“Charleston, S. C, Dec. 1811”

Date

2-15-1812

Newspaper

Western Spectator

Page and Column

Page 3, Column 3,

Newspaper Location

Marietta, Ohio

Serial Number

1291

Abstract

Synopsis report from a Charleston, South Carolina newspaper for the December 16, 1811 earthquake and its aftershocks as felt there. Notes damage of pictures and picture frames and the throwing down of some furniture. Notes several quakes with date time and effect. Good report.

Transcript

CHARLESTON, S. C. Dec. 1811. Seven shocks of an Earthquake were felt in this city in this month. The first and most severe occurred on the morning of the 16th, at 5 minutes before 3 o'clock, and was a minute and a half in duration. It was preceeded by a noise resembling the rattling of a carriage over a pavement. The vibration was so great as to set the bell of St. Philip's Church ringing, and the furniture in motion, some of which, in several houses, was thrown down. The pendulums of the house-clocks stopped, and in some houses the glasses in the pictures which were hanging against the wall, were broken. In many persons the motion produced nausea of the stomach. The second shock was felt while the towns clocks were chiming three. This was slighter than the first, and continued about 30 seconds. The third shock was felt at 3 minutes before, and the fourth at 10 minutes after eight o'clock. The first was severe, but both were only of a few seconds duration. The three last shocks were unaccompanied by any noise. The vibratory motion was east and west. Wind N. N. E. Atmosphere hazy and dark. The Thermometer at 8 o'clock the preceeding evening was 52, and the Barometer 30, 45. The morning of the earthquake, the Barometer continued the same, but the Mercury in the Thermometer had sunk to 46. The fifth shock was felt at 11 o'clock of the same night, and the sixth at 2 minutes after 12, on the 17th. The seventh concussion was felt on the 20th, at 3 minutes before 12 o'clock. We have had loss Thunder the last year that usual. The days of Thunder generally average about 60, Last year they amounted only to 33.

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS