For three-quarters of a century, he exerted political clout in both New York State and the nation. His friends and enemies were among the celebrated and the powerful, the illustrious and infamous. He saw history being made. He made history himself. These are the memoirs of Hamilton Fish: his colorful life, the people who were a part of it and the world events he was instrumental in shaping. "Politics was in my family's blood, so it was no surprise when I entered the field myself," observed Hamilton Fish. His great grandfather was the first adjutant general of the state of New York; his grandfather was governor of New York, a U.S. senator, a U.S. representative, and secretary of state for President Ulysses S. Grant; his father was a U.S. representative and served as assistant U.S. treasurer. Hamilton Fish joined their ranks in 1912 when he was appointed chairman of the Putnam County, New York, Bull Moose Party. Elected to the New York Legislature, with Franklin D.
Roosevelt he fought political corruption and the power of the bosses and their political machines. During World War I, Fish was made captain of the 369th U.S. Infantry Regiment, the all black regiment known as the "Harlem Hellfighters." His distinguished service won him the Silver Star for Bravery. Two years after the Armistice, he was elected to Congress, a seat he held for twenty-five years. "I have devoted my life to serving the American people by doing what I could to secure for them their civil rights, regardless of the color of their skin, and by protecting our country against her enemies, both foreign and domestic." During his lifetime, Hamilton Fish worked unceasingly for civil rights for black Americans. He was tireless in his battles against communism which, he believed, was "no idle threat but a very real menace to peace." He was an early and dedicated supporter of the Jewish people and their right to a national homeland.
Fish also vividly recalls his long political friendship and bitter break with Franklin D. Roosevelt, a man he called "one of the most skillful politicians in American history." He paints a virulent portrait of the man he came to believe had succumbed to lust for power, at the expense of the American people. Though Hamilton Fish did not hold public office after 1945, he remained a politician throughout his long life. Shortly before his death on January 18, 1991, he was still active: writing, speaking, and organizing various patriotic and political groups. His life is a reflection of the man himself, tough, opinionated, passionate - and utterly dedicated to his country. It is indeed the memoir of a patriot.
