Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1825-05-19
GREAT EARrHQuAkE IN BhRBARy.

GREAT EARTHQUAKE IN BhRBARY.
We arc indebted 20 P. S, DupoScEAu, Esq.
Tor a conv OF the susioined and very interest
ing letter from the American Consul at Al.
eIcrs: a G gentleman d distinguished for his Ia
3ents and liberal acqlirements,-Nat Gas''
ALGlKns, Arm MARCH, 1926.
DeAR Sir: This country having suf
fered an awful visitation, | here send
YOU for your information, an extract of
the Journal Of this Consulate relative
to it.
March 2.-This morning at half past
nine. a very violent shock of earthquake
was felt. The movement was from east
TO west, lateraily, quick and jarring,
with noise resembling that made by a
number Of wagons driven rapidly over
paved ways. The atmosphere was per-
Iectly serene, the wind strong from the
interior. the thermometer at IS deg, and
the barometer falling, though but very
slightly effected. The first shock en-
dured about 90 seconds; it was succeed
ed by two others, at distances of time
of 10 and 90 minutes, but less violent.
.MaTch S.--Reports were received
last night, by the Government, that the
town of Belida had been destroyed by
the earthquake of yesterday; that a
mosque. two coffee houses, and FIVE
dwelling houses, are the only buildings
standing in that town; and that almost
the whole of its population has perish
ed.-The Aga, with a detachment of
cavalry, left the city at three this morn
inc. to ascertain the truth Of this report,
and relieve the sufferers. Belida is a
town situated at the foot of the noun
tains on the southern verge o the beau
tiful plain of Metijah; it is reported to
have about 10000 inhabitants, and it
enjoyed a great degree Of agricultural
prosperity, it being only 2S miles dis
tant from this city, which is supplied
with fruit & vegetables. During the day
The news of the disasters at BeIida is
confirmed by successive reports. A
caravan, with tents and every thing in
4he power Of this city to furnish, has
been dispatched by the government for
the relief of the sufferers. Several
shocks of earthquake were felt during
the day, and at 25 minutes past 9 in the
evening, one very severe.
Marcel 4-The barometer was found
this morning, to have risen three lines
during the last night, and the shocks'ot
earthquake have ceased entirely. One
of the principle sources of the proSperi-
~ of Belida was its numerous springs
abundance of water circulated freely
through all its streets, and extensive
plantations. 1t is now reported that,
about half an hour before this terrible
catastrophe, all the water suddenly dis
appeared. and that now, there is none
10 be found within the distance of half
aleague. All subsequent reports lead
20 the belief that the first was not exag-
gerated.
= am. very respectfully, dear sir.
your most obliged humble servant,
WI. SMALLER.
p. ST. remarked that. during the
period Of earthquake above mentioned
+he sea did not appear to be in the Ieas'
affected, being as quite as usual here
during the same weather.
Belinda think, is situated about soutl
from Aleiere.
The Bashaw. as a proof of his graft
4ude TO Allah for not d~estroyiHg this ri
ty also, set at liberty about $50 habyle,
Who were detained here in chains ~
account of political disputes with thei
aribe.-"A Quelque chose maiheur es
Ion"