lO THE ri.OOI) OF 1843. 



the zenith of the behi)lder. In many places there was but 

 very little wind, the rain appearing to fall in nearly perpen- 

 dicular streams ; at other jilaces it blew a stiff breeze, first 

 from the east or north-east ; and suddenly shifting to the 

 south-west ; while at a few points it blew in sudden gusts 

 with great violence, accompanied with whirlwinds, which 

 twisted off and prostrated large trees, and swejil every thing 

 before it. 



So varied, indeed, was the character of the storm at dif- 

 ferent places, that it would be exceedingly ditTicull to present 

 any very satisfactory account of it, except by embodying the 

 remarks of different observers at different places. The com- 

 mittee have therefore adopted that course. 



As observed by the Hon. Henry Myers, of Concord towti- 

 ship, the heavy rain commenced at about a (juarter to three 

 o'clock, P. M., in that neighborhood — the wind about Iv S. 

 K., but it veered so rapidly retrograde to the sun's motion, 

 that the clouds appeared to verge to a centre over the western 

 section of Delaware county, from several points of the com- 

 pass at the same time — the rain falling in torrents resembling 

 a water spout. At about a quarter to 4 o'clock the wind had 

 nearly boxed the compass, and blew a gale from W. S. W., 

 and about that hour a tornado, or whirlwind, passed across 

 the southern part of Concord, about a quarter of a mile in 

 width, prostrating forest and fruit trees, and scattering the 

 fences in every direction. In the neighl)orhood of Concord, 

 the rain continued about three hours, and the quantity of 

 rain which fell in that vicinity, as nearly as ascertained, was 

 about sixteen inches. 



Judging from the rise in the waters of the West branch of 

 Chester creek, which drains this particular district of country, 

 it is probable that the ipiantity of rain which fell in this vici- 

 nity, equalled, if it did not exceed, that of any other tlistrict 

 in the county. 



As observed by Mr. Adam 1'.. Williamson, of Newtown 

 township, the heavy rain commenced about twoo'clt)ck, and 



