“The Earthquake”

Date

2-22-1812

Newspaper

Savannah Republican

Page and Column

Page 2, Column 3

Newspaper Location

Savannah, Georgia

Serial Number

713

Abstract

Felt report from Ft. Massac, Illinois on the effect of the earthquake of December 16, 1811. good detailed report. Notes that Fort had broken chimneys and other structural damage.

Transcript

THE EARTHQUAKE Of the 16th December appears to have been more alarming in the western country that on the Atlantic. The following is an extract of a letter from a gentleman at Massac, to his brother in Maryland:-- FORT MASAC,* Dec. 17, 1811. "I did not intend writing you this week, but a late dreadful phenomenon which happened, and still continues to alarm the inhabitants in this neighborhood, will probably excite your anxiety as to my safety. You will no doubt before this is received, have heard of the earthquake experienced in this quarter; and as stories of that kind swell on their travels, a particular sketch of it may not be unwelcome to you. At 2 o'clock yesterday morning, I was awakened by an intolerable rattling and shaking of the house in which I live, (40 feet by 30) which at first impressed me with the idea of fire. On reaching the gallery, I immediately discovered the case of my alarm: the shock continued about 5 minutes, the upper story (in which I sleep) was so agitated as to threaten the whole fabric with ruin. However, the only damage is sustained, is the loss of two brick chimneys which pierced the roof; they were broken off about six feet from the top: this was the case with four out of five in the garrison. It has returned, after short intervals, ever since until 6 o'clock this morning at 12 it was again felt, but so slightly that the alarm of the inhabitants begins to wear off. So far as I have heard from the country, (say 30 miles) the effects of this convulsion have been the same. 7 P. M.-The post rider has just arrived from Louisiana, 30 miles distant, the damage has been still greater." *Massac Fort, was built by the French on the w. bank of the Ohio, near its mouth, in N. lat. 37, 15 11 miles below the mouth of Tennessee river. It stands on a high stony bank. The stones appear to be composed of ferruginous matter and gravel. A considerable quantity of land both above and below the fort, is annually inundated. A number of troops are stationed here.

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