“From the New York Morning Post”

Date

8-14-1812

Newspaper

Western Intelligencer

Page and Column

Page 2, Column 3

Newspaper Location

Worthington, Ohio

Serial Number

1218

Abstract

Account from Laguria on the March 26, 1812 earthquake and its aftermath. Detailed account

Transcript

FROM THE NEW-YORK MORNING POST. Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman at Laguira to his Brother in this City, dated June 18. "The scene here is really distressing; out of 1500 houses, of which this place was composed, not more than 500 remain; and it generally is believed, that five sevenths of the inhabitants have perished in the ruins. What contributed much to their misfortune, was the temporary loss of reason during the shock, which lasted about one minute and an half. Before the earthquake, the atmosphere was sultry and very calm. The houses were chiefly built of clay; and now this once flourishing place exhibits little more than one great scpulchre. The stupendous mountains and rocks in the neighborhood, are rent in the most terrible manner, and in different directions. The principal shock was felt seven minutes later than at Caraccas. The bodies of the unfortunate victims were collected in piles and burnt. "Provisions here are very scarce; flour is forty dollars per barrel. Only one vessel from Baltimore, with 400 barrels, has yet arrived. We wait with patient hope for the seasonable supply of provisions your virtuous and just government has voted us. If the grateful thanks and good wishes of a young and unfortunate government, will avail nothing with the great Disposer of events, you have ours. Every one who can speak a sentence, thanks and blesses the U. States. "For a while, the enemies of truth, justice, and human liberty, triumphed in our misfortunes. Superstition, turned the wise and just government of God into capricious vengeance for our opposing tyrants and tyranny. It was with grief and shame, I saw some paragraphs in your newspapers, accounting for our disasters as the vengeance of God. The silly mortal who dares to throw the bolts of Heaven, does not deserve the society of man. At present all is activity; Porto Cavello, is supposed, will take the place of La Guira for shipping, the surf not running so high, and is a better harbor. The cause of the Independents every day succeeds; every enterprise of theirs, is crowned with success. Every one begins to feel confidence in their new rulers. "The brig Pioneer was condemned June 5th at Porto Rico."

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