Bigelow on the Sea Serpent. 149 
boats and go with his marines in pursuit of this unknown 
animal. It may be proper to add that the original letters 
constituting the communication last alluded to, are in the 
hands of the corresponding Secretary of the Academy, where 
they may be seen. It is hoped that the unsuccessful ter- 
mination of Capt. Rich’s cruise will not deter others from 
improving any future opportunities which may occur for 
solving what may now perhaps be considered the most in- 
teresting problem in the science of Natural history. 
(Copy.) Wiscasset, May 22, 1804. i 
To the Honorable Joun Q. Avams, corresponding Secre- 
tary of the American Academy of Aris and Sciences. 
SIR, 
As one object of the Academy is to notice and preserve 
discoveries in Natural History, 1 am induced to communi- 
eate to the Society the following account of a Sea Serpent, 
which I have lately collected. 
It will probably be within the recollection of some per- 
sons conversant with Navigation, that in the course of a few 
years past, there have been vague réports of an animal of 
this description having been seen in or near Penobscot Bay. 
But little credit however, was attached to the story, and no 
particular authentic account has yet been given to the pub- 
lic on the subject. 
A few months ago I happened to hear related the story 
of one, which was seen in the Bay of Penobscot in 1802. 
And for my own satisfaction, I have been inquisitive relative 
to the truth of the account, and to the general evidence of 
the existence of such ananimal. The first correct informa- 
tion I received was from the perusal of a letter to Rev. Alex- 
ander McLean, from Rev. Mr. Cummings of Sullivan ; 
which is enclosed, and marked A. and some remarks were 
added by Mr. McLean at my request. The account was 
lable to some objections, and not so particular as might be 
wished. I therefore wrote Mr. Cummings, and in reply, 
received a statement more in detail, which accompanies this, 
and is marked B. 
I was afterwards informed, that George Little Esq. late 
commander of the Boston frigate, saw a sea monster similar 
