JOHN ASTOR KNEW what separated a fanciful scheme from a suc-
cessful venture. He believed the difference was not so much the
vision as the astute planning behind each. And though every New
York merchant agreed that some planning was essential for com-
mercial success, few made such relentless calculations as Astor.
Whether in furs, shipping, or real estate, he ran his affairs with a
unique combination of thoughtful caution and stunning audacity.

No enterprise demanded more thorough preparation than the
Pacific venture. Astor knew that he would be playing on a very large
field for immense stakes. The undertaking required constant atten-
tion to detail. And there were bound to be many details. He had to
find reliable field agents, recruit seasoned traders, purchase large
stores of trade goods, and negotiate for maritime transport to the
Northwest coast. All this called for the careful application of the
business techniques that had been an Astor hallmark for many
years. But these tasks did not by themselves involve something new
for the entrepreneur. Astoria would also demand a deft political
touch.

Astor understood that his proposals were as much political as
commercial. Astoria pushed and shoved its way into the kingdom

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