mentioned this circumstance, to a few of his intimates. He was
not loquacious, and probably saw that he was relating a fact that
most persons would be disposed to doubt, and self respect
prevented his making frequent allusions to it…
When it is remembered that Preble died long before the accounts
of the appearance of a similar serpent, that have been
promulgated in this country, were brought to light, it affords a
singular confirmation of the latter...
There appears to be an indisposition in the human mind to
acknowledge that others have seen that which chance has
concealed from our own sight. Travelers are discredited and
derided merely because they relate facts that lie beyond the circle
of common acquisition; and the term ‘travelers’ stories’ has its
origin more in a narrow jealousy than in any prudent wariness of
exaggeration.
Lives of Distinguished American Naval Officers -1846
