[1804 Autograph Letter Signed by “Woche” (or “Wocke”) in Philadelphia to John H. Christopher Heineken, a consul-general from the United Provinces of Netherlands, in nearby Germantown].

To John H. Christopher Heineken, a consul-general from the United Provinces of Netherlands

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In this two page letter written in Philadelphia on September 12, 1804, to John H. Christopher Heineken (?–1808) — a consul-general from the United Provinces of Netherlands — man-on-the-ground “Woche” (“Wocke” ?) politely but familiarly addressed numerous issues.

The first issue involved the desired sale of a collection of paintings possibly owned by J. H. C. Heineken. Unfortunately, not one of the connoisseurs known to Woche offered any interest in buying.  Woche suggests different means for making the collection of paintings known to the buying public via newspaper advertisements. A Mr. Lechleitner is also potentially involved with Heineken’s paintings.

The second issue was the temporary lack of coffee in Philadelphia during the month. Following are greetings to be forwarded to Mrs. Heineken along with arrangements to consider the placing of a female servant in the household. The letter ends with a request that Heineken “write a small Note to Mr. Otto to settle his account.” Woche had received a sum of money from another agent in Norfolk but intended for Philadelphia physician, Dr. Otto.

The letter provides a small window into the variety of transactions carried out by networks of trust established among social elites in Philadelphia area at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Heineken died October 12, 1808 and was buried in Christ Church in Philadelphia. A son, John F. D. Heineken matriculated from the University of Pennsylvania and became a physician.

Who was “Woche”? Does this letter illuminate Heineken’s paintings described by the former as: “[T]o [sic] many paintings in your house, when the family comes to town & amongst them are a great number which will never be sold here…”

Price: $45.00