University of Virginia Library

NOTE.

The foregoing Tale, one would suspect, had been suggested to Mr.
Knickerbocker by a little German superstition about the Emperor
Frederick der Rothbart, and the Khypphaüser mountain; the subjoined
note, however, which he had appended to the tale, shows that it is an
absolute fact, narrated with his usual fidelity.

“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 handwriting. The story, therefore, is beyond
the possibility of doubt.