When was it published?

May 22, 1822 in Harpers Ferry Free Press

Domestic News May 22, 1822

Harpers Ferry Free Press

Q: What keywords are associated?

Sea Serpent, Seal Capture, Kennebunk Harbor, Marine Animal

Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County, West Virginia

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What is this article about?

A large animal initially thought to be the Sea Serpent was captured in Kennebunk harbor on Thursday last; it proved to be an enormous seal weighing 370 pounds, killed by Mr. Isaac Wildes and a boy after pursuit and spearing.

Clipping

OCR Quality

98% Excellent

Full Text

The Kennebunk Gazette of the 4th inst. states, that an animal, which, when first discovered in the water, had the appearance of the Sea Serpent, as described in former seasons, was captured in the harbor of Kennebunk on Thursday last. He was first seen and fired at on Wednesday, and slightly wounded; the next morning he was again seen by Mr. Isaac Wildes, who pursued him into shoal water, and threw a spear into his head, but the animal soon extricated himself from the spear, and made for the boat, with his jaws extended, when Mr. Wildes thrust the spear into his mouth, and a boy who was with him dispatched the animal by beating him on the head with an oar. It proved to be an enormous Seal, weighing 370 pounds.

Essex Reg.

What sub-type of article is it?

Shipping

What keywords are associated?

Sea Serpent Seal Capture Kennebunk Harbor Marine Animal

What entities or persons were involved?

Mr. Isaac Wildes

Where did it happen?

Kennebunk

Domestic News Details

Primary Location

Kennebunk

Event Date

Thursday Last

Key Persons

Mr. Isaac Wildes

Outcome

the animal was killed and weighed 370 pounds; it proved to be an enormous seal.

Event Details

An animal resembling the Sea Serpent was first seen and fired at on Wednesday, slightly wounding it. On Thursday morning, Mr. Isaac Wildes pursued it into shoal water, speared it in the head, then in the mouth after it attacked the boat, and a boy finished it with an oar.