Part 43

“4. At what distance?”

“5. How near the shore?”

“6. What was its general appearance?”

“7. Was it in motion or at rest?”

“8. How fast did it move, and in what direction?”

“9. What parts of it were above the water and how high?”

“10. Did it appear jointed or only serpentine?”

“11. If serpentine, were its sinuosities vertical or horizontal?”

“12. How many distinct portions were out of water at one time?”

“13. What were its colour, length and thickness?”

“14. Did it appear smooth or rough?”

“15. What were the size and shape of its head, and had the head ears, horns, or other appendages?”

“16. Describe its eyes and mouth.”

“17. Had it gills or breathing holes, and where?”

“18. Had it fins or legs, and where?”

“19. Had it a mane or hairs, and where?”

“20. How did its tail terminate?”

“21. Did it utter any sound?”

“22. Did it appear to pursue, avoid or notice any thing?”

“23. Did you see more than one?”

“24. How many persons saw it?”

“25. State any other remarkable fact.”

II.

“Gloucester, August 28, 1817.”

“John Davis, } “Jacob Bigelow, and } Esq’rs. “Francis C. Gray }

“Gentlemen,

“I have received your favour of the 19th. inst. In that communication you request my assistance, in collecting evidence relative to a strange marine animal, that has appeared in the harbour in this place; and I have most cheerfully complied with your request. The subject is calculated to excite much interest, at home and abroad.”

“The deponents were interrogated separately, no one knowing what the others had testified, and though they differ in some few particulars, still, for the most part, they agree.”