Historic Cryptid Headline: August 29, 1877 - Another Sea Serpent
Watertown Republican
August 29, 1877
“Another Sea Serpent.”
A Monster in Rice Lake, Canada. (Hardwood Cor. (Aug 10.) Cobourg, Ont. Sentinel.)
The most intense excitement has been created here by the appearance of a monster in the waters of our lake, which, according to the description given of it by those who have seen it, rivals any of the specimens of the great sea serpent.
Two American gentlemen, who are enjoying the lovely scenery of our lake and the good sport which it affords, were out yesterday on a fishing excursion, and when off White’s Island they noticed an unusual commotion in the water, looking toward the south. There surmises and doubts were soon set at rest on discovering the undulating portions of the body of a monster which was making his way up the lake toward Harwood.
They at once gave chase and were rapidly gaining on the creature, when their courage was tested by the monster turning around and making directly for them. The view they had of it, and it is described by them as having a head almost like a horse, but twice as long, eyes fierce and glaring, the color of the skin dark gray, the gullet pink and having large but apparently soft fins or long hair along its back as far as seen. They could not see more than about twelve feet of the animal’s body, but think it must be over sixty feet long. They succeeded in reaching Idyl Wild, the monster having disappeared before they got to the shore. This was about 11 o’clock in the morning.
At 1 o’clock two ladies and two gentlemen standing on the piazza of the “Lake View House,” saw the monster pass the north side of Tick Island going in the direction of Spoeke Island. With a good opera glass they were enabled to notice more accurately the movements of the monster serpent, for such now it appeared to be, and in a short time it had passed behind Spoeke Island and made directly for the mouth of the Otanabee, but disappeared suddenly when in that part of the lake which is considering the river channel, and has not since been seen from here. Captain Brady got his yacht, the Slug, under way at once, and cruised around the island for some time, but could discover nothing of the alarming visitor. I will let you hear if anything further is seen or heard of his snakeship.
Latest.- A gentlemen just arrived from Gore’s Landing says the monster was seen disporting himself between Sheep Island and the shore. A party is being organized to attempt its capture. Two sportsmen fired at it when it at once disappeared.
I am told that the ladies and gentlemen who saw the monster are about making affidavit of the fact before a Magistrate. In the meantime every effort is to be put forward to effect its capture. I will not fail to let you know any further particulars that I may learn about this wonderful visitant of our lake. I understand the Indians are so alarmed that some of them intend removing from the borders of the lake for a short time at least, or until they are better satisfied of their security from the horrid monster now in their vicinity.
“Historic Cryptid Headlines” showcases actual articles involving cryptids that were published within United States newspapers back in the 1800’s-1900’s. The articles posted here are written exactly as they appeared during their original publishing date.
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