The Barcelona correspondent of the Daily Mail reports that Louis de Rougemont has been completely eclipsed by Captain Wall, the sea crocodile tamer. The latter wagered that he would cross the sea from the Island of Majorca to Valencia, a distance of 170 miles, on a crocodile’s back, without using oars or steering apparatus.
Captain Wall constructed a wooden float and placed it on a crocodile’s back. He claims that he sat on this float above the water, guided the crocodile by means of reins and a long steel goad, and accomplished the journey in 12h. 42m.
It is stated that the Spanish steamer Balear escorted Captain Wall, illuminating the course with electric projectors.
Loyal readers already know Valencia is famous for its dog detectives, but now, it has its own version of Florida Man.
This great feat inspired an unnamed literary luminary to exclaim:
I must admit it makes me smile, That yarn about the crocodile, Beside it Jonah and the whale Grow insignificant and pale, And I will say it even beats De Rougement’s turtle riding feats.
From Spain the story has been told, About a Barcelonan bold, A dashing lad is Captain Wall, And crocodiles obey his call.
A saurian he keeps as pet, And recently he made a bet, That he across the sea could tack, Upon its broad and scaly back.
And neither did he disappoint— Majorca was his starting point— He had a float on which to hold, And with his steed, by reins controlled, He sailed to Spain by reptile power, At thirteen miles or so an hour.
Oh here’s a health to Captain Wall, Before his tales all others pall, The liars of a bygone day, Defeated now may fade away.
Say you, “I’m cynical,” say you, “The captain’s story may be true”? Well, if a man did try the ride, He’d do the journey—but inside.
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Disclaimer: The modern era is far from the first to grapple with rampant “fake news.” As I am neither a historian nor journalist, I make no claims about the accuracy or lack thereof of the above sources. I assert only that they make for a good story.
Welcome to Second Glance History! This blog seeks to uncover the people and the stories forgotten by history and give them another read through a modern lens. Join me every week as we examine the differences that divide and the common threads that connect the then to the now.
What a croc…
Coincidentally, also the shoes he was definitely wearing…