Gulder waded through the muck and swatted at the spit of flies hovering around his face.
New Netherland. Such a grandiose name for this shabby place, but that was Stuyvesant all over. Pompous and self-important, quick to take insult, and––above all––immensely ambitious, Stuyvesant’s first action upon landing was to read the proclamation declaring himself Director-General before bothering to inquire if anyone else lived here.
Gulder had seen signs unnoticed by the others. Strips of bark peeled from birch trees, ax marks on a few of the oaks. He stared into the deep forest, thinking he saw movement. He unslung his arquebus and blew on the smoldering match to freshen its spark.
Two men with copper-colored skin, leather breechclouts and fringed leggings walked into the clearing. They carried lances that appeared ceremonial, being decorated with long feathers beneath stone points.
Gulder waved, other hand steady on his weapon.
Historical Note: In 1645, Peter Stuyvesant was made Director-General of the New Netherland colony. Known for his heated temper, he soon became involved in a border dispute with New Haven Governor Theophilius Eaton, and he later argued with Brant van Slechtenhorst over the ownership of a region of land—including Fort Orange–outside his colony. In 1653 New Amsterdam became an official settlement. Shortly afterward, a convention of deputies from the various villages met to demand reforms, but Stuyvesant refused to listen to them, maintaining that his authority was God alone.
Stuyvesant was not a religiously tolerant man, and on one occasion he ordered the public torture of Robert Hodgson, an influential Quaker preacher.
Good for Gulder that he’s observant; seems like the others should take the hint. I like how you portray Stuyvesant from someone else’s point of view. Is Gulder a real historical person, or your own creation?
Thanks for reading. I made him up, but I imagine most such parties would have some kind of mercenary adventurer in charge of security
He seemed to fit in well in the context: good realism.
You’ve managed an excellent balance between descriptive writing, characterisation and story-telling. I really like this, Josh. Kudos!
Thanks, Penny. Glad you liked it.
I agree with Penny, this is wonderfully written. The view of Stuyvesant from Gulder is not a pretty one. Laughed out loud at him appointing himself Director-General before bothering to find out if anyone lived there.
Glad you liked it. Not flattering and probably not accurate, but entertaining to write.
Expertly penned as usual. Got my history lesson for the week in to. Nice package.
You have portrayed one of the practical, aware, and useful types, that tend to surround people with actual power, and who heroically try to keep them from stepping in it. Sounds like Gulder’s got his hands full.
I love the line ” They carried lances that appeared ceremonial…” That had me on the edge of my seat!
PS I love the name Theophillius, and find it ironic that someone whose very name translates to God loving, should be ousted by such a devout ( yet–or should I saw therefore?– intolerant) guy.
PPS. All I can hear is Billy Joel songs right now. Well, except for Elvis Costello’s “New Amsterdam.”
Thanks. Yeah, American frontier history is full of these types from Champlain to Colter to Kit Carson. Mercenaries who loved the danger and the unspoiled world. Glad you liked it.