he year 1866 was signalised by a remarkable incident
a mysterious and puzzling phenomenon
which doubtless no one has yet forgotten. Not to mention rumours which agitated the maritime population and excited the public mind
even in the interior of continents
seafaring men were particularly excited. Merchants
common sailors
captains of vessels
skippers
both of Europe and America
naval officers of all countries
and the Governments of several States on the two continents
were deeply interested in the matter.