I want to give credit to Dave H. for posting this to the Facebook group.
Another ancient article on a bigfoot sighting, this time in America, as reported in the New Zealand newspaper, the Wellington Independent, Volume VII, Issue 648, 27 December 1851, Page 4
The Memphis (U.S.) Enquirer gives an account of a wild man recently discovered in Arkansas. It appears, that during March last, Mr. Hamilton, of Greene county, Arkansas, while out hunting with an acquaintance, observed a drove of cattle in a state of apparent alarm, evidently pursued by some dreadful enemy. Halting for the purpose, they soon discovered, as the animals fled by them, that they were followed by an animal bearing the unmistakeable likeness of humanity. He was of gigantic stature, the body being covered with hair, and the head with long locks that fairly covered his neck and shoulders. The wild man, after looking at them deliberately for a short time, turned and ran away with great speed, leaping from 12 to 14 feet at a time, his footprints measuring 13 inches each. This singular creature, the Enquirer says, has been long known traditionally in St Francis, Greene, and Poinsett counties, Arkansas, sportsmen and hunters having described him about seventeen years since.
A planter, indeed, saw him very recently but withheld his information lest he should not be credited, until the account of Mr. Hamilton and his friend placed the existence of the animal beyond cavil. A great deal of interest is felt in the matter by the inhabitants of that region, and various conjectures have been ventured in regard to him. The most general entertained idea appears to be, that he was a survivor of the earthquake disaster which occurred in 1811. Thrown helpless upon the wilderness by that disaster it is probable he that grew up in his savage state, until he now bears only the outward resemblance of humanity. So well authenticated have became the accounts of this creature, that an expedition is organizing in Memphis, by Colonel David C. Cross and D. Sullivan to scout for him.
Source: http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast?a=d&cl=search&d=WI18511227.2.10&srpos=13&e=01-01-1839–12-1945–10–11-byDA—0%22Wild+man%22
Steve W
What flowery prose was ventured to describe the beast, pray too the great people who domicile in the wild regions of Arkansas in 1851.
Hard to deny the anecdotal existence of the big guy when you can go back this far and farther describing the same thing people are seeing today.
Jan W
I agree, Steven! Rather lovely prose for describing an “abomination”! Well, maybe that’s a bit harsh, but I have a feeling these beasts are none too “friendly”. Great story and will have to research Col. Cross and D. Sullivan’s findings, if there is any record of.
PATRICK
Ah I do miss flowery prose.
Harvey78
Simply splended account I must say. Ones monocle alomstly fell to thy breast just reading this