisk and Edward Stokes

Edward S. Stokes, once a dear friend of Colonel Fisk, becomes entangled in a complicated relationship with Josie Mansfield. As financial strains mount, Edward's fortunes decline due to Colonel Fisk's manipulations of the Erie Railroad stocks, leading to personal and financial ruin for Edward.

Notable Quote:

• [19:57] Edward Stokes: "The stocks. I had all my assets. Well, the colonel forced down the value of the Erie Railroad. Stocks wiped me out."

This betrayal fuels Edward's resentment and sets the stage for the ultimate confrontation.

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The Blackmail and Confrontation

Edward, desperate and humiliated, turns to blackmail, leveraging letters written by Colonel Fisk to Josie Mansfield to extort money. Colonel Fisk, aware of the manipulation, demands $10,000 in exchange for his silence, further intensifying the animosity between them.

Highlighted Exchange:

• [22:55] Colonel James Fisk Jr.: "They could ruin you."
• [22:59] Edward Stokes: "Ten thousand, or you may publish them or do what you want with them."

As negotiations fail, the tension reaches a boiling point, leading to a fatal encounter.

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The Shooting and Aftermath

On the fateful afternoon of January 6, 1872, Edward Stokes confronts Colonel Fisk at the Grand Central Hotel. In a desperate bid to stop the ongoing feud, Edward shoots the Colonel, leading to a dramatic collapse.

Critical Moment:

• [27:25] Edward Stokes: "Don't you ruin me."
• [27:29] Colonel James Fisk Jr.: "For the love of heaven, someone help me."

Despite receiving immediate medical attention and maintaining a facade of joviality, Colonel Fisk succumbs to his injuries the next day. Edward is apprehended and, despite pleading self-defense, is convicted of manslaughter in the third degree.

Courtroom Declaration:

• [15:05] Colonel James Fisk Jr.: "Your honor, I want to swear out a warrant for the arrest of Edward S. Stokes for embezzlement."
• [15:59] Edward Stokes: "Your honor, I want to swear out a warrant for the arrest of Colonel James Fisk Jr. for false imprisonment."

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Conclusion

The tragic demise of Colonel James Fisk Jr. leaves a void in his family and society. Josie Mansfield, left to navigate the wreckage of her relationships, finds solace with her aunt, Annie Wood. The episode underscores the destructive power of obsession and the fragility of human relationships amidst wealth and power.

Final Reflection:

• [28:58] Thomas Hyland: "Josie Mansfield spent her remaining days with her aunt, Ms. Annie Wood."

The story of Colonel Fisk and Edward Stokes serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of vengeance and the complexities of human emotions intertwined with societal standing.

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Notable Quotes

• [00:17] Thomas Hyland: "The sudden presence of two bullets in him had upset his equilibrium."
• [05:36] Josie Mansfield: "I'll drink to that, too."
• [19:57] Edward Stokes: "The stocks. I had all my assets. Well, the colonel forced down the value of the Erie Railroad. Stocks wiped me out."
• [22:55] Colonel James Fisk Jr.: "They could ruin you."
• [27:25] Edward Stokes: "Don't you ruin me."
• [27:29] Colonel James Fisk Jr.: "For the love of heaven, someone help me."

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Production Credits

• Adaptation: Morton Fine and David Friedkin
• Music: Bernard Herrmann
• Production and Direction: Elliot Lewis
• Cast:
  • Thomas Hyland: Lou Merrill
  • Colonel James Fisk Jr.: William Johnstone
  • Josie Mansfield: Mary Jane Croft
  • Annie Wood: Martha Wentworth
  • Edward Stokes: Steve Roberts
  • Additional Cast: Harry Bartel, Paula Winslow, Charles Calvert

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Crime Classics continues to capture the essence of true crime storytelling from the Golden Age of Radio, blending historical accuracy with dramatic flair to engage and inform its audience.

Transcript

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[Thomas Hyland]

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.

[Narrator]

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. Now, once again, Thomas Hyland.

[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. Fiske 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 Fiske?

[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, orphans 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. Yes, 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.

[Thomas Hyland]

Mm.

[Annie Wood]

And light them. Good. Now blow them out gently. Well, Annie, dear Josie, Will you join 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 Fisk and Josie Mansfield met.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I kiss your hand, Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

You're a very sweet man.

[Annie Wood]

Isn't she a dear? So lovely and so poor.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

So sad.

[Thomas Hyland]

The colonel was a man easily touched. And this was the era for young widows, beautiful and penniless. 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.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, Colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

The necklace counted.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

It's very nice.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

And it's all yours.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Thomas Hyland]

Good evening, Colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Evening, quimby. This is Mr. Stokes.

[Thomas Hyland]

May I take your cane, sir?

[Edward Stokes]

Thank you, Quimby.

[Thomas Hyland]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

This way, Stokes.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Edward Stokes]

I hope this is no imposition, madam, 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.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Do you like the new music box, my dear?

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Oh, wait till you taste her pheasant a la Esther.

[Edward Stokes]

I can hardly wait.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Excuse me for a moment.

[Josie Mansfield]

Where are you going, Colonel?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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.

[Edward Stokes]

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.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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.

[Edward Stokes]

Good morning.

[Thomas Hyland]

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

[Edward Stokes]

Thank you, my ma' am. Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Edward Stokes]

Josie. Oh, 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.

[Edward Stokes]

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.

[Thomas Hyland]

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. You fool.

[Quimby]

You cheat.

[Thomas Hyland]

Blackguard.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Dear, the children. You'll awaken them.

[Annie Wood]

A woman like that.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Have you no complaints? Passion in your heart? She's a widow alone in the world. I. I am but her advisor.

[Quimby]

Ha ha.

[Annie Wood]

Now, that's all you are.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

What are you talking about?

[Annie Wood]

What all of New York is saying.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

And that is.

[Josie Mansfield]

Ha ha.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

And that is?

[Annie Wood]

The most concerned is the last to know.

[Thomas Hyland]

Know what?

[Annie Wood]

Your precious widow and Edward Stokes.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

What?

[Annie Wood]

Ha ha.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Annie Wood]

The aggravation, the shame, the heartache, the.

[Josie Mansfield]

Sorrow, the unrequited love.

[Thomas Hyland]

Where is the mistress? Is in her boudoir.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Go away, Ginny.

[Josie Mansfield]

Where is it, quimby?

[Thomas Hyland]

It's not Mr. Stokes, ma' am.

[Josie Mansfield]

Why. Why, good evening, colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

Why? What have you heard?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

That you and he.

[Josie Mansfield]

Who told you that?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I warn you.

[Josie Mansfield]

You warn me?

[Thomas Hyland]

You.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Colonel, listen to me.

[Narrator]

I'll ruin you.

[Josie Mansfield]

Please go home.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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 life.

[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.

[Narrator]

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, 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 bisk.

[Thomas Hyland]

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.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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.

[Expedia Ad]

Inside with you, Mr. Stokes.

[Edward Stokes]

Taylor.

[Expedia Ad]

Yes, sir.

[Edward Stokes]

Mr. Stokes, do you have the list?

[Expedia Ad]

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.

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Thomas Hyland]

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

[Expedia Ad]

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.

[Quimby]

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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.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Stokes, I think we've both acted like children.

[Edward Stokes]

I agree with you, Colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

Our friendship, Colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

I'll drink to that, too.

[Thomas Hyland]

Colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

And we can settle our affairs like men.

[Edward Stokes]

I'll drink to that, too.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

Delighted.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

There is only one thing which stands in our way. Obviously Josie Mans.

[Edward Stokes]

You're right, Stokes.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

You're not ever to see her again. Colonel, you agree?

[Edward Stokes]

Colonel, you're a fat, stupid fool.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Thomas Hyland]

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

[Edward Stokes]

Josie. Josie. Josie, wake up.

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, Edward, how nice.

[Edward Stokes]

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.

[Edward Stokes]

Josie, listen. It's about Colonel Fiske.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Edward Stokes]

He's ruined me.

[Josie Mansfield]

What are you talking about?

[Edward Stokes]

I am a pauper.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

What happened?

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, edward, I'm so sorry.

[Edward Stokes]

Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

Yes?

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

Darling edward. Darling. Dearest edward.

[Edward Stokes]

Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Edward Stokes]

That's impossible. He's too powerful.

[Josie Mansfield]

He's a weakling.

[Edward Stokes]

What?

[Josie Mansfield]

I can prove he's a weakling. He writes letters.

[Edward Stokes]

Letters?

[Josie Mansfield]

I saved them. And that's not all.

[Edward Stokes]

What do you mean, dealings?

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

I explained the necessity of secrecy.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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 josie?

[Edward Stokes]

A tentative decision, colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Tentative?

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I know. Badly, I know.

[Thomas Hyland]

Colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Yes?

[Edward Stokes]

You love josie very much, don't you?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I understand you now, stokes.

[Edward Stokes]

I thought you would.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Do you want me to reimburse you for the money you've lost? Of course.

[Edward Stokes]

Quarter of a million dollars.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

That's right.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

I'm sure of.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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.

[Edward Stokes]

Very touching.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

And rewarding.

[Edward Stokes]

Then you are not interested in my proposal?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

Next corner, cabby.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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.

[Edward Stokes]

Colonel, wait.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I don't understand.

[Edward Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I see.

[Edward Stokes]

All of them.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I see.

[Edward Stokes]

They could ruin you.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Perhaps.

[Edward Stokes]

I remember one of the letters opened with dearest josie, my poor little widow, your sad tears still on my shoulder. $10,000 and another dear Josie, this morning I was at Tammany hall, and with boss Tweed, arrangements were made to relieve the city.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

$10,000.

[Edward Stokes]

A quarter of a million for the letters, Colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

10,000, or you may publish them or do what you want with them.

[Edward Stokes]

Surely you're not serious.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Good night, Mr. Stokes.

[Edward Stokes]

10,000.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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.

[Edward Stokes]

But $10,000 is better than nothing.

[Josie Mansfield]

If you'd had the courage.

[Edward Stokes]

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. But. But what?

[Edward Stokes]

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 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.

[Edward Stokes]

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.

[Edward Stokes]

Good afternoon, Colonel Stokes. Don't you ruin me.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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.

[Narrator]

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.

[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.

[Narrator]

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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