46 
\ 
and found the distance, from high water mark, one hundred and 
fifty paces. He lay extended by some whortleberry bushes, when 
first discovered. The boy called to his father (who was at four or 
five rods distance) to run, for he had never seen so strange a 
snake. Mr. Colbey ran, with a pitchfork in his hand, and with 
his fork, confined the serpent against some loose rocks; when 
the serpent exhibited the most violent temper. Twice he bit 
himself, held on, and shook, (to use Mr. Colbey’s expression.) as 
one dog shakes another, when fighting. His tail seemed like- 
wise a weapon of defence ; for he struck the end of it against the 
fork handle several times. His motion was vertical; his pro¬ 
gress was very slow, not near so fast as a man ordinarily walks. 
His progressive motion was produced, by first contracting, and 
then extending himself. When contracted, Mr. Colbey says, he 
was not more than one foot and half in length, and then the 
protuberances on his back were, at least, three times as large, as 
when extended. The young serpent was killed in a meadow, 
near Loblolly cove. Loblolly cove lies upon the eastern shore 
of Cape Ann, about west from Thatcher’s island. This cove 
makes up about one hundred and fifty yards into the main land, 
in a southwesterly direction. This cove is not much frequented ; 
the nearest dwelling houses are distant from the cove, from one 
fourth, to half a mile. Doctor Kittredge has been out of town ; 
or I should have answered your letter sooner. He was the wri¬ 
ter of the article in the Patriot, to which you refer, in which the 
great aquatic serpent is represented to have been seen, on shore, 
here. He says it was general report, and he supposed there 
was no doubt of the fact. I requested him to get some evidence 
of this fact, if possible ; but he informs me that he has not been 
„ble to • though he will still make further inquiry. I do not be¬ 
lieve thlt he was ever seen cn land here ; though this, and a 
thousand other rumours, have been in circulation, relative to the 
mammoth prodigy. Should it hereafter be ascertained, that 
the great serpent has been seen on land here, I shall take the ear. 
liest opportunity to inform you of a fact, so important. 
Respectfully, dear sir, 
Your most obedient, 
Hon. John Davis, Boston. 
LONSON NASH. 
