On the cast side of the North Branch of Raritan, about a mile below the church, stands a brick house, still in a state of good preservation. In it resided a farmer named John Brokaw, who when his country called enlisted in Capt. Peter D. Vroom's company. He was chosen lieutenant, and at the battle of Germantown, Pa., fell while leading his men. By his side stood Joseph Stull, a friend and neighbor, who carried him from the front, took charge of his watch and sword, carried them home to his family, and many years after became the husband of his daughter Pheebe, from whom the particulars of this narrative have been derived.

In the spring of 1779, while Washington was yet residing in the Wallace house, in Somerville, he was made acquainted with the circumstances above related (probably from conversation with Dr. Hardenburgh, who was the pastor of Mrs. Brokaw), and his sympathies were so excited in her behalf that he rode up to this house one day-a distance of five miles-to call on her. When he entered the house he was deeply affected, and with many kind and comforting words expressed his sorrow for her bereavement. We have always regarded this incident in our Revolutionary history as one of the most affecting and beautiful manifestations of the great and tender heart of the Father of his Country.

The house is now occupied by Mr. Nevius, whose wife is a great-granddaughter of Capt. Brokaw. As a monument of Washington's tender heart, it ought to stand until it crumbles into dust.