[ M ] 



No. III. 



Description of a singular Phenomenon seen at Baton Rouge, by 

 William Dunbar, Esq. communicated by Thomas Jefferson, Pre- 

 sident A. P. S. 



Natchez, June 30th, 1800. 



Read 16th January 1801. 



A PHENOMENON was seen to pass Baton Rouge on the 

 night of the 5th April 1800, of which the following is the 

 best description I have been able to obtain. 



It was first seen in the South West, and moved so rapidly, 

 passing over the heads of the spectators, as to disappear in the 

 North East in about a quarter of a minute. 



It appeared to be of the size of a large house, 70 or SO feet 

 long and of a form nearly resembling Fig. 5. in Plate, iv. 



It appeared to be about 200 yards above the surface of the 

 earth, wholly luminous, but not emitting sparks ; of a colour 

 resembling the sun near the horizon in a cold frosty evening, 

 which may be called a crimson red . When passing right over the 

 heads of the spectators, the light on the surface of the earth, was 

 little short of the effect of sun-beams, though at the same time, 

 looking another way, the stars were visible, which appears to 

 be a confirmation of the opinion formed of its moderate eleva- 

 tion. In passing, a considerable degree of heat was felt but 

 no electric sensation. Immediately after it disappeared in the 

 North East, a violent rushing noise was heard, as if the phe- 

 nomenon was bearing down the forest before it, and in a few 

 seconds a tremendous crash was heard similar to that of the 

 largest piece of ordnance, causing a very sensible earthquake. 



I have been informed, that search has been made in the 

 place where the burning body fell, and that a considerable 

 portion of the surface of the earth was found broken up, and 

 every vegetable body burned or greatly scorched. I have not 

 yet received answers to a number of queries I have sent on, 

 which may perhaps bring to tight more particulars. 



Note. The above communication was accompanied by an account or the first invention of the 

 Telegraphe extracted from the works of Dr Hook. 



Mr. Dunbar was induced to forward this extract to the Society, as he supposed it had been less 

 noticed than it deserved to be. But it was deemed unnecessary to print the Paper, as it ma)- be 

 seen in the works above mentioned, and is referred to by Dr. Birch i« his history of the Rov;.' 

 ciety. Vol. 4th, page 299. 



