“Important Arrival..”
Date
2-25-1812
Newspaper
Edenton Gazette
Page and Column
Page 3, Column 3
Newspaper Location
Edenton, North Carolina
Serial Number
876
Abstract
Account of the Steamboat New Orleans reaching Natchez, Mississippi. Account notes that force of steam engine made it impossible to feel earthquakes while in operation. Notes that several shocks were felt when the boat was not moving. Notes damage at New Madrid, Little Prairie and the western bank of the Mississippi River. Notes that 2 islands in the Mississippi had sunk.
Transcript
NATCHES, Jan. 2 Important Arrival.--Arrived here on Monday last, the Steam-boat from Pittsburg, which had on account of low water been sometime detained at the falls of Ohio; and is destined to run between this place and New-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 shock of Earthquakes, and their effects, which have 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 imperceptible, while the boat was under way. While at anchor five or six shocks were felt, two or three 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 chemnies of almost all the houses were thrown down, and the inhabitants considerably alarmed. At the little Prairie 30 miles lower down, they were bro't 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 little Praire, the bank of the river has caved in to a considerable extent, and two islands had almost disappeared. We also understand that letters have been received from Louisville, Falls of Ohio, which state, that the houses have suffered considerable damage in that place.
Recommended Citation
"“Important Arrival..”" (1812). New Madrid Compendium Far-Field Database. 858.
https://digitalcommons.memphis.edu/cas-ceri-new-madrid-compendium/858
