A report from May for your consideration…

A Terrible Fish Story

A strange monster was captured recently [during May] in the [Missouri] river opposite Canton, by some fishermen, in their seine, while dragging for fish. We know not what to call it, or what it looks like, or how to describe it, for it is unlike any creature of earth, air or water, that we have ever seen. It is not a fish, nor is it an alligator, or crocodile, or a turtle, but resembles the pictures we have often seen in books of the mythical dragon. It is a hideous looking and apparently savage monster – the last remnant of a past age. It has a huge, slimy, scaly body, short, strong legs, immense claws, long, serpent-like tail and sharp teeth, set in, like those of a saw. It chaws up ravenously everything with which it comes in contact, but seems loth [sic] to leave the water even in quest of food, and can only be seen where drawn out by the chain with which it is made fast. We should judge it to be ten feet in length, and it weighs probably 500 pounds. When provoked, it makes a roaring noise similar to a sea lion. The parties having it in charge are having a large tub or tank for it, and they intend to take it to Quincy [Illinois] and St. Louis for exhibition. They have refused a thousand dollars for it. – Lagrange (Mo.) American.South Side Signal, Babylon, New York, May 14, 1870

“There is, of course, not the remotest possibility that this story is true, but it’s a great yarn anyway.” – Jerome Clark.

Although sales have dropped off, thank you all for a successful first week of the 2007 release of Mysterious America. If you want to buy a copy, I now have them available directly from me for $25 each through May 14, and $30 after that date, via priority mail, signed, and personalized. Send to me at PayPal at lcoleman {@} maine.rr.com Appreciation!

Thanks for this historical item and the opinion from Jerome Clark.