Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-07-05

be, that during the eclipse, the pupils
of the eye become contracted by ga.
zing at a brillian, Object but at the time
of Total Darkness, they expand to their
usual dimensions. In consequence Of
which the very moment the sun reappers
the eye receives greater portion Of light
than in the first instance. We may also
understand, that persons who looked
through telescopes, could not see as ma
ny stars at the time of Darkness as those
who only took an occasional view of the
sun; because the strong light of the sun
renders the eye iusensible 10 the weaker
impressions of the stars.
AT the time of Total Darkness, there
was AN appearance Of brilliant flashes of
solar light upon the marginal parts Of the
moon, as if the light Of the sun had been
injected, by the edge and atmosphere of
the moon, which was undoubtedly the
case. The bright streaks, believe, were
not expected by people in general nor
| was the obscurity SO great as had been
anticipated.-There was also very black
spot in the centre Of the moons disc, ap.
paren,iy about the size of dollar but
towards her edge the appearances were
brighter. The figure aud dimensions Of
objects were discernable within mode
rate distances; but their co'ouring was en-
Hrely lost. Within doors the darkness
was almost equal 10 midnight.
Alter the disappearance ofthe sun, ma.
ny of the stars of the armament were
seen in various directions. The planet
Venus was discovered for fifteen minutes
before the middle ukthe eclipse; bot the
stars could not be distinguished un.
til after the sun had dsscpeared.
Before the commencement of Total
Darkness the progress of the shadow
was plainly seen in its passage from AL
bany to Boston. The Western sky at
this moment, was excessively black but
IN The East there was degree fhrill.
ancy. This appearance continued until
the centre OF The shadow had passed us,
when the contrary took place; the dark
ness then began 10 obscure the Eastern
horizon, and light broke forth in the
West. The figure and direct on of the
Dd'k Shadow were easily TO be disco
vered in The higher regions Of the
earth's atmosphere, and resembled a
shower OF rain, at a distance, but much
darker. Atthe moment the centre of the
shade passed US, there was a circle of bo-
rizon,ai light whose breadth, from The no.
rizon, was about 10 degrees. This brigh
circle seemed to be the limit Of the dark
shade. These appearances could be
seen only BY persons who were in an e.e.
waited situation.
have now related The principal appear.
ances which attended the exhibition Of
this wonderful eclipse Its whole progress
was attended with every circumstance
which could render it a delightful! Sc sin.
sular phenomenon (; and we may venture
to predics, that the present generation of
New-England, will never again be speeta-
! tors of so glorious scene.
CBoston Cen,inel
MAkRiED-On Tuesday the 9Th uI..
DIR. RICHARD c. RONVI.ES, to the a.
miabe Miss ELIZA w. PLEASANTS,
eldest daughter of PHILIP PLEAsANrs,
Esq. all OF Goochland.
Natures warmth hath thus inclined,
Two souls congeDial of one mind,
To unity of person
Their hearts by virtues all refined,
lheIr bssfu souls have interviewed,
ENJOY haPPy hnion-
DEPARTED this life at Planters Town
(Suckingham county, on Tuesday the
2o,h ult. JOHN EPPERSON, ESQ. late
a merchant Of that place. In his death
hisSmuch afflicted family has sustained an
irreparable loss, and society also hath lost
a truly valuable member. For industry
and integrity he was exemplary--His u
inform good moral conduct produced
calmness and seren unity in his last short,
but painful illness, peculiar to conscious
reeiiiude.
Al,ho' he filed no high Office under go.
vernment and claimed not the reputation
OF being either learned or witty all who
had the pleasure of his acquaintance &C.
kDowledged him an honest, aud mos, res
pectable man such man, as probably
occurred to the celebrated poet, who so
elegantly expressed this important ,ruth,(
that.
" A wits a feather, chiefs rod ~~<
I" An honest mans the nobiest work of God "
(By Authority.)
AN ACT