In 1922, a north american immigrant, Martin Sheffield, gold-digger and otter hunter, sent a mysterious letter to Dr. Clemente Onelli, thethen director of the Buenos Aires zoological garden.  In this letter he
described a strange and enormous animal which he had been tracking.
The interpretation given to this information was that there could possibly be a Plesiosaurus in the neighbourhood of Esquel, and a scientific expedition was organized for its search and capture. It was also an excellent excuse to investigate in the region and enlarge thescientific collections.

This expedition, impelled by Clemente Onelli, was made up of: The eng. Emilio Frey who knew the area very well, as leader and Geographer; Jose M. Cinaghi, manager of the zoo and hunter; Alberto Merkle,
taxidermist and Santiago Andueza, an experienced marksman.

They examined the area in april of the same year.   The commission made a minute observation of the Hoyo lagoon in Epuyen and even dynamited it in different spots, without result.   They finally left the region
having found no trace of such an animal.

In Bariloche they were received by a fancy dress parade and an enourmous
float simulating a gigantic Plesiosaurus.

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Transcript of Martin Sheffield's letter, sent to Dr. Clemente Onelli, director of the Buenos Aires Zoological Garden.   The letter describes for the first time the animal that later was to awaken the curiosity ofthe Argentine Scientific Society.
 

Esquel. 19th of January 1922

Dr. C Onelli
Director of the Buenos Aires Zoological Garden

Dear Sir,
Knowing of your concern to keep the Zoo in the public eye, I would like to draw your attention to a phenomenon, which is certainly of great interest and could lead to your acquiring an animal unknown to science.
Here are the facts: Some nights ago I noticed some tracks on a pasture near the lake where I pitched my hunting camp.  The tracks resembled those left by a heavy cart.   The grass was completely flattened and hasn't stood up yet.   Then, in the middle of the lake, I saw the head of an animal.   At first sight it was like some unknown species of swan, but swirls in the water made me think its body must resemble a crocodile's.

The purpose of this letter is to request your material aid for an expedition i.e. boat, harpoons, etc.   (The boat we could build here). Furthermore, in case it proves impossible to capture the beast alive,
you should send embalming fluid.   If you are interested, please send to the house of Perez Gabito funds to realize the expedition.

 I hope for a reply as soon as possible,
 With my kindest regards,
 
 

Martin Sheffield