_Derivation of Yankee_ (Vol. iii., p. 461.).--Washington Irving, in his
_Knickerbocker's History of New York_, gives the same derivation of
"Yankee" that is quoted from Dr. Turnbull and from Mr. Richmond.
Irving's authority is, I believe, earlier than both these. Is the
derivation his? and if his, is he in earnest in giving it? I ask this,
not because I have reason to doubt in this instance either his
seriousness or his philological accuracy, but by way of inserting a
caution on behalf of the unwary. I have read or heard of a learned
German who quoted that book as veritable history. The philology may be
as baseless as the narrative. It is a happy suggestion of a derivation
at all events, be it in jest or in earnest.