16 ATTEMPTS TO DISCREDIT THE SEA-SERPENT. 
In 1818, when again notice was given of the presence of a sea- 
serpent in the neighbourhood of Boston, a reward of 5000 dollars 
was offered to the whalers for securing it, and bringing it home 
dead or alive. I will insert here the whole history of these attempts, — 
for they finished with a trick. 
In the copy of the Report of the Committee of 1817, which I 
have borrowed from the Library of the Royal University of Got- 
tingen, there is a paragraph from a newspaper of August, 21, 1818, 
the head or title of which is wanting; it runs as follows: 
“Boston, Aug. 21.” 
“Transmitted by our N. Y. Correspondents. 
“Capt. Rich, who went from here a few days since, in pursuit 
of the Sea-serpent, writes the concern as follows: 
“Squam River, Aug. 20th. 12 o'clock. — After several unsuccess- 
ful attempts, we have at length fastened to this strange thing cal- 
led the Sea-Serpent. We struck him fairly but the harpoon soon 
drew out. He has not been seen since, and I fear the wound he 
received will make him more cautious how he approaches these 
shores. Since my last, yesterday, we have been constantly in pur- 
suit of him; by day he always keeps a proper distance from us, 
to prevent our striking oars. But a few hours since, I thought we 
were sure of him, for I hove the harpoon into him as fairly as 
ever a whale was struck; took from us about 20 fathoms of warp 
before we could wind the boat, with as much swiftness as a whale. 
We had but a short ride when we were all loose from him to our 
sore disappointment.” 
“Rich’d. Rich’ 
“Gloucester, Aug. 20. — As I thought it would be interesting 
to you to hear from Capt. Rich, and as he is at some distance, 
I will give you some particulars of his cruise. On Monday last, 
he sailed from this m a large whale boat, and two smaller ones 
well manned. My brother commanded one of the boats. Yesterday 
they met the Serpent off Squam, and chased him about seven 
hours, when they closed with him. He passed directly under the 
bows of Capt. Rich’s boat; he immediately threw the harpoon, 
which pierced him about two feet; he drew the boat a considerable 
distance but went with such a velocity that he broke that part of the 
boat through which the rope passed and drew out the harpoon. I hope 
they will have another opportunity before they give up the chase.” 
“He has zo scales on him, and no bunches on his back, but 
his skin is smooth, and looks similar to an eel. In the attack, 
a 
