[Note: The following “accurate account of the earthquakes
experienced here from the 16th December, 1811, to the 7th
February, 1812" appeared as an appendix in Henry McMurtrie’s Sketches
of Louisville and Its Environs. It was “extracted
principally from the papers of the late J. Brooks.”]
The first of those tremendous concussions that shook a great part
of the western hemisphere, during the years 1811-12, was first
perceived at Louisville on the 16th December, 1811, 2 h. 15 m.
A.M. commencing with about half the strength to which it gradually
increased in about one minute; held at tremendous about one
minute, then gradually subsided; whole duration, from 3 1-2 to 4
minutes; other slight motions follow.—2h. 35m. A.M.—Moderate
motion 15 seconds.
7 h. 20 m. A. M.—Sudden; violent about 1 minute, then moderated by
lessening throes, through the 2d and 3d minutes to slight tremor;
this followed by small and placid motion of about 10 minutes; then
severe, stood at that 10 seconds; gradually subsided, but not to
perfect rest; six considerable shocks are felt during the
succeeding 30 minutes; then became constant, and strengthened at a
dreadful rate to tremendous, so as to threaten the town with total
destruction; duration of greatest violence 1 1-2 min.; moderated
in reverse order of approach, but attended with a jarring or
strong brisk tremor; it is doubtful if the earth is at rest from
these troubles 10 minutes during the day and succeeding night.
Action generally vibratory, horizontal, gentle by, N. West and S.
East; time about 80 returns to same point per minute, and uniform,
no matter how much the stretch of motion varies. It seemed as if
the surface of the earth was afloat and set in motion by a slight
application of immense power, but when this regularity is broken
by a sudden cross shove, all order is destroyed, and a boiling
action is produced, during the continuance of which the degree of
violence is greatest and the scene most dreadful; houses and other
objects oscilate largely, irregularly, and in differrent
directions.—The greatest stretch of motion, whilst regular, was
from 4 to 5 inches.
A great noise was produced by the agitation of all the loose
matter in town, but no other strange sound was heard; the general
consternation is great, and the damage done considerable; gable
ends, parapets, and chimnies of many houses are thrown down.
Weather, calm, cloudy, some mist; temperature, little above
freezing.
Dec. 17, 1811, 5h. A.M.—Shock of considerable force; character of
the floating motion before described, duration of greatest
strength about one min.; moderate rain.
11 h. 40 m. A. M.—Sudden, and for an instant violent; duration 3
minutes; weather cloudy, dark, some little rain in the course of
the day; also frequent tremors, at irregular periods; evening
chilly; wind flawey; direction unfixed.
18th.—Morning, winter cold; some snow; frequent but slight shocks
during the day; six considerable ones; wind westerly, light.
19th.—No uncommon motion of the earth perceptible to the
generality of people, some are confident there were several slight
shocks during the day and night; winter weather.
20th.—10h. 53 m. A. M.—Calm, freezing, fair; motion had been
scarcely perceptible about 5 minutes, when it arrived to a very
considerable strength, and continued, but less violent, until 11
o'clock, and, at intervals, till noon and after.—Evening, 8
o'clock, clear atmosphere except a circle round the moon; about 9
o'clock, frequent slight tremors; warm, calm, overcast; begins to
rain at 12 at night.
[Tremors continue daily, Dec. 21-30.]
31st—4h. 5 m. A. M.—Sudden shock, violent; gradually subsiding by
lessening throes, in 10 minutes.—4h. 45 m. moderate shock; rain.
JANUARY, 1812.
Wednesday, 1st, 21 m. a. M.—Considerable shock, quickly over;
temperature above freezing; rain; morning cold, cloudy; light wind
from S. West; thin ice.—9 h. A. M. slight shock; light snow, but
not sufficient to hide the ground; evening, light breeze from
West; temperature, scarcely freezing.— 9 h. P. M. slight shock,
and shortly another; also several slight shocks or tremors during
the day and night.
[Tremors continue, Jan. 2-8.]
9th.—Pleasant and cold; light wind from West. 3h. A. M.—Severe
shock of short duration; between 10 and 1 o'clock in the day
frequent slight motions, until one is tired of counting them; 24
happen at irregular periods; doubtful if perfectly still one hour
to-day.
[Tremors continue, Jan. 10-12.]
13.—Pleasant winter weather, fair, small wind S. W. 11 h.
A.M.—Vibrations begin and continue slightly and almost continually
until 12 at noon, then a considerable shock for an instant, but a
tremulous motion continues 30 minutes. 3 h. P.M.—Sudden slight
shock, perceptible for about 2 minutes; evening almost fair;
ground generally clear of snow; many people feel a considerable
tremor of the earth in the night,
[Tremors continue, Jan. 14.]
15th.—Many corroborate the fact of there having been several
tremors last night; morning, fine weather, small wind, S. W. soon
hazy, snow one inch; long continuance of vibration and almost
without intermission from 11 to 1 o'clock to-day; others
perceptible by the pendulums; evening clear; light unsettled wind.
[Tremors continue, Jan. 16-17.]
18th.—Morning, sleet; considerable motion at 11 h. A. M.
tremor-like; rain all day, freezing on the ground; nearly calm;
what wind there is fixed at no point; evening calm; if any wind,
from north; clouds seem to rest upon the ground, and reflect the
numerous lights from windows and other parts in strongly defined
columns which stream through each other in every direction, and
produce a handsome but odd sort of scenery, whilst, in about each
minute of time, from the beginning of night till after 9 o'clock,
flashes of lightening illumine the whole; yet such is the density
of the fog that one can discern no object through the glare of
light unless it be immediately about himself, and it is not
perceptible from what quarter the lightening proceeds- the
distance must be great; with great attention, a long time in open
ground, no report or thunder could be heard; there is no doubt
that the cause was very distant.
[Tremors continue, though less perceptible,
Jan. 19-21.]
22nd—The Ohio has been closed over so that people crossed upon the
ice yesterday, just above the falls, where the breadth is more
than half a mile; to day the ice breaks and crouds down the
declivity with a tremendous crash; the scene is interesting; many
who have boats and cargoes upon the river must suffer. This
breaking up, it is presumed, is caused by a spring of some of the
southern arms, and by the rain of Saturday, which glided swiftly
into the river, over the case of ice which prevented the earth
imbibing a drop; wind various and severely cold. During the last
24 hours, several considerable shakes of the earth, attended by a
jarring of a peculiar character. Altho' severely cold, in general
for several days past, a chilling dampness pervades the
atmosphere, frequent fogs sweep along the surface and glaze every
object exposed, with transparent ice, which is now about a quarter
of an inch thick.
23rd—Morning hazy, wind, if any, from South, ground cased with ice
8 h. 50m. a. M. Earthquake awfully violent, equal to that of the
16th Dec. at 7 o'clock, and much of same character, duration five
minutes, about the middle of that time tremendous, then did not
entirely cease, but continued a kind of tremor ten minutes then
strengthened to considerable violence for about one minute, in
all, a constant motion was perceivable at least one hour; the
damage done to houses is much in addition to that sustained on the
16th ult. 1 h. P.M. and at 10 h. 30 m. at night very considerable
shocks and other tremulous motions frequently perceptibly during
the night. Immediately after the second shock this morning, it
began to rain transparent ice in drops of the size of pigeon-shot,
for two hours; then moist rain freezing as it fell; then thick
snow fell in large feathery flakes; no wind, temperature varying
each hour, but not above freezing. From 2 h. P. M. rain
incessantly until some time in the night. 10 h. 30 m. P. M. shock
of a degree of severity; others, moderate and tremulous, frequent
during the night. This is a disastrous time for navigators of the
Ohio who happen to be hereabout upon the River, seven Boats have
been seen passing on the falls to day; some with and some without
crews on board; no human power can afford relief to the sufferers,
nor can they help themselves but drift on until chance may decide
their fate; fortunately, the water is in pretty good state; much
howling and lamentation were heard from a boat entering the falls
this night, voices of men women and children.
24th—This morning at break of day considerable shock, between 11
& 12 A. M. slight; 15 minutes P. M. considerable, wind S. W.
rain, cold, sleet, rain increases; temperature above freezing;
shortly before sundown, fog so thick as to obscure every object at
the distance of 100 yards; 8 h. P. M. soft breeze; S. W. fleeting
clouds, between which the moon and stars, now and then, show a
splendor of remarkable brilliance; 10h. 30 m. P.m. considerable
shock (nearly a first rate) and shortly afterwards two others
considerable; continuance of each, about one minute, and slight
tremors frequently perceptible; the vibrations this night were
generally more rapid than usual, by a difference of 80 and 120;
much rain during the night.
[Tremors continue, Jan. 25-26.]
27th—Just before day many people were alarmed by the motion (in
character of tremor.) Morning calm, freezing cold, overcast,
smooth dry vapor. 8h 50 m.—Violent shock, as sudden as the arrival
of a cannon shot, it gave but one blow, as it were, and was but
for an instant severe; gradually subsided and trembled away in
about one minute; in two minutes strengthened again to a
threatening pitch (slow motion) but soon eased away; a trembling
or jarring continued without cessation until 10 o'clock, A.M.
then, a considerable motion of about one minute; sun shines
faintly; frequent tremors during the day, and, no doubt, almost
constantly at a small rate; temperature, freezing in shade; sun
has had little effect on the frost of last night; day, one might
say, fair, but the sun sheds a whitish dusky light; gloomy;
evening overcast; high dry vapour, half transparent, smooth;
vertical stars only are seen, they display a brilliant radiance;
wind not sufficient for these 48 hours past to have blown out a
candle had it been exposed on the top of a house; smoke rises in
erect columns to an uncommon height; the animal system disposed to
relaxation, much complaint on that account; at 10 at night vapor
thickens; some light wind from south.
28th.—Fine weather; sun shines all day; a peculiar whiteness of
atmosphere; calm; small frost last night; vibrations frequent last
night, and all day, particularly from 9 till 12o'clock, A M.
Evening fair; at eight o'clock a circle about the moon; 9 o'clock
slight tremor, then overcast directly; murky, warm, calm; many
stars shine before sundown.
29th.—Morning, rain from 5 o'clock till sun-rise; temperature,
little above freezing; cloudy and calm until near 12 o'clock; from
9 till near 12 at noon almost continual tremor, slight; about 11h.
30m. A. M. several considerable shocks, one so severe as to alarm
the people into the streets and open places - these motions appear
to be less rapid than usual; from 10 to 12 some wind from south,
then heavy and boisterous till 2 o'clock, lulled towards evening;
begins to freeze at sun down; moon shines dimly to-night; many
people say several shocks were felt at night and one about
day-break.
[Tremors continue, Jan. 30 - Feb. 1.]
2nd.—About 2 h. A. M. considerable shock felt by many of the
citizens (I did not observe it); from 8 to 6 o'clock, A M. wind
from S. W. heavy, flawy, with stormy rain; about sun-rise (6 h. 54
m.) calm, uncommonly dark and cloudy; at 10, A. M. sun shines at
times; some flaws of wind from S. W.; less motion from this
morning till noon, than usual of late; hardly perceptible; about 2
P. M. shock sensibly felt; slight motion continues, with short
intermissions, until 10h. 45 m. P. M. when a shock of considerable
strength, then slight and frequent till 11h. 30m. P.M.; began to
rain at 8 o'clock in the evening.
3d.—30m. A.M.—Considerable motion, attended with a sort of tremor;
about 6h. A. M. another slight tremor; rained all night, ceased
shortly after daybreak; begins again at 8h. A. M. and continues
moderately till 12 at noon; wind east, north, and W. S. W. and
blustering; temperature, about freezing; between 12 and 2 o'clock,
clouds break and float from N. W.; the sun and atmosphere have a
proper complexion; the citizens felt a slight shock about 2h. P.
M.; sun-down, good weather; the evening presents the most
transparent atmosphere beheld these fifty nights.
4th.—Last night, clear and cold; ice made 1-2 inch; morning,
winter haze, soon dissipated, and sun shone fair; doubtful if any
motion since yesterday; atmosphere clear and light; small wind,
south. 2h. P. M.—suddenly overcast; high and seemingly dry vapor.
4 h. 30 m. P. M.—Shock, violent in second degree, duration one
minute; frequent tremor perceptible one hour before and frequently
afterwards; this shock advanced gradually to the greatest
strength, and subsided gradually; at that time light puffs of wind
from south and a sprinkle of rain; 10 o'clock, P. M. delightful
atmosphere, stars sprightly, very cold, wind W. N. W. which
continued till morning.
5th.—One of the fairest mornings in winter; wind W. N. W.
considerable and steady; cold as great as any yet, ice 1 1-2 inch
made last night. 8 h. 30m. A. M.— Shock of third rate, duration
about one minute; tremors perceptible sometime after. 11 h. 15 m.
A. M.—Vibrators act perpendicularly and strongly nearly one
minute, whilst the others scarcely move, then all get into strong
action; continuance of this shock (as it may be termed) two
minutes. 1 h. 45 m. P. M.— Whilst at dinner, a shock like that of
this morning. 2 h. 37 m. P. M.—severe shock, but not of angry
motion, duration 3 1-2 minutes. 4 h. 48 m. P.M. after frequent
tremors since last shock, another shock of much the same
character; sun-down, light south wind, severe cold, evening fair;
from 9 till 11 o'clock dead calm; at 11 o'clock overcast, thin
vapor.
6th.—Clear most of last night; morning cold, equal to yesterday;
several slight tremors during the night; one at break of day;
moderate breeze springs from south at 10 A. M.; no material change
during the day; about sun-down, light wind from the east. 8 h. 30
m. p. M.—Heavy tremors, or rather shock; other perceptible tremors
follow in succession, at short periods; considerable shock at 12
at night; dead calm; temperature about freezing point; a few stars
of 1st magnitude only, are seen through a dry vapour.
7th.— 3h. 15 m. A.M. the most tremendous earthquake yet
experienced at this place, preceded by frequent slight motions for
several minutes, duration of great violence at least four minutes,
then gradually moderated by exertions of lessening strength, but
continued a constant motion more than two hours, then followed a
succession of distinct tremors or jarrings at short intervals,
until 10h. A. M. when, for a few seconds, a shock of some degree
of severity, after which frequent jarrings and slight tremors
during the day, once, at least, in each ten minutes; morning
cloudy, or, apparrently a dry vapour lay high and unbroken; dead
calm; began to rain at 2 o'clock, P. M. small; 4 P.M. snow in
large feather-flakes, continues till dark—temperature, morn. 31,
noon 42, even. 42. 3h. 10 m. P. M.—Shock of second-rate violence,
and during some minutes two others, at equal-periods, connected by
continual tremor of considerable severity; the last shock was
violent in the first degree, but of too short duration to do much
injury, subsided suddenly, and is followed by constant trembling
five minutes, then at intervals till one is tired of counting; the
character of these last shocks differs from others, the first
shoving in slower time and uniformly, the second more rapid but
not so quick as usual (direction by N. W. and S. E.) the third
sudden, of angry violence and broken irregular motion. 10 h. 10 m.
P.M. After frequent considerable motions, the shock comes on
violent in the second degree, strengthens to tremendous, holds at
that about 7 seconds, then trembles away; severe about five
minutes, frequent tremors follow, and a shock of third-rate
violence, 5 minutes after 12 at night; cloudy, some snow on the
ground melting fast, calm.
8th.—Frequent tremors follow the shock 5 minutes after 12 at
night, several about day-break; there were not less than 12 of the
fifth-rate last night; at day-break one inch snow, temperature 32;
horizon brightened, promises a fair morning, but the rising sun is
obscured by a dense vapor which shrouds the margin and seemed to
rise from every quarter. 8 h. A. M.—Temperature 42, haze coutinued
unbroken until two o'clock, although the shape of the sun might
sometimes be seen. 9 h. 25 m. P. M.—Shock of third-rate, slow
motion; calm; overcast, thin transparent vapor; duration of the
shock 2 minutes; after 10 o'clock fair weather; temperature 44;
several slight tremors felt in the night.
9th.—No clouds or vapor dim the splendor of the rising sun, a more
beautiful morning never graces a winter, fair until 2, P. M. but
the light appears uncommonly white; calm; at 8h. 45 m. A. M. smart
shock, with tremors, continues 2 minutes; temperature at sun-rise
barely freezing, at noon 46. 3 h. 48 m. P. M. a shock like that of
this morning, but a rate less severe, fourth-rate continues 3
minutes. High and dry clouds, of no unpleasant aspect, cover the
horizon; they drift from the west, while the wind below is from
south-east, however there is but little of it. 4h. 10 m.
P.M.—Frequent slight shocks and tremors in ten minutes; sun
shines; atmosphere seems of the best sort; light and broken clouds
lay high, 7h. P. M.—All overcast, but heavy looking clouds of some
shape, and not that smooth looking vapor so common of late; 8
o'clock fair and clear, pleasant, calm; some people speak of
having felt several slight tremors during the night.
[Tremors continue, Feb. 10-18.]
19th.—From three until five this morning tremors sensibly felt
almost constantly; sunrise, temperature 30; fine weather; wind S.
W.; from 8 until 10 A. M.; pendulums acting about half the time;
noon fair; brisk south wind; temp, sun-down 50; calm, serene.
20.—Last night fair; many people sensible of tremors during the
night; frost; fine morning; temperature 33; wind, if any, from the
south; temperature at noon 47, at sun-down 60; mild breeze from
south; dark clouds; least tremor or motion to-day, one might agree
that there were none; but yet the delicate vibrators tell
otherwise; 10h. P. M. (about) shock, third-rate; 11 h. 50 m.
another of equal strength, motion less rapid than common, more
placid, duration from 5 to 6 minutes, and frequent slight motion
felt during night.
[Tremors continue, Feb. 21.]
22. —Son-rise, temperature 33; overcast, high vapor; sun shone an
instant about 8 o'clock; about 9h. A. M. perceptible motion; at 11
h. 30 m. then, and until noon, not the least motion of the
delicate vibrators; temperature 38; 2h. 30 m. P. M. begins to rain
small; frequent and slight action of pendulums this afternoon,
they are seldom at rest; temperature at sun-down 40 degrees; rain
continues till about 12 at night, when it ceases a short time, and
then a smart shock which alarmed many of the people; some other
slight motions.
[Tremors continue, Feb. 23-24.]
25th.—Last night fair and calm; considerable tremor, towards day,
felt by many; sun-rise, temperature 34; white frost, calm,
overcast, half transparent vapor of uncommonly white complexion;
9h. A.M. small motion of pendulums; several motions perceived by
pendulums during the day; noon temperature 36, sun-down 48;
afternoon, breeze from W. evening fine; all pendulums and
vibrators at perfect rest several hours before and after sun-down;
morning temperature 32; one of the fairest mornings of winter;
calm; many people assert there were several tremulous motions,
about day-break; short pendulums move frequently, but feebly,
before 10 o'clock; at 10h. 30m. A. M. all vibrators in smart
motion; the short ones act almost incessantly until after 11
o'clock; 2h. p. M. a solemn stillness; temperature 42; atmosphere
overcast, high dry clouds, yet agreeable weather; pendulums have
kept in feeble action, in all, about half the time, throughout the
day; sun-down, temperature 48; 7h. 30m. P. M. smooth, unbroken
vapor, calm; during the eclipse between 10 and 2. o'clock, a half
transparent vapor destroys the symmetry of the fair part of the
moon, but does not seem to oppose the light; calm all night; no
trembling or other motion felt, or to be observed by the
vibrators, although much attention is paid to them.
[Tremors continue, Feb. 27.]
28.—Morning like yesterday's, but temperature 54; about 4h. A. M.
moderate shock, placid, duration 1 1-2 minute, felt generally;
calm until about 9 o'clock, then soft breeze from the south; about
10 o'clock short vibrators and pendulums move slightly; 10h. 30 m.
A. M. considerable motion, followed by several slight; 1 h. P. M.
shock pretty generally felt; then very still until sundown;
weather yesterday and to-day like that called Indian summer in
autumn; temperature at noon 64, sun-down 64; bats fly this
evening, frogs are heard, and insects appear in swarms of large
columns.
[Tremors continue, Feb. 29 - Mar. 1.]
2nd—Morning fair, no motion felt last night, one of the finest
days of the season; small wind W. and N. W.; vibrators discover
not the least motion until 3h. 30 m. P. M. when the quick
pendulums commence with slight motion , for a moment the six-inch
vibrator is acted upon; but about 2h. 25 m. P. M. a considerable
shock was felt by the citizens pretty generally; some went to see
the pendulums and found them in strong vibrations; very still
until 8h. 35 m, then considerable motion; fine evening, calm;
temperature, morning 36, noon 42, evening 40, yet frost in the
night.
3rd.—Between day-break and sun-rise a smart shock felt generally
by people of the town and country, at least third-rate, duration 1
minute; pleasant morning, wind, if any from N. W.; 8h. 35 m. A M.
pendulums all in large motion for about five minutes, and by
separate impulses of various strength, much longer—this alarmed
the town, commencing with a long shove, and acting slowly, such
motions affect the head and stomach of some people; 2h. p. M.
slight shock, motion slow; 3 h. 39 m. very slight shock, no
tremor, pendulums frequently in motion during the day; evening
overcast, thin dry vapor, calm; temperature, morning 35, noon 52,
evening 40, frost in the night.
[Tremors continue, Mar. 4.]
5th.—Rained moderately all night; about day-break, a motion
similar to that of yesterday morning; ceased raining about same
time; morning very dark and gloomy, dense vapor; sound (as often
of late) seems, as it were, to have lost its rotundity, and matter
its sonorous properties—the peal of the bell, the beat of the
drum, the crowing of the cock, the human call, although near at
hand seem to be at at a distance, and the different reports seem
to steal, in a manner silently, separately, and distinctly upon
the ear, not breaking upon or being lost or confused in each
other; 10h. 30m . A.M. considerable shove and vibration of the
character of those of late, of slow motion, placid, felt
generally, duration one minute, then settled away to rest; about
12 o'clock, short pendulum barely moves; atmosphere brightens up
in a minute, so that faint shadows are seen; dead calm; 3h. P.M.
the weather same as at noon; considerable motion, commenced by a
shove as it seemed, and continued action about 10 minutes, set
perpendicular springs moderately in motion, but no tremor; then as
still as ever I knew it to be; temperature, morning 46, noon 46,
evening 47; foggy all night and dead calm.
[Tremors continue but are less perceptible, Mar. 7-21.]
22nd.—Rained much during the night; morning, snow, wind N. E.; 8h.
25m. A. M. shortest vibrators have been frequently in action, and
now the six-inch in considerable motion; 10h. 5m. all in motion
and continue to act alternately until 11 o'clock, then still,
except the short spring, which moves about half the time; ceased
snowing—this is the deepest snow we have had, something more than
two inches; 3h. P. M. all pendulums, &c. in action; short ones
frequently at other times and in the evening; wind N. W.; sprinkle
of snow; there was a trembling motion about 12 o'clock last night,
which continued about 10 minutes with various strength, many
people were frightened from bed; temperature, morning 42, noon 38,
evening 40
[Tremors continue, Mar. 23.]
25th.—About midnight considerable shock felt by many people;
morning, thick vapor, smooth overcast; 7h. 20m. A. M. all
vibrators in action, like that of yesterday but stronger,
fourth-rate at least, continue one hour with varying strength, and
frequently during the day; sun shines dimly part of the time;
light unsettled wind, or rather calm; temp, morning 38, noon 42,
evening 42.
[Tremors continue, Mar. 25 - April 7.]
8th.—Morning dark, candles required, unless rooms have the best
advantage of window lights, dry; 6h. A. M. tremulous shock,
fifth-rate, duration 20 seconds; vapor lays high in the
atmosphere, and thickens until about 11 o'clock; appearance speaks
rain, the feelings forbid it; from 1 till 3 o'clock the body of
the sun shews, shorn of his rays, and is of the moon's complexion;
then a shock of third-rate, irregular and mixed motion, short
duration; often suddenly overcast; dense vapor, as in the morning;
mostly calm; if any wind, from the east; little rest to-day; about
sun-down, pendulums go smartly, except the longer one; temp,
morning 50, noon 55, evening 55.
[Tremors continue, Apr. 9-12.]
13th.—Morning, dull weather, dry, cold; smooth overcast,
winter-like; light north-westwardly wind; ice, thickness of window
glass; fruits supposed to be all destroyed; sun shews dimly about
mid-day; pendulums at work at times, but in slight measure, about
9 o'clock, A. M.—This is the 120th day of the continuance of the
earthquakes, and, from the manner of moderating, it is to be hoped
they will soon cease and let the earth repose again.—Temperature
today, morning 35, noon 48, evening 44.
[Tremors continue, Apr. 14 - May 3.]
4th.—Morning, appears to threaten rain; at 8 o'clock the pendulums
in motion; fleeting clouds; small wind at times W. N. W.; 10h.
25m. shock, third-rate, strengthens and lessens three times,
second strongest, duration 4 minutes; needle indicated the
approach several seconds before the motion was felt; stopped on
the bank of a deep pond, the surface of which was a perfect mirror
to appearance, overhung by lofty trees, it instantly assumed the
dull complection and seemingly the roughness of a file; converging
waves were soon raised by the quick motion of the shores, and,
contending with each other, caused a curious commotion; the noise
produced by the agitation of the trees resembled that of a shower
of small hail in the forest; before 3 o'clock P. M. 2 other slight
shakes so that the compass would not serve for several minutes;
about 3 o'clock light shower of hail and rain; wind N. W.
5th.—Fine weather, except too cold for the season; frost last
night; pendulums and vibrators in motion frequently and
principally from 7h. 10m. A. M. and some in the evening;
temperature, morning 43, noon 66, evening 60.
