116 Observations on the Storm of Dec. 15, 1839. 
upward by an unseen deflection, and doubled back upon itself in 
the higher atmosphere. But the case neither calls for nor admits 
these speculations. If, however, the axis of this gale had chan- 
ced to pass westward and northward of our limits of correct ob- 
servation, in pursuing its northeasterly course, as did, perhaps, 
that of the storm of December 21st, 1826, which has been ably 
examined and discussed by Professor Loomis,* it is, in such case, 
more than probable that its whirlwind character would not have 
been established. 
[ Note.—It having been claimed that this and other storms had 
been found to blow inward, towards some central point or line, I 
was induced to prepare and make public, shortly after the occur- 
rence of this storm, a statement of observations on the direction 
of the wind at or near sunset, from such evidence as was then 
in my possession, and illustrated by a small geographical sketch 
or diagram. 'To this sketch, which is here subjoined, I have 
now added the latest observations on the 15th, at the following 
places, viz. Culloden Point, Worcester, position of ship Morrison, 
Stratford, Fire Island, Keene, West Point, Salem, N. Y., and the 
position of the barque Ann Louisa. It will be seen that the as- 
sumed axis of the storm on this sketch is more advanced in its 
northeasterly course than appears in the larger diagram of the 
observations made at noon, as seen on the following page. 
ie ERR Is pees 
; Bia 
j - aon 
Sere 
| = 
Ska \ \ 
YS 
v Vat 4 
{ havea seen no i clisteclocy evidence that the veld ade Be ies 
ter has been wanting in any active American storm.—w. 
* Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. Vol. VII, p. 125-163. 
