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The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A violent earthquake struck Kingston, Jamaica, on the night of June 11 or 12, 1766, lasting two minutes with aftershocks; houses rocked but none collapsed, no injuries reported; felt 30 leagues at sea; 74 years after 1692 Port-Royal quake.
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Extract of a Letter from Kingston, in Jamaica, dated June 14, 1766.
Last Wednesday Night about three Minutes before Twelve, a violent Shock of an EARTHQUAKE was felt here, which lasted about two Minutes, altho' the Earth continued convulsed for some Time after. The Shock was so great that the Houses rocked backwards and forwards, and threatened immediate Destruction. Many of the Inhabitants, of both Sexes, afrighted out of their Sleep, ran naked into the Streets; some retreated to the Sea Side, in order to find Protection on board the Ships, whilst others sought the Fields as a Place of Security. The Scene was really shocking and distressing; the Dogs howled, the Birds screamed, and nature itself seemed terrified. Several other slight Shocks were felt before Day-light, which kept the Inhabitants under continual Apprehensions, and greatly added to their Distres. The Ground opened in several Parts of the Town, and large Chasms were made in many of the Walls, but we do not hear of any Houses being thrown down, or any Person receiving Hurt.
It is just Seventy-four Years, and four Days, since the dreadful Earthquake in 1692, which destroyed Port-Royal.
The Earthquake was felt by a Ship upwards of 30 Leagues at sea.
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Where did it happen?
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Kingston, Jamaica
Event Date
Last Wednesday Night, June 1766
Outcome
no houses thrown down, no persons receiving hurt; ground opened in several parts, large chasms in walls
Event Details
Violent shock of earthquake felt about three minutes before twelve, lasting two minutes; earth convulsed after; houses rocked; inhabitants ran into streets, to sea side or fields; dogs howled, birds screamed; several slight shocks before daylight; felt by ship 30 leagues at sea