November, 1866.—There was heavy speculation in stocks, produce, dry goods and real estate. Poor men became rich by a single turn of the wheel. Unexpectedly the Treasury drew about $15,000,000 for its own purposes, money became tight and the bears became very active. Prices declined about 10 points, and outsiders lost upwards of $25,000,000.
December, 1866.—Northwestern preferred and Cumberland Coal were cornered.
January, 1867.—Prices broke on the 18th with a rush. Cumberland Coal declined 55 points, and the general list went off in sympathy. There were several failures. Money was tied up by bear operators.—President Yelverton, of the Bank of North America, on learning of the failure of A. J. Meyer & Co., the firm having overdrawn its account $219,000, was seized with apoplexy and died.
May, 1867.—A pool in Erie was broken by the sale of a large block of English stock.
October, 1867.—Daniel Drew was turned out of Erie, and the stock advanced 10 points.
December, 1867.—Vanderbilt secured control of New York Central.
January, 1868.—A corner in Rock Island was broken, owing to the company throwing 49,000 shares on the market. The stock declined heavily.
February, 1868.—The contest between Drew, Vanderbilt and Frank Worth was at its height.
April, 1868.—There was a break in Atlantic Mail, with subsequent complications.
June, 1868.—An unsuccessful attempt to corner Pacific Mail was made.