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Early 19th century mermaid sighting ?...
Early 19th century mermaid sighting ?...
Item # 718095
November 02, 1809
MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, November 2, 1809
* Mermaid - aquatic creature sighting ?
* Sandside Bay, Caithness, Scotland coast
* Early 19th century folklore story
The front page has an article headed: "The Mermaid,..." (see images) Text takes up a complete column.
Complete with 4 pages, ornate masthead, nice condition.
AI notes: In January 1809, several women near Sandside Bay, Caithness, Scotland—including Elizabeth Mackay, daughter of a minister—claimed to see a mermaid close to shore. Described as having a human-like face, long arms, breasts, and oily green hair, the creature reportedly waved at birds and stayed visible for nearly an hour. The sighting was taken seriously at the time, with reports published and discussed widely. Later explanations suggested the figure may have been a seal, walrus, or other sea creature misidentified. The story remains a notable piece of Scottish folklore and coastal mystery.
Category: Post-Civil War
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$48.00
