MUIRHEAD`S MYSTERIES: An American monkey.

I found this about 6 weeks ago, from the Rhode-Island Republican of October 3^rd, 1801

Harrisburgh Sept 7. A singular non-descript animal has since a few weeks several times made its appearance, near Northumberland town,in this state, which has been the subject of much speculative enquiry in these parts. The extraordinary formation of this wonderful creature, as represented by a number of respectable inhabitants of that place, who have seen it, is certainly astonishing to everyone, particularly so to those acquainted with natural history, and furnishes the mind with a variety of conjectures, some of which perhaps not very favourable to the human species. It is said to be about five feet in height, and moves erect; it has a more perfect human face than any other animal of the brute creation hitherto spoken of. The head is crowned with hair, which falls regular over the forehead, near to the eye brows;its neck and breast are bare, but downwards it is covered entirely with hair of a reddish cast. Its arms and hands appear perfect like those of a man, excepting the nails, which are similar to claws of beasts; but the feet appear perfect. It has a very long tail, which it winds round its body when running. An attempt was made to catch it a short time since,by three gentlemen on horseback,one of whom was near enough to strike it with the lash of his whip, but taking down a steep hill, the gentlemen were obliged to dismount to pursue it, when it made its escape. We hear a thousand dollars is offered for this animal alive. (1)

1. Rhode-Island Republican  Oct 3^rd 1801.