A rather novel and sensation, which came near resulting seriously, however, occurred in connection with the heavy rains on Saturday. A report was circulated that a mermaid had been brought in by the high tides and washed ashore to the foot of Trade street, near Chisholm’s mills. A large crowd went through the rain and mud to the spot indicated only to be disappointed in not finding it.
    It was afterwards reported that the marine stranger had been captured and taken to the establishment of Dr. W. G. Trott, the well-known druggist at the northwest corner of King and Broad streets, and that it had there declared the rains would continue and the winds blow until it was released and returned to its proper element. The report spread so rapidly through the whole city that in less than half an hour Dr. Trott’s doors were besieged by the crowds of freedmen and a few white visitors, determined on seeing the wonderful though apocryphal denizen of the deep. Dr. Trott, who had been made the victim of some wag, although taken by surprise, received his visitors quite cooly, and endeavored to pass it off as a joke. The crowd, however, which continued to increase, was not so easily satisfied. Some one reported that the pilot boat Wild Cat had just come in with a message from outside, stating that unless the mermaid was brought and delivered over the bar within twenty-four hours there would be dreadful doings in the city of Charleston at the expiration of that time. Some of the freedmen from the country proposed a rescue, and the crowd at last became so furious and threatening that the proprietor of the establishment was compelled to ask for a squad of policemen to protect his premises. Two policemen were according detailed for the purpose, and remained on duty guarding the establishment during Saturday afternoon and night. Yesterday morning the scene of the excitement had again become quiet, with only an occasional visitor calling in to see the mermaid.

Alexandria Gazette. (Alexandria, D.C.), 01 Aug. 1867. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.