298 &IITCHILL ON THE EARTHQUAKES OP 1811, 1812, AND 1813. 



Being on horseback in Livingston county, Kentucky, Mr. Riddick, 

 on the morning of the 8th of February, was sensible of the earthquake. 

 His horse refused to proceed, and bracing himself on his legs, stood 

 still. The atmosphere was remarkably luminous for some time prior to 

 the shaking of the ground. There was no moonshine ; and yet objects 

 could be seen to a considerable distance. On this occasion the bright- 

 ness was general, and did not proceed from any point or spot in the hea- 

 vens. It was broad and expanded, reaching from the zenith, on every 

 side, toward the horizon. It exhibited no flashes, nor coruscations; but, 

 as long as it lasted, was a diffused illumination of the atmosphere on all 

 sides ; but no noise was distinguished until the shaking of the earth 

 began; then the usual rumbling sound was heard. 



William W. Worseley, Esq. of Lexington, (Ken.) on the 29th of 

 February, reported the particulars at large, and published them in the 

 newspapers. 



Thomas Crawford, jun. of Louisville, (Ken.) published an account of 

 the terrestrial commotions in very einphatical terms at Russelville, 

 (Kentucky.) 



Mr. Mathias M. Speed wrote to his friend, Thomas Speed, Esq. of 

 Bardstown, an account of the earthquake of February 7, and the fol- 

 lowing days, in a communication dated March 3, 1812. He states the 

 appearance of frequent lights during the commotions, and that from 

 one of the low islands in the Mississippi, where he was, sand, coal, and 

 warm water were ejected from holes in the earth. 



Some of the coal was collected by Mr. Pierce, and transmitted to 

 me. About the 1st of May, 1812, I made a few experiments upon it 

 at the city of Washington. I found it to be very inflammable ; it con- 

 sumed Avith a bright and vivid blaze. A copious smoke was emitted 

 from it, whose smell was not at all sulphureous, but bituminous in a 

 high degree. Taken out of the fire in its ignited and burning state, 



