In the month of August 18 IT, it was currently report¬ 
ed on various authorities, that an animal of very singular 
appearance had been recently and repeatedly seen in the 
harbour of Gloucester, Cape Ann, about thirty miles 
distant from Boston. It was said to resemble a serpent in 
its general form and motions, to be of immense size, and 
to move with wonderful rapidity ; to appear on the surface 
of the water only in calm and bright weather ; and to seem 
jointed or like a number of buoys or casks following each 
other in a line. 
In consequence of these reports, at a meeting of the 
Linn & an Society of New England, holden at Boston on the 
18th day of August, the Hon. John Davis, Jacob Bige- 
xow, M. D. and Feancis C. Geay, Esq. were appointed a 
Committee to collect evidence with regard to the existence 
and appearance of any such animal. The following re¬ 
port made by that Committee is now published by order of 
the Society. 
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