Judge Henry Wynkoop,¹ one of the distinguished jurists of Revolutionary Bucks County, son of Nicholas Wynkoop and Ann Kuipers, was born on his father's estate, "Vredens Hof," near Newtown, on March 2 (o.s.), 1737. He was of Dutch ancestry. His grandfather Gerardus, or Gerrit Wynkoop, born in Kingston, N. Y., 1665, married Hilletje, daughter of Gerrit Folker and his wife Jacomyntje, daughter of Cornelius Barentson Slecht and Tryntje Boz. Gerardus Wynkoop took the oath of office to the British in Ulster County 1689, and in 1700, was ensign of a foot-company in Ulster and Dutchess Counties, New York, under Captain Conraad Elmendorf. He removed to Bucks County, Pennsylvania about 1720 and died there 1745. The father of Gerardus Wynkoop was Cornelius Wynkoop, who came from Utrecht, Holland, to the New Netherlands about 1640, and who married Maria Janse Lange Dyck.

    ¹ In preparing this Introduction. I have referred largely to the Wynkoop Record, by Richard Wynkoop and for the details of Judge Wynkoop's life, to a paper written by John S. Wurts, and read by him before the Bucks County Historical Society October 7, 1902. For the life of Doctor Reading Beatty, I have referred to the Beatty Genealogy (Steubenville, 1873) and to the Record of the Reading Family by J. Granville Leach. The originals of the series of letters were presented by Doctor Beatty's descendants to the Bucks County Historical Society, by whose courtesy I was permitted to examine, verify, and print them. I have in some places omitted passages which were of interest only to the family but have endeavored throughout to retain the exact form and spelling.

    Henry Wynkoop spent his youth in Bucks County, receiving a classical education in preparation for Princeton, but he finally decided not to go to college. His public career began early. When only twenty-three years old, in 1760, he was elected to the Provincial Assembly of Pennsylvania and re-elected in the following year. On September 10, 1761, he married Susanna, daughter of John Wanshaer and Christina Egberts, granddaughter of Jan Wanshaer and Susanne Nys, great-granddaughter of Jan Wanshaer and Baertje Hendricks Kip, of the famous Kip family of New York. In 1764 Henry Wynkoop was made a Justice of the Peace of Bucks County; he was re-appointed in 1770 and in 1774, and served as Associate Judge of the County Courts in 1765, 1766, 1767, 1771, and 1773.
    In the summer of 1774, when Boston harbor was closed, a Committee of Safety for Bucks County was chosen which sent Henry Wynkoop, John Kidd, Joseph Kirkbride, John Wilkinson and James Wallace to the Provincial Conference to meet in Philadelphia July 15, 1774. Somewhat later in the year Judge Wynkoop was one of a committee of five to act as a Committee of Correspondence. He was at the same time appointed Treasurer of the Committee of Safety for Bucks County and as such received the relief funds for the besieged people of Boston.
    Although the duties of Henry Wynkoop were for the most part legislative, he nevertheless was enrolled in the Fourth Associated Company, First Battalion, Captain Henry Lott. At one time he held the title of Major, but his commission is not on record. The Associated Companies were formed in order to give the citizens the military training necessary in case of war. In a letter to Colonel Daniel Roberdeau, quoted by Mr. Wurts, Judge Wynkoop says:
    "I have received some of the Association rules, but

am afraid that the signing will go heavy, chiefly arising from the Quakers and others who chuse it staying at home and doing nothing." In 1776 all the arms in Bucks County were ordered to be placed in Henry Wynkoop's charge. Major Wynkoop was one of the Delegates from Bucks County to the third Provincial Conference June 18, 1776. He was not a member of the Convention which formed the Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776, for at that time he was both Judge of Election of the delegates, and clerk and treasurer of the Committee of Safety. He was, however, appointed by this convention as the only delegate from Bucks to serve on the State Council of Safety.
    It was about this time that the death of Mrs. Wynkoop occurred. A detachment of Hessian soldiers sent out by the British to capture Judge Wynkoop, broke into the house at night and, although they did not find the Judge at home, they so terrified the family that Mrs. Wynkoop rushed out of the house and in the darkness fell into an open well and was drowned. On her tombstone is the inscription, "An unfortunate victim to the calamities of America."
    In 1779 Judge Wynkoop was elected to succeed Edward Biddle in the Continental Congress, and in this body he served until 1783, attending its sessions at Philadelphia, Princeton, Annapolis and New York. On November 18, 1780, the Honorable Joseph Reed, President, and the Supreme Executive Council, issued a commission to Henry Wynkoop appointing him to the office of President Judge of the Bucks County Courts, which office he held until 1789.
    In February, 1780, a Superior Court was established in Pennsylvania to hear appeals from the Supreme Court, the Registers Court and the Court of Admiralty. It was to consist of the President of the Supreme Executive Council, the Judges of the Supreme Court and "three persons of known integrity and

ability." On November 20, 1780, Henry Wynkoop was commissioned a Judge of this court as one of these "three persons."
    In 1789 Judge Wynkoop was elected as a Representative to the First Congress of the United States. During his term of office he wrote to his son-in-law, Doctor Reading Beatty, the series of letters which now are published for the first time. Following his election to Congress Judge Wynkoop resigned the offices of President Judge and of Justice of the High Court of Errors and Appeals. Upon the adjournment of Congress March 3, 1791, he was appointed by Governor Mifflin an Associate Judge of the Bucks County Courts, and served in this capacity until 1812.
    On March 25, 1816, Judge Wynkoop's long life came to a close. For fifty years his services had been given for the good of the Province, the State, and the Nation. He was buried in the cemetery at Richboro, Bucks County, and the stone has but a simple inscription: "In Memory of Henry Wynkoop, who died March 25, 1816, contented and grateful in the 80th year of his age."
    Captain William Wynkoop, of Bucks County, tells the following incident about Judge Wynkoop. (Bucks County Historical Society Publications, vol. III: 156.):
    "At one time General Washington, who was in favor of styling the President, 'His Mightiness,' asked General Mughlenberg for his opinion concerning it; General Mughlenberg replied: 'If all the incumbents were to have the commanding size and presence of yourself or of my friend Wynkoop here, the title might be appropriate, but if applied here to some lesser men it would provoke ridicule.'" It is said that General Washington did not appreciate the humour of the reply.
    Judge Wynkoop was on familiar terms with the leading men of the nation in his day. Washington in his diary under dates January 14, March 11, May 6 and

July 8, 1790, records that Henry Wynkoop dined with him, on the latter occasion Mrs. Washington being present. There is a story given by both Captain Wynkoop and Mr. Wurts that one day he was walking in Philadelphia with Alexander Hamilton, when Hamilton began to advocate a measure to which Mr. Wynkoop was strongly opposed. To divert Hamilton's attention the Judge remarked upon the beauty of two Philadelphia belles who were passing. The next day Mrs. Wynkoop received a message from Hamilton that her husband was in a dangerous condition, that she should come at once. Upon her arrival, Judge Wynkoop sent a similar message to Mrs. Hamilton which resulted in the two families having a pleasant visit together.
    Judge Wynkoop was married three times: (1) 1761, to Susanna Wanshaer, (2) 1777, to Maria Cummings, and (3) 1782, to Sarah Newkirk. Susanna Wanshaer was the mother of seven of his children: (1) Christina, who married Doctor Reading Beatty; (2) Ann, who married James Raguet; (3) Margaretta, who married Herman Joseph Lombaert; (4) Doctor Nicholas, frequently mentioned in the Judge's letters to Doctor Beatty. He married (a) Francenia Murray, (b) Sarah Donaldson; (5) Mary Helen, who married Christian Wirtz, Jr.; (6) John Wanshaer, who died unmarried; (7) Jonathan, who married Ann Dick. By Sarah Newkirk Wynkoop the Judge had one daughter, Susannah, who married Jan Lefferts. Of these children there are now living over three hundred descendants.
    Doctor Reading Beatty, to whom the following letters were written, was born December 23, 1757, son of Rev. Charles Beatty, A.M. (Princeton), and Ann, eldest daughter of John Reading, President of the Council of New Jersey, and for a time Governor of the Province, by his wife Mary, daughter of Judge George Ryerson of Bergen, New Jersey. Rev. Charles Beatty was the only son of John Beatty and his wife Chris-

tiana Clinton, whose great-grandfather Sir Henry Clinton of Kirkstead, Lincolnshire, was son of Henry, 10th Baron Clinton, 2d Earl of Lincoln.
    Doctor Reading Beatty studied medicine first with his brother John (afterwards Colonel) and then with Doctor Moses Scott: of New Brunswick. The war, however, interrupted his studies. He first enlisted as a private and was at once appointed sergeant. Through his brother Colonel John Beatty's influence he was commissioned August 10, 1775, as Ensign in the Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion. On February 6, 1776, he was appointed Lieutenant. He was taken prisoner at the surrender of Fort Washington November 16, 1776, and was confined with great harshness on the Jersey prison ship. He was shortly admitted to parole to reside at Flatbush, where he continued his study of medicine. He was exchanged May 8, 1778, and studied medicine, though probably acting as Surgeon's Mate at Morristown, and attending lectures under Doctor Shippen of Philadelphia.
    In June, 1780, he was appointed a Surgeon in the Eleventh Pennsylvania Line Regiment and his appointment was confirmed by Congress in a commission November 8, 1780. On February 10, 1781, he received a commission as Surgeon of a Regiment of artillery, in which he served until the end of the war. He became a member of the Society of the Cincinnati in which he has been succeeded by his son John, and his grandson Reading Beatty.
    After the war Doctor Beatty practiced medicine at Hart's Cross Roads, Bucks County. April 20, 1786, he married Christina, daughter of Henry Wynkoop. James Monroe, afterward President, wounded at the battle of Trenton, and was taken care of at Judge Wynkoop's house. Tradition has it, that when he returned some years later, he asked Christina to be his wife but she preferred Doctor Beatty.
    After his marriage Doctor Beatty moved first to Red

Hill, then to Falsington, where he lived until he retired from active practice to Newtown. Here he died October 29, 1831. Christina Wynkoop Beatty, his wife, died April 18, 1841. They had several children and many descendants. The daughter "Nancy," so frequently mentioned in the letters, became the wife of Rev. Alexander Boyd of Newtown.

Dear Sir,     I send you by Billey, Archy's & your Certificates, with £13. 6s 7d inclosed, 10/ of this is the surplus on Crissey's gown, and the rest additional interest over what I paid you.
    I came from Town yesterday where the leading Conversation is the Success of the Federal Government, Connecticut hath adopted it by a Majority of 127 to 20, the Convention of Massachusetts is sitting. Governor Clinton made a very short stay at Pokepsey at meeting the Assembly, owing, as is supposed on account of the popularity of the proposed Government, Mr. Chase in Maryland, & Richard H. Lee in Virginia are said both to have yielded opposition to the popular current, and the Nabobs on James River are becoming aprehensive that their Influence in their State Government will no longer prevent the payment of their European debts.
    The Debates of the Convention are not yet printed.
    Our family all well, and join in love to you & Orissey, which accept likewise jointly from
            Yours affectionate
                        Humble servant
                            Henry Wynkoop
Doc^r                           Vredens Hoff
Reading Beatty                     26^th Jan: 1788

Dear Sir,
    I am well pleased with the Beeff you sent me and thank you for the trouble you have had with it.

    Last evening was a meeting of the Library Directors. I had forgot taking your books with me, but mentioned your proposal & believe any or all the Books you mentioned will be acceptable; if you are willing to deposit them in the Library for the purpose of discharging your Entrance money & laying in an advance of stock towards your future annual payments, you will please to send me the Volumes by the first opertunity or leave them at Newtown with Linton, together with an Account of their Prices & the whole will be laid before the Directors at their next meeting, which will be agreed upon at the ensuing Election.

                                                    Newyork, Monday morning
Dear Sir,                                                     9^th March 1789.
    Came her on Wednesday last, am happily situated near the North River in a convenient House where both Master & Mistress are my first Cousins, with Mr. McClay² as my room Mate. No Quorum of Senators &

    ² William Maclay, United States Senator from Pennsylvania, who in his "Journal" under date, New York, April 28, 1789, says: "I had

Representatives had yet come forward on Saturday morning, what this day may produce is uncertain, the Departure of the Mail prevents my Opertunity of knowing, probably by Wednesday or Thursday Business may commence. much Attention is paid to the Members of the new Government, the inhabitants particularly seem to omit nothing that can tend to render the place agreable; the Federal Hall is a superb Edifice, in elegance & convenience perhaps unequaled in this Country.
    Have broached the Matter I spoke to you of to Mr. McClay, who is too modest and reserved to say much about it, shall take an early Opertunity of pursuing it with Mr. Morris,³ & shall consult them on the propriety of your personal Solicitation & give you Information. John Bayard,⁴ Thomas Barclay⁵ & Sharpe Delancy⁶ are Solicitors.

dressed and was about to set out, when Gen. Washington, the greatest man in the world, paid me a visit. I met him at the foot of the stairs. Mr. Wynkoop just came in. We asked him to take a seat. He excused himself on account of the number of his visits. We accompanied him to the door. He made us complaesant bows--one before he mounted and the other as he went away on horseback."
    ³ Robert Morris, the financier and United States Senator from Pennsylvania.
    ⁴ John Bayard, born Cecil County, Md,, 1738; died New Brunswick, N. J., 1807. Member and for some time Speaker of Pennsylvania Assembly, member of Pennsylvania Committee of Safety, Major of the Second Battalion Philadelphia Volunteers. He was a delegate to the Continental Congress, 1785-87, and later, Mayor of New Brunswick.
    ⁵ Thomas Barclay, In a grove of pine trees crowning a ridge overlooking the Delaware, opposite to Trenton, stood "Somerset," a mansion of Thomas Barclay of Philadelphia, an active patriot of the Revolution. Generals Stirling and Wayne were quartered there when the two British spies, Mason and Ogden, surrendered by the "Board of Sergeants" of the revolted Pennsylvania Line, were tried by court-martial and condemned, and the day following hung between "Somerset" and Calvin's Ferry house. Mr. Barclay was a member of the Committee of Correspondence of Philadelphia, 1774-1775; and a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
    ⁶ Sharpe Delaney, born Ireland, 1739, died Philadelphia, 1799. Member of General Assembly of Penna., 1775; of the Provincial Conference,

    Have directed Mamma to send to you every Wednesday afternoon to bring & receive my letters. You will please to see them properly directed to me & deposited at Mortons, have spoke to the Boy Sears who atends the mail to take them in Care. You will I hope write often. Kiss the little Popet for gran: pa: my best Compliments to Crissey & Nicholas which you will accept likewise from
                                Yours &c Affectionately
                                                   Henry Wynkoop
Doc^r Reading Beattie.

                                                    Newyork, Monday morning
                                                              23^d March 1789.
Dear Sir,
    Not having received anything from you am apprehensive my Letters have gone on to Philadelphia, have therefore requested Cousin Girardus to enquire at the Post Office to send them back, this you may likewise do if you have an Opertunity, as sundry other Letters are included, shall write by every monday's Post, to be left at Morton's where you may receive them & deposit Letters for me on Wednesday afternoons.
    No busyness done yet, owing to the Gentlemen from the Southward having calculated upon saving the time between the counting the Votes & the Arival of the President & Vice D^o a Circumstance which hitherto hath defeated everything.
    Got Mr. McClay, who is my room-mate, to mention your Application for an Appointment to Mr. Morris, who mentioned one Circumstance which would operate as a Barrier against you, which was the Clamour which would be raised by the Cittizens in Appointing a

1776. Captain of Militia, 1776; Major of the City Battalion, 1777; later Colonel of the Second Battalion of the Philadelphia Militia. Member of Assembly, 1782; Collector of the Port of Philadelphia, 1784; also Pension agent for Pennsylvania.

Person out of Philadelphia, but Mr. McClay observed that tho' this might not succeed, something else might offer where such Difficulties would not operate, having been in Service & intimately acquainted with your Father, he is much disposed to favour your being brought forward.
    Six Representatives and two Senators are yet wanting, four from Jersey at the former and two from Philadelphia probably will be here in a day or two.
    My compliments to Chrissey & Nicholas, kiss Miss Anney for gran: pa
                    I am your's &c affectionately,
Doctor                                      Henry Wynkoop.
    Reading Beattie

                                           Newyork monday, 30^th March, 1789.
Dear Sir,
    Am sorry to find my Letters miscarried, I hope that will not be the Case for the future, to make the Matter sure let Morton give the Boys who have the Custody of the Mail some little compensation now & then to induce their Attention to take the Care of my Letters to you from the Stage office in Trenton to Morton's, the same of your Letters to me from Morton's to Trenton. No House was made on Saturday as was expected, wether it will be done this day is yet uncertain; I spent yesterday on Long Island very agreably; If you have not yet received my back letters, you had better send to the Post Office in Philadelphia where they must lay, unless taken out by Cousin Girardus; Polliticks here are barren, everything is yet in Embryo & scarcely that, shall attend to your Clover Seed.
    The passing thro' of the President is yet uncertain, it is not probable that Mr. Thompson,⁷ who is to be the Messenger will get off before the latter end of this week, he will travel in a Post Chariot, to be supplied

    ⁷ Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress.

with Stage Horses, so that when once a going their will be no Delay on his part, & as to his Excellency there can be no doubt but he will be as expeditious as possible.
    I shall be in Bucks as soon as Matters here are got in Train, probably soon after the Dispatch of the messenger & compleat Organization of the Representative Body, until then it is impossible for any Member to be away, such is our Situation here at present & yet unable to do anything.
    My Compliments to Crissey & Nicholas. Kiss Miss Nanney for Gran: pa: I am
                       Yours affectionately
Doctor Reading Beattie.                      Henry Wynkoop.

                                                    Newyork, thursday morning,
                                                                2^d April 1789.
Dear Sir,
    I have the pleasure at length to inform you that by the accession of Messrs Scott⁸ & Schurman,⁹ the Representative Branch of the federal Legislation was yesterday formed & that its Organization was as far proceeded on as the Election of Speaker & Secretary. Mr. Mughlenberg¹⁰ for the former & Mr. Beachley¹¹ from Virginia the latter, the competitor of Mr. Mughlenberg was Col. Trumbul¹² from Connecticut, a gentleman well known for his singular Merrit & Respectabillity; Mr.

    ⁸ Thomas Scott, Representative from Pennsylvania to Congress, 1789-91 and 1793-95.
    ⁹ James Schureman, of New Jersey, who served as an officer in the Revolution; was a member of the Continental Congress, Representative in Congress, 1789-91, 1797-99, 1813-15, and U. S. Senator, 1799-1801.
    ¹⁰ F. A. Muhlenberg, of Pennsylvania, and brother of General J. P. G. Muhlenberg.
    ¹¹ John James Bickley, not Beachley, was elected Clerk of the House, April 1, 1789, and served to 1797, and again from 1801-1807.
    ¹² Jonathan Trumbull, Paymaster In Continental Army ; A.D.C. to Washington: Member of Congress, 1789-1795; Speaker of House last four years of his service. Became U. S. Senator in 1795, but resigned the following year, and, Governor of Connecticut, 1798.

Samuel Stockton¹³ from Trenton was in Nomination with Mr. Beachley, but the Majority preponderated in favour of the latter, that in favour of Mr. Mughlenberg was very considerable.     Already do we experience the Difficulty of advancing the Ground entirely new & untrodden before, every step demands the utmost Circumspection.

                                                    Newyork 8^th May, 1789.
Dear Sir,
    I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipts of yours of y^e 28^th Apri1 & 5^th May with their inclosures, am happy to find you have got over your last Removal & that Crissey finds things more convenient than she expected, am likewise glad to find that the Measures respecting the federal Territory are stil in agitation.

    ¹³ Samuel Witham Stockton, Secretary of the American Commission to the Courts of Austria and Russia, 1774; Secretary of the Convention of New Jersey to ratify the Constitution of the United States, 1787; Secretary of State of New Jersey 1794. He lost his life by being thrown out of his carriage in 1795.

    Send you y^e two first Numbers of Mr. Loyd's Registers one of which is your own & the other you will send on to my family together with the Letters & Newspapers, from these together you will receive more full information respecting the Transactions of the national Legislature, than can be comprised within the Compass of a Letter. You will perceive by a Report brought in by Mr. Benson¹⁴ y^e 4^th or 5^th instant respecting Titles, if a similar one be adopted by the Senate & I understand one hath been reported to that Body this day, but lies on the table for consideration & not adopted at once unanimously as we did, that all those little Badges of Royalty called Titles will be entirely abolished: The President will be addressed this day at 12 ^oClock by the House of Representatives, in answer to his Speech to both Houses, by the simple plain & republican Title of George Washington, President¹⁵ &c. This Address will please you. I must not communicate it before it is delivered but will send you a coppy by mondays Post.
    My best compliments to Crissey & Nicholas. Kiss the little Poppet for gran: pa: I am
                                             Yours &c.
                                                    Henry Wynkoop.
    N. Was at Newark & Achquechenonk last saturday & Sunday. all Friends were well.
    Doct^r Reading Beattie.

    ¹⁴ Egbert Benson, of New York City; Member of First and Second Congress, 1789-93.
    ¹⁵ The "Journal of William Maclay, United States Senator from Pennsylvania, 1789-1791," contains many references to Henry Wynkoop of a social and political character while he was a member of the House of Representatives, when Congress held its sessions in New York City. Under date of March 31, l789, he records "Yesterday Mr. Muhlenberg accosted me Your Highness of the Senate. On my pausing be said, Mr. Wynkoop has been Christened by them His Highness of the Lower House." In the debate connected with the removal of the "Federal residence" from New York City, Mr. Wynkoop was active in the interests of Pennsylvania.

                                             Sunday morning, 10^th May 1789
Dear Sir,
    Agreable to my promise on fryday I send you a Newspaper containing the Address of the House of Representatives to the President, & his Answer: This I doubt not will please the people of Bucks, & the more so as exemplifying that Simplicity, which I trust will ever be a leading Characteristic of the People of the United States of America.
    In my last I congratulated you on the Abolition of Titles, but am sorrey to find this Busyness is not yet compleated. A committee hath yesterday been appointed to confer with a Committee to be appointed by the House of Representatives, on the Title to be given to the President in addition to that mentioned in the Constitution; as the report of a former Committee on this Subject hath been unanimously adopted, I can scarcely have a Doubt but the Proposal of the Senate will to-morrow be as firmly negatived:
    This fondness for European feathers in some Gentlemen of the Senate, I have some reason to believe is not at all agreable to our beloved President. Billets sent to particular persons from him this day had no other Address but M^r.
    This I send you by Mr. Lombaert. You will forward the enclosed papers, after reading the Newspapers, by the first Opertunity.
    My best compliments to Crissey, Nicholas & a kiss for Miss Nancey
                                               I am
Doctor                                      Your affectionate
    Reading Beattie.                         Henry Wynkoop.

                                                    Newyork 15^th May, 1789.
Dear Sir,
    Rec'd yours of y^e 12^th yesterday morning, am happy to find the Survey of the Territory as forward, think the prospects here in its favour are good respecting the Time for bringing it forward that must be left to

future Contingencies, the Senate have agreed to address the President in the mode of the Representatives, for the present, & thus I hope the Difficulty respecting Titles is got over, the arguments on this Subject you will see in the enclosed paper: Loyd's Register for this week can not be delivered until to-morrow, owing to difficulties in getting them printed, shall send them to Morton's on Tuesday.
    The Impost Bill was got thro' yesterday & will receive its third reading this day, the duty on Molasses at 5 Cents y^e Gallon, is very obnoxious to the eastern Gentlemen, & the Discriminations on the Shipping in favour of American Bottoms, together with sundry other protecting dutys in favour of American Manufacturies, is equally so to the Gentlemen from the Southward, so that we of the Middle States find it utterly impracticable fully to satisfy those of the extremities in doing equal Justice to the united interests of this Country.
    Am happy to find you are as well settled, tho' your not having all those conveniences which might be wished may be temporarily disagreable yet generally those Deficiencies to People setting out in the World, have a beneficial Effect by introducing that Attention, Care & Economy which by perseverance will surmount every Difficulty.
    A Ball was given last evening by the French Ambassador in favour of the President, which was elegant & agreable in the highest Degree, the Dance was introduced by eight young Gentlemen, four of whom were in French & four in American national Uniforms, & ladies with Sprigs of black & white flowers in their Hair, the Gentlemen with black & white cockades in their Hatts.
    My Compliments to Crissey, Nicholas & Miss Nancey, which accept likewise from
                     Yours affectionate
Doctor Reading Beattie.                 Henry Wynkoop.

    N. after reading send forward the newspaper with the enclosed.

                                                    Newyork, 18^th May, 1789.
Dear Sir,
    I have the pleasure to inform you that the Impost Bill hath at length passed the House of Representatives & stands limited to seven years, by which time an ample experience may be made of its operation & effects on the different parts of the Continent, this subject, like all others, underwent a severe debate, as you will perceive by the Newspapers & for the first time produced a Call of Yeas & Nays.
    The Bill for regulating the Collection of this Revenue, which has been for some time the Order of the Day, but still postponed to give way for the former, will be taken up this Day, & altho' introduced as a temporary System will probably now be changed into a general one.
    The Senate are labouring at the Judiciary Department, as that you may thus see, that altho' the old Proverb, that large Bodies move along slow, is verified here, yet we are doing something & not eating the Bread of Idleness.
    Dining at the House of an old Acquaintance yesterday, an old respectable Gentleman there hit upon a thought respecting Titles, so near & singular that I cannot refrain mentioning it, that every succeeding President should be honor'd with the Title of Washington, thus the Name & Virtues of this great Man to be perpetuated in his official Successors as that of Caesar became a Title to the Roman Emperors, & Pharoh that of the Egyptian kings. But thus for Posterity, I hope the Title of the present President is fixed so as not to be adulterated during his continuance in Office.
    You will forward the enclosed papers, except your Register, by the first Opertunity.

    I think Mr. Boudinot¹⁶ was wrong in not having the Territorial Matters brought forward as early as possible. I want to have the whole Matter settled before the Adjournment, so that Materials may be collecting yet this season for the erection of the Public Buildings early in the Spring, the foundations ought to be laid this Fall, I am
                                                  Yours &c.
                                                     Henry Wynkoop.

                                                         [May 20, 1789]
Dear Sir,
    I have the pleasure to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of y^e 17^th. Spoke to Loyd respecting his Register being so far behind, he lays it to Difficulties in getting them Printed, the second Number not out yet, but send you the Newspapers which generally afford the Substantial parts of the Transactions of each day.
    Attended the Levee of the President on tuesday last for y^e first, the Company was numerous, respectable & agreable.
    The temporary Bill for collecting the Revenue hath been set aside for the purpose of adopting a permanent System, which hath been for this long time forming in Committee, but not yet reported.
    Coll: Bland¹⁷ was day before yesterday siezed with an apoplectic of which he is again happily recovering, several Gentlemen are complaining of their want of Health, the weather is perpetually cold, damp & chilly, so that our fires are as regularly attended to as in the middle of Winter, indeed one Gentleman who has resided here some years gives it as a disputable Subject wether summer comes at all to this place; The eastern Gentlemen all wish to he permanently settled

    ¹⁶ Elias Boudinot, Member of Continental Congress, and of the First, Second and Third Congress of the United States.
    ¹⁷ Col. Theodoric Bland, of Virginia, entered the Continental Army and rendered distinguished service in the Cavalry. Member of Continental Congress, elected to First Congress and died during its session.

on the Falls of the Delaware, & some of them express an Uneasiness at the Proposals not coming forward, I believe if the Pennsylvania Delegation be unanimous in that Spott it will carry by a considerable Majority.
    Mr. Ogden's Plaister is too dear for my purse, must therefore do without this Season.
    Mean to apply for leave of Absence this day fortnight, so as to gratify myself with a sight of the people of Bucks at the Court.
    My Compliments to Crissey, Nicholas & Miss Nancey, with Miss Peggey Cummings if with you yet, & accept the same from
                                                   Yours &c.
                                                      Henry Wynkoop.
Doctor Reading Beattie.
    Direct to H. Wynkoop
        Representative in Congress, Newyork.

                                                    Newyork, 26^th June, 1789.
Dear Sir,
    My wishing to be some time in the Neighborhood of Trenton, prevented my calling at your House on my Return, an Omission which must be made up to Crissey in some other way.
    The President is recovering, the Disorder terminated in an Ulcer in the Thigh, which hath been opened & is said to be in a fair Way of doing well.
    A melancholy Accident befell Mr [Pierce] Butler of the Senate & Mr [Daniel] Huger of the Representatives, both from South Carolina, who riding in a Chair on wednesday evening, the Horse took fright, ran off & shattered the Chair Mr. Butler was much hurt but M^r Huger has one of his legs so fractured that it must be taken off to save his Life, which it is said will yet be doubtfull.
    The Impost Bill now lays with the Senate, & a Committee of Conference is Appointed from both Houses

on the Differences which have occurred on that Subject, the Collection Bill is recommitted to a special Committee, the Bills for establishing the Department of foreign affairs & War have passed the Representatives, & that of the Treasury was taken up yesterday.
    The unprecedented establishment of leading Principals proves the Cause of great Delay in bringing forward the Operations of the new Government. Happily great Harmony continues to prevail, tho' Individuals differ in Sentiment on particular Subjects, the National Good is the leading Object.
    My Compliments to the family which likewise accept from
                                     Yours affectionate
                                                      Henry Wynkoop.
Doctor Reading Beattie

                                                    Newyork, 3^d July, 1789.
Dear Sir,
    I do not wonder that People are surprised at the slow Movement of the New Government, for my own part I had no Conception of it, altho' I was well aware that much time would he requisite for the establishment of those Precedents & Principals, which are to give the leading Ton to the Operations of the Government, yet did not expect so great a consumption of time. The Impost Bill hath at length passed both Houses, & also that on Tonnage, those for the establishment of the three great Departments, of Foreign Affairs, War & the Treasury, have passed the House of Representatives, that for the Collecting the Revenue is yet under Debate.
    Great millitary Parade is expected to-morrow. An Oration will be delivered by one of the Cincinnati half after 12. Tickets have been presented to us by the Baron Steuben.
    The President is getting better, but some time will probably elapse before he will be perfectly recovered.

    My Compliments to Crissey & a kiss for Miss Nancey. I am
                                                Yours &c.
                                                   Henry Wynkoop.
Doct^r
    Reading Beattie

                                                    Newyork, 31^st July, 1789.
Dear Sir,
    Came here about eight in the evening after leaving you at Trenton.
    The Bill for the Collection of the Impost went to the President yesterday & probably will be returned this day, to-morrow is the first of August, so that the Collection of this Revenue must necessarily take place at such times as the Officers in the different Ports shall receive Information of their Appointments, which will not be an equal Commencement but can not be avoided.
    Loyd yesterday promised to send your Registers in arrear, but they have not come in yet.
    The Registering of the Shiping & regulating the Coasting Trade is at present the Business before the House, the establishment of the Judiciary probably will be the next Object, that of the Wages and Civil List together with the Disposal of the Lands in the Western Territory, as well as sundry other Concerns, appear to press equally hard upon the Attention of Congress.
    My Compliments to Crissey & Nicholas, which likewise accept from
                                  Your affectionate
                                                   Henry Wynkoop.
Doctor
    Reading Beattie

                                                    Newyork 7^th Aug. 1789.
Dear Sir,
    Having nearly got over the discussion & establishment of general Principles, the Business of Legislature now proceeds as fast as could be expected, the

power of removability by the President is yet in dispute between the two Houses, on the Bill for the establishment of the Treasury Department, The Senate, I believe, in this instance, will have to yield or the Bill will be lost, the Sense of the President on this Subject has already been fully expressed in the Commissions issued to the Revenue Officers, by fixing their tenures during pleasure.
    The papers from Trenton have come forward & that Business is put into train of operation, & if possible will be determined before the Adjournment, which Gentlemen are in hopes will take place by September.
    The final Question respecting the Compensation of the Members was yesterday taken which terminated in favour of the Report of the Committee six Dollars y^e day.
    You will please to forward the enclosed. My Compliments to Crissey, Nicholas & Miss Nancey, which likewise accept from
                               Your affectionate
                                                Henry Wynkoop.
Doct^r
    Reading Beattie

                                                    Newyork 12^th Aug. 1789.
Dear Sir,
    I have received yours of y^e 3^d & 10^th the first not until after I had wrote on Fryday last, have requested Mamma to furnish you with Indian Corn.
    The papers respecting the Federal Territory are here, [Thomas] Fitsimmons, [George] Clymer, [Thomas] Hartley & Gen. Mughlenberg are a Committee of Pennsylvanians to attend to it and sound the Eastern Members who are to have a Meeting upon the Subject, which for some time has been deferred on Account of the absence of Mr [Roger] Sherman, who is now return'd, the only Difficulty in the Way is the Scituation being too far eastward of the Centre,

some of y^e Virginia & some of the Maryland Gentlemen have shown a Disposition to meet us on the Susquehanna, how far a Relinquishment of the Potomack will affect the Falls of the Delaware time only can discover, the Susquehanna will certainly loose Newyork and Jersey, who, if they would unanimously fall in with us, would far overballance the Number which can be gained from the two first mentioned States, but the NewYorkers are very silent & nothing can be drawn from them, their predilection in favour of their own Metropolis renders them exceeding cautious.
    Have sundry of Loyd's Numbers in possession, but expecting soon to be in Bucks myself, wish not to incumber the Mail with them, the papers inclosed will afford you the Proceedings of Congress except yesterday, which was spent on the Subject of Amendments & establishing the Mode of procedure, this day expect the Merits will be entered upon.
    My Compliments to Crissey & Nicholas which likewise accept from
                                  Your affectionate
                                                   Henry Wynkoop.
    N. A kiss for Miss Nancey.

                                                    Newyork Aug. y^e 28^th.
Dear Sir,
    Yesterday was brought on by Mr. Scott the important Motion, agreable to previous Notice, for fixing the permanent Residence of Congress, it was opposed generally by the eastern Gentlemen as premature & terminated by fixing it the Order of the day for Thursday next, this was carried by 28 against 21, from present appearances am induced to believe it will be in Pennsylvania somewhere, & from confidential Communications there is a strong probabillity, at the Falls of the Delaware. The discussion of this Subject engrossed the attention of the Cittizens exceedingly, the Galleries were more crowded than I had seen them.

    The papers accompanying will afford Information respecting the Proceedings of Congress, the time of adjournment you will perceive is extended to y^e in 22^d Sep^r. by which my Attendance at the next Court will be rendered very precarious, for should the permanent residence be undetermined, my absence from Congress would be very unpopular in Bucks generally, & at the Falls utterly unpardonable.
    My best Compliments to Crissey & Nicholas & accept the same from
                                 Your affectionate
                                                  Henry Wynkoop.
Doct^r
    Reading Beattie.

                                                    Newyork Sep^r 4^th, 1789.
Dear Sir,
    The permanent Seat of Government is at length likely to be fixed & by a much greater Majority than could have been expected, a Situation hath been selected by the Eastern Gentlemen on the East bank of the Susquehannah, which adds to their Strength three Votes from Maryland & probably some more from the Southward. The Debates of yesterday will afford you information respecting this interesting Subject: since my last to you, when the probability was in favour of the Falls, this Business has been continually wavering & uncertain, one day, the Conclusion might have been in favour of the Delaware, and the next the Potomack, am well aware this will be a Disappointment to the people about you, it is so to me, but as Friend to the general Interests of our Country, we may derive satisfaction from the probability, as things stood yesterday, that a place is fixed upon more generally agreable to the various Parts of the Union than could have been expected; Virginia indeed appears mortified & chagrined & afforded every Opposition in her Power yesterday, which probably will be brought forward with

renewed Vigour, this morning, the House was ripe for the Decision, but sitting until 4 O'clock yesterday, at length yielded to the Solicitations of the Southern Gentlemen & rose without Determining on the Question.
    For my own part, considering the very disagreable Situation this Subject hath been in for some time past, am happy in the Prospect of its terminating so much to the general Interest of Pennsylvania & Acquiescence of the Union. My Compliments to Crissey & Nicholas & accept the same from
                            Your affectionate
                                             Henry Wynkoop.
Doctor Reading Beattie.
    N. Drank Tea with Aunt Sukey on Wednesday evening.

                                                    Newyork 7^th Sep^r 1789.
Dear Sir,
    Having missed the Post on Fryday morning was obliged to put my letters in the Care of Mr. McCann, who may have forgot leaving them at Morton's. The Resolutions for fixing the federal Town at the Susquehannah have been carried in Committee of the whole by a small majority & are now before the House, where it meets with violent Opposition from the Southern Delegation. Consider it now as entirely lost to the falls of the Delaware, tho' Mr. Morris is not wholly disheartened; this Measure has taken a most unaccountable turn, ten Days ago should scarcely have considered it as any Risk for a Man to have staked his life in favour of the Delaware, & at present it would be imprudent to risk a shilling; Should the Susquehannah fail, it goes either to Germantown or the Potomack, most probably to the latter.

    My Compliments to your little family which likewise accept from
                              Your affectionate
Doctor Reading Beattie.                         Henry Wynkoop.

                                                    Newyork 11^th Sep^r 1789.
Dear Sir,
    Have the pleasure to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of y^e 6^th & 9^th. I feel very sensibly for the People of the Falls, to have been so nigh gaining a great Object & missing it at last, ever tends to increase the Disapointment. You will readily perceive by the Votes that had the Eastern Members fixed on the Delaware, it would have been carried by at least three Votes more than Susquehannah, for you would have gained Jersey & Delaware 5, & lost two in Maryland, which would have left a Ballance of three.
    The place on the Susquehannah will be selected by the Commissioners, who on viewing the Ground will be enabled to decide with propriety.
    The bill for allowing Compensation to the Members & Officers of Congress, was lost yesterday, owing to a Principal of Discrimination in favour of the Senate, the establishment of which was refused by the Representatives, this was introduced by proposing 7 Dollars y^e day to the Senators & 6 to the Representatives, so that as matters now stand, we shall have to find our Way home with Purses pretty well emptied.
    Am this day for the first time to dine with the Vice-President.
    The establishment of the Judiciary is yet undetermined, together with so many matters of great Importance that the adjournment will with great difficulty be accomplished by the time proposed.
    My Compliments to Crissey & Nicholas which likewise accept from
                              Your affectionate
Doctor Reading Beattie.                         Henry Wynkoop.

Source:

Beatty, Joseph M., Jr., "The Letters of Judge Henry Wynkoop, Representative from Pennsylvania to the First Congress of the United States," Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 38, No. 1 (January 1914), pp. 39-64.