“Extensive Earthquake”

Date

1-2-1812

Newspaper

Boston Gazette

Page and Column

Page 2, Column 3

Newspaper Location

Boston, Massachusetts

Serial Number

175

Abstract

Earthquake felt reports for the December 16, 1811 earthquake. Locations: Alexandria and Norfolk, Virginia, Charleston and Georgetown, South Carolina.

Transcript

Extensive Earthquake ALEXANDRIA, DEC. 18. On Monday morning last two shocks of an earthquake were sensibly felt in this town, the first between 2 and 3 o'clock, the latter about 8. There appeared to be but one shock each time, and its undulations might have continued nearly 30 seconds. It had force enough to shake the furniture in houses and move doors upon their hinges, and we have heard some instances of clocks being stopped by its throwing their pendulums out of their regular course of vibration. NORFOLK, DEC. 16 This morning two distinct shocks of an earthquake were felt in this place: The first (and according to most accounts) the most violent, was about 3 o'clock. It was so severe as to awaken a number of persons out of their sleep. The shock at two very short intervals might have continued about a minute. The shaking of the beds is described, as if a strong man had taken hold of the posts, and shook them with all the violence in his power. Several clocks were stopped. The houses were shaken with great violence. Again about 8 o'clock another shock was felt, by a greater number of persons, as many had [text illegible], this was also very violent. The most sensible effect produced by this; that we have yet learned, was that of throwing a pipe of Wire off the skids, in a warehouse in Commerce street. Before our next we expect to obtain some further particulars respecting this (in our climate) unusual convulsion of nature. CHARLESTON, S. C. DEC. 17. Yesterday morning, about three o'clock, a severe shock of an Earthquake was felt in this city. It was preceded by a blowing noise, resembling that made by a Smith's bellows. The agitation of the earth was such that the bells in the church steepler rung to a degree that some supposed there was fire. The homes shook so sensibly as to induce many persons to rise from their beds. The clocks generally stopped. Another slight shock was felt about15 minutes after and again at eight o'clock, which last shook to such a degree as to make a very considerable rattling among glass, china, and other furniture. A looking-glass about three feet in length, hanging against a west wall, was observed to vibrate two or three inches from north to south. GEORGETOWN, S. C. DEC 18. Earthquake.--Several shocks of an Earthquake were experienced in this Town between the hours of three and eight o'clock on Monday morning. Great indeed was the confirmation of the inhabitants, on the awful occasion. So severe were the shocks that the parade ground of the fort settled from one to two inches below its former level. A tub of water sitting on a table in the barracks was upset by the jarring of the building. Another severe shock was felt yesterday at 12 o'clock. This Earthquake was also felt at Raleigh, N C at Richmond, V and at Philadelphia, P.

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS