Peter of New Amsterdam: A Story of Old New York

"Peter of New Amsterdam: A Story of Old New York" by James Otis is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life of Peter Hulbert, a young English boy who finds himself in the midst of the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam during the early 17th century. Through Peter's eyes, readers are introduced to the challenges and adventures faced by the early colonists as they navigate their new world, emphasizing the realities of daily life and interactions with both the indigenous people and fellow settlers. At the start of the narrative, we meet Peter, an orphan living in Leyden, Holland, who is approached by the Director of New Netherland, Peter Minuit, with an offer to accompany him to America as a servant. Peter reflects on his difficult upbringing, having lost his family due to religious persecution, and contemplates the long voyage ahead. With hopes of a better life and driven by curiosity, he accepts the offer and boards the Sea Mew, embarking on a new chapter that will lead him to the island of Manhattan and the turbulent beginnings of a thriving settlement. This opening section sets the stage for a tale that combines historical events with the personal growth of a young boy in a formative era of American history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Otis Kaler was an American journalist and author of children’s literature. He wrote under the name James Otis.