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

Summary

Podcast Summary:

Harold's Old Time Radio – Crime Classics: "The Checkered Life and Sudden Death of Colonel James Fisk"
Aired: December 30, 2025
Original Episode: "Crime Classics" broadcast June 29, 1953

Episode Overview

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" delves into the dramatic true crime story of Colonel James Fisk, Jr.—a flamboyant, controversial financier in 19th-century New York—and his fatal entanglement with Josie Mansfield and Edward S. Stokes. Narrated in the classic style by Thomas Hyland, listeners are guided through the twists of romantic intrigue, betrayal, and vengeance that led to Fisk’s untimely and violent death at the Grand Central Hotel.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction of the Crime and Main Characters

• The episode begins with the narrator (Thomas Hyland) painting a vivid scene:

  • Colonel Fisk, typically steady on his feet, falls down the Grand Central Hotel stairs—not by accident, but by gunshots dealt by Edward S. Stokes, his former friend.
  • (01:03) "The Colonel didn't slip. He wasn't pushed. He was shot. The sudden presence of two bullets in him had upset his equilibrium..." — Narrator (Thomas Hyland)

• Context is established: the "checkered" life that led to Fisk’s death started months earlier with his entanglement with Josie Mansfield.

2. Fisk and Josie Mansfield’s Relationship

• The episode flashes back to Fisk’s first meeting with Josie, a penniless widow who desires comfort and luxury. Their relationship quickly turns romantic, and Fisk is moved to generosity.
  • (05:18) "'So lovely and so poor. So sad.'" — Colonel James Fisk Jr.
  • (06:19) "'And it’s all yours… I’ve always wanted a home of my own, and servants of my own.'" — Josie Mansfield
• The narrative sets the tone for this period in New York: "It was a decade of compassion and champagne.” — Narrator (05:24)

3. Edward Stokes’ Entrance and the Love Triangle

• Edward S. Stokes, originally Fisk’s confidant, is introduced to Josie, sparking chemistry that soon evolves into a romantic rivalry.
• Early signs of duplicity: Josie’s affection turns, and she admits openly her feelings for Stokes.
  • (14:58) "'Then it's true. I love him very much. Josie, go back to your wife.'" — Josie Mansfield

4. Personal and Professional Warfare

• The men’s rivalry escalates beyond romance:

  • Fisk has Stokes arrested for embezzlement (17:50), who quickly retaliates by having Fisk arrested for false imprisonment (18:45).
  • Legal maneuverings are portrayed as childish tit-for-tat—a war of nerves where the only true winners are the lawyers.
    (19:21) “The real victors, the gatherers of the loot: the lawyers.” — Narrator

• The pair briefly call a truce, sharing drinks and toasts to their friendship, but the truce fails as their rivalry over Josie resurfaces.

  • (20:15) "'There is only one thing which stands in our way. Obviously, Josie Mansfield.'" — Colonel James Fisk Jr.
  • (20:21) "'Colonel, you're a fat, stupid fool.'" — Edward S. Stokes, quoting Josie

5. Blackmail and Ruin

• Stokes, financially ruined due to Fisk's manipulation of Erie Railroad stocks, seeks leverage by threatening to release damaging letters written by Fisk to Josie, which evidence illicit affairs and questionable business dealings.

  • (24:44) "'They could ruin you.'" — Edward S. Stokes
  • (24:52) "'Ten thousand dollars.'" — Colonel James Fisk Jr., as Stokes pushes for a quarter million

• Ultimately, Stokes accepts only $10,000—short-sighted, as Josie angrily points out:

  • (26:41) "'If you'd had the courage, he would have given you everything he owns. The mere possession of the letter dated June 16, 1871 would have been a fortune.'" — Josie Mansfield

6. Betrayals and Arrests

• Fisk reverses the blackmail, having Stokes charged with blackmail (27:32). Their destructive triangle collapses in legal maneuvers and public humiliation.

7. The Assassination

• The narrative returns to that fateful day:
  • (28:08) "The next that was seen of Edward Stokes... 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..." — Narrator
  • Fisk arrives and ascends the stairs; Stokes steps forward and shoots him.
  • (29:14) "'Don't you ruin me.'" — Edward S. Stokes
  • Fisk, mortally wounded and surrounded by concerned friends, dies the following day. Stokes is apprehended nearby, pleads self-defense, but is convicted of manslaughter in the third degree (29:43).
  • Josie retreats into obscurity, living out her days with her aunt Annie Wood.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Meeting Josie (05:18):

  "So lovely and so poor. So sad."
  — Colonel James Fisk Jr.

• On the Era (05:24):

  "It was a decade of compassion and champagne. And this night, the meeting night, was one of the most poignant of the decade."
  — Narrator (Thomas Hyland)

• On the Rivalry (20:21):

  "Colonel, you’re a fat, stupid fool."
  — Edward S. Stokes

• On Blackmail (24:44-24:52):

  "They could ruin you."
  — Edward S. Stokes
  "Ten thousand dollars."
  — Colonel James Fisk Jr.

• After Selling Out Too Cheaply (26:41):

  "If you'd had the courage, he would have given you everything he owns. The mere possession of the letter dated June 16, 1871 would have been a fortune."
  — Josie Mansfield

• The Shooting (29:14):

  "Don't you ruin me."
  — Edward S. Stokes, as he fires the fatal shots

• Final Irony and Fate (29:43):

  "The Colonel joked with [the doctors]. As he joked with his many friends. He joked with everybody. The next day, in the middle of a joke, he died. Thomas Stokes pleaded self-defense... Josie Mansfield spent her remaining days with her aunt, Miss Annie Wood."
  — Narrator (Thomas Hyland)

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Important Timestamps & Segments

• Crime’s Introduction / Fisk’s Fall:
  01:03
• Fisk and Josie’s First Meeting:
  ~03:34 – 05:24
• Stokes and Fisk Rivalry Begins:
  13:27 – 14:59
• Legal Tit for Tat:
  17:50 – 19:21
• Drinks and Breakdown of Truce:
  19:40 – 20:34
• Blackmail, Letters, and Betrayal:
  22:00 – 26:59
• Fisk’s Death:
  28:08 – 29:43
• Epilogue/Aftermath:
  29:43 – 30:43

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Tone and Style

The narration maintains the dry wit, irony, and dark charm typical of Golden Age radio crime broadcasts. The character dialogue mixes melodrama and period-specific banter with cutting, memorable exchanges. Thomas Hyland's narration is stately, sardonic, and subtly humorous, painting vivid images of Gilded Age New York excess and duplicity.

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Takeaways

• This classic radio episode reconstructs the downfall of a Gilded Age titan through a blend of scandal, greed, and fatal folly.
• It illustrates the lethal consequences of pride, romantic rivalry, and the dangerous overlap of powerful egos and public reputations.
• The story is both a melodramatic, almost operatic true crime tale and a pointed commentary on human folly—delivered in an engaging, period-appropriate production.

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For listeners captivated by historical true crime and the grand storytelling of old-time radio, this episode is a masterful blend of fact, drama, and cautionary tale.

Transcript

[Mrs. Claus's Younger Sister]

Guys, thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree.

[Drew Ski]

Zoe, this thing weighs a ton.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Drew Ski, lift with your legs, man.

[Josie Mansfield]

Santa. Santa, did you get my letter?

[Drew Ski]

He's talking to you britches.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I'm not.

[Mrs. Claus's Younger Sister]

Of course he did.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Right, Santa, you know my elf, Drew Ski here. He handles the nice list.

[Drew Ski]

And elf, I'm six' three. What everyone wants is iPhone 17 and at T Mobile, you can get it on them. That center stage front camera is amazing for group selfies. Right, Mrs. Claus?

[Mrs. Claus's Younger Sister]

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[Drew Ski]

Guys, my side of the tree is slipping.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Timber.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

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[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Good evening.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

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.

[Thomas Hyland (Host)]

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 Hy.

[Narrator (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.

[Annie Wood]

One said, adding, how can I meet colonel fisk?

[Narrator (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.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

He's so wealthy, isn't he?

[Annie Wood]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

Oh, oftens in the rain and empty purses saddens me so, dear Josie.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Annie Wood]

Yes?

[Josie Mansfield]

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.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Yes.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Annie Wood]

Well, Annie, dear Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

Will you join the dear colonel and me for dinner to night?

[Annie Wood]

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

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

And so it was that colonel fiske and josie Mansfield met.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I kiss your hand, Josie.

[Annie Wood]

You're a very sweet man.

[Josie Mansfield]

Isn't she a dear?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

So lovely and so poor. So sad.

[Narrator (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 sit. 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.

[Annie Wood]

Oh, colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Annie Wood]

The necklace, countess.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Annie Wood]

It's very nice.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

And it's all yours.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Six.

[Annie Wood]

Kiss me, colonel.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Good evening, colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Evening, quimby. This is Mr. Stokes.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

May I take your cane, sir?

[Edward S. Stokes]

Thank you, Quimby.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

This way, Stokes.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

I hope this is no imposition, ma'.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Am.

[Annie Wood]

Preparing Dinner? 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?

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Ah, wait till you taste her pheasant.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Aloe.

[Josie Mansfield]

Esther.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I can hardly wait.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Excuse me for a moment.

[Annie Wood]

Where are you going, Colonel?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Annie Wood]

Will you help me light the candles, Josie? Will you help me with the fireplace?

[Edward S. Stokes]

Josie?

[Annie Wood]

The music box is run down.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Will you, Josie?

[Annie Wood]

You won't help me with anything. You're wicked. You're very wicked.

[Josh Whalen]

Guys.

[Mrs. Claus's Younger Sister]

Thanks for helping me carry my Christmas tree, Zoe.

[Drew Ski]

This thing weighs a ton.

[Josie Mansfield]

Santa. Santa, did you get my letter?

[Drew Ski]

He's talking to you, Bridges.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I'm not.

[Mrs. Claus's Younger Sister]

Of course he did.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Right, Santa, you know my elf, Drew Ski here. He handles the nice list.

[Drew Ski]

And elf. I'm six' three. What everyone wants is iPhone 17 and at T mobile you can get it on them. That center stage front camera is amazing for group selfies. Right, Mrs. Claus?

[Mrs. Claus's Younger Sister]

I'm Mrs. Claus much younger sister. And at T mobile, there's no trade in needed when you switch. So you can keep your old phone.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Or give it as a gift.

[Mrs. Claus's Younger Sister]

And the best part, you can make the switch to T mobile from your phone in just 2:15 minutes.

[Drew Ski]

Nice. My side of the tree is slipping, Kimber.

[T-Mobile Announcer]

The holidays are better. AT T Mobile switch in just 15 minutes and get iPhone 17 on us with no trade in needed. And now T mobile is available in US cellular stores with 24 monthly bill credits for well qualified customers plus tax and $35 device connection charge credits and imbalance due if you pay off earlier. Cancel Finance Agreement 256g830 eligible for in a new line 100/a month plan with auto payments, taxes and fees required. Check out 15 minutes or less per line. Visit t mobile.com if you're paying more.

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[Narrator (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.

[Annie Wood]

Oh, a ruby pendant. Thank you, colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

You're very welcome.

[Narrator (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 S. Stokes]

Good morning.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

Thank you, my man. Josie.

[Josie Mansfield]

Edward.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

Josie. Stick pin. There was no need for you to.

[Annie Wood]

Oh, yes there was. Now be quiet.

[Narrator (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 S. 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.

[Narrator (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 discussions.

[Josie Mansfield]

You fool. You cheat.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Josie Mansfield]

A woman like that.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Ha ha. Alone in the world, I. I am.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

But her advisor.

[Josie Mansfield]

Now. That's all you are.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

What are you talking about?

[Josie Mansfield]

What all of New York Is saying.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

And that is.

[Josie Mansfield]

Ha ha. And that is the most concerned is the last to know. Know what? Your precious widow and edward stokes.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

What?

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Annie Wood]

The aggravation, the shame, the heartache, the sorrow, the unrequ.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Where is the mistress? Is in her boudoir. Go away.

[Annie Wood]

Who is it, quimby?

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

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

[Annie Wood]

Why, why, good evening, colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Why?

[Annie Wood]

What have you heard?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

That you and he.

[Annie Wood]

Who told you that?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

My wife.

[Annie Wood]

The colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Then it's true.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I warn you.

[Annie Wood]

You warn me? You.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Colonel, listen to me. I'll ruin you.

[Annie Wood]

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.

[Narrator (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.

[Thomas Hyland (Host)]

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. Classic. And his report to you on the checkered life and sudden death of Colonel James Fisk Jr.

[Narrator (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.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Inside, will you, Mr. Stokes?

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Jailer.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Yes, sir.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Mr. Stokes, do you have the list?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Narrator (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 S. Stokes]

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

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

I agree with you, colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Let me fill your glass. Yes. A toast.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

2.

[Edward S. Stokes]

A friendship. Our friendship, colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

I'll drink to that, too.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

So.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Colonel.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

And we can settle our affairs like men.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I'll drink to that, too.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

Delighted.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

You're right, Stokes.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

You're not ever to see her again.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Colonel, you agree, Colonel, you're a fat, stupid fool.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

Josie. Josie. Josie, wake up.

[Annie Wood]

Oh, Edward, how nice.

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

Josie, listen. It's about colonel Fisk.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

He's ruined me.

[Annie Wood]

What are you talking about?

[Edward S. Stokes]

I am a pauper.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Annie Wood]

What happened?

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Annie Wood]

Oh, edward, I'm so sorry.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Josie.

[Annie Wood]

Yes?

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Annie Wood]

Darling Edward. Darling, dearest Edward.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Josie.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

That's impossible. He's too powerful.

[Annie Wood]

He's a weakling.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

What?

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

Letters?

[Annie Wood]

I saved them. And that's not all.

[Edward S. Stokes]

What do you mean?

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. 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 S. 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 joseph?

[Edward S. Stokes]

A tentative decision, colonel. Tentative, yes. It depends on you. Oh, I need money.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

I know.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Badly, I know.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Colonel. Yes.

[Edward S. Stokes]

You love josie very much, don't you?

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I understand you now, stokes.

[Edward S. Stokes]

I thought you would.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

A quarter of a million dollars, I know.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

In return for which you'll give up joseph.

[Edward S. Stokes]

That's right.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

I'm sure of it.

[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 S. Stokes]

Very touching and rewarding. Then you're 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 S. 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 S. Stokes]

Colonel Waithe.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I'm sorry. We have nothing else to talk about.

[Edward S. Stokes]

Except the letters.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

What letters?

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I don't understand.

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I see.

[Edward S. Stokes]

All of them.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

I see.

[Edward S. Stokes]

They could ruin you.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Perhaps.

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

$10,000.

[Edward S. Stokes]

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 S. 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 S. Stokes]

Surely you're not serious.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Good night, Mr. Stokes.

[Edward S. Stokes]

10,000.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

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

[Narrator (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.

[Annie Wood]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

But $10,000 is better than nothing.

[Annie Wood]

If you'd had the courage.

[Edward S. Stokes]

You told me 10,000 or nothing.

[Annie Wood]

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.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

But.

[Annie Wood]

But what?

[Edward S. Stokes]

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

[Annie Wood]

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

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Ms. Annie Wood wishes to speak with you.

[Annie Wood]

Tell her I'm busy.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

She said it's extremely urgent.

[Josie Mansfield]

Extremely urgent.

[Annie Wood]

Hello, Annie.

[Josie Mansfield]

Josie. Dear Josie and Dear Mr. Stokes.

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

Hello.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Annie Wood]

Judge? What are you talking about?

[Josie Mansfield]

Judge tripler.

[Annie Wood]

Well, I don't see.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Annie Wood]

Yes.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Edward S. Stokes]

Colonel Fiske.

[Narrator (Thomas Hyland)]

Yes.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Annie Wood]

Yes.

[Josie Mansfield]

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

[Narrator (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 o' clock when Colonel James Fiske 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 S. Stokes]

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

[Colonel James Fisk Jr.]

For the love of heaven, someone help me.

[Narrator (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, Miss Annie Wood.

[Thomas Hyland (Host)]

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.

[Narrator (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.

[Thomas Hyland (Host)]

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 Herman 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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