The Van Gelder Papers, and Other Sketches

New York/London: G.P. Putnam's Sons. Very Good. 1895 (c.1887). Second Edition. Hardcover. (no dust jacket) [moderately shelfworn book, binding fully intact, small vintage bookseller's stamp on front pastedown (Bertrand Smith Acres of Books, Long Beach, Calif.)]. Tales of old Long Island. The author in his Preface states that he has endeavored to complete the work of his late friend, Mr. John Quod, who in researching his history "examined the whole country from Coney Island to Montauk Point, and in particular, visited the spots therein rendered classic by the deeds of departed worthies." Chief among those worthies was Teunis Van Gelder, "a stalwart soldier who had followed the Dutch governor, Peter Stuyvesant, in his various campaigns," after whom the book is titled, who founded the community of Matinecock. Other individuals who figure in the historical narrative include Nick Wanzer, Derrick Van Dam, Ralph Craft, Rulif Van Pelt, Obed Groot, Harry Blake, and John Munro. .