SANTIAGO. 



49 



Although I was not sensible of any shock, 

 when crossing the Andes, at the time of this 

 frightful earthquake, which destroyed Concep- 

 cion, I recollect remarking a sudden avalanche 

 of stones and earth, which broke away from the 

 heights above us, and on comparing the events 

 afterwards, they corresponded in point of time. 



Concepcion has been totally ruined by this 

 earthquake, as well as Talcahuana, its seaport. 

 This last was overwhelmed at the same time 

 by the sea, which first retired and after its re- 

 turn, swept away every vestige of the town. 

 The inhabitants, after the first shocks, which had 

 partially injured Talcahuana, and driven them 

 all out of their houses, believed the violence of 

 the earthquake had subsided, and were about 

 to return to save the remnants of their pro- 

 perty, when the captain of a ship at anchor in 

 the port gave notice that the sea was retiring, 



VOL. II. D 



