The article explores literary representations of India and the East Indies in early American novels such as "Dorval; or, The Speculator" by Sarah Sayward Barrell Keating Wood, "Moreland Vale; or, The Fair Fugitive," and "Kelroy" by Rebecca Rush. Emphasis is given to topics such as the Orientalist origins and transcultural aspects of the American novel, the gendered aspects of economic desire and wealth, and India in relation to patriarchy and masculinity.