THE ALEXANDRIA GAZETTE — JULY 07, 1893
A REAL LIVE MERMAID.—The English seaside fake is far more interesting than the American sea serpent. The announcement is made this early in the season that a real live mermaid has again been seen at Deerness, Orkney Islands. Half a dozen honest fishermen are infallible witnesses that the crowning attraction is an infant mermaid, which appears this year with its mother. Spice is added to the public curiosity by persuading a London novelty dealer to undertake the capture of the sweet creatures. It is declared that the outraged islanders are preparing to resist the profane enterprise.
Alexandria Gazette. (Alexandria, D.C.), 07 July 1893. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.