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Story
May 27, 1816
Kentucky Gazette
Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky
What is this article about?
Letter from New Orleans dated May 9 details levee breach at McCarty's Point on May 5, causing severe flooding in Faubourg St. Mary's and city rear; breach widens to 200 feet, unstoppable until July, potentially submerging one third of city; burial ground flooded.
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Full Text
Extract of a letter from a gentleman of the first respectability to his friend in this place, dated
"New-Orleans, 9th May.
The whole of the back part of the Faubourg St. Mary's, is now under water, and a considerable part of the rear of the city in a like condition. The cause which has lead to this event is the breaking of the levee at McCarty's Point, about 6 miles above the city. Early on Sunday morning, the 5th inst. a breach was discovered in the levee; notwithstanding all the force of the adjoining farms were immediately assembled, and very considerable aid afforded from the city, yet they have not been enabled to arrest the progress of the water, and the breach has increased to a distance upwards of 200 feet, with a depth of from 6 to 9 feet, which runs with a velocity almost inconceivable. Great exertions are making with a view of stopping the breach, which I am inclined to believe is practicable, although many differ from me in opinion, and believe it impossible to stop it till the fall of the river, which may not take place sooner than about the first of July, or perhaps somewhat later. Should this be the case, I have no hesitation in saying, that at least one third of the city of New Orleans will be under water; in which event you may easily anticipate the dreadful consequences.
At the time I am writing to you the waters are at my door, and as soon as I close this, shall begin to move to a more elevated part of the city.
The burial ground, in the rear of the city, at this time, is from 3 to 4 feet under water.
I have just returned from the crevasse-it is the most formidable one I have ever seen."
"New-Orleans, 9th May.
The whole of the back part of the Faubourg St. Mary's, is now under water, and a considerable part of the rear of the city in a like condition. The cause which has lead to this event is the breaking of the levee at McCarty's Point, about 6 miles above the city. Early on Sunday morning, the 5th inst. a breach was discovered in the levee; notwithstanding all the force of the adjoining farms were immediately assembled, and very considerable aid afforded from the city, yet they have not been enabled to arrest the progress of the water, and the breach has increased to a distance upwards of 200 feet, with a depth of from 6 to 9 feet, which runs with a velocity almost inconceivable. Great exertions are making with a view of stopping the breach, which I am inclined to believe is practicable, although many differ from me in opinion, and believe it impossible to stop it till the fall of the river, which may not take place sooner than about the first of July, or perhaps somewhat later. Should this be the case, I have no hesitation in saying, that at least one third of the city of New Orleans will be under water; in which event you may easily anticipate the dreadful consequences.
At the time I am writing to you the waters are at my door, and as soon as I close this, shall begin to move to a more elevated part of the city.
The burial ground, in the rear of the city, at this time, is from 3 to 4 feet under water.
I have just returned from the crevasse-it is the most formidable one I have ever seen."
What sub-type of article is it?
Disaster
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Catastrophe
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Levee Breach
New Orleans Flood
Flooding
Crevasse
Water Inundation
Where did it happen?
New Orleans, Faubourg St. Mary's, Mccarty's Point
Story Details
Location
New Orleans, Faubourg St. Mary's, Mccarty's Point
Event Date
9th May, 5th Inst.
Story Details
A levee breaks at McCarty's Point on May 5, flooding the back of Faubourg St. Mary's and parts of New Orleans; efforts to stop the breach fail, threatening one third of the city until the river falls in July; burial ground underwater; writer moves to higher ground.