The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1836-03-16
MEMOIR OF RHoDE-IsLAND.


The following account of the Palatine light is ia
IN from publication called the Parthemon. 1t
as written by Doct. Aron c. Wiley, resident
hysician of the Island, to Doct. Samuel L. Mitch
of New York.
BLocK-IsLAND Dec. 10, 1911.
DEAR SIR-In former letter promised to give
Pu account of the singular light which is some
mes seen from this place. ] now hasten to fulfil
engagement. should long since have commu-
Gated the fact to the literary world but was unwi-
~ to depend wholly upon the Information of 9TH
9, when by little delay, there probability of
receiving occular demonstration, l have not,
,wever, been so Fortunate in this respect as could
ish, having had only two opportunities of viewing
is phenomenon My residing nearly six miles
ON the shore which lies next to the region of its
hbiton and behind elevated ground, has prevent
me from seeing it so frequently, perhaps, as
light Otherwise have done. The people who have
ways lived here are so familiarized to the sight
at they never think of giving notice to those who
not happen to be present, of mentioning
afterwards, unless they hear some particular en-
tries made
This curious rradiation rises from the ocean near
e northern part of The Island Its appearance is
,thing different from blaze of fire whether it
,tuay touches the water, or merely hovers over it,
uncertain, for am informed that no person has
zen near enough to decide accurately 1t beams
ith various magnitudes, and appears to bear no
ore analogy TO the ignls fauus, than does the
-. =. N
e light through a distant window at others ex-
anding to the highness of ship with all her can
ass spread. When large, it displays either pyr-
nidical form, or three constant streams. In the
tier case, the streams are somewhat blended TO-
ether at the bottom, but separate aud distinct at
e top, while the middle one rises rather higher
ian the other two. 1t may have the same appear
nee when small, but owing to distance and sur
,undng vapours cannot be clearly perceived This
ght often seems to be in constant state of muta-
on; decreasing by degrees it becomes invisible, or
sembles a lucid point then shining anew, some
mes with sudden flare, at others ly a gradual
creasement TO its former size.-Often the muta-
lity regards the lustre only, becoming less and
SIS bright until it disappears or nothing but pale
une can be discerned of its full size, then resum-
its former splendor, in the manner before rea-
ID The duration of its greatest and least state of
Illumination is not commonly more than two or three
nues this Inconsistency, however, does not appear
every instance.
After the radiance seems to he totally extinct, it
oes not always return in the same place, but is not
nfrequenty seen shining at some inconsiderable
stance from which it disappeared. In this trans
IT, of locality it seems have no certain line of d-
ection.
When most expanded, this blaze is generally wa
erng like tho flame of torch. At one time it ap-
ears statonary-at another progressve.-Iti is seen
all seasons of the year, and for the most part IN
ne calm weather which precedes easterly or
outherly storm. 1t has, however been noticed du-
ing severe northwestern gale, and when no
torn Immediately followed. Its continuance is
ometime but transient at others throughout the
ight, and it has been known to appear several
ights in succession.
This blaze actually emits luminous rays. A gen.
eman whose house is situated near the sea, informs
nc that he has known il to illuminate considerably
he walls of his room through the windows. This
sppens only when the light is within half mile OF
he shore; for it is often seen blazing at six or sew
N miles distance, and strangers suppose it be a
essel on fire.
Having given a concise, but general description
{ this unusual radiance, in which have been aid.
d by the concurrent testimony Of divers veriiable
haracters, l will now offer you those observations
forded me by the opportunities have had for vs-
ing it myself The first time beheId 1t was at
vening twilight, in February, 1910. II was large
nd gently lambent. very bright. broad at the bot
ON and terminating acuiely upward.-From each