DEVIL FISHING. 55 



apiece. In the course of the season, I harpooned 

 sixteen with my own hand, but succeeded in land- 

 ing but seven. I lost many by striking them with 

 the lance, before a second harpoon had been 

 planted; a practice that I thenceforward aban- 

 doned. The largest fish that I brought to the shore 

 this season, measured seventeen feet six inches 

 across drew me quite out to sea and resisted 

 with so much energy, that we were seven hours 

 and a half, after striking him, before we could 

 effect a landing, though several boats lent us their 

 assistance. I published an account of but one of 

 my adventures of this season ; it is found in the 

 columns of the " Charleston Courier," 3d August, 

 1843. The young gentleman that accompanied 

 me, was Thomas M. Rhett, then a cadet of "West 

 Point. The party who assisted in landing the 

 prize, were Edward B. Means, and Haskell Rhett, 

 Esqrs. I proceed with the narrative. 



DEVIL FISHING. 



BAY POINT, July, 1843. 



You ask me for a sketch of one of my late " de- 

 vil fishing adventures," and I comply, yet not 

 without fear of disappointing your expectations. 

 Having already taken many, and described the 

 capture of several, the great charm of novelty has 



