198 THE VARIOUS ACCOUNTS, | [N°. 59.| 
“Squam iver, Aug. 20th., 12 o'clock. — After several unsuccess- 
ful attempts, we have at length fastened to this strange thing 
called 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 in 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.” 7 
“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, 
Capt. Rich had one of his hands wound. These particulars I have 
in a letter from my brother.” 
“Saml. Dexter.” 
As far as I can judge after having read what I could find about 
the Sea-Serpent, this is the only time that the animal was struck 
with a harpoon. Evidently the animal then swam with its body in a 
straight lime. Interesting to us are the words: “He has zo scales 
on him, and no bunches on his back, but his skin is smooth, 
and looks similar to an eel”. 
