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The Gaming Table by Andrew Steinmetz

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Gambling in the united states

CHAPTER IX. page 5

JOHN MORRISSEY.

John Morrissey was originally a prize-fighter,--having fought
with Heenan and also with Yankee Sullivan, and lived by
teaching the young Americans the noble art of self-defence. He
afterwards set up a `Bar,' or public-house, and over this he
established a small Faro bank, which he enlarged and improved by
degrees until it became well known, and was very much frequented
by the gamblers of New York. He is now, I believe, a member of
Congress for that city, and immensely wealthy. Not content with
his successful gambling operations in New York, he has opened a
splendid establishment at the fashionable summer resort of
Saratoga, consisting of an immense hotel, ballrooms, and
gambling-rooms, and is said to have a profit of two millions of
dollars (about L400,000) during the season.[88] He is
mentioned as one of those who pay the most income tax.

[88] _Ubi supra_.

Morrissey's gambling house is in Union Square, and is said to be
magnificently furnished and distinguished by the most princely
hospitality. At all hours of the day or night tables are laid
out with every description of refreshment, to which all who visit
the place are welcome.

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