74 THE VARIOUS ACCOUNTS, [N*. 40] 
mode of turning, its length of more than seventy feet, its sinking 
down like a rock, when disappearing, need not be spoken of; 
they were mere repetitions of former statements. 
I am sorry I have not been able to get a look at Mr. Bracn’s 
figure. 
AS — 1817, August 15.— (Report of a Committee, 1817). 
“IT, James Mansfield, of Gloucester, in the county of Essex, 
merchant, depose and say: That I saw a strange creature, of 
enormous length, resembling a serpent. I think this was on the 
15th. of August, A. D. 1817. I should say he was from forty to 
sixty feet in length, extended on the surface of the water, with 
his head above the water about a foot. He remained in this position 
but a short time, and then started off very quick, with much 
greater velocity than I have seen him move with at any other 
time. I saw bunches on his back about a foot in height, when 
he lay extended on the water. His colour appeared to me black 
or very dark. It was a little before six o’clock P. M. when I saw 
him. I should say, he moved a mile in five or six minutes.” 
“QQ. How near the shore was the serpent?” 
“4. About one hundred and eighty yards from the shore where 
I stood.” 
“Q. Were its sinuosities vertical or horizontal ?” 
“A. Vertical.” 
“Q. What were the size and shape of its head; and had it ears, 
horns, or any other appendages?” 
“4. His head appeared to be about the size of the crown of a 
hat, at the distance from whence I saw him. The shape of his 
head I cannot describe, and I saw no ears, horns, or other ap- 
pendages. I had no spy glass, and cannot describe him so minutely 
as | otherwise could. I have seen him at other times, but my 
view of him was not so good, as on this day.” 
“James Mansfield.” 
“Hssex, ss. August 27, 1817. Then James Mansfield made oath 
to the truth of the foregoing deposition by him subscribed.” 
“Before Lonson Nash, Jus. Pacis.” 
We have here again the statement that the animal is able to 
keep its bunches, when it lies extended on the water. 
