“A slight shock of an earthquake....”
Date
2-5-1812
Newspaper
The Georgia Journal
Page and Column
Page 3, Column 2
Newspaper Location
Milledgeville, Georgia
Serial Number
592
Abstract
Report of earthquake of February 4, 1812 earthquake felt at Milledgeville, Georgia. Time of shock was “ a little before 5 “ force was “slight”. Notes that earthquakes were caused by an imbalance of electrical fluid. Notes theory was that of Mr. Bertholon of France.
Transcript
A slight shock of an Earthquake was felt in this place yesterday evening, a little before 5 o'clock. Mr. Bertholon, a celebrated French Philosopher, is of opinion, that Earthquakes are occasioned by a rupture of the equilibrium between the electrick matter which reigns in the atmosphere and that which is proper to the mass of the earth; from which result trembling as well as thunder-that if the superabundance of electrical fluid in the earth finds an easy ascent, the equilibrium is quietly restored. But, if the obstacles are considerable, an earthquake is the consequence; the force and extent of which are proportioned to the magnitude of the defalcation of the equilibrium, to the depth it is from the surface, and to the obstacles it has to vanquish.
Recommended Citation
"“A slight shock of an earthquake....”" (1812). New Madrid Compendium Far-Field Database. 580.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/cas-ceri-new-madrid-compendium/580
