[ 1804. ] REPORTS AND PAPERS. 149 
Sir, 
“As one object of the Academy is to notice and preserve discoy- 
eries in Natural History, | am induced to communicate to the 
society the following account of a Sea-Serpent, which I have lately 
collected.” 
“It will probably be within the recollection of some persons con- 
versant with Navigation, that in the course of a few years past, 
there have been vague reports 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 public 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 to the truth of the account, 
and to the general evidence of the existence of such an animal. 
The first correct formation I received was from the perusal of a 
letter to Rev. Alexander Mc Lean, from Rev. Mr. Cummings of 
Sullivan; which is enclosed, and marked 4. and some remarks 
were added by Mr. Mc. Lean at my request. The account was 
liable to some objections, and not so particular as might be wished. 
I therefore wrote Mr. Cummings, and in reply, received a state- 
ment more in detail, which accompanies this, and is marked 2B.” 
“I was afterwards informed, that George Little Esq. late com- 
mander of the Boston frigate, saw a sea-monster similar to the 
one described by Mr. Cummings, in the time of the revolutionary 
war with Great-Britain; and as I was anxious for all the information 
that was to be had, I wrote him on the subject, and he forwarded 
the enclosed (marked C.) in answer to my letter. I have also the 
testimony of a Capt. Crabtree of Portland, an intelligent man, 
which is direct and positive. This is also enclosed and marked D. 
It was written in his presence and received his signature, as a 
correct statement.” 
“All this evidence, I think, cannot fail to establish the fact 
that a large sea-serpent has been seen in and near the Bay of 
Penobscot. The existence of such a Monster can no longer be 
reasonuably disputed. But whether he constantly resides in that 
vicinity, or whether he coasts further south or north, during a 
part of the year, more particular information is necessary to ascer- 
tain. Nor is it known on what species of fish he subsists. By this 
communication I have it in view only to furnish evidence of the 
actual existence of the animal. It will probably operate in favour 
