Earthquake in Connecticut, 6)'c. 337 



him, and those were the expressions of his displeasure.' Hence 

 it has been imagined that they originated after the arrival of the 

 EngHsh in this country. 



" About fifty years ago, an European by the name of Steele 

 came into the place and boarded in the family of a Mr. Knowl- 

 ton for a short period. He was a man of intelligence, and sup- 

 posed to be in disguise. He told Mr. Knowlton in confidence, 

 that he had discovered the place of a fossil which he called a 

 carbuncle, and that he should be able to procure it in a few days. 

 Accordingly, he soon after brought home a white round substance 

 resembling a stone in the light, but became remarkably luminous 

 in the dark. It was his practice to labor after his mineral in the 

 night season. The night on which he procured it he secreted it 

 in Mr. K.'s cellar, which was without windows, yet its illumina- 

 ting power was so great that the house appeared to be on fire, 

 and was seen at a great distance. The next morning he enclosed 

 it in sheet lead, and departed for Europe, and has never since 

 been heard of. It is rumored that he was murdered on his way 

 by the ship's crew. He said that this substance was the cause 

 of the noises — that a change of temperature collects the moist- 

 ness of the atmosphere, which causes an explosion. 



" He further observed, that there would be no more noises for 

 twelve or fifteen years, and then they would be heard again in 

 consequence of the explosion of some small pieces of this sub- 

 stance which he had left, which would by that time become 

 sufficiently large to produce the effect. It is reported that his 

 prediction was strikingly fulfilled. These circumstances are cur- 

 rently reported, and as they are recollected and often spoken of 

 by many respectable old people, they are generally believed. 



" Perhaps these stories may only serve as instances of public 

 credulity, but as they are in the mouth of every one who says 

 any thing about this subject, I thought it might not be improper 

 briefly to communicate them.* 



" These shocks are generally perceived in the neighboring 

 towns, and sometimes at a great distance. They begin with a 

 trembling of the earth, and a rumbling noise nearly resembling 

 the discharge of very heavy cannon at a distance. Sometimes 



* It is almost unnecessary to say, that these foolish stories are deserving of no 

 credit whatever, and they are here preserved only as a part of the legends of the 

 day. — Eds. 



