Arent Schuyler de Peyster

Arent Schuyler de Peyster was born in New York City on June 27, 1736.

In 1755, Peyster joined the Eighth Regiment of the British army, where he served under his uncle Colonel Peter Schuyler. Between 1755 and 1779, Peyster served as commandant at Michilimackinac and other posts. In October of 1779, he became commandant of Fort Detroit.

Peyster was married to a native of Dumfries, Scotland, where the couple lived after the Revolutionary War. A poet, Peyster published a book of collected works called "Miscellanies of an Officer." During the French Revolution, Peyster helped organize and drill the "Gentlemen Volunteers" of Dumfries. Poet Robert Burns was involved in the same organization and the two men "corresponded" via poetry in the Dumfries Journal. Burns' last poem was written to Peyster as a response to his inquiries regarding Burns' health.

Peyster diedin Dumfries on November 2, 1832.