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9 FOOT r '«LHK OF ABOUT 500 POUNDS GIVES t 5 BILOXI FISHERMEN A
STRUGGLE
August 15, 1878 Daily Picayune - Sunday, August 18k I878 - p 1 c 6
A BILOXI MONSTER
Editor Picayune:
Today brings us light of news that we take pleasure in submitting to you at a time we fancy will contribute at least a portion of relief of the terrible monotony that prevails- ternally ringing the air and shutting out all cheer, the incessant sounds and topic — yellow fever.
Fishing Party
A party of gentlemen consisting of Gillie McNeil, Dr. Wm. Vance,
A. McDonald, Dick Charles and Martin Green rowed about two miles out in the bay (Mississippi Sound) opposite here, on a fishing expedition.
After meeting with favorable success hauling in mackerel, they encountered a monster shark measuring near nine feet and weighing upwards of five hundred (500) pounds.
The scene was indeed exciting for a few moments, endangering the boat to capsize, which vas being propelled through the water by the shark at a speed reminding us of the speed of a railroad train going at a rate of 30 miles per hour, breaking anchor line like a willow stem, and every moment we expected to be transferred completely into mid-ocean.
Happily signs of prostration and fatigue began to operate against vhat we could hardly term but a perfect sea devil, h fisherman at last came to our aid with his harpoon, and, with a well directed aim, launched the terrible sea monster into eternity.
After a skipping velocity over the wnves, when all wns over, he was windlassed upon Mr. Hopkin's fishing wharf and there left on exhibition to the many curiosity-seekers, and afterwards tumbled overboard to become food for other fishes.
Biloxi is quite lively at present and dotted with many familiar faces from your dear old city.
Among the beautiful residences to be seen on the Coast we would name the late Alexander McNeil, Chas. T. Howard, L. Perkins, R. Charles and George Smith.
Fearing, dear Pic, that I may be encroaching for more space than is suitable I will conclude with the same good will that your many friends would.
A CONSTANT READER
Biloxi, August 15, I878