Page:Narrative of a Voyage around the World - 1843.djvu/202

148 On the 17th of August, 1754, another earthquake occurred, ruining the greater part of the town. On this occasion the rising of the sea was attended with more violence; the Plaza was again covered.

On the 21st of April, 1776, an earthquake occurred which destroyed many houses.

On the 14th of Marcli, 1787, the whole town was ruined. The sea retired, leaving the rocks of the Punta Manzanilla (in the town bay) dry. The Phillippine, Nao, was anchored at the time in the port, and was left in four fathoms before the tide returned,—showing a fall of thirty-six feet.

No earthquake of consequence is recorded afterwards until that of the 2nd of May, 1820. This earthquake lasted several days, and entirely destroyed the place. The steeple of San Francisco fell on this occasion, and the church was rent; the sea retired still further than in 1787, and returned in two hours, rising up to the church door; the rise and fall taking place gently. At the ultimate recession the sand was found to have accumulated so as to nearly cover the pier, (five or six feet,) by which upwards of twenty varas of land was gained at the beach.

On the lOth of March, 1833, aljout ten o'clock at night, a heavy earthquake was experienced. The sea retired forty feet, and gently resumed its former level. This was felt at Mexico at precisely the same hour, lasting there about one minute and a