There are in the township a few ancient dwellings invested with historic interest. The oldest is the brick house standing on the bank of the canal, near the woolen-mill, in the village of Raritan. It was built in 1736 by Andrew Coejeman, and remained in the possession of that family till 1804.

In the summer and fall of 1778, William Wallace built the mansion in Somerville since known as the Miller House. Gen. Washington and wife spent here the winter of 1778-79, rooms being fitted up expressly for their use. At this house Washington and his generals planned the campaign so successfully carried out by Gen. Sullivan in 1779. The house is still standing and in good repair.

The old parsonage now owned by Joshua Doughty was built in 1751 by the Rev. John Frelinghuysen, the bricks having been imported from Holland. At this house was really commenced the first theological seminary of the Dutch Reformed Church, which culminated in the founding of Rutgers College. During the Revolution the Rev. Dr. Jacob R. Hardenburgh resided here as pastor of the First Reformed Church of Raritan. He was intimately acquainted with Washington, and many were the visits made to the Reverend Doctor and his accomplished wife by the commanderin-chief.

In this connection the following letter is interesting. June 1, 1779, an address of the minister, elders, and deacons of the Dutch Reformed Church of Raritan was presented to "His Excellency George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States of North America," which was signed "by order of the Consistory, Jacob R. Hardenburgh, V.D.M."

The address was answered by the general the next day, in a letter dated at "Camp Middlebrook," as follows

"GENTLEMEN, — To meet the approbation of good men cant but be agreeable. Your affectionate expressions make it more so. In quartering and supplying its wants, distress and inconvenience will often occur to the citizen,. I feel myself happy in the consciousness that these have been strictly limited by necessity; and in your opinion of my attention to the rights of my fellow-citizens. I thank you, gentlemen, sincerely for the sense you entertain of the conduct of the army, and for the Interest you take in my welfare. I trust the goodness of the cause and the exersons of the people, under Divine Protection, will give us that honorable peace for which we are contending. Suffer me, gentlemen, to wish the Dutch Reformed Church at Raritan a long continuance of its present minister and Consistory, and all the blessings which flow from piety and Religion.
" I am, &c,
" Go. Washington."