“Dreadful Effects of Earthquakes”

Date

5-21-1812

Newspaper

Hampshire Federalist

Page and Column

Page 2, Column 4

Newspaper Location

Springfield, Massachusetts

Serial Number

798

Abstract

Report on the effect of the March 26, 1812 Caribbean earthquake. Long report.

Transcript

NEW-YORK, MAY 11. Dreadful effects of Earthquakes. Official letter from the General commanding the troops of Coro de Domingo Campo Verde, to his Excellency the Governor and commander in chief of the province of Coro. By the depositions of several individuals, I am informed of the unfortunate event that has visited the city of Barquisimeto, which was on the 26th of March, buried under its ruins in a most dreadful Earthquake which was general through the province; all the villages belonging to this district and the city of Jouyo, with the greater part of the villages, belonging thereto, have come and offered submission under the banners of Ferdinand the 7th, imploring protection from the vexations of their enemies. Forty men and twenty muskets more have gone this day to Quibo. I am now only waiting for the reinforcement from Coro, to take possession of the ruins of Barquisimeto. Your Excellency will endeavour to send a reinforcement of 1800 or 2000 men, to enable me to attack Valencia. The Marina troops and those of the regiment La Peyna are those that I want the most, therefore I hope from your Excellency's activity, that they will come soon to join me. The enthusiasm of my troops, and the cowardice manifested by the enemy, assures me of success to all my undertakings; adding to this, the panic and terror, with which the inhabitants are struck, since the dreadful earthquake which has destroyed the annexed cities, I have no doubt that the army of Coro will eventually conquer the province of Venezuela. I have intimated the condition of Truxillo, and expect it will capitulate before experiencing the fate of Coro. God preserve your Excellency many years.-Head Quarters, Coro, the 29th of March 1812. [Signed] Domingo Monte Verde. Memorandum of the cities known to this day, to have been destroyed by the earthquakes from the 26th to the 28th instant, with the greater part of the inhabitants buried. The city of Barquisimeto, totally destroyed; Arilaqua, sunk; Santa Rosa, do. Caudare, destroyed; Phelipe, still worse; St. Charler, do. Caramaoate, in a bad condition. It is presumed that Caraccas and other places have equally suffered. Any other particulars that may hereafter come to my knowledge, shall be immediately communicated to your Excellency. To the preceding cities that have suffered by the Earthquakes, we have already announced the following: Caraccas; Victoria, Valencia, Porto Cavello, Laguira, New Barcelona, Marquetta, Cumana.

Link to Full Text

Share

 
COinS