exandria from 1775 to 1783, for this was the period of the
Revolutionary War and no capital was going begging in the colonies at
this date. Besides this evidence, the house has every appearance of a
colonial building and the woodwork is all mid-eighteenth century in
design. William Ramsay was an original trustee, appointed by the
assembly for laying out the town. For a time he was successful and
prosperous, owning much property, until overtaken by great misfortunes
and compound interest!

All of which brings us to Michael Swope of York, Pennsylvania, a worthy
gentleman of ancient lineage, patriotic inclinations, and distinguished
service. The family Bible attests the fact that he held many offices of
trust--judge of the Orphans' Court; justice of the peace; member of the
assembly; Colonel, First Battalion, First Brigade, Pennsylvania Flying
Camp Regiment, being but some of them. He was captured at Fort
Washington and kept a prisoner of war for a number of years, suffering
great hardship and privation.

[Illustration: Stairway and kitchen at Colonel Michael Swope's]

When the Revolutionary War was over, Colonel Swope's health was
undermined and he found the severe Pennsylvania winters unbearable. With
his wife and family he moved south to Alexandria, where he set up in the
ship chandlery business with his sons. He purchased from Robert and Ann
McCrea and Robert Mease the property already described as a residence in
1783. In a later deed of June 29, 1809, it is recited that Michael Swope
erected a large three-story brick building on these premises in 1784.

This house at 210 Prince Street is a fitting memorial to this officer.
The doorway to the dignified old town mansion is one of the best
examples of Georgian woodwork in Alexandria, and remains, save for one
small patch and a new fanlight, in its original state.

The back drawing room is splendidly proportioned. The paneled mantel
flanked by fluted pilasters is in keeping with the other woodwork which
is good throughout the house. Some of the best, a cupboard, was found on
the third floor and brought down to replace one missing in the great
room. Since it fitted perfectly, it is quite possible that it has only
been returned to its original place. The rear wing of the house seems
older and more worn than the front, giving the feeling of earlier
construction.

During Colonel Swope's occupancy fine furniture filled these rooms. In
the Alexandria clerk's office an inv