Protector (Commander John Foster Williams) in July of 1779. This encounter
took place at the start of the ill fated “Penobscot Expedition” against the
British base at Fort George at Majabagaduce, Maine near present day Castine.
The Protector was lying in one of the bays on the eastern
coast…awaiting the slow movements of the squadron. The day
was clear and calm, when a large sea serpent was discovered
outside the ship. The animal was lying on the water quite
motionless. After inspecting it with the glasses for some time,
Captain Williams ordered Preble to man and arm a large boat,
and endeavor to destroy the creature; or at least go as near to it
as he could…The boat thus employed pulled twelve oars, and
carried a swivel in its bows, besides having its crew armed as
boarders. Preble shoved off, and pulled directly towards the
monster. As the boat neared it, the serpent raised its head
about ten feet above the surface of the water, looking about it.
It then began to move slowly away from the boat. Preble pushed
on, his men pulling with all their force, and the animal being at
no great distance, the swivel was discharged loaded with
bullets. The discharge produced no other effect than to quicken
the speed of the monster which soon ran the boat out of sight.
James Fennimore Cooper - Lives of Distinguished American Naval Officers - 1846
