For Vanderbilt, this is a great tragedy.

He had one son who had that same sense of physical strength and ability, and he had died when he was still quite young.

It was deeply troubling for the Commodore.

For years, Vanderbilt groomed George to take over the family business.

Now, the Commodore is forced to rely on his less accomplished son, William.

I'm making you operations director of the Hudson Railroad.

Vanderbilt places William in the midst of negotiations with the owners of a rival railroad.

So name your price.

If you give us your freight, year round, we will give you the privilege of allowing your passengers access into Manhattan for two hundred thousand.

That privilege is not worth two hundred thousand.