While going through some old news articles I came across this....
From the Cherokee Phoenix date 1830
http://neptune3.galib.uga.edu/ssp/News/chrkphnx/18300421d.pdf
Local News. Charleston, March 29, Sea Serpent in Georgia (Appears on: Page 2 - Col 04)
Charleston, March 29
Sea Serpent in Georgia
Capt. Delano, of the schooner Eagle, arrived here on Saturday from Turtle River, has furnished us with the following particulars, to the truth of which he declares himself willing, with his whole crew to make affidavit
on Monday, 22d, inst, at 10 o'clock A.M. Whereabout one mile ins