1811.

EARTHQUAKE OF THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY.

851

on Commerce, dated February 1st, 1836, " relative to tbe obstructions to tbe navigation of the White, Big Black, and St. Francis rivers," has given a lucid geographical and descriptive sketch of this part of Missouri, from which is given a brief extract.

" The memorable earthquake of December, 1811, after shaking the valley of the Mississippi to its center, vibrated along the courses of the rivers and valleys, and passing the primitive mountain barriers, died away along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. In the region now under cousideration, during the continuance of so appalling a phenomenon, which commenced by distant rumbling sounds, succeeded by discharges as if a thousand pieces of artillery were suddenly exploded, the earth rocked to and fro, vast chasms opened, from whence issued columns of water, sand, and coal, accompanied by hissing sounds, caused, perhaps, by the escape of pent-up steam, while ever and anon flashes of electricity gleamed through the troubled clouds of night, rendering tbe darkness doubly horrible.

" The current of the Mississippi, pending this elemental strife, was driven back upon its source with the greatest velocity for several hours, in consequence of an elevation of its bed. But this noble river was not thus to be stayed in its course. Its accumulated waters came booming on, and, o'ertopping the barrier thus suddenly raised, 'carried every thing before them wdth resistless power. Boats, then floating on the surface, shot down the declivity like an arrow from a bow, amid roaring billows, and the wildest commotion.

" A few days' action of its powerful current sufficed to wear away every vestige of the barrier thus strangely interposed, and its waters moved on in their wonted channel to the ocean. The day that succeeded this night of terror, brought no solace in its dawn. Shock followed shock ; a dense black cloud of vapor overshadowed the laud, through which no struggling sumbeam found its way to cheer the desponding heart of man, who, in silent commuuion with himself, was compelled to acknowdedge his weakness and dependence on the everlasting God.

" The appearances that presented themselves after the subsidence of the principal commotion, were such as strongly support an opinion heretofore advanced. Hills had disappeared, and lakes were found in their stead; and numerous lakes became elevated ground, over the surface of which vast heaps of sand were scattered in every direction, while in many places the earth for miles was sunk below the general level of the surrounding country, without