Mermaid at Portgordon, Moray (1814)

Portgordon. CC image by Ann Harrison.

 MERMAID.
TO THE EDITOR.

SIR-- As the existence of mermaids is a point that has long been disputed et adhuc sub judice lis est, and as it may contribute in some degree to settle a point of so great importance to the naturalist, I send you the following account, which I received from two fishermen residing at Port Gordon, a small fishing village in this parish, whom I believe to be of undoubted veracity, and respectable enough in their station of life. As these men (Thomas Johnston and William Gordon) were returning from their fishing, about three or four o'clock yesterday afternoon, about a quarter of a mile from shore, the sea being perfectl calm, they observed, at a small distance from their boat, with its back towards them, and half its body above the water, a creature of a tawney colour, appearingn like a man sitting with his body somewhat bend. Surprised at this, they approached towards him till they came within a few yards, when the noise made by the boat occasioned the creature to turn about, which gave the men a better opportunity of observing him. His countenance was swarthy; his hair short and curled, of a colour between a green and a grey; he had small eyes, a flat nose, his mouth was large, and his arms of an extraordinary length. Above the waist he was shaped like a man, but, as the water was clear, my informants could perceive that, from the waist downwards, his body tapered considerably; or, as they expressed it, like a large fish without scales, but they could not see the extremity. The men, however, had not long time to observe him, for, after looking steadfastly at them for about a quarter of a minute, he suddenly dived, but rose again at some distnace from the boat, accompanied by another, whom the men supposed to be a female, as they could perceive she had breasts, and her hair was not curled, but reached to a little below the shoulders; the skin of this last one too was fairer than the other's. By this time the men had become considerably alarmed, and made to shore as fast as possible, and for some time they could perceive the mermaids looking after them. Soon after their arrival they called on me, and gave the above account, without the smallest variation between them; which, if you think proper, I shall be glad to see in your paper as soon as convenient.

I am, Sir, your's, &c.
GEO. McKENZIE, Schoolmaster.
School-house of Raffan,
Aug. 16. 1814.


From the Caledonian Mercury,  August 27th, 1814.