The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1849-06-18
TIE GREAT CREYASSE

AE OREAl ChEN ASSE.
The Mississippi runs through a ridge of land
formed originally by its own deposits, which
gradually declines as il recedes from the banks,
on either side. This ridge, however, though
higher than the ground further IRON the river, is
not enough to keep the water within its banks in
seasons OF flood, and In consequence, an embark.
ment, or Levee, is raised. the top of which is
intended to be above the highest food This
IeVee, however, is sometimes not substantially
made, or from some other defect, or being un-
dermlned by the water, the latter makes breach
or crevasse in it, which, though small at first
rapidly enlarges from the heavy rush of water
through it, and unless promptly checked and
closed, frequently becomes unmanageable, and
impossible 10 be stopped.
The great body Of water which thus flows
with overwhelming force through the break,
naturally seeks, first, the low lands and swamps
which exist short distance back from the river,
winch are gradually filled up, until the whole
coul try above and below the crevasse, becomes
overtlowed, and continues to rise to greater or
less extent, as the water may be able to escape
and diifuse itself more or less freely, into chan
nels, lakes or other outlets that may exist In the
rear.
The crevasse from which New Orleans is now
suffering is fourteen miles above the city, by the
course OF the river, and the break through the
feet, through which the water is rushing with
great force on an average depth Of not less than
en- feet
All the country in the nelghborhood of it, and
allthe adjoining plantations, were soon submerged
and the swamp in the rear was likewise filed
with water, gradually making its way down
towards the city, and as this latter filled, the
water steadily backed up into the rear streets of
the city, and has kept gradually swelling higher
| Al nd hoy f0t rje tho
tons until it has reached in some places within
six or seven squares of the river, it being borne
IN mind, that the streets are highest nearer the
river, and that the drainage OF the city, contrary
to that OF Northern towns, is from and not TO.
wards the river.
The create t rise of the water in the rear of
the city never exceeded seven inches in any
twenty four hours, and il is believed it has now
attained its mamimum height, and escapes by
Lake Ponchartran as rapidly as it is supplied
through the Crevasse. Indeed during the last
twenty four hours, there has been slight fall.
The business portion OF the city has not been
at all Invaded by the water, and no expectation
that II Will be. 1t has been almost exclusively
dwelling houses, that have been flooded. and
those principally occupied by citizens of moder-
ate circumstances whom the loss has fallen
with much severity in different sections. Great
numbers OF them have abandoned their wellings
whist many, however, continue to occupy them
uncer II the Inconvenience Of either wadiEg
knee deep IN water. or being conveyed to and
fro in skff.
A large portion of the rear of the First, and all
the rear of the Third Municipality, have thus
4 far escaped, as the fevee OF the Old Canal has
prevented the Waterfront spreading in that direc.
uon, but great fears are entertained that it can.
not much longer resist the pressure Should this
be the case it will add greatly to the extent Of
the calamity, and the consequent distress, as
those districts which would in consequence be
overlooked contain very large population.