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 Kypphäuser mountain; the subjoined note, however, which he had appended to the tale, shows that it is an absolute fact, narrated with his usual fidelity.

One might suspect that a little German superstition inspired Mr. Knickerbocker’s tale above. The superstition concerns Emperor Frederick der Rothbart and the Kypphäuser mountain. But the note below, which Mr. Knickerbocker added to the tale, shows that the story is entirely true. He told it with his usual accuracy.

“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.

“The story of Rip Van Winkle may seem unbelievable to many, but I believe it completely. For I know that the area around our old Dutch settlements has often seen marvelous events and strange sights. Indeed, I have heard many stranger stories in the villages along the Hudson. All those stories were too well supported by evidence to leave any room for doubt. I have even spoken with Rip Van Winkle myself. When I last saw him, he was a very old and respected man. He was also perfectly reasonable and consistent on every other subject. So I think no honest person could refuse to accept his story along with everything else. In fact, I have seen a certificate about the matter, sworn before a local justice of the peace. The certificate was signed with a cross, in the justice’s own handwriting. The story, therefore, is beyond any possible doubt.”

“D. K.”

“D. K.”