Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1858-08-26
yuttrestinp STORY,
WASHlNGT0 IS CAVE,
OR,
!. HE ROCK HOUSE.

On the borders of what now are Som.
erset and Mercer Counties, New jersey,
there is stony range of hills which run
northeast and southwest some miles, and
are known as whole, under the name of
Rocky Hill. About two miles north of
the town Of Princeton, is a cave known
as the Rock House." or Washington S
Cave" the latter being founded on the
tradition that Washington once passed a
night in it. the other having reference to
its material. Our tale tells of this cave
during the last century.
Tradition ever since the FIRST settle
ment Of the country had referred to its
construction, to demon hands, its exact
history having been lost, and though af-
fording naturally a completely dry and
warm shelter, yet the indians of this sec
ton could never be induced to sleep in it,
nor indeed, to remain near it at night
In fact, it filled the same position towards
the wild men of the woods, that a haun-
ted house does in the more modern and
civilized tales of superstition. 1t was
well known as landma rk, and the
Z" Home of the Evil One, the title with
which it was honored by the swarthy for
esters was a point from which many a
reckoning was based 1t is needless to
repeat all the strange rumors and le-
gends connected with it-suffice it that
the settlers imbibed to some extent the
same opinions, and held it in similar awe.
1t will be believed then with what sur
prise it was heard at the few houses then
forming the village of Princeton in the
year of our Lord, 1856, that the Rock
House was inhabited. Strange, but true,
the Rock House was inhabited. One
morning a settler with his axe and rifle
they carried both then, for wild beasts
were not rare, and the old French War
was being fought and often hostile Ind
iaps made their way even so far as the
Jerseys-was going to his daily work,
when he saw stranger some distance be-
fore him.
He was large framed man with white
hair, long shaggy beard, and as was at
forwards discovered an eye black as
night but flashing as a star. He strobe
on, and as the settler watched him from
distance he saw him turn towards, ah
enter the Rock House.
The news went FORTH Many tongued
rumol-s spread strange tales concerning
the new conner, how long he had been
there no one knew-none had the hardi
hood to venture near the place-but the
stranger was universally known as
Rocky Hill Nick" Or " Old Nick Of
the Rock House" Zine sped on. and
for years Old Nick held undisputed sway
of his cayernous abode. Independent in
the strietest sense he lived with his rife
nor designed to hold communion with a
human being. How he obtained bis
ammunition was mystery to the Princeto
Inians-one they cared not to fathom, for
| it was reported that he had no need oft
that be only fred his gun for amusement
and that he could live without eating, or
that gang would CONG at his will--itwas
not clearly decided which. He'was nev
er seen on a Sunday, it was gossipped
about. and the inference drawn was that
his day settling with his master
| if indeed he might not be thatrespectable
individual himself - -'9 8
1t was '68. aud the rising fame of the
College of New Jersey attracted to its
portals, esaeng other youth, one from .he
Old Dominion answering at roll call to
the name of Madison. Handsome. wei
formed, powerful and active in body
strong aud versatile in mind, he was as
much attached to. the forest as his books
and though a superior student the love o.
adventure was stronger than that of Lat
in. Of course he was quickly Informed
of the whereabouts of Old Nick, or hi'
deputy-his informant couldn 'tPreciselJ
say, which and he Immediately resolved
to visit him shortly.
He limited the thing to several Of hi
fellows, but they shrank back from the
idea. One day he ramhled on the Hill
Eahd being overtaken by night took shell
ter under a natural cave, which he soer
found to be the genuine Rock House.
AT first the thought disturbed him, fol
he was unarmed, and had heard strange
stories of its tenant; but his natural cour
age soon revived, and he awaited in pa
tience his return. ed
| He waited not long. A tread brok
the silence, and as the occupant crosses
the portal, asif by instinct be knew o
another's presence in the dark, he cried
Who's there while the student hear'
the quick click of his rifle. He instantl
replied, !. A friend, Friend come forth?
was the rejoinder, and not wishing +
provoke him the student instantly com
piled. The other advanced, struck
Htinder light. then turned to the intruder
/" Yonng man, what doest thou here
this is nine-you have home lit i
growing late-the forest is dark, | kno,