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Domestic News
May 31, 1787
The New York Journal, And Weekly Register
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
In Portland on May 1, a predicted earthquake based on prophecy caused public panic, with some weeping due to morning thunder, but the event failed to occur, leaving the town unharmed and the prophet unidentified.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
PORTLAND, May 1.
Agreeable to a prophecy of last week, the town of Portland was this day to be sunk by an earthquake. Some gave credit to this prediction. The distant rumbling thunder in the morning confirmed them in their nonsensical opinion, and many were at that time weeping, wailing, and almost ready to gnash their teeth. In the afternoon, the thunder having ceased, and Portland continuing in its old place, sound as a roach, some ventured to make an enquiry for the author of the prediction, his authority, &c. It was said to be this old man; but he denied it—that old woman; but she knew nothing about it—the shakers; but they had never heard of it.-Neither prophet nor prophetess were to be found.-Thus ended the day, the prediction, and the prophet. Would to God, that ignorance, folly, and superstition might end with them.
Agreeable to a prophecy of last week, the town of Portland was this day to be sunk by an earthquake. Some gave credit to this prediction. The distant rumbling thunder in the morning confirmed them in their nonsensical opinion, and many were at that time weeping, wailing, and almost ready to gnash their teeth. In the afternoon, the thunder having ceased, and Portland continuing in its old place, sound as a roach, some ventured to make an enquiry for the author of the prediction, his authority, &c. It was said to be this old man; but he denied it—that old woman; but she knew nothing about it—the shakers; but they had never heard of it.-Neither prophet nor prophetess were to be found.-Thus ended the day, the prediction, and the prophet. Would to God, that ignorance, folly, and superstition might end with them.
What sub-type of article is it?
Religious Event
What keywords are associated?
Portland Prophecy
Earthquake Prediction
Public Panic
Superstition
False Alarm
Where did it happen?
Portland
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Portland
Event Date
May 1
Outcome
no earthquake occurred; town remained safe; no prophet identified.
Event Details
A prophecy predicted Portland would sink in an earthquake on May 1, causing some residents to panic and wail amid morning thunder; the prediction failed, thunder ceased, and inquiries revealed no source among suspected individuals or the Shakers.