Summary

New York, as the second largest city in the colonies, was home to over 25,000 people who spoke 14 different languages. The buildings were tall with churches that Alexander believed reached to the heavens. Alexander picked up his scholarship money from Cruger’s Wharf. With the help of letters from Hugh Knox, he was able to find connections within the city. Alexander impressed everyone, finally free of his status as a whore’s child. Many called him dashing, and his confidence allowed him to quickly climb the social ladder.

He soon met a tailor named Hercules Mulligan who had emigrated from Iceland with his family as a child. Hercules housed Alexander during his time at college. From 1772-1773, Alexander worked to catch up to the other boys his age, most who had graduated college. He continued to write poetry between...