Hi folks,
Here is the second and final part of lake monster archives, these items were illustrated in their original publications. Firstly, an item from The Illustrated London News titled `Another Sea Serpent`, which was actually in the form of a letter from several passengers aboard the Imogen, in the [English ?] Channel on April 15th 1856:
'Sir, We beg to hand you the enclosed sketch of a Sea-Serpent we had the good fortune to sight on the 30th March last. Imogen, from Algoa Bay, towards London. Sunday 30th March, 1856. Lat 29 deg. 11 min N. Long 34 deg.26 min. W. bar 30.50 calm and clear. Four vessels visible to southward and westward. About five minutes past eleven, am the helmsman drew our attention to something moving through the water, and causing a strong ripple about 400 yards distant from our starboard quarter. In a few moments it became more distinct…and showing an apparent length of about forty feet (above the surface of the sea), the undulations of the water extending on each side to a considerable distance in its wake. Mr Statham immediately ascended to the maintopsail-yard, Capt. Guy and Mr Harries watching the animal from the deck with the telescope. After passing the ship about half-a-mile, the serpent "rounded to" and raised its head, seemingly to look at us…then steered away to the northward...possibly to the neighbourhood of the Western Islands, frequently lifting its head…We traced its course until nearly on the horizon, from the topsail-yard, and lost sight of it from deck about 11h.45am. N
o doubt remained on our minds as to its being an immense snake, as the undulations of its body were clearly perceptible, although we were unable to distinguish its eyes. The weather being fine and the glassy surface of the sea only occasionally disturbed by slight flaws (catspaws) of wind we had a perfect opportunity of noticing its movements. In conformity to your regulations we inclose our references, and remain Sir, your obedient servants, James Guy, Commander, J. H. Statham, Julian B. Harries, D. J. Williamson, Passengers. (1)By December 1933 the 'modern' phase of the Loch Ness Monster scare was well underway. By 'modern' I mean as opposed to famous pre-twentieth century sightings such as by St Columba in 565AD as recorded by his biographer, Adamnan. The Scottish Daily Express reported on June 9th 1933:
'Mystery fish in Scottish Loch - Monster reported at Fort Augustus. A monster fish which for years has been somewhat of a mystery in Loch Ness was reported to have been seen yesterday at Fort Augustus.' (2)
June 28th 1933:
'Two men and a woman who were boating on Loch Ness had an unpleasant and exciting experience today. The `monster` rose out of the water about 50 yards from where the boat was drifting. One of the women fainted.' (3)
August 12th 1933:
'An effort to photograph the Loch Ness Monster is to be made by Captain Ellisford, a well known amateur photographer. He arrived at Inverness today with a large box of modern photographic material. He will use a telephoto lens.' (4)
By December 9th 1933 The Times had the headlines 'The Loch Ness Monster – A Survey of The Evidence – Fifty-One Witnesses. By Lieut-Commander R. T. Gould.' Gould speculates as to what the creature in Loch Ness could be and how it got into the loch. He describes his survey of the loch and his methodology with regards to interviewing eye-witnesses. Gould also speculates on what the Loch Ness Monster could be with headlines in the article such as A “ Prehistoric” Neck and A Huge Marine Newt? (5)
1. J.Guy et al Illustrated London News. May 3rd 1856
2-4. N.Witchell. The Loch Ness Story.(1982) p.40
5. R.T.Gould. The Times December 9th 1933
RICHARD WILL BE BACK AGAIN NEXT WEEK....
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