A Little Maid of Massachusetts Colony

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27377

Title

A Little Maid of Massachusetts Colony

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in Revolutionary-era Massachusetts, this historical adventure follows Anne Nelson, a spirited young girl living with the Stoddards. After her father is captured by English privateers, Anne demonstrates remarkable courage by escaping to rescue him and capture a schooner. Blending colonial history with youthful peril, the story appeals to readers seeking inspiring tales of bravery and family loyalty during the American Revolution.

Summary up to 500 words

In Alice Turner Curtis's *A Little Maid of Massachusetts Colony*, resourceful Anne Nelson lives in Province Town with her guardian, the Stoddards, while her father, John Nelson, fishes. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she receives an invitation to visit friends in Brewster and travel to Boston in a carriage. However, her friend Amanda Cary, consumed by jealousy over Anne's upcoming journey, falsely accuses Anne of stealing her luncheon basket. This accusation creates a rift, causing Amanda to run home in tears and spread the story that Anne had run off with the food. Anne, feeling unjustly treated, travels to Boston with Rose Freeman, unaware that her father has been captured by an English privateer named the *Sea Bird*. Upon arriving in Boston, Anne learns of her father's imprisonment. Trapped in a cabin aboard the enemy vessel with her father and Captain Starkweather, all bound by the English crew, Anne resolves to act. As night falls, she climbs onto the ship's deck. Using her knowledge of boats, she unties her father and Captain Starkweather. Together, they subdue the sleeping crew, securing the vessel as a prize for the American cause. They tow the ship back to Boston, where the capture is celebrated by the harbor community and Samuel Adams. Upon returning home, Anne forgives Amanda for her jealousy and brings her gifts from Boston. The neighborhood gathers for a feast to celebrate Anne's bravery and the safe return of her father. The story concludes with Anne writing down her adventures in a book, which her guardian, Captain Enos, praises as a treasure worthy of publication. The narrative highlights themes of courage, forgiveness, and the spirit of the American Revolution, showcasing how a young girl's wit and bravery can turn the tide against enemy forces.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27377.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27377.epub

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Categories

• History
• Fiction