THE LAMOILLE NEWS — FEBRUARY 06, 1878
The monster seen in the Mississippi river above Memphis a few months ago by the captain and crew of a towboat reappeared the other day near island ninety-five. This time the frightful creature was seen by some of the crew of a produce boat. The monster’s body was shaped like a snake’s, his tail forked like a fish’s and his bill formed like a pelican’s. His bill was about six feet long and a flowing black mane stood out from his head, which was erected eight feet above the water, as he swam majestically down the stream. One twist of his forked tail knocked off the steering oar of the produce boat and sent the crew in terror to the hold. The ill starred craft now lies moored at Vicksburg, deserted by all the crew but one man, the others believing that the monster is lying in wait for this particular boat to sink it out of sight.
From— The Lamoille News. (Hyde Park, Vt.), 06 Feb. 1878. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.
