“Earthquakes”

Date

2-4-1812

Newspaper

Petersburg Intelligencer

Page and Column

page 3, Column 3

Newspaper Location

Petersburg, Virginia

Serial Number

1023

Abstract

Earthquake catalog for Logan County, Kentucky for the December 16, 1811 earthquakes and its aftershocks. Notes them from December 16 through December 31., 1811. detailed report

Transcript

EARTHQUAKES. Extract of a letter from a gentlemen of the highest respectability in Logan county, Kentucky, to his friend near Petersburg, dated December 31, 1811. "Almost every body here has lately been under the most frightful apprehensions of being swallowed up by Earthquakes-they continued for several days in a very alarm to writing as they happened, and were as follow: December 16, 1811--About 3 o'clock this morning, an Earthquake commenced and continued between ten and fifteen minutes. It began with a rumbling noise in the S. W. like distant thunder, and immediately the earth began to tremble in a violent manner. The houses and trees were all in motion for six or seven minutes-it then almost ceased-but all at once the earth renewed its motion, and continued shaking for about the same length of time, very alarming, but no houses were thrown down, but in danger of losing the chimnies Just before day of the same morning another was felt, tho' it was a small shock. About sun rise, or little after, a third one commenced, which was but little less than the first, and continued for five or six minutes, very alarming-in the course of about one hour after, four or five shocks were felt December 17.--On this day, about 10 o'clock in the forenoon, it being cloudy, and the sun not to be seen, another Earthquake was felt, which caused a trembling of the trees, houses, &c. and continued about one minute; but less than the one of yesterday morning. About 7 o'clock the same evening another shock was felt, though but of a short duration. Dec. 18.--About 7 o'clock this evening another small shock was felt, which shook the houses and trees-duration about half a minute Dec. 19.--About midnight of this day, a small shock was felt Dec. 20.--Another shock was felt-the houses shook a good deal; continued about one minute, but no damage done Dec. 21.--About two or three o'clock this morning, a small shock was felt. Dec. 22.--One or two small shocks were felt some time before midnight. 23.--Some time after midnight another shock was felt. 24.--No shock felt this day. 25.--Very late this night, a small shock was felt, though perhaps but by few. 31.--This morning a little before day, two more were felt, though but of a short duration. I shall now conclude with observing that a great number of people have been very much alarmed on account of these earthquakes, and a number of false reports have been spread concerning them.-Sometimes that one place is sunk, and then another-but as yet it is not known in this place where they are."

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