The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1812-01-23


OF action. Without it, our chain of mea-
sures will prove a rope of sand. Let those
then be regarded with Argus eyes, who seek
TO sow distrust and disunion, to array one de-
partment OF the government against the o.
Their, and scatter dissention in our public
councils.-Na!. Intel
(UP. LoUI.) ST. LOUIS, Dec. 81.
EARTHQU JAKE.
On Monday morning last, about quar-
ter past two, st. Louis, and the surrounding
country. was visited by one Of the most vio-
lent shocks ofcarthquake,that has been re-
corded since the discovery of our country.
As we were all wiapt in sleep, each tells
ms story in his own way, i will also relate
my simple tale.
At the period above mentioned, ! was
reused from sleep by the clamor Of windows,
doors and furniture in tremulous motion,
with distant rumbling noise, resembling a
number OF carriages passing over pavement
lin few seconds the motion and subterra-
neous thunder increased more and more
believing the noise to proceed from the N.
or n. w. and expecting the earth to be re-
hcved by volcanic eruption, i went out of
doors and looked for the dreadful phenome-
non. The agitation had now reached it's
utmost violence, entered the house to
Snatch my family from its expected ruins,
but before could put my design in execute
on, the shock had ceased, having lasted a
bout one and three fourth minutes. The sky
was obscured by thick hazy fog, without
breath OF air. Farenheit's thermometer
might have stood at this time at about IS
OF 400.
At forty seven minutes past two, another
shock was felt, without any rumbling noise,
and much less violence than the first, it last
ed near two minutes.
AT thirty four minutes past three, third
shock nearly as tremulous as the first, but
without as much noise, it lasted about fifty
seconds, and a slight trembling continued at
intervals for some time after.
A little after day light, a fourth shock was
felt, but with less violence than any of the
others, it lasted nearly one minute.
About o'clock, g. fifth shock was felt !;
this was almost as violent as the first, ac-
companied with the usual noise, it lasted a.
bout half minute the morning was very
navy and unusually warm for the season,
the houses and fences appeared covered
with awhile frost, but ON examination it
was found to be vapour, not possessing the
chilling cold of frost indeed the morn was
enshrouded in awful gloom.
AT half past eleven, a slight shock was
ielt, and about the same hour on Tuesday
last, a smart shock was felt-several gem
llemen declare, they felt shocks at other in
tervals.
No lives have been lost, nor has the hou-
ses sustained much injury, few chimneys
nave been thrown down, and few stone
houses split.
In noticing extraordinary events, pc rhaps
no attendant circumstance should be deem
ed unimportant This is one of that cha
racter, and faithful record of appearan-
ces in such cases as these, may form data
for science. Viewing the subject in this
way, 1t may not be amiss to notice the re-
ports OF those who have explored the eX-
tensive plains and mountains of the West.
On the margin of several of our rivers,
pumice and other volcanic. matter is found.
At the base of some of the highest of the
Black Mountains, stone covers the earth,
bearing marks of the violent action of fire.
Within 80 miles of the great Usage village,
on the head waters of their river, and 1870
miles from this town, tits said, that volca
noe had ceased to burn for the last three
years, and it is thought to have now broke
out In some quarter of our country. Upon
the whole this has been an uncommon year !;
me early melting of snow to the north raised
me Mississippi to an unusual height. The
continued rains in the summer and the sub
sequent hot weather, and consequent sick
ness amongst the inhabitants, rendered that
period somewhat distressing. Autumn, to
this time, has been unusually mild, and
health pervades the land, in every quarter.
Since writing the above, several slight
shocks were sensibly felt to the number of
ten or twelve.
In the course of few days, we hope to
be enabled to present to our readers the
speeches of Judge ANDERSON and CT. w.
CAMPBELL, Esq. in the Senate of the U. S.,
in answer to that of Mr.. Giles, given in the
American of Friday and Monday last. This
debate is extremely interesting, not only be-
cause 1T occurred on a subject of vital i'm
portance to the future prosperity and desti.
ny OF the nation, but because it Will develope
the views of the illustrious branch of the ma
tional legislature in which the new army bill
originated, on the measures called for by
our exterior relations ); and because too it in
wolves discussion of the talents and capaci-
ty of the two members of the cabinet, whose
exertions and abilities will be peculiarly cal.
led into action in the event of war we NEAR
the Secretary of the Treasury and .Secreta
ry of War. Our only view in giving this de.
bate to our readers, is to crafty them, and
to put the proper materials into their pos
session, to enable them duly to weigh & es
innate the respective merits of public mer
and public Observation-Disclosures .American
VINcENNEs, Dec. 81.
On Thursday last, the Owl Miami chic
arrived at this place, being sent by part,
OF Indians which are encamped about fort,
miles from this place, to know whether the
governor would receive a deputation from
the KickapOos and Winebagos, who were If