| | 1 | Author: | Irving
Washington
1783-1859 | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Works  | | | | Published: | 2007 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | | | | Description: | "Mr. Will Cottington and Captain
Partridg of Rhoode-Iland presented this
insewing request to the commissioners in
wrighting— "As touching the threats in your conclusion,
we have nothing to answer, only
that we fear nothing but what God (who
is as just as merciful) shall lay upon us;
all things being in his gracious disposal,
and we may as well be preserved by him
with small forces as by a great army,
which makes us to wish you all happiness
and prosperity, and recommend
you to his protection. My lords, your
thrice humble and affectionate servant
and friend, "I am of this mind with Homer, that as the
snaile that crept out of her shell was turned eftsoons
into a toad, and thereby was forced to make
a stoole to sit on; so the traveller that stragleth
from his owne country is in a short time transformed
into so monstrous a shape, that he is faine
to alter his mansion with his manners, and to live
where he can, not where he would." A POSTHUMOUS WRITING OF DIEDRICH
KNICKERBOCKER. "The story of Rip Van Winkle may seem incredible
to many, but nevertheless I give it my full
belief, for I know the vicinity of our old Dutch
settlements to have been very subject to marvellous
events and appearances. Indeed, I have heard
many stranger stories than this, in the villages
along the Hudson; all of which were too well
authenticated to admit of a doubt. I have even
talked with Rip Van Winkle myself, who, when
last I saw him, was a very venerable old man, and
so perfectly rational and consistent on every other
point, that I think no conscientious person could
refuse to take this into the bargain; nay, I have
seen a certificate on the subject taken before a
country justice, and signed with a cross, in the justice's
own hand-writing. The story, therefore, is
beyond the possibility of doubt. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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