The Devils Lake Expedition

It is well known that an expedition to the Devils Lake near Rochester
was proposed some weeks since for the purpose of making an effort
to capture the gigantic creature, which is the basis of an interesting
tradition of the sons of the [family?], and which from the creditable testimony
of men known in this section of the Wabash valley who aver that they have 
recently seen it. [Entitled?][illegible] consideration. Their statements awaken an exciting, and
lively interest which was manifested by a desire to visit Lake Manitoe [Manitou]
to [sound?] it’s depth, and to pertain whether the Indian [illegible], was
embodied in an undiscovered species of fish or serpent.
Lake Man-i-tou [Manitou] it seems has become a theme of no little interest
indeed we regard it with the interest that the Egyptians do their
[mysterious?][illegible]. Since the stay of the Devil’s Lake has gone forth 
there has been some stupid quibbling about the location of lake 
Man-i-tou [Manitou]. This is no dubious point. Those who have lived in this section 
of country among the Indians for 30 years, say that it has been [illegible] 
represented in the “Monster [story?],” and as it may be found in Scott’s 
map of Indiana, and the new map recently published.

It has been a constant inquiry "is the expedition [going?][out?]"
and [owing?] to these [importunities?] a notice of the proceedings in [illegible] 
with it is now given. Some have supposed the stay a new 
"[fabric] of a [vision]" to [attract] the attention of speculators to this [frontier] of 
the West. Some cannot could determine, "a better [illegible] [illegible] of [illegible] than fear" The [witty?] Prentice look upon the existence of the Monster 
with [gravity?]. for he proposes a plan to capture it, by baiting with 
a ["locofoca?"]. It is not a subject of surprise that some should 
express an incredulity about the existence of such a monstrosity of 
nature as an animal measuring 3 feet across the frontal bone and 60 feet in length - but the 
It is the premise of some to be incredulously [illegible] while others have the misfortune 
to be credulously fond of the marvellous [marvelous]! Yet in regard to the Northern 
Monsters' existence some of the most intelligent men of the state believed 
and do now, but probably not in the precise [illegible] that 
have been supposed by those who have been eye [witnesses?] to the Leviathan. 
To doubt may be a mark of wisdom. There are some who would hesitate 
to acknowledge a belief in monsters' existence = yet would shrink from 
venturing upon the Lake's surface. The Editor of the [Mayville?] Sentinel N.Y. 
thinks that "an admirable hoax" has been played off upon the Editors