 He was one of the first military critics and noted for his histories of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and also published works of drama, poetry, military history, military biography and military criticism.De Peyster was born in Manhattan into a wealthy old New York City Huguenot family, and was a descendant of Johannes de Peyster Sr.. His father was Frederic de Peyster, a wealthy New York City lawyer, investor, and philanthropist.He was a first cousin of Maj. Gen. Philip Kearny.