Genre:

Introduction; Letter, Spoof

Relevant illustrations:

wdct. [2]

Subjects:

Monstrosities, Observation, Amateurism, Controversy

    Introduces a letter from John Skull, 'a most intelligent and conscientious waterman', who claims to have observed the 'Sea Serpent' in the Thames. A letter from Skull, written to represent his limited literacy, points out that he had 'too much ale and gin-and-water' to be 'afeard' of 'a long black sarpint-like thing upon my wether bow', and proceeds to describe, in words and pictures, the appearance of the beast. The illustration shows the author's feeble attempt to represent the sea-serpent.