A prodigious excitement prevails in Ireland, especially in the North, in consequence of an actual living Mermaid, which was recently caught in a salmon net at Honneraw Point, in the county of Donegal. There can be no mistake in this fact, as five or six papers corroborate it, in the important points: but the “Derry Sentinel” and the “Fermanagh Journal,” are the most enthusiastic and particular in their descriptions. The first announcement appeared in the Sentinel, as follows:

    A Mermaid and no Mistake.—A very general disbelief in the existence of the Mermaid is likely to receive a severe shock from the truth of following statement:— A creature in every respect answering the usual description of the “sea woman,” was caught lately in the salmon nets at Hunneraw Point, near Fahan, county Donegal. She is at present under the protection of a gentleman of that neighborhood, who has kindly permitted the country people, who are flocking in hundreds abort the place, to “see and believe.”
    The members of the Londonderry Natural History society we understand are to investigate this extraordinary phenomenon for the purpose of sending an immediate report of their observations to the British Association, sitting at Newcastle. We understand that if the novel monster should survive the sudden change in her situation she will be sent to Viscount Melbourne as a present to the Queen; if not, the body will be preserved in spirits, and will grace the now forming museum of our local society. A minute description shall be given in our next.”
    The effect of this notice was, that at least a fourth of all the inhabitants of Derry who could afford the expense, proceeded to a body to Huneraw, where they were admitted to an inspection of the singular creature; which is thus described in the Fermanuah Journal.
    The mermaid.—This is certainly a sea woman, and has such an expression of intelligence in its countenance, that we are absolutely inclined to believe that it is a creature of reason, rather than of instinct. We do not mean to insinuate that it has any notion of abstract ideas; but the fact is, that there is an appearance of confusion about it that would seem to indicate sentiments of shame, fear, and supplication. It weighs about seventy pounds, and is altogether human in its outward organization from the head to the navel, when the fins begin to develope [sic] itself, and remainder is formed very much like the extremity of a large dolphin. The skin of the face and the breast is a whitish brown, the eves are black, and the nose pure acqueline [hooked or curved]; and it eye brows, lips and chin, are models fur a sculptor. The hair is long and thick; and the creature’s principal amusement seems to be to stroke it downward with her webbed, but otherwise very perfect fingers.
    It looks to be twelve or fourteen years old ; and regards people, occasionally, as it had an inclination to speak, and we are solemnly of opinion that, when in its native element, it makes its wishes known thro’ the medium of its tongue. Altogether indeed, it is the most singular being we ever witnessed, and excites feelings in the breasts of beholders, at least as much akin to awe to curiosity. Can it have a soul and be an accountable creature? At all events, we shall examine it closely this week, and report particulars.”
    We shall look with great anxiety for our next files of Irish papers, on the receipt of which we trust to be able to furnish our readers with some fuller information in relation to this surprising phenomenon.

From— Burlington Free Press. (Burlington, Vt.), 16 Nov. 1838. Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers. Lib. of Congress.