“Important Arrival”
Date
2-15-1812
Newspaper
Charleston Courier
Page and Column
Page 2, Column 3
Newspaper Location
Charleston, South Carolina
Serial Number
373
Abstract
Report from the steamboat as it arrived at Natchez. Same article in Louisiana Gazette of February 22, 1812
Transcript
NATCHES, JAN. 7. Important Arrival--Arrived here on Monday last, the Steam Boat from Pittsburgh, which had on account of low water been some time detained at the falls of Ohio; and is destined to run between this place and N. Orleans as a regular trader. She was only 221 hours under way from Pittsburg to this place, a distance of near two thousand miles. No very satisfactory account of the shocks of Earthquakes, and their effects, which lately happened, could be expected; that received from the gentlemen on board, is rather more so than we anticipated. The shake or jar produced by the powerful operation of the engine rendered the shocks imperceptable while the boat was under way. While at anchor five or six shocks were felt 2 or 3 more severe than the rest. On enquiry at New Madrid, a small town about 70 miles below the mouth of the Ohio, they found the chimnies of almost all the houses were thrown down, and the inhabitants considerably alarmed. At the Little Prairie, 30 miles lower down, they were brought to by the cries of some of the people, who thought the earth was gradually sinking; but declined to take refuge on board without their friends, whom they wished to collect. Some distance below the Prairie, the bank of the river has caved to a considerable extent and two islands almost disappeared. We also understand that letters have been received from Louisville, Falls of Ohio, which state, that the houses have suffered considerably damage in that place.
Recommended Citation
"“Important Arrival”" (1812). New Madrid Compendium Far-Field Database. 366.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/cas-ceri-new-madrid-compendium/366
