“The Earthquake”

Date

1-29-1812

Newspaper

Liberty Hall

Page and Column

Page 3, Column 2

Newspaper Location

Cincinnati, Ohio

Serial Number

495

Abstract

Felt report of the January 23, 1812 earthquake at Cincinnati, Ohio. Very detailed report. It also criticizes the Cincinnati Western Spy for it’s earthquake coverage.

Transcript

THE EARTHQUAKE. On Thursday the 23d inst. at 9 o'clock, A. M. several shocks of the earthquake were felt, occurring in quick succession for about six minutes. They were generally thought to be equally severe with the first visitation of this interesting phenomenon on the morning of the 16th ultimo. The houses, as well as furniture, were shook so as to produce very considerable noise; and the vibrations communicated to tall bodies, such as lightning rods, were observed to continue for many minutes. They were ascertained, we are informed, to be S E and N. W. About 45 minutes past 8 o'clock this morning (the 27th) a single vibration occurred. It was strong, but only of a few seconds duration. Before neither of these shocks was any unusual noise perceptible. We feel it a duty to advert to a publication in the "Western Spy" of Saturday last, in which it is stated, that for three weeks after the 16th ult. one or more earthquakes were felt every day; and that with intervals of one or more days, they had been constant down to the 25th inst. during which, one occurred, and "others were expected!" We have no doubt that the writer of the article alluded to, made his statement with the fullest conviction of its correctness; but in affirming the contrary, we do not hesitate to appeal to our citizens at large, to decide on which side the truth lies. The shock of this morning constitutes the 11th that has been announced in this paper, and we are confident, as well from attentive observation, as from the general report of our citizens, that no more has occurred, or at least felt by a sufficient number, to warrant an unequivocal assertion of their occurrence. From the reports of that paper, it will no doubt, be concluded abroad, that, Cincinnati is in the very focus of this grand operation: we wish the truth to be told, and tell it without equivocation when we assert that this place has not received more alarming or frequent visitations than the other places in this and the adjoining states, from which intelligence has been received. Those therefore who may be about emigrating to the western country, may consider Cincinnati, as secure from the effect of this subterraneous uncontrolable power as any of the sister towns, in the Ohio countries.

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