Mr.Fish was a member of one of the old Knickerbocker families.

He had inherited wealth, was of the highest social rank, and enjoyed in a marked degree the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens.

He was bred to the law, and as a young man took deep interest in political affairs, earnestly attaching himself to the fortunes of Mr.Clay in his contest against General Jackson, and having the great advantage of Mr.
Webster's personal friendship.

He had served in both branches of the New-York Legislature, was a representative from New-York City in the Twenty-eighth Congress, was chosen Governor of his State in 1848, and in 1851 succeeded Daniel S.Dickinson in the United-States Senate, where he served for a full term as the colleague of Mr.Seward.

At the close of his senatorial service he was but forty-eight years of age, and by his own wish retired from all participation in political affairs, thought he heartily united with his fellow Republicans of New York in the effort to nominate Mr.Seward for the Presidency in 1860.