A meteorological account of the weather in Philadelphia, from January 1, 1790, to January 1, 1847, including fifty-seven years; with an appendix..

P E I R C E'S

STATISTICS OF THE WEATHER,

&c., &c.

METEOROLOGICAL ACCOUNT

WEATHER

IK

PHILADELPHIA,

FROM

JANUARY 1, 1790, TO JANUARY 1, 1847,

INCLUDING FIFTY-SEVEN YEARS ;
WITH

AN APPENDIX,

CONTAINING A GREAT VARIETY OF INTERESTING INFORMATION,
FOR WHICH, SEE TABLE OF CONTENTS.

BY CHARLES PEIRCE. •

PHILADELPHIA :
LINDSAY & BLAKISTON,

N. W. CORNER OF FOURTH AND CHESTNUT STREETS.

1847.

i o i

Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1847, by
CHARLES PEIRCE, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of
the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

PREFACE.

AT the friendly solicitations of a very considerable num-
ber of highly respectable citizens of Philadelphia, who were
aware that I had kept a regular account of the weather, for
a longer period of time, than, perhaps, any other person now
living ; I have concluded to give an Epitome of my nume-
rous meteorological observations and records of the wea-
ther, comprising fifty-seven years, commencing with Janu-
ary, 1790, to January, 1847, giving a comprehensive
review of each month during this long period. I did not
keep a regular account myself until 1793, but a friend of
mine who did, gave me his record from January 1, 1790,
to 1793. At the time I commenced my record, I resided
in Portsmouth, N. H., where I continued until 1313, when
1 removed to Philadelphia, and have ever since resided
either in the city or county. After I removed hither, I was
favoured with the loan of several records, kept by scientific
gentlemen of this city, also a record kept at the Pennsyl-
vania Hospital, whereby I was enabled to correct my New
England Journal, according to the records kept here. I
have also been favoured with access to records in the Philo-
sophical, the Franklin, and the Athenaeum Libraries. From
all of these valuable institutions I have taken many notes,
which I have introduced into an appendix, with other in-
teresting articles. I cannot omit to mention with gratitude
my obligations to Dr. John Redman Coxe, who kindly
loaned me a meteorological journal, that he had kept for a
series of years, commencing with 1798, which I found very
serviceable in aiding me to correct my record to this lati-
tude.

I have always been careful, when business has called me
from home, to employ a competent person to keep my jour-
nal of the weather posted up, that no chasm might occur.
Very early in life I established correspondents in England
and other parts of Europe, from whom I regularly received
books and periodicals which contained accounts of the wea-
ther there, and by whom I was also furnished with extracts

M178519

VI PREFACE.

from very ancient records of the weather, some of which I
have occasionally published in the United States Gazette,
Hazard's Register and the Saturday Courier, and which I
shall now annex to this volume, with some additional ex-
tracts. I am aware that some of these accounts of cold
winters in Europe many years since, may seem incredible,
but I give them as I received them, without vouching for
their authenticity. They may afford some information, and
can do no injury. I have added other articles, of the cor-
rectness of which there can be no doubt.

This volume will be, to many, a valuable book of refer-
ence, in order to ascertain how the weather was in years
long since gone by. In order more readily to refer to any
particular month, I have placed each month in a class. For
instance, the months of January follow each other from
1790 to 1847, and in like manner every succeeding month,
so that a reference to any month in any year may be turn-
ed to with the greatest facility.

I have always been particular in recording the state of
the atmosphere and weather, at, or before sunrise, also at
two and ten o'clock, P. M., and my reason for so doing is,
because the hour between day-dawn and sunrise is gene-
rally the coldest of the twenty-four, on account of the in-
fluence of the sun being longer absent from this planet. My
reason for two o'clock is, because this hour is generally the
warmest in the twenty-four; and for ten o'clock, P. M. is,
that there are frequently great changes in the temperature
of the atmosphere and weather between the hours of two
and ten o'clock, P. M., which sometimes causes the mer-
cury to sink from ten to twenty degrees ; therefore, by al-
ways taking these three periods, any one can ascertain more
accurately the medium temperature of any twenty-four
hours.

CHARLES PEIRCE.

PHILADELPHIA, January, 1847.

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Preface, - .5

Table of Contents, -

January,

February,

March, • 51

April, - - 68

May,- . • 86

June, .... 108

July, - - 127

August, -

September, - - 170

October, - 191

November, -

December, - 237

Temperature of each year from January, 1790, to

January, 1847, - 264
Appendix, - - 265
Cold and stormy winters in Europe, &c. - - 265
Cold and stormy winters in America previous to 1790, 268
Storms and hurricanes, - 272
Notes from our record, - 276
The old Congress of 1776, and Declaration of Inde-
pendence adopted, - - 276
Great battle of Bunker Hill, - 277
Loss of lives during the Revolutionary war and cessa-
tion of hostilities, - - 277
Definitive articles of peace signed at Paris, - 277
Grand Federal Convention promulgated the Federal
Constitution, - 277

Vlll TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Congress first met in New York, George Washington

President, and John Adams, Vice President, - 277

Order in which the States adopted the Constitution, - 278
Washington enters Philadelphia on his way to New

York, - .... 278

History of Philadelphia, - - 279

Buildings and improvements in Philadelphia, 283

Railroads, &c. - ... 289

Steamboats, - 290

Loss of steamboats, - - - 292

Tablet of memory, - -• 293

America first discovered, - - 294

New England first planted by the Puritans, 294

New Hampshire first settled, - - 294

Philadelphia and other cities and towns first settled, 295

William Penn's first arrival, • 295

First Assembly in Pennsylvania, 295
Penn's last return from Philadelphia to England in

1701 and death in 1718, - - 296

First yearly meeting of Friends in America, 296
First newspapers printed in France, England and

America, and first post offices established, - - 296

New inventions, &c. - - 298

Large Fires, . - 299

Remarkable earthquakes, - - 300

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA.
From January 1, 1790, to January, 1847.

JANUARY.

1790. The average or medium temperature of
this month was 44 degrees. This is the mild-
est month of January on record. Fogs prevail-
ed very much in the morning, but a hot sun
soon dispersed them, and the mercury often
ran up to 70 in the shade, at mid-day. Boys
were often seen swimming in the Delaware and
Schuylkill rivers. There were frequent show-
ers as in April, some of which were accompa-
nied by thunder and lightning. The uncom-
mon mildness of the weather continued until
the 7th of February.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. It commenced foggy and mild,
and continued so until the 10th; rain having
fallen on three days. After the 10th, it became
very cold, and some snow fell, as it did seve-
ral times afterwards before the month closed.
There was good sleighing for about ten days in
Philadelphia and vicinity.

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 32, and the weather was very vari-

2

10 JANUARY.

able. There were both rain and snow storms ;
also some very mild and some very cold wea-
ther. There was about one week of very bois-
terous weather, both on the sea and land.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 40. The weather was very mild a
great part of the month. Considerable rain fell,
bat very little snow. No ice made either in the
Delaware or Schuylkill in the vicinity of the
city. The medium temperature of the whole
year was 53.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 32. There were some severely cold
days, and a few very mild ones. On two morn-
ings the mercury was 5 above zero. On six
mornings from 12 to 20 above zero. During
one storm about twelve inches of snow fell, and
on another day about eight inches, after both
these storms, the weather was very cold for se-
veral days. It afterwards moderated, and con-
siderable rain fell, which made very bad travel-
ing for man and beast. The medium tempera-
ture of the whole year was 50.

1795. As in the corresponding month of
last year, there was much very cold, as well as
some mild weather. The medium temperature
of the month was 30 in this city. There were
snow storms and rain storms. There were cold
north-west winds, and mild south-west. There
was some good sleighing, and some very bad
wheeling. Some shipwrecks occurred, as there
are in almost every winter month. On the 1st
of this month, the cold was so intense in Eng-

JANUARY. 11

land, that the Thames froze over, said a London
paper, in ten minutes while the tide was turning.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. It commenced with fog and
rain, and there was no very severe weather
until the 23d, when it became intensely cold,
and some snow fell, which helped to close the
Delaware and Schuykill, by thickening the wa-
ter. All navigation was stopped for several
weeks.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and a cold stormy month it
was. On two mornings the mercury before
sunrise was five below zero, and at the perma-
nent bridge, (crossing the Schuylkill at the
head of Market street,) on the 9th, the mercury
sunk to 13 below zero, and the two subsequent
mornings to 10 below zero. There were two
violent north-east snow storms, in which the
snow blew into high banks, and so blocked up
the roads, as to stop all intercourse between
city and country for several days. The Dela-
ware was ice-bound for several miles below the
city, and wood was drawn with horses and
sleds from New Jersey across the Delaware to
the city and liberties. Horses were driven
with sleighs on the Delaware from Trenton to
the city. For four days there was -no mail re-
ceived either from Baltimore or New York.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and there was much steady
cold weather during the month, and particu-
larly from the 14th to the close, much snow

12 JANUARY.

x. .

fell, which afforded two weeks of good .sleigh-
ing. The mercury in this city was only once
below zero, but for ten mornings, it was from
five to fifteen above zero.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 30, and it was mild, foggy and
frequently rainy until the 20th, when it be-
came so cold as to close the Delaware ; and it
continued cold through February, and until
the middle of March. On several days some
snow fell, which produced good sleighing.
The Delaware was closed by ice from the 22d
of January, until past the middle of March.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. After the 6th, the weather
was severely cold until the month closed, and
a good deal of snow fell almost all over the
country, as far south as the Carolinas, Georgia
and New Orleans. The winter did not break
until the 20th of March. There was great
scarcity of fuel, and much suffering among the
poor : and there were many shipwrecks and
marine disasters.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 34. The month commenced foggy
and much rain fell previous to the 12th. From
the 13th to the close of the month, the weather
was very changeable from cold to mild, and
from snow to rain, in this vicinity ; but from
papers from the interior of New York, Ver-
mont, New Hampshire, Maine, &c., we learn
there was much cold weather in those places,
a great part of the month. On the 21st of this

JANUARY. 13

month, water was first thrown into this city
from the water-works.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 38. After the first week, the
weather was as mild as April, and the mercury
ran up to 68 on several days. During the
last week, some trees and shrubbery were in
blossom, but a few cold days the first week in
February, destroyed all their beauty, and closed
the Delaware. Considerable rain fell, but no
snow.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 32. It commenced mild and foggy,
and during the first eight days, considerable
rain fell ; it then cleared with a strong north-
west wind, and the mercury soon sunk down
to fifteen above zero ; this north-west wind
ceased after the third day, and the wind
changed to north-east, and produced a violent
snow storm, during which, several marine dis-
asters occurred on the coast. After a week's
sleighing, a south-east rain storm carried near-
ly all the snow away. But during the last
week in the month, there was another snow
storm, and the month closed intensely cold.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, during which, there was some
intensely cold weather, which, on three morn-
ings, brought the mercury down to zero. Four
mornings, from six to ten above zero. Eight
mornings, from 15 to 20 above zero. On
several mid-days, the mercury rose to the
freezing point in the shade, (which is 32°.)

2*

14 JANUARY.

There were several snow storms during the
month, and some very good sleighing. During
one week, it was very mild, and considerable
rain fell.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 29; it commenced and continued
cold, until the 16th, when it moderated, and
ten inches of snow fell, which was followed by
several mild rainy days, after which, it cleared
cold, and another snow storm succeeded, which
produced about ten days of good sleighing, and
some very cold weather, but the mercury did
not sink lower than five above zero in this city
and vicinity ; but the newspapers from some of
the northern and eastern States, gave accounts
of intensely cold weather, and the mercury to
be from 15 to 20 degrees below zero, at Albany,
Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester, in New York,
also at Hartford, (Conn.) Worcester, (Mass.)
in Vermont, and in Maine, and they said the
degrees of cold were about the same in January
1804.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 30, and the weather, (with the ex-
ception of a few days) was tolerably mild, until
the 22d, during which period, considerable
rain fell, but very little snow in this vicinity.
On the 22d, the wind changed to the north,
and then to north-east, and a snow storm suc-
ceeded, and it cleared intensely cold, which
soon closed the Schuyllull and Delaware rivers,
and January took her leave of us, with both
rivers firmly ice-bound. The last week in this
month, was very cold all over the United States
and the Canadas,

JANUARY. 15

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and it produced some intensely
cold, and some very mild weather. Snow
storms were soon followed by rain storms, and
there was scarcely a week of steady weather
in this vicinity, during the month. On several
mornings, the mercury was at zero, and on
others, it was above the freezing point, and at
mid-day it was at 40 and above. On several
mornings it was mild and foggy, and on others
it was as cold as Greenland. It was indeed a
month of many weathers, and extreme changes.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 27, and during which there was
much steady cold weather. On two mornings,
between break of day and sunrise, the mercury
was three below zero. Five mornings, from
8 to 12 above zero. Six mornings from 16 to
22 above. Eleven mornings from 23 to 29
above. The remaining seven were from 30 to
36. During the middle of 16 days the mercury
was from 15 to 30 above zero ; during the re-
mainder of the month, at mid-day it was from
32 to 42. But little rain fell during the month,
but more or less snow fell on seven days ; there
was much good sleighing. Much severely
cold weather was experienced in the northern
and eastern States, and through the British
provinces.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 29, and there was a good deal of
mild, thawy, wet weather, but the month did
not pass without several very cold days, in this
vicinity, and a week of good sleighing. While

16 JANUARY.

in Philadelphia the weather was mild and
rain was descending copiously, it was snowing
in the northern and eastern States.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 36, and a very mild month it was,
until the 19th. On several days the mercury
ran up to 64 in the shade. It commenced in
the fog, and continued in the fog, until many tim-
orous persons were fearful that she would never
get out of it. After being thus enshrouded in
fog and mist, old Sol increased his heat to such
intensity, as to devour the whole of it in one
day, to the great joy of millions, but to none
more than to the poor mariners, who had been
for more than two weeks on the coast, without
being able to find a port, into which to steer
their vessels with safety. After the 16th, the
weather was clear, mild and pleasant until the
J9th, when it became intensely cold, and the
atmosphere was soon congealed into snow,
which descended copiously on the 19th and
20th, after which, there was good sleighing for
several weeks. The Delaware closed on the
night of the 21st, and remained so until the
1st of March. The weather became simul-
taneously cold from North Carolina to the ex-
treme west, and through all the middle, north-
ern, and eastern States, and continued cold un-
til March. During a part of this month, the
cold was so intense at Moscow, that the mer-
cury sunk to 40 below zero and froze.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 32, during which, the weather was
very variable. But there was no remarkably

JANUARY. 17

cold or mild weather. There were several
very foggy mornings, and damp ; and some-
times rainy days, -until after the middle of the
month, when there was a pretty furious snow
storm, which continued part of two days during
which about twelve inches of snow fell, but it
blew very much into banks, therefore it did
not produce good sleighing. After the snow
storm, it cleared cold, but not severe. Upon
the whole, the month past oif pleasantly in this
vicinity.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and there was some pretty
sharp weather, and there were snow storms
and rain storms. From the 1st to the 13th it
was mild, and considerable rain fell. But
after the first two weeks it was much colder,
and some snow fell occasionally on different
days, which produced good sleighing, and
caused the month to pass away merrily with
the young folks.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 29, and during the first two weeks,
the weather was mild, foggy and wet, but
from the 15th it was cold, and considerable
snow fell on several days, which produced
sleighing, and the jingling of bells were heard
night and day until the month closed.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. The weather was exceedingly
variable during the whole month. Sometimes
intensely cold, with the mercury down to zero
at sunrise, and on other mornings ranging

18 JANUARY.

from 20 to 30 above. There was one week of
very thawy, wet weather, after which it clear-
ed very cold, and a north-east snow storm soon
followed. The month closed with a cold north-
wester.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 26, and there was much severely
cold weather. At sunrise on one morning the
mercury was 7 below zero ; on another 5 ; and
on two others, 3 below zero. On four other
mornings it ranged from 6 to 10 above ; and
on eleven mornings it varied from 14 to 20.
On the remaining mornings at sunrise, it
ranged from 24 to 34. There were several snow
storms, some of which were followed by rain,
which made horrible traveling. Both in this
month, and the subsequent one, there was a
great deal of suffering among the poor, for
fuel and the common necessaries of life. The
Schuylkill and Delaware were firmly ice-
bound. There were several marine disas-
ters, and much suffering on the -sea and land.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was 32, and from the 1st to the 16th,
the weather was mild, foggy and wet. On the
evening of the 16th a re-action took place, and
there was a deep snow, and the bridge at
the falls of the Schuylkill fell. The weather
afterwards cleared mild, and the remainder
of the month was pleasant winter weather,
neither severely cold, or so mild as not to need
a good fire. On two or three days some light
snow fell.

JANUARY. 19

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 34. The weather was mild during
the first two weeks, and considerable rain fell,
but after the 14th, it became so cold, as to
close the Delaware in a few days. On the 17th
it snowed, and in the evening there was a
thunder storm, followed by hail and snow.
After the 22d, the weather moderated, and the
ice gave way. But on the 2nd of February it
again closed, and so remained until the 9th of
March. On the 18th and 19th, the Potomac
river froze completely over at Alexandria.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 34, and there was a good deal of
mild, foggy, wet weather until the 16th, when
four severely cold days followed. The -residue
of the month, was pleasant winter weather.
The medium temperature of the whole year
was 53.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. The month commenced tole-
rably mild, but after the first week the weather
was a little rainy, foggy, and very unpleasant
until past the middle of the month, when more
seasonable weather ensued, and the wind blew
briskly from the north-west for several days.
It then changed to the north-east, and just
enough snow fell to produce good sleighing,
and the young folks enjoyed it much, and
some old folks also !

1820. The medium temperature of this
month was 26, and quite cold enough. Jack
Frost completely cheated us out of our January

20 JANUARY.

thaw. It is true, that during several days, from
eleven to three o'clock, it was mild and delight-
fully pleasant. A good deal of snow fell,
and the sleighing was very fine for two weeks.
On three mornings, the mercury was from 3
to 5 below zero, and on six mornings from 6 to
12 above zero, for two weeks the mercury va-
ried on each morning from 15 to 29. On three
mornings only, was the mercury above the
freezing point.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 25, and the coldest January month
since 1780, in the United States ; an uncom-
mon quantity of snow fell. On nine mornings,
at sunrise, the mercury was below zero in
Philadelphia and vicinity. On two of these
mornings it was 1 0 below, and on two 9 be-
low, and on five mornings from 2 to 6 below.
On seven mornings it was from 4 to 10 above
zero. On eight mornings from 12 to 18, and
on no morning did it rise to 30. At New
York city it was 7 below. On Long Island,
N. Y., it was 13 below. At Albany 14; Sara-
toga 15 ; Buffalo 16 ; Vermont 23 ; Canada 38 ;
New Haven and Hartford 15; Boston 17 ; Sa-
lem and Newburyport 20 ; Lowell 29 ; Exeter,
N. H., 32; Concord, N. H. 37; Gardner,
Maine, 33 ; Bangor 34 ; and Brunswick,
Maine, 39, all below zero. At Brunswick the
mercury became stiff in the bulb. The North
river, leading from New York to Albany, was
so firmly frozen, as to be past on the ice from
one city to the other, 160 miles, and for sever-
al days the Hudson was crossed from New

JANUARY. 21

York to Jersey City on the ice, by numerous
persons. But three other instances of the kind
have occurred for a century, viz., in 1741,
1765, 1780. The sleighing was said to be
good from Buffalo to the extreme part of the
State of Maine; and from St. John's, New
Brunswick, through the Can ad as to Michigan,
and from Michigan, a thousand miles to the
west. Every harbour was ice-bound from
Alexandria, Virginia, to Eastport in the State
of Maine, except the harbour of Portsmouth,
New Hampshire.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 29. It commenced and continued
mild, with foggy mornings, and some rainy
days, until past the middle of the month, after
which, the wind changed to the north-east and
some snow fell, and the atmosphere cleared
with a north-west wind, which continued until
the 24th, when it again became mild, and so
continued till the month closed.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 34. The weather of this month
was exceedingly variable from its commence-
ment to its close. It was alternately cold, mild,
foggy, rainy, snowy and pleasant.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 32. It commenced cold, but a re-
action soon took place, and a mild, foggy, wet
spell followed until the 14th, when a pleasant
change took place, and it was clear and fine
until the 24th, when it became cold, windy,

22 JANUARY.

and snowy for several days ; but moderated be-
fore the month closed.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 34. The first eight days were
very cold, and much ice was made in the Del-
aware. But a week of mild southerly weather
made every ice-bound river and rivulet give
way, and a warm light rain cleared all before
it, and ten days of delightful weather followed.
On the 29th a boisterous north-wester set in,
and the month closed very cold.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and the weather was very
fickle during the entire month ; frequently
changing from very mild to very cold ; and
from a fierce snow, to a mild and light rain ;
and vice versa. Then a few pleasant sunny days
would smile upon us, which were followed by
a raw, chilly north-easter, that would make one
dread to leave his comfortable fire-side. And
so the month began, and so it ended. The
quantity of rain which fell during the month
was If inches.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. The weather was alternately
very cold and mild. There were several rain,
and also snow storms, and about one week of
good sleighing in Philadelphia and vicinity.
But considerable snow fell in the western part
of Pennsylvania and New York. The mer-
cury was eight above zero one morning, and
from 13 to 23 above on nine mornings. Three
and a half inches of rain fell during the month.

JANUARY. 23

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 39. This was indeed a remarkably
mild month. The Delaware as free from ice
as it is in June ; and not a flake of snow was
seen in Philadelphia during the month. A
great deal of southerly wet weather prevailed
until the 16th, when it cleared delightfully
pleasant with a westerly wind, and so contin-
ued until the month closed. Early shrubbery
and trees were beginning to put forth their
buds. On several days the mercury ran up to
70 in the shade. Two inches of rain fell du-
ring the month.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 29; the month commenced very
cold, which closed the Delaware during the
first week, but opened again about the middle
of the month, when there was about ten days
of mild wet weather, with an occasional plea-
sant day. The Delaware closed again during
the last week, and continued closed until the
middle of February. Five and a half inches
of rain fell during the month.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. During the first three weeks,
there was much mild, foggy and wet weather,
after which, a re-action took place, and the re-
mainder of the month was severely cold, with
some boisterous snow squalls. The Delaware
closed on the 25th. One and a half inches of
rain fell during the month.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 26, and there was much intensely

24 JANUARY.

.cold weather, (after the first week, which was
very rainy,) and some boisterous snow storms.
The earth was covered with snow, and the
Delaware closed with thick ice from and after
the first week in January until the last week
in February, and there was much suffering
among the poor. The streets in the city and
roads in the country were banked up by
the snow to a great height, and the newspapers
from Virginia, also from the far west, and all
through the middle, northern and eastern
States, said, that more snow had fallen during
this month, than in any corresponding month
since 1780. A Salem, (Massachusetts,) paper,
said the snow was drifted into banks in that
town, and through that region of country, to
the depth of fifteen feet. Other papers from
the north and east published similar accounts.
The storm commenced in this city on Friday
evening with great violence, and on Saturday
morning the market wagons were completely
buried in snow on the north side of Market
street. Mails were delayed on the road for
two or three days. Many vessels were wreck-
ed on the coast, and many poor mariners
perished. Five inches of rain fell during the
month.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 25. There was much intensely
cold weather during this month. Several
boisterous and severe snow storms. Schuylkill
and Delaware closed with thick ice. The
winter was long and severe all over the United
States, and very similar to the corresponding
month of last year. Mails delayed, by the

JANUARY. 25

roads being filled with snow. On three morn-
ings the mercury was from four to six below
zero, and on six mornings from eight to thir-
teen above zeto. The remainder of the month
was seasonable winter weather. Four inches
of rain fell during the month.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. The first two weeks were
mild, foggy, cloudy and damp, and after an
easterly rain storm, it cleared cooler on the 15th.
But there was no severely cold weather during
the month. From the 24th to the 31st, a few
inches of snow fell, but not sufficient for
sleighing in this vicinity. Four inches of rain
fell during the month.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 29. The weather was very change-
able ; foggy, cloudy, misty, rainy, clear, mild
and cold. Very little snow fell in Philadelphia
and vicinity ; but towards the last of the month
considerable snow fell in the northern and
eastern States, and cold weather followed.
Two and a half inches of rain fell during the
month in this city.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. The month commenced and
continued intensely cold until past the middle.
The mercury before sunrise in this city, on sever-
al mornings, was from 2 to 4 degrees below zero,
and on eight mornings from 6 to 15 above zero.
After the snow storm of the 9th, the Delaware
closed, but opened again by a rain storm pre-
vious to the 20th. The residue of the month

3*

26 JANUARY.

was tolerably mild winter weather. A New
York paper of the 7th, stated that the mercury
on that morning at sunrise, was 18 below zero,
and at Albany on the previous morning 23 be-
low; at Boston 15 below; at Newark 13 below.
There was about two weeks sleighing during
the month in Philadelphia and vicinity. Two
and three-quarter inches of rain fell during the
month.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and a very snowy month it was.
There were no less than seven snow storms,
and several intensely cold days. It was general-
ly supposed, that during the storm of the 9th
and 10th, that nearly three feet fell in this city,
and in the country it was stated to be much
deeper. It was calculated that during the
month, from eight to ten feet fell in many
places. In the interior of Pennsylvania and
New York, arid in various parts of New
England, the newspapers stated the quantity
which fell during the month to be from ten to
fourteen feet. But two south east rain storms
carried off a great deal of it. At one time the
sleighing was said to be good from the Ohio
river to the bay of Funda (Eastport,) and from
Ohio, through Michigan, and down the Canadas
to St. John, (New Brunswick,) and Halifax,
(Nova Scotia). Seven and a half inches of rain
fell during the month in this city, but while it
rained here, it snowed in various other places.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. Every day in the month was
clear, fine winter weather, but six. On the
20th and 21st, about four inches of snow fell,

JANUARY. 27

after which it cleared very cold, and there was
tolerably good sleighing until the 30th, when
a dense fog and rain carried it all off. The
lowest the mercury sunk in this city during
the month was 5 above zero. 2 \ inches of rain
fell during the month. On the evening of the
25th, there was a splendid atmospheric phe-
nomenon, which lasted for nearly four hours,
and for sublimity, beauty and magnificence
was unsurpassed by any thing we ever before
witnessed. [The night was mild, pleasant and
clear ; its commencement was about a quarter
past seven, in the north-west, and resembled a
blaze of fire, which rapidly extended like a
rainbow to the eastern horizon, and in a few
moments spread its crimson hue over the whole
hemisphere, unsurpassed in brilliancy and mag-
nificence. It was awfully grand, and, perhaps,
far exceeded in splendour, any thing before
witnessed in this region. The rays of light va-
ried from a deep red to crimson, tinged with yel-
low, and at one time overspread the whole hea-
vens. About eleven o'clock it began to wane,
and by twelve had entirely disappeared.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 38, and from the 1st to the 30th the
Delaware was as free from ice, (opposite and be-
low the city) as in November. During the
night of the 29th it became very cold, and at
sunrise on the 30th the mercury was 16 above
zero, and on the 31st only 12 above. Not a
flake of snow, (that we heard of) fell in this
city during the month. Eighteen days were
clear, mild, and pleasant; and on eight days

28 JANUARY.

some rain fell. The other five were cloudy or
overcast. The sap rose in small trees and
shrubbery, so as to produce buds, and some
shrubbery in gardens of a south exposure put
forth leaves. On several days, from 12 to 3
o'clock, the mercury ranged from 60 to 64. Two
and a quarter inches of rain fell during the
month.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month, was 30. It commenced very cold, with
the mercury only seven above ^ero; but it
soon moderated, and continued mild until the
15th, when eleven days of very cold weather
followed. On four of these days, some snow
fell; (about six inches in all.) On the 24th,
the mercury sunk to only four above zero.
On the 25th and 26th if rained in torrents,
and (the ground being hard frozen) it produced
one of the most destructive freshets experienced
for many years. It caused a rise in the Schuyl-
kill river of fifteen feet ; and swept a\vay seve-
ral bridges, mills, &c. — In New York city and
county, the wind blew a perfect hurricane, un-
roofed several houses and other buildings, and
did great damage to the shipping at the wharves
and at anchor. Five and a half inches of rain
fell during the month.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month, was 24. The medium being one de-
gree lower than any month of January we have
on our record. The month was without a
thaw. Some snow fell on eight days. About
eight inches in all. On eight mornings the
mercury was from two to ten above zero. On

JANUARY. 29

eight more, from ten to twenty above. On one
morning, only, it was above the freezing point.
The Schuylkill closed on the 1st, and the De-
laware would have followed suit, but for the
ice-boats. But Jack Frost obtained a victory
over them on the night of the 16th, and placed
his broad white seal upon the Delaware, which
remained unbroken for several days. At Bal-
timore and Washington the mercury sunk
down to zero. We afterwards saw it stated in
the newspapers, that at Gettysburg, and seve-
ral other towns in the interior of Pennsylva-
nia, the mercury was thirteen below zero. At
Albany, Saratoga, Buffalo, N. Y., 30 below
zero. At Hartford and New Haven, Conn.
15 below. At Springfield, Mass., 30 below.
At Boston 14, and Portsmouth, N. H., 14 be-
low. At Portland, Augusta, Eastport, &c., in
Maine, from 20 to 30 below. In Montreal and
Quebec, from 37 to 39 below, and the roads
well blocked up with snow. There were great
disasters amongst the shipping on the coast and
in harbours, &c. Two inches of rain fell in this
city during the month.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 33, and the quantity of rain that
fell was seven inches and three quarters. The
month commenced with a violent north-east
snow and hail storm. It cleared cold on the
2d, and on the 3d, at sun-rise, the mercury
was only three above zero; and on the 4th,
four above. There was good sleighing until
the evening of the 5th, The 6th and 7th were
foggy and rainy, and the mercury, on the

30 JANUARY.

morning of the 6th was 36, and on the 7th,
55 ; and at mid-day, 48 and 58. The ice in
the Delaware, (which closed on the night of
the 2d,) now gave way, and the weather was
tolerably mild until the 18th, when a re-action
took place, and the mercury sunk to 14, and
on the 19th to nine only above zero. From the
21st, it was mild until the month closed. Some
snow fell on four days, and rain on thirteen.
Some days very little fell. But the powerful
rain of the 6th and 7th produced a destructive
freshet.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 34f , and 1J inches of rain fell. A
very little snow fell on four days, not exceed-
ing in the whole two inches. With the ex-
ception of eight days, the weather was mild
and pleasant during the whole month in this
vicinity. On the 25th there was a conjunction
of the two largest planets of our solar system,
(Jupiter and Saturn) which occurs only once
in twenty years.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 38, and If inches of rain fell, and
about the same quantity of snow, in the vi-
cinity of Philadelphia. It was a remarkably
mild and pleasant winter month. But the
newspapers informed us that, while Philadel-
phia was so highly favoured, various other
places were experiencing very different wea-
ther. On the 26th Pottsville was visited by a
tremendous hurricane, which swept away al-
most every thing before it. On the 7th and
8th of the month, Danville, Pa., was visited by
a very destructive storm of wind and rain, which

JANUARY. 31

swept away bridges, and did a great amount of
other damage. On the 7th, there was a great fall
of snow in Tennessee, and it was intensely cold,
and the papers stated that the cold extended to
Louisiana and Mississippi. It was also in-
tensely cold at the north, and down through
the Canadas to the bay of Funda. The Mon-
treal and Quebec papers said the weather was
so cold, that the mercury sunk 36 degrees be-
low zero.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 27. Two and a half inches of rain
fell, and some snow on four days, making about
five inches in the whole, and two days sleigh-
ing in the vicinity of the city. One morning
the mercury was 6 above zero. On three,
7 above; and on eight mornings, from 13 to
20 above. On the remaining mornings, it
was from 21 to 35. On the mornings of the
26th and 27th it was 14 below zero at Albany,
and intensely cold all through the northern and
eastern states.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 38. Three and a half inches of
rain, and about two inches of snow fell during
the month. A milder and pleasanter winter
month could scarcely be desired than was ex-
perienced in this latitude. But very few in-
stances occurred in which the mercury sunk
below the freezing point in the city ; and it
frequently ranged from 50 to 60, from eleven
to three o'clock. The Delaware below Ken-
sington, and the Schuylkill below Fairmount,

32 JANUARY.

were as free from ice as in mid-summer. The
medium temperature of the whole year was 54.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 33 f. Four and a half inches of
rain fell, and about three inches of snow. From
the 1st to the 17th, the weather was very mild,
when a re-action took place, and the cold in-
creased so fast as to sink the mercury 26 de-
grees from three o'clock P. M. of the 17th, to
sunrise the next morning, and the weather con-
tinued cold until the 30th, with the exception
of two days. On the 30th the wind southed,
and the mercury ran up to 52, and on the 31st
to 58 at mid-day. On the 20th and 21st, from
three to four inches of snow fell, which made
a few days of good sleighing, as it cleared and
continued cold for several days. The snow-
storm of the 20th and 2] st was very severe, and
extended far to the south, the west, the north,
and the east; and in several directions so blocked
up the roads as to delay the arrival of the mails
at the usual hours.

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

FOR THE MOXTH OF

FEBRUARY.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 32. The weather was mild until
the 7th, when a reaction took place, and cold
weather set in, in earnest, and \vith the excep-
tion of a few days it continued pretty cold un-
til the 17th of March, when the winter broke.
During the month of February, there were
both rain and snow storms, and some very mild
and pleasant days.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and the weather was very va-
riable, being sometimes very cold, and then
very mild. Considerable snow fell, which
made about two weeks good sleighing. Some
rain fell on six days. There was some very
pleasant winter weather during the month.

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 30, and there was a few intensely
cold days. The remainder of the month was
comparatively mild, particularly in this lati-
tude. There was considerable rain, but very
little snow in Philadelphia. There were, how-
ever, a few snow squalls.

4

34 FEBRUARY.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 32. Very little ice made in the
Delaware, notwithstanding there were seven
or eight days of very cold weather ; there being
no snow to thicken the water was probably the
reason. Three-fourths of the month was very
mild, and considerable rain fell.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 31. During the month there was
some very sharp weather, which closed the
Delaware for nearly two weeks; but a foggy,
rainy spell soon cleared both rivers, and made
free ingress and egress for vessels. It snowed
and rained on several days.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 30, and snow fell on several days,
which made good sleighing in the vicinity of
Philadelphia for a short time ; but some rainy
days soon spoiled the sleighing, to the grief of
many young folks. The Delaware was ob-
structed by ice for ten days. Several vessels
arriving in the course of the month, reported
having experienced some very rough and
stormy weather on the coast.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month wras 28, and the month was very cold
until past the 20th, the mercury several morn-
ings was below zero, and considerable snow fell.
The last week in the month was mild and plea-
sant, which, with some rain, carried the snow
off very rapidly.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 26, and a very cold stormy month
it was. Both rivers fast. Fuel scarce and

FEBRUARY. 35

dear; and great suffering among the poor.
Mercury on three mornings from 5 to 13 below
zero; and several mornings from 6 to 15 above
zero. The nights generally cold the remainder
of the month, but the days tolerably mild and
pleasant. But little rain fell. The cold was
tremendous from the far west to extreme east.
Mariners on the coast suffered extremely ; and
there were several vessels wrecked.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 26. There was not so much in-
tensely cold wreather during this month, as in
the corresponding month of last year, but it
was more uniformly cold. The cold was how-
ever interspersed with some mild and cheering
days. The Delaware was closed about half
the month, and there was much floating ice the
other half.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 29. The weather was very varia-
ble. Sometimes intensely cold, and then a
mild spell. There were both snow and rain
storms — sleighing and wheeling. The Dela-
ware was either entirely closed, or greatly ob-
structed by ice from the last week in Novem-
ber until the first week in March ; indeed, the
winter did not break until past the middle of
March.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 27, and there was much intensely
cold weather during the month, not only in
Pennsylvania, but all over the country ; and
the winter did not break until the second week

36 FEBRUARY.

in March. A great deal of snow fell as far
south as the Carolinas and Georgia, also,
through all the western, northern and eastern
states. The Delaware was closed until March.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. The first week was intensely
cold, and closed the Delaware for a short time.
After the 10th, there was much mild wet wea-
ther, with an occasional cold day or two. Very
little snow fell.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 34. The first week was very cold,
and destroyed all the beautiful flowers which
put forth during the previous month, (Janu-
ary.) The Delaware closed on the 3d, but
gave way again after a few days. The re-
mainder of the month was mild, and considera-
ble rain fell.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and a very variable month it
was. There were several snow storms, and
the weather afterwards cleared cold. After the
20th it was mild, and rain fell on several days.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. It was tolerably mild and
pleasant until the 9th, afterwards it was very
cold and stormy, and a good deal of snow fell.
It continued cold until the 10th of March.

] 805. The medium temperature of this
month was 29, and there was much cold and
stormy weather. Considerable snow fell, which
produced good sleighing. The rain storm in
the last week in the month caused a great

FEBRUARY. 37

freshet. It afterwards cleared very mild and
pleasant.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. It was steady cold during a
great part of this month. The ice gave way in
the Delaware about the 20th ; after wrhich it
was tolerably mild to the close of the month.
Very little snow fell.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. The weather was very varia-
ble. There were both snow and rain storms.
Very cold and very mild weather. Cloudy,
overcast and clear ; windy and calm. Mercury
almost down to zero on three mornings ; and at

c5 /

mid-day, it was several times up to 50. There
was much cold weather at the west, the north,
and the east, and considerable snow fell in
these directions.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 32. Very little snowT, but con-
siderable rain fell. With the exception of one
week, the weather was mild and pleasant a
great part of the month.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 26, and an intensely cold month it
was. The Delaware closed with thick ice the
first week in February, for several miles below
the city. The mercury was several degrees
below zero on three mornings in succession.
Some accounts said seven, and others eleven
below zero. On the 27th of the month, the
merchants employed a great number of men to
cut the ice from Pine street wharf to Glouces-

4*

38 FEBRUARY.

ter Point, in order to facilitate the sailing of
several vessels that had been loaded for some
time. The severe weather continued until
nearly the close of March. There was a great
deal of snow on the ground. Fuel was scarce
and very high, and there was great suffering
among the poor,

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 27. The Delaware closed on the
29th of January, and remained so until the first
of March. Much snow fell daring the month
of February, and the roads in the country were
blocked up in every direction. Several vessels
were wrecked on the coast, and many poor
sailors lost their lives.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 26, and there was much intensely
cold weather, and great suffering on sea and
land. After the first week the weather mode-
rated a little, and a good deal of snow fell.
There were three snow storms during the
month, and very little rain fell. Fuel so scarce
in Philadelphia, that oak wood sold for fourteen
dollars per cord.

1812. The medium tempe/rature of this
month was 27. There were several snow
storms during this month, but after the fall of
snow the atmosphere became mild, and rain
generally followed.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 27. The weather was very varia-
ble; sometimes very cold, and then mild.
There were were several snow storms, but in

FEBRUARY. 39

no instance did much fall at any one time in
this vicinity. Some rain also fell on several
days.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 28 ; and the weather very similar
to that of the corresponding month of last year;
perhaps rather more snow fell.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 24. Almost the whole of the
month was intensely cold. On several morn-
ings the mercury was from 8 to 12 below zero.
There was considerable snow on the earth when
the month commenced, and there were several
snow storms during the month. The snow
was very deep from Ohio, all through the mid-
dle, northern, and eastern states to the extreme
part of Maine. The Delaware closed in De-
cember and opened again. It closed again in
January and remained closed all through Feb-
ruary, and until the second week in March.
Fuel was exceedingly scarce and dear. Oak
wood sold from twelve to fourteen dollars a cord,
and hickory for sixteen dollars. Anthracite
coal had not been generally introduced. Fuel
being so scarce and high, there was much ex-
treme suffering among the poor, which was a
general complaint almost all over the country.
At one time wood sold in New York for twenty
dollars a cord.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. There were a few intensely
cold days; but excepting these, the weather
was tolerably mild during the month. There

40 FEBRUARY.

was snow, hail and rain, but neither fell in
great abundance. During some cold days, the
Delaware froze over, bat soon opened again op-
posite and below the city. The ice above the
city, at Burlington, Bristol, Trenton, &c did
not clear out until the first of March.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 26, and in all conscience it was cold
enough. The mercury was several times from

1 to 8 below zero from the 1st to the 16th. On
the 2d, the weather became intensely cold, and
the Delaware soon closed for a mile below the
city, and continued closed until the first week
in March. Considerable snow fell, but very
little rain. On the 22d, an ox was roasted on
the Delaware opposite Philadelphia. The cold
extended from east to west, and from north to
south. At Washington city the mercury was

2 below zero on the 15th. At Salem, Mass., 20
below. Boston harbour was closed with thick ice
as far down as Fort Independence. From the
20th to the 22d snow fell to the depth of 3 feet
on a level in Boston and in many parts of New
England.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 26. It came with a violent north-
wester, which made the window-sashes rattle
and shutters slam at a tremendous rate ; and the
cold increased with such rapidity as soon sunk
the mercury below zero. The intense cold con-
tinued only a few days, but sufficiently long to
close the Delaware some distance below the
city. With the exception of a few mild days,
the weather was cold until the month closed,

FEBRUARY. 41

and until the 10th of March. But little snow
fell in this vicinity during the month.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. It commenced and continued
cold until the llth, when the winter broke, and
it was very mild the remainder of the month.
Very little rain fell.

1820. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. It was cold until the 12th,
when the winter broke, and the remainder of
the month (with the exception of a few days)
was mild and pleasant.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 32, and with the exception of a few
intensely cold days, the weather was mild dur-
ing a great part of the month. January, the
month before this, was the coldest for many
years.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 27, and there was much severely cold
weather, but not a great deal of snow fell in the
vicinity of Philadelphia, although it abounded
in the northern and eastern states.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 36. It was severely cold the first
week, but the remainder of the month was mild.
It both snowed and rained on several days, and
several days were remarkably mild and plea-
sant.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 34, and, with the exception of seven
days, the weather was mild and generally plea-

42 FEBRUARY.

sant. It rained, however, on several days, but
very little snow fell in this vicinity.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 32, and the weather w^as very va-
riable. The first week was pretty cold, and
some snow fell. It was alternately cloudy,
rainy and clear until the 20th, when the winter
appeared to break, and it was mild and plea-
sant to the close of the month. Three and a
quarter inches of rain fell during the month.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 26. It was intensely cold until the
10th. On three mornings the mercury was
from 2 to 4 below zero. After some snow fell,
the weather moderated and became very mild.
On the 15th, some rain fell, after which the
winter broke, and it was uncommonly warm,
foggy, drizzly, and occasionally clear and plea-
sant until the month closed. Two and a quar-
ter inches of rain fell during the month.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 27, and the weather was one de-
gree colder than January. Snow fell several
times during the month, but not to much depth.
A little rain also fell on two or three days. The
weather was very variable, from cold to mild,
and from overcast to fair and pleasant. Three
and a half inches of rain fell during the
month.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and the weather was more like
April than a winter month. Apricot and peach
trees were in bloom on the 20th; but some

FEBRUARY. 43

frosty nights in March destroyed most of the
promised fruit. Two inches and three quarters
of rain fell during the month.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 27, and the weather was cold and
occasionally stormy until the 16th, when it be-
came mild, foggy, rainy, &c. and the ice in the
Delaware gave way, and vessels had free in-
gress and egress. The weather continued very
mild until the 24th, when a re-action took place,
and the remainder of the month was very cold.
Three and three quarter inches of rain fell dur-
ing this month.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 25, it commenced and continued
cold to the end of the month, with the exception
of a few days. There were several snow
storms, but not more than six inches fell at
one time. Two inches of rain fell during this
month.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 26, and there was much intensely
cold weather, and several deep snows, not only
in Pennsylvania, but all through the western,
northern, middle, and eastern states, and also in
Maryland, and the western parts of Virginia ;
some snow also fell in the Carolinas, and in
Alabama. The earth was covered with snow7
from the first week in January to the first week
in March, from Maryland to Maine. In many
places the snow was blown into banks from ten
to twenty feet high. There was great suffering
among the poor, not only for fuel, but for the

44 FEBRUARY.

common necessaries of life. There were seve-
ral melancholy shipwrecks during the winter.
Two inches of rain fell during this month.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 27 ; it was indeed another cold
month, and there were several severe snow
storms, extending to the east, west, north and
south. And the cold weather continued until
the middle of March. Two and a half inches
of rain fell during this month.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 30, and the first ten days were
pretty cold and some snow fell, after which the
weather became very mild and the winter broke.
One and a quarter inches of rain fell during
this month.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 29, and the weather was very va-
riable, from cold to mild, from wet to dry, from
.cloudy to clear, and from foggy to rainy, with
some flirts of snow. So it began and so it
ended. Two and a quarter inches of rain fell
during this month.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and it was very cold a great
part of the month. There were two pretty se-
vere snow storms and some snow fell on other
days. Fuel was scarce and high, and there
was much suffering among the poor. Two
inches of rain fell during this month.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 24 ; it commenced intensely cold.

FEBRUARY. 45

From the 2d to the 6th, on each morning at
sunrise, the mercury ranged from 1 to 4 de-
grees below zero; and there were twelve in-
tensely cold days during the month, and good
sleighing the whole month, to the south as far
as Virginia; to the west as far as the Rocky
Mountains ; to the north, through Upper Can-
ada, and to the east, as far as the Bay of Funda.
There were eight snow storms^ and it was esti-
mated at the time, if the snow had fallen on a
level and remained to the end of the last snow,
it would have been from 8 to 10 feet in depth.
But the newspapers stated it to have blown into
banks in some places, from 20 to 25 feet high.
It was the coldest month of February since
1815. Three inches of rain fell during this
month in this city.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 33, and it was very mild during a
great part of the month. There were only six
very cold days. A very little snow fell on
three days, making about 2 inches in all ; and
some rain fell on five days. Although the wea-
ther was so mild, the Delaware was a good deal
obstructed by ice. Three and a half inches of
rain fell during this month.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 24, and during which there was a
great deal of severely cold weather, and had it
not been for the ice boat that was just intro-
duced, the Delaware would have been closed
the whole month. On eighteen mornings the
mercury was from 6 to 20 above zero, and the
average temperature of the month at sunrise

5

46 FEBRUARY.

was only 18f , which is 13£ below the freezing
point. Some snow fell on four days, and there
was sleighing from the 16th to the 22d. Two
and a quarter inches of rain fell during this
month,

1839. The medium temperature of this
month was 33. About two inches of snow fell,
which melted almost as soon as it reached the
earth, and two and a half inches of rain fell.
The weather was mild during the whole month,
excepting on four days, viz. on the 6th, it was
11 ; on the 7th, it was 12; on the 10th, it was
14; and on the llth, it was 20 above zero. It
was so mild at mid-day, that the mercury on
twelve days ranged from 40 to 48, and on five
days from 50 to 54. Notwithstanding this
month was so mild in Pennsylvania, the papers
inform us, that the weather in the state of Maine
was severely cold and boisterous, and the mer-
cury sunk 20 degrees below zero, and 22 below
in the Canadas. And the last accounts from
Europe say, that the weather there, during the
last and forepart of the present month, was aw-
fully tempestuous, both on the sea and land,
and many distressing shipwrecks had occurred.
Among them, were three of the New York Liver-
pool packets, viz. the Pennsylvania, the Oxford,
and the St. Andrew ; and that a great amount
of damage was done in the towns of Liverpool,
Manchester, &c. We .mention these items to
show how very different the weather is in dif-
ferent parts of our planet, at the same time.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 39. From the 1st to the 6th it was

FEBRUARY. 47

intensely cold ; the mercury ranged from zero
to 15 above, which closed the Delaware below
Pine street, and would have kept it closed but
for the vigilance of the ice boat. On the 6th, the
wind southed , the weather suddenly became very
mild, the rain poured down, and his icy ma-
jesty soon took his flight from this vicinity, and
six inches of snow which fell on the 1st, soon
ran into the Schuylkill and Delaware rivers.
The remainder of the month was mild and ac-
companied by occasional fog and rain. The
quantity which fell during the month was three
inches.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 29. About six inches of snow, and
one and a half of rain fell during the month.
It was very cold from the 10th to the 17th,
the mercury ranging from 3 to 13 above zero ;
the other parts of the month were moderate, or
comfortable winter weather. A little snow fell
in this city on six days, but not enough for
sleighing at any one time. The Delaware was
very much obstructed by ice for two weeks.
While the weather in this country during the
winter has been comparatively mild, it was on
the other side of the Atlantic uncommonly bois-
terous and severe. A London paper of Febru-
ary 3d, says : " The severity of the wreather is
great, and numerous shipwrecks and other
dreadful disasters have occurred. It was so
excessively cold in Sweden in December, that
it was computed that three thousand persons
perished.

3842. The medium temperature of this

48 FEBRUARY.

month was 38. About two inches of snow,
and four and a half inches of rain fell during
the month. With the exception of nine days,
the weather was mild. On the 9th, the mercury
sunk to 14, and on the 17th to 13 above zero,
at sunrise. On the 4th the mercury ran up to
66 in the shade, and there was a heavy thunder
shower in the evening. On the 13th, 16th,
19th and 26th, there were easterly rain storms,
mixed with a little snow.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 27. A little snow fell on live days,
making about seven inches in all. There was
sleighing for three days. Two and a half
inches of rain fell during the month. On the
mornings of the 7th, 8th, 9th, 16th, 17th, and
18th, the mercury ranged from 10 to 12 above
zero, and considerable ice made in the Dela-
ware, but the ice boat kept the river open, so
that vessels had free ingress and egress. The
weather was not severely cold in this vicinity,
but in the papers, we saw it stated that in
New York, and in the northern and eastern
States, it was intensely cold and boisterous, and
that a great deal of snow had fallen. The
weather was also very cold at the south.
Snow fell in South Carolina to the depth of
two inches ; and there was both snow and ice
in Alabama, Florida and Louisiana.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 32. It commenced and continued
pretty cold for two weeks. The remainder of
the month was tolerably mild. Some snow
fell on the 1st, 8th, and 17th; in the whole

FEBRUARY. 49

about eight inches. There were but a very
few days of sleighing during the whole month.
On one day the mercury was 10, on another 8,
and on another 15 above zero, which were the
only very cold days. Only one and a half
inches of rain fell during the month. In a work
I have been looking over, I find an account
of a great snow storm which took place in the
New England States, from the 19th to the
22d of February 1717, (one hundred and
thirty years ago,) during which, snow fell
to the depth of six feet on a level, from
Connecticut to Maine.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 35 ; and four and three quarter inch-
es of rain, and five inches of snow fell. There
was sleighing from the 8th to the 12th. From
the 1st to the 10th, it was severely cold, the
mercury ranging from 10 to 20 above zero.
From the llth to the close of the month, the
weather was mild particularly in the vicinity
of Philadelphia. On the 4th and 5th there
was a very severe snow storm in all the north-
ern and eastern states, and through the
Canadas ; after which it cleared intensely cold.
During the storm many disasters occurred to
the shipping on the coast.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 28. The quantity of rain which
fell was three and a quarter inches. On eight
days, more or less snow fell, making in all
twenty inches in this vicinity. During the
snow storm on the night of the 14th and the
morning of the 15th, about six inches fell, and

5*

50 FEBRUARY.

the wind blew a perfect gale from the north-east,
which prostrated many trees in the city and
vicinity, and did much injury to vessels in port
and on the coast. During this storrn, ten
vessels were wrecked, on and near Squam
Beach, and sixty persons perished. Among
the vessels that were lost, was the packet ship
John Minturn, from New Orleans, bound to
New York. There were fifty persons on board
thirty-eight of whom perished, including the
captain and his wife and their two children.
Several other vessels were wrecked on the
American coast, and many lives lost. The last
three days in this month were very cold. On
the morning of the 27th, the mercury was only
8 above zero.

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

FOR THE MONTH OF

MARCH.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 38, and the weather was cold and
boisterous until the 17th, and some snow fell
on three days. From the 17th to the close of
the month it was mild, and considerable rain
fell.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 40. The first eight days were re-
markably mild and pleasant, after which the
wind changed to north-east, and some snow, and
then rain fell. On the 10th the wind changed
to south-west and it again became mild and
pleasant for several days, and vegetation came
forth rapidly. But the last week was cold arid
frosty, and some rain fell.

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 37, and the first two weeks were
windy, cold, cloudy and clear alternately, and
some snow and rain fell. From the 15th to the
22d, it was remarkably mild and pleasant. The
last week was very variable ; sometimes rainy,
and then cloudy, and then clear.

52 MARC H.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 34, and there was much of cold,
stormy, snowy, frosty weather, and several
rainy days. There was scarcely a mild plea-
sant day until after the 20th, when it became
spring-like and cheering, and some signs of
vegetation soon appeared, to the joy of thou-
sands.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 36, and, notwithstanding there was
much cold, stormy weather, yet, there was
also much that was mild and pleasant. Pre-
vious to the middle of the month, there were
several storms, intermingled with snow and
rain. But a brisk north-wester, which com-
menced on the 16th, and continued for several
days, cleared the atmosphere and introduced
some fine and pleasant weather, which con-
tinued until the month closed.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 34. It commenced cold and windy ;
and snow storms and rain storms followed, so
that there was very little pleasant weather dur-
ing the first three weeks ; at the end of three
weeks the wind southed, and it rained mode-
rately for two days, after which it cleared warm,
and vegetation came forward rapidly.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 38. It commenced cold and windy,
but after a snow squall on the 6th, the wind
changed to south-east, and some rain fell ; the
weather then became mild and pleasant for a
week ; a cold frosty spell then followed ; and

MARCH. 53

the remainder of the month was alternately
rainy and fair.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 36, and there was much cold and
boisterous weather, with some snow and rain,
until the 12th, after which it was tolerably mild
and pleasant until the 19th, when a week of
easterly wet, chilly weather ensued. The wind
then changed to south-west, and the remainder
of the month was delightfully pleasant.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 34, and it was more like a winter
than a spring month. Considerable snow fell,
and there was much cold boisterous weather,
and very frosty nights. Very little rain fell
during the month.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 35, and the weather continued win-
tery until the middle of the month, after which
the spring opened beautifully. As late as the
14th of the month there was a pretty deep snow,
but a copious rain soon carried it all off, to the
great joy of many.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 36, and the weather was very cold
until the 8th, then followed ten days of delight-
ful spring weather, but the remainder of the
month was very variable, sometimes rainy, then
clear and windy, with cold frosty nights. So
the month ended.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 36. It opened mild and pleasant

54 MARCH.

and diffused pleasant sensations into all who
experienced the delightful change and improve-
ment in the atmosphere. But, alas, we live in
a changeable world. The second week brought
clouds, wind and snow squalls, which dispersed
all the pleasant sensations of the previous week ;
but, fortunately, this gloomy weather was of
short duration, as the wind took a whirl to the
south, and after a fine warm rain, it cleared
mild, and the remainder of the month was every
thing which could reasonably be desired.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and it was, (with a few excep-
tions) a month of delightful weather, in which
vegetation came forward with astonishing ra-
pidity, and the trees were dressed in their beau-
tiful attire of green and white, and perfumed
the air with their odours.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 40; it commenced and continued
pleasant and mild until the 12th, when the wind
took an easterly direction and set the elements
all in commotion, so that on the 14th, there was
one of the most severe snow storms which had
occurred during the last three months. Snow
fell to the depth of fifteen inches in Philadel-
phia and vicinity ; and in Baltimore and Wash-
ington twenty inches. The papers also stated,
that the snow fell to so great a depth at the
west, north and east, as to prevent the arrival
of the mail from one, two and three days after
it was due, at many places. After it ceased
snowing, the wind backed in to north-west, and
blew almost to a hurricane for several hours; it

M ARCH. 55

however lulled as the sun went down, -but rose
with it on the ensuing morning, but not on so
high a key ; on the third day, it changed to south-
east, and the clouds soon gathered their forces,
and poured down rain with such violence, as
very soon to put all the snow to night. From
the 23d to the end of the month, the weather
was almost like summer, and April was ushered
in by millions of smiling faces, because it shone
so smilingly on them.

1804. The medium temperature of this
nKftith was 38. The weather was very variable
a great part of the month. There were some
very mild, and some boisterous cold days.
There were a few snow storms, and some rain
storms, and there were some cloudy, and some
beautiful clear days, and when the month closed,
some trees were in bloom and grass looked
green.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 40. As usual there was a variety
of weather, but the mild and pleasant prevailed
a great part of the month. Considerable rain
fell, and a few flakes of snow were seen occa-
sionally, and there were some frosty nights.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 38. It commenced cold and windy,
and there were some snow squalls. But on the
10th, the wind changed to south-west, and then
to south-east, and some rain fell ; it then clear-
ed with wind west, and there was about ten
days of very mild and pleasant weather, which
caused the trees and shrubbery to put forth

56

MARC II.

beautifully ; but during the last week they ex-
perienced a check by a cold north-west wind
by day, and severe frost by night.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 39 ; and there was much mild and
pleasant weather during the month, interspersed
by some snow, and considerable rain. Vegeta-
tion, however, made great progress, and the
trees and shrubbery were very forward.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 37, and it commenced and contin-
ued cold and windy, (with some snow and rain)
for nearly two weeks, after which the weather
became mild and spring-like, and so continued
the remainder of the month.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 35, and a cold wintry month it was.
Snow storms were frequent, but rain generally
followed, and then cold north-west winds, and^
sleety and sloppy walking made up the variety,
with an occasionally mild and pleasant day.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 37 ; and there was considerable snow
on the earth when it commenced, and a storm in
the first week added a few inches more, which
made good sleighing. The weather continued
cold until past the middle of the month, when
a south-east and southerly rain storm made all
the snow run into the great ocean ; the wind
changed to south-west, and the spring now com-
menced beautifully, and every thing did spring
to admiration, as though it meant to redeem
much lost time. By the 1st of April, many

MARCH. 57

early fruit trees were in blossom. During a
violent gale on the 3d, the great Elm tree at
Kensington, under which William Penn made
his treaty with the Indians in 1682, was blown
down.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 40. With the exception of a few
squally, cold days, and two rain storms, the
weather was rnild and very pleasant, and vege-
tation came forward with rapidity. It was said,
that winter grain scarcely ever looked more pro-
mising, A tremendous gale on the coast of Ire-
land destroyed a great number of vessels, and
many lives were lost on the 3lst of this month.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 37, and there was considerable cold,
windy weather, but much more that was mild,
spring-like and very pleasant. There were
some storms, with a mixture of snow and rain,
but, after they had ceased, old Sol shone out
warm and made the sap rise in the trees and
put forth buds, blossoms and leaves, and at the
close of the month early vegetation looked pro-

mising.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 39, and it produced a great variety
of weather, viz. a little snow, more rain, some
wind, some calm, some cold, some warm, and
a good deal of mild, pleasant weather. On the
whole, the month passed off very agreeably in
this vicinity, and we hope it did elsewhere.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 38, and it opened very mild and

58 MARC H.

pleasant, but the second week brought a cold
north-west wind, which continued for several
days, and then changed to south-west, when
the weather became mild and very pleasant for
seven or eight days, when it rained copiously,
arid cleared beautifully, and it continued mild
and pleasant until the month closed.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 38. Cold weather continued until
the middle of the month, when the winter broke
and it became uncommonly mild and pleasant,
and vegetation came forward with surprising
rapidity.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was 36, and there was a great deal of
cold, windy, boisterous, and stormy weather,
until past the middle of the month ; but, not-
withstanding the month came in like a lion, and
continued very ferocious for more than two
weeks, yet it went out as mild and gentle as a
lamb. A great fresh in the Ohio and Kentucky
rivers caused a rise of more than fifty feet, and
produced great destruction of property.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 40. It commenced cold, but after
the first week, the winter broke, and the wea-
ther became rnild and pleasant, and (with the
exception of a few days) continued so until the
month closed.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 37. The month commenced and
continued cold and windy until the 10th, when
the winter broke. Some rain fell, with a little

MARCH. 59

flirt of snow ; after which, mild and pleasant
weather, (with occasional showers) continued
through the remainder of the month.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 39. It commenced mild and plea-
sant, (and with the exception of one short east-
erly rain storm, a few occasional showers ; arid
one snow squall, accompanied by a fierce north-
wester) the month pased off pleasant.

1820. The medium temperature of this
month was 38. It was mild and pleasant until
the 8th, when a re-action took place, and a
whole week of cold, cloudy, windy, squally,
and frosty weather followed. The wind then
changed to west and south-west, and the wea-
ther became mild and pleasant, and (with the
exception of a few days) it continued so until
the month closed.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 37 ; and the weather was very va-
riable through the whole month. It snowed,
it hailed, and it rained more than once or twice ;
and a north-west wind whistled on a high
key. At last, the weather became as mild and
gentle as a lamb, and the month closed very
lamb-like.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 36. It commenced cold, but plea-
sant— previous to the 20th, there was all sorts
of weather, very similar to the corresponding
month of last year. The last ten days were
mild, but wet, and every thing around pro-
claimed that it was spring.

60 MARCH.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and although snow frequently
feathered the atmosphere, none remained long
upon the earth, as rain generally followed, and
a pleasant week ensued. So the month com-
menced, and so it ended.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 39. It was mild and very plea-
sant during the first week. The subsequent
ten days were windy, cold and squally. The
wind then changed to south-east, and rain fell
copiously, after which it cleared, and the wea-
ther during the remainder of the month was
mild and really spring-like, and vegetation pro-
gressed finely.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and with the exception of a
bracing north-wester for several days, it was a
month of spring-like weather, and vegetation
came forward rapidly. Four and a half inches
of rain fell during the month.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 38. It commenced warm, but dur-
ing the second week a cold north-west wind
prevailed, to the discomfiture of many. It did
not, however, retain its strength long, as it lulled
into a calm, and a delightful mild spell followed,
until the wind changed to south-east, and some
rain fell. A warm south wind and pleasant
weather closed the month. Nine and a half
inches of rain fell during the month.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 36, and a cold boisterous month it

MARC H. 61

was. Snow fell several times, after which it
cleared with a brisk north-west wind. The
21st, however, brought mild spring-like wea-
ther, which continued until the month closed.
One and a quarter inches of rain fell during
the month.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 42. After the first week, which
was very frosty, and destroyed most of the ap-
ricot and peach buds and blossoms, which put
forth so plentifully the last week in February,
the weather became uncommonly warm, and
(with the exception of a few days of rain, &,c.,)
it continued so the remainder of the month.
Four inches of rain fell during the month.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 38, and there were all kinds of wea-
ther for nearly three weeks. Some cold, some
mild, and some rain, with a little snow. Then
a brisk north-wester cleared all off, and the at-
mosphere became clear, mild and pleasant, and
thus closed the month. Three inches of rain
fell during the month.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 40. The weather was very un-
steady. It was cold and windy, mild and rainy,
and sometimes uncommonly warm. During
one week there were some very frosty nights.
But on the whole, a majority of the weather
was very mild and pleasant. Four and a quar-
ter inches of rain fell during the month.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 39. The weather was quite cold

6*

62 MARCH.

until the 6th, after which there were two weeks
of very mild and pleasant weather, when some
rain fell, and it cleared with a strong north-
west wind, which spent itself in three days.
The remainder of the month was remarkably
mild and pleasant. Three inches of rain fell
during the month.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 34. The mercury sunk to zero on
the 4th, in this city. In Baltimore and Wash-
ington, it was 4 below. At the north and east,
it was several degrees colder. The winter did
not break until the 15th. There was scarcely
a night in the whole month that it did not
freeze hard. There was an abundance of snow,
rain and sleet. There was floating ice in the
Delaware during the whole month. Indeed, it
was the coldest month of March we have on
our journal, except three, which were the same.
The few mild days during the month were
greeted with uncommon pleasure. Two inches
of rain fell during the month.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 39. It commenced spring-like,
both mild and pleasant. But the 10th very
abruptly introduced a cold boisterous week,
that was welcomed by no one ; but its depar-
ture on the 18th was cheered by thousands.
The weather now became mild and pleasant,
and so continued until the month closed, with
the interruption of a few very seasonable show-
ers. Two and a quarter inches of rain fell
during the month.

1834. The medium temperature of this

MARCH. 63

month was 38. The weather was variable
during the whole month. There were some
squally and some calm days ; also some cold
and some warm, some wet and some dry, some
cloudy and some clear days. In this way it
seemed to take turn-about, until the month
came to itsjims. Two inches of rain fell dur-
ing the month.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 39. It commenced mild, and so
continued for a week, when the mildness of the
lamb was disturbed by the roar of the lion, (as
Mr. North-wester is called.) For two or three
days he made sad work with window-shutters,
store-signs, and a variety of other articles.
After he took his departure, there was some
cheering spring-like weather during the residue
of the month. Four inches of rain fell during
the month.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 35. With the exception of a few
days, the weather continued cold to the 28th of
the month. It commenced with snow, hail,
rain and sleet, and there were in the course of
the month, enough snowy, rainy, sleety days,
to satisfy any reasonable person. The wind,
for the first time during the month, changed to
south, and then to the south-west on the 29th,
and produced a warm atmosphere, and the
nights of the 29th, 30th, and 31st, were the
only ones that did not produce ice. On ten
mornings the mercury ranged from 15 to 25.
One and three quarter inches of rain fell during
the month.

64 MARCH.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 39. It commenced with a snow-
storm, which continued moderately for three
days, and had not a great part of the snow
melted, there would probably have been twelve
inches. On the afternoon of the 3d, the wind
changed from north-east to north-west, and it
cleared intensely cold, so that on the morning
of the 4th, the mercury was only 5 degrees
above zero, and it did not rise above 22 the
whole day. On the morning of the 5th, it was
20, and on the 6th it was 22, which is 10 be-
low the freezing point. On the 7th the wea-
ther moderated, and it was alternately cold and
mild until the 18th, when the wind southed,
and the weather became spring-like, and vege-
tation came forward rapidly. Some rain fell
on the 13th, 18th, 23d, and 27th. Three and
three quarter inches of rain fell during the
month.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 41. It was clear and cold until the
5th — the mercury ranging from 18 to 21. On
the 5th and 8th, it snowed and rained. After
this, the weather became mild, and so continued
during the remainder of the month, with the
exception of a few days. Three and three
quarter inches of rain fell during the month.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month wras 41. Notwithstanding the weather
during the first week, partook very much of the
nature of the lion, yet the subsequent part of
the month assumed very much the disposition

MARCH. 65

of the lamb. The quantity of rain which fell
during the month was one and a half inches.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 44. It commenced uncommonly
warm ; the mercury ranged at sunrise, (during
the first seven days,) from 38 to 53; and dur-
ing mid-day, from 56 to 70. But on the night
of the 7th, the wind changed from south to
north-west, and the cold increased so rapidly
during the night, that on the morning of the
8th, it had sunk to 22, which is 10 below the
freezing point. It continued cold until the
1 5th, when a little snow and rain fell — after
which it became mild, and (with the exception
of a few days,) it continued so until the month
closed. About three inches of snow fell during
the month, and two and a half inches of rain.
There were many frosty nights.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and six inches of rain fell, and
about ten inches of snow. On the 17th the
sleighs ran in multitudes, both in and out of
the city. But the rain of the 18th spoiled all
the sleighing for this season. The mercury
varied during the month, from 20 to 70. There
was much boisterous weather, which did a
great deal of damage to vessels on the coast and
in harbours. On the 3d of the month, between
ten and eleven o'clock in the evening, there
were two rings round the moon, which reflect-
ed all the beautiful colours of the rainbow.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 47. A little snow fell on three

66 MARCH.

days ; not one inch in all — and a little rain on
thirteen days, the whole measuring but three
inches. The weather was very variable ; the
mercury ranging from 24 to 73. There was
thunder and lightning on the 15th and 18th.
On the 23d, while the apricot and peach trees
were in blossom in the country, a cool rain de-
scended, which covered the trees with icicles.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was only 30, and snow fell on five days,
measuring in the whole about fifteen inches,
and four inches of rain fell. The snow-storm
of the 16th was the most severe and violent
that had occurred for many long years, in the
month of March; during this storm, twelve
inches of snow fell in Philadelphia, and blew
into banks from four to five feet high in many
of the streets. It was the coldest March month
we have, or can find on record. On fourteen
mornings the mercury ranged from 13 to 20
above zero ; and there were only three morn-
ings during the month that the mercury was
above the freezing point. From the 1st of Feb-
ruary to the 8th of April, the weather was
steady cold. The New York papers said, that
during the violent storm of the 16th, snow fell
in that city to the depth of two feet, and blew
into banks six feet high ; that the country roads
were so banked up, that no mails arrived from
the north and east for two or three days. We
received similar accounts from Baltimore and
Washington. Also, from the west, the north,
and the east as far as Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, and Maine. Vessels on the coast

MARCH. 67

and in harbours, received great damage, and
there were several shipwrecks, and great loss
of property and lives.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 42, and four and a half inches of
rain fell ; but not a half inch of snow fell in
Philadelphia. From the 1st to the 18th, the
weather was tolerably mild, with the exception
of three days. On the 18th, there was a smart
snow-squall, after which it was quite cool for a
week. The remainder of the month was very
pleasant. The New England papers said, the
past winter was the most severe for many
years. In Vermont and a part of Maine, there
was five months' sleighing, from the 20th Octo-
ber to 20th March.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 44; two and a half inches of rain
fell, and a very little snow, which soon melted.
The weather for one week was very variable,
producing the temperature of the four seasons;
with the above exception, the weather was
mild during the month. On four days the
mercury ranged from 70 to 74; and on four
days from 26 to 32.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 42. Four and a half inches of rain,
and about two inches of snow fell in this vi-
cinity. On the mornings of the 1st and 2d,
the mercury was only 15 above zero, and on
the 3d and 4th, 20 above, which is 12 below
the freezing point. With the exception of nine,
it froze every night during the month in this
city.

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

FOB, THE MONTH OP

APRIL.

11 When verdure clothes the fertile vale,

And blossoms deck the spray,
And fragrance breathes in every gale,

How sweet the vernal day !"

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 50. Although there was much
mild and pleasant weather, yet there were
several frosty nights. As usual in this month,
showers were frequent, and an easterly wind,
with a drizzling rain and chilly atmosphere,
prevailed for two or three days; but vegeta-
tion progressed very well, and the trees were
full of blossoms.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. The month commenced warm
and pleasant, but chilly wet weather followed
until the llth, when the wind changed from
east to west, and most delightful warm grow-
ing weather ensued, and continued through the
remainder of the month, with occasional show-
ers, so that vegetation came forward very ra-
pidly.

1792. The medium temperature of this

APRIL. 69

month was 52. It was rather cold until the
7th and the nights frosty, after which an
agreeable change took place, and it was re-
markably mild and pleasant the remainder of
the month, with the exception of three days of
easterly wet weather.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 46, and there was much cold, wet
weather, and very frosty nights, until after the
middle of the month. Vegetation was back-
ward. The last two weeks, however, were
warm, and vegetation took a rapid start, and
at the close, the month looked promising.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 44. It commenced mild, but from
the 5th to the 12th it was cold and stormy
with both rain and snow, and every thing had
a discouraging appearance. There was ice on
several mornings. On the 13th, the wind
southed, and warm, growing weather ensued,
which brought forward the fruit trees and
vegetation, with an almost unprecedented ra-
pidity.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 50. It commenced with a warm
rain, which cleared up with a warm south-
west wind, and perhaps, two weeks of more
rapidly growing weather was scarcely ever
witnessed. During the third week, there was
an easterly rain storm, which cleared with a
cool north-west wind, which produced some
slight frosts. The last week was very pleasant
and mild, and vegetation being very forward,
the agriculturalist was highly encouraged.

70 APRIL.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 48. With the exception of a few
frosty nights, the weather was mild, which,
with frequent showers, and mid-day hot sun-
shine, vegetation thrived well, and the trees
were white with blossoms, which caused all
nature to appear botanical, and to perfume the
air with odorous scents.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 46. It commenced mild, and so
continued until the 8th, when a week of easter-
ly wet chilly weather ensued, after which the
wind southed, and varied from south to west
for two weeks, during which the weather was
warm and delightfully pleasant until the month
closed. The wheat looked very promising.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 44. It commenced cold, wet and
frosty ; and there was ice several mornings
during the first week, after which it gradually
became milder, and on the 12th, the wind
changed to south-west, and the weather became
very warm, which soon put a new face upon
vegetation, and by the first of May, it was al-
most as forward as usual, except the grass,
which was very backward.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 45, and it was cool until the 7th,
with the wind at north-east, and some rain fell
on several days in succession. After which
the wind southed, and the weather became
warm, and very pleasant, and vegetation came
forward very rapidly. Frequent warm showers

APRIL. 71

made the grass spring finely. There was no
frost after the first week in this month.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 47. It commenced with cold
frosty nights, but after some snow squalls, and
cloudy, wet weather, the wind southed, and
the weather became very warm and pleasant,
and vegetation came forward very rapidly, and
by the first of May, every thing looked very
promising.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. It commenced gay, mild,
and very pleasant and so continued with oc-
casional refreshing showers, and some very
warm days, through the whole month. Vege-
tation was forward, and looked well.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 52. Many trees were in bloom
and vegetation appeared forward, and very
promising. On a few mornings there was
light frost, but not sufficient to do injury.
Frequent showers, and a warm sun, made the
grass to grow for cattle, and herbs for man.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 54, and it commenced warm and
pleasant, but there was a re-action in the sec-
ond week, which produced some frosty nights,
that killed the bean vines, &c. It however
soon became warm again, and so continued the
remainder of the month.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 50, and the weather was quite

72 APRIL.

variable. Sometimes a chilly north-east wind
prevailed for several days. The wind then
changed to the west, and it was pleasant and
warm for about a week, when some rain fell ;
after which warm April weather continued un-
til the month closed. Vegetation not so forward
as usual.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 52. Frequent showers and warm
sunshine brought vegetation forward very rap-
idly. Every thing looked thriving, healthy
and promising, until the third week, when the
wind changed from west to north, and some
frosty nights folio wed, which did much injury
to delicate plants, but most of them recovered,
so soon as the wind changed to south-west, and
the atmosphere became warm.

J806. The medium temperature of this
month was 47, and there were some very frosty
nights and squally days, with wind at north-
west. But after the squalls passed over, the
warm sun soon melted the snow, and the plants
looked more beautiful than ever. On the llth,
the wind changed to south-west, and spring
weather set in in earnest, and made every thing
else spring. There was really a joyful time
with the farmers and gardeners, and they all
went to work as if they were inspired with
new life and animation, and their labours were
abundantly blessed, as the season proved a very
fruitful one.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 49. The month opened beautifully,

APRIL. 73

with many trees in full bloom, and early vege-
tation in considerable forwardness. About the
middle of the month, there was some cool
easterly weather for nearly a week, which retard-
ed the progress of vegetation a little, but a
warm westerly wind succeeding the easterly,
soon gave a spur to vegetation again, and the
month closed with some wheat-fields in head,
and early potatoes and corn several inches
high.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 50, and the weather was very like
that of the corresponding month of last year,
excepting that showers were more frequent,
and there were two severe thunder-gusts. Ve-
getation was very forward, and looked very en-
couraging.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 46. It commenced with a cold, dry
north-wester, that continued for several days,
after which the wind backed out to the east,
and for several days it was very chilly, damp
and drizzly. About the middle of the month,
the wind worked round to the south, and after
a real pour down rain, it cleared with a warm
westerly wind, and the remainder of the month
was exceedingly pleasant.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 48. It commenced warm and plea-
sant, with every thing botanical about it. Many
trees were white or variegated with blossoms
and leaves, and vegetation had made some
progress. The month abounded with showers,

7*

74 APRIL.

and there were some very frosty nights, which
destroyed many apricot and peach bulbs ; but
those on the under boughs or limbs were not
much injured. Vegetation generally was very
forward and promising.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 50; and the wind and weather
were more 'fluctuating than usual. The month
commenced warm and pleasant, but the wind
changing to the east, produced a chilly atmos-
phere, and then a rain storm, which was fol-
lowed by a cool north-wester. On the 12th
the wind veered to the west, and then to south-
west, and the remainder of the month was
warm growing weather ; the earth being kept
moist by frequent showers.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 48, and the first week was cold, with
the wind varying from north to east, and pro-
ducing some frosty nights. The wind, how-
ever, changed to south on the 8th, and warm
sunshine and fertilizing showers gave such a
wonderful impetus to vegetation, that its pro-
gress was very perceptible from day to day.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 49 ; it commenced with a mild
westerly wind, which southed on the 4th, and
after some copious showers, vegetation came
forward with great rapidity. It was remarked
that winter grain never looked more promising
than it did at the close of the month.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 48. The first week was uncom-

APRIL. 75

monly mild and pleasant. Vegetation was for-
ward, and the trees were white with blossoms.
An easterly wind, and damp, drizzly atmos-
phere prevailed during the second week. But
the third week brought fine summer-like wea-
ther, with southerly winds. Vegetation im-
proved every day during the remainder of the
month.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 52, and it opened with a warm
south-west wind and vegetation looking well, and
progressed finely under the influence of a warm
sun and frequent showers, until the 21st. when
the wind changed to the north-east, and several
raw, chilly, cloudy, wet days ensued. But the
26th brought fine warm, growing weather
again.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was 47. It commenced mild, but did
not maintain its credit; as Jack Frost came
along mounted upon a cold, boisterous north-
wester, and made every thing tremble and shiver
before him. The blustering snow squalls
which followed, would have been more suitable
for January than April. After the wind lulled,
ice formed on several nights, half an inch thick,
which destroyed all the buds, and almost every

green thing.

x

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 53, and the weather was not only
mild and spring-like, but a part of it was like
mid-summer. Vegetation came forward with

76 APRIL.

surprising rapidity, and there was every pros-
pect of abundance of fruit.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 54, and the weather was very simi-
lar to that of the corresponding month of last
year, excepting that showers were more fre-
quent, and there was considerable thunder and
lightning for so early in the season.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 53. It commenced mild, with a
clear atmosphere, and westerly wind. On the
5th the wind southed, and it rained moderately
nearly all day. From the 6th to the 13th it was
very warm, and vegetation advanced rapidly.
On the 14th, an easterly breeze sprung up, and
the weather was cool and damp for several days.
But the wind veered round to the south and
south-west, and it became warm and very plea-
sant, and the winter grain began to head.
Early corn, beans, peas, and garden truck, all
looked very promising, but more rain was
needed.

1820. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. It commenced with rain, but
it soon cleared with a westerly wind, both mild
and pleasant. Westerly, south-westerly and
southerly winds prevailed a great part of the
month. Vegetation was very forward, and
looked very promising. There was plenty of
rain, and some thunder and lightning.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 53. The month opened delightfully
pleasant and so continued until the 13th, with

APRIL. 77

the occasional interruption of some copious
showers. After this, the wind changed to
north and then to north-east, and the atmos-
phere became quite chilly, and on two or three
mornings there were slight frosts. But this
cool weather did not continue long. On the
19th the wind took a westerly direction, and
the weather became quite warm, and so con-
tinued until the month closed. Vegetation
looked very promising.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 52. It commenced cool and a little
squally. The snow flew in every direction, as
if it was afraid to light any where. Old Sol
soon made his appearance, and devoured the
whole of it at one meal. The wind now
changed to south-west, and the weather as-
sumed a milder aspect, but it was very variable
during the whole month. There were several
frosty nights.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 51, arid during which there was
much cold, frosty weather, and some snow
squalls. After the first two weeks it became
quite mild arid pleasant, and vegetation revived
and came forward with great promise.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. It commenced warm and plea-
sant, and so continued until the 9th, afterwards
there was a cool, damp, overcast atmosphere
and easterly wind for several days, after which,
the wind southed, and it rained powerfully for
an hour or two. It then cleared quite warm,

78 APRIL.

and so continued during the remainder of the
month. Vegetation very forward.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 55, and it was a delightful month
for showers and warm sunshine. Vegetation
unusually forward, and it never looked more
promising. Only one inch of rain fell during
the month.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and the weather was very like
that of the corresponding month of the last
year, except that thunder and lightning were
more frequent. Vegetation was nearly two
weeks in advance of some seasons. Four
inches of rain fell during the month.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 50, which was the coldest for
eleven years. The heavy frosts destroyed the
early garden truck ; also, most of the peach
and apricot bulbs. Vegetation very backward,
and farmers and gardeners quite desponding.
Three inches of rain fell during the month.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and it was indeed a most de-
lightful month of fine growing weather. Hot
days, warm nights, and frequent showers,
caused all nature to spring and flourish. Four
inches of rain fell during the month.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 55, and it opened very pleasantly,
and with the aid of fine showers and warm sun-
shine, vegetation progressed rapidly. It how-

APRIL. 79

ever met with a little check at the commence-
ment of the third week, by a chilly easterly
wind for a few days, which it soon recovered
from, and the remainder of the month was warm
and pleasant. Five inches of rain fell during
the month.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. It commenced cool, cloudy
and chilly, with the wind east ; but on the 4th,
the wind changed to the west, and afterwards
to south-west and south. After a rainy day, it
cleared warm, and the weather was very fine,
with alternate showers until the month closed.
Vegetation was very promising. Two inches
of rain fell during the month.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 53. Its commencement was mild
and pleasant, but after the 10th, both the wind
and the weather were very changeable. There
were easterly and westerly winds, and fair wea-
ther and foul, warm and cool, but, after all,
vegetation looked very flourishing. Five inches
of rain fell during the month.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 55. The first week was cool, damp,
easterly weather. The wind afterwards changed
to south-west, and two weeks of mild and ra-
pidly growing weather followed. The wind
then changed to south-east, and after one rainy
day, the wind wested, and the residue of the
month was warm and pleasant, with occasional
showers. Three inches of rain fell during the
month.

80 APRIL.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. The wind and weather were
very changeable. But much warm, showery,
growing weather prevailed. The wind boxed
the compass several times; it scarcely blew
three days at a time from one direction. Only
half an inch of rain fell during the month.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 53. More easterly damp, chilly
weather prevailed this month than is usual for
April, but she was not without her warm south-
erly winds occasionally, and her fertilizing
showers and hot sunshines made vegetation
spring again. During the fore-part of the
month there were some frosty nights. Three
inches of rain fell during the month.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 56 ; and there was, during this
month, much warm, splendid spring weather,
which made every thing flourish. Showers
were frequent, and thunder and lightning oc-
casionally severe. Four and a half inches of
rain fell during the month.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 50. Although there were few very
frosty nights and cool days during the month,
yet there was also an uncommon number of
very warm summer-like days. On five days,
from twelve to three o'clock, the mercury
ranged from 70 to 76 ; but, on six days, it only
varied from 40 to 48 during mid-day, and dur-
ing the night from 28 to 38. Three and a half
inches of rain fell during the month.

APRIL. 81

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 50; it commenced and continued
cool until the llth, during which, there were
several very frosty nights. The subsequent
week was very mild. But from the 18th to the
close of the month, the weather was va-
riable ; the mercury ranging from 38 to 52 at
sunrise, and during mid-day, from 48 to 80. A
little snow fell on the 4th and 23d, and some
rain fell on four days. Vegetation was very
backward, and fruit buds much injured by
frost. Three inches of rain fell during the
month.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 47. This was the coldest month of
April since 1816. There was ice on five morn-
ings and frost on eleven other mornings. On
the 14th and 24th a little snow fell ; and on
eleven days some rain fell. On eight days
only, the mercury rose above 60 at mid-day.
Three and a half inches of rain fell during the
month.

From long experience, I have observed that
there is about the same amount of cold, one
year with another. If we do not have it in the
winter months, we are sure to have the deficit
made up in the course of the subsequent sea
sons. The greatest difference I have ever
known in the medium temperature of any year
was 5 degrees ; in 1816 it was 49, and in 1825
it was 54. All the other years from 1790 to
the present, were from 50 to 53.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month was 54, and it commenced with a cold

8

82 APRIL.

northerly wind, that continued until the 4th,
and produced frosty nights. On the P. M. of
the 4th the wind southed, and the weather was
quite like summer until the 13th; the wind
then changed to north-east, and it continued
cool until the 23d, when the wind changed to
south-west, and the remainder of the month
was very warm ; the mercury ranging at mid-
day from 68 to 82. Only one and a half inches
of rain fell during the month.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 55|. During this month there was
the temperature of winter, spring and summer.
There was thin ice on four mornings, and frost
on six. On nine days the mercury ranged from
twelve to three o'clock from 50 to 60 ; on ten
days from 63 to 70 ; on five days from 70 to
76 ; on four days from 82 to 84. Seven inches
of rain fell, which is the greatest quantity in
any month of April for twenty years.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 47, and the quantity of rain which
fell was six and a half inches. On the 10th
there was a north-east snow storm, during
which about six inches of snow fell. On the
12th there was another, when from ten to twelve
inches fell in this city, and much more fell in
the country. Had not much of it melted, there
would have been good sleighing. This snow
storm extended south to Virginia ; west to
Ohio ; north to Vermont ; and east through all
the New England states, to the extreme part
of Maine. A few inches more fell on the 13th
and 14th, after which some rain followed.

APRIL. 83

Some rain fell on ten days during the month.
On the 2d, at mid-day, the mercury rose to 70 ;
on no other day did it rise above 65 ; on eight
days at sunrise, it was from 30 to 37 ; on the
12th, it did not rise, even at mid-day, above
34 ; on five days it ranged from 40 to 47 at
mid-day. During the remainder of the month,
the mercury varied on different days, from 50
to 60, excepting on three days it rose to 65, and
on one day to 70.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 53, and the quantity of rain which
fell was five and a quarter inches. It was in-
deed a weeping month, for it wept sorely on
sixteen days. But not a particle of snow fell
in this vicinity during the month ; and there
was not a particle of ice except on the morning
of the first day. On seven days the mercury
ranged from 70 to 80 during mid-day ; on ten
days from 60 to 69 ; the remainder of the month
it ranged from 44 to 59 at mid-day. At the
close of the month, vegetation was in a good
state of forwardness.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 50, and the quantity of rain that
fell was four and three quarter inches. A little
snow fell on the 4th, 5th and 9th, about two
inches in all. The month commenced with a
wintry atmosphere; the mercury at 31, and ice
a quarter of an inch thick, and it continued cold
and frosty until the 12th, when the wind
changed from north to south-west, and the wea-
ther became mild and spring-like, and so con-
tinued during the remainder of the month On

84 APRIL.

four days during the last week, the mercury
ranged from 70 to 75 at mid-day.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and one and a half inches of
rain fell, but not a flake of snow in this vicinity.
The month commenced cold, with mercury 26
at sunrise, and ice half an inch thick, and it
continued cold until the 4th, when the mercury
ran up to 74 at mid -day ; on the llth, to 76 ;
on the 14th, to 78 ; on the 15th, to 84 ; and on
eleven other days, it was from 70 to 76 ; on five
days, from 60 to 68; the remainder of the month
ranged from 42 to 58 at mid-day. At the close
of the month vegetation looked very flourishing.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 53, and two and a half inches of
rain fell. On the 25th there was a heavy
thunder shower with very vivid lightning. On
the 6th and 8th, there were snow squalls. On
four mornings there was frost, and one morn-
ing ice. The month commenced and contin-
ued mild until the 8th. From the 8th to the
13th, it was quite cool and frosty. On the 13th
the wind changed from north-wrest to south, and
the remainder of the month (with the exception
of four days) was not only mild, but summer-
like, and vegetation came forward with great
rapidity. Only a few sprinkles of rain fell from
the 23d of March to the 19th of April in this
vicinity, when it rained moderately for ten
hours.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 52J, and two inches and one-tenth

APRIL. 85

of rain fell. There was a snow squall on the
13th, and on nine mornings there was slight
frost. On six days the mercury wras from 70
to 76, one day 78, and one day 80, during mid-
day. A great part of the month the weather
was mild and pleasant in Philadelphia and vi-
cinity, particularly during mid-day. On the
24th, the mercury during mid-day, in the
shade, was 80 in Boston, New York, and in
Philadelphia ; in Baltimore it was 82 ; and in
the city of Washington, 84.

8*

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

ran THE MOXTH OF

MAY.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 56. It commenced and continued
pleasant until the 7th, when the wind changed
to north-east, and several days of wet, chilly
weather ensued ; after which it changed to the
south and south-west, and then followed ten
days of warm, growing weather. Another
change then took place, and the weather was
very variable during the remainder of the
month — sometimes rainy and sometimes clear
or cloudy.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 58, and much rain fell during the
first two weeks. It then cleared cool with the
wind at the north-west. On the 18th the wind
changed to west and then to south-west, and
the remainder of the month was mild and plea-
sant.

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 58, and it was a month of many
changes and vicissitudes. After a long east-
erly rain storm, some mild, pleasant weather

MAY. 87

followed for two weeks ; then there was another
north-east storm, during which some marine
disasters occurred, and several lives were lost.
The month closed very pleasant.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 62, and there were some very plea-
sant May mornings from the 1st to the 10th;
after which the wind took an easterly direction
and produced some overcast, damp, chilly,
rainy weather, which continued until the 15th,
when the wind changed to west and afterwards
to south-west, and a warm pleasant season en-
sued, and continued until the month closed.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 61. It commenced cool, overcast,
and drizzly, with wind east until the 7th, when
it changed to south, and the weather continued
warm and very pleasant until the 20th, when
the wind changed to north-east and it rained for
part of two days, and it continued overcast and
cool until the 27th ; the wind then changed to
west and afterwards to south, and the month
ended very warm, with a thunder shower. Vege-
tation was forward and very promising, and there
was a prospect of abundance of fruit.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 68, and it was a remarkably warm,
growing season, and just rain enough to pro-
duce excellent crops of hay, and fill the market
with abundance of vegetables and fruit. There
was only one week of cool, easterly weather
during the whole month. There were three
thunder gusts, with vivid lightning.

88 M A Y.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and the first week was very
pleasant, but it was followed by ten days of
very cool, drizzly, rainy weather, with wind
varying from north to south-east, after which
the wind changed to north-west, and blew fresh
and cool for two days ; it then changed to west
and south, and a spell of warm summer-like
weather ensued until the month closed. There
was a light frost on three mornings.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and the weather was mild and
pleasant until the 5th, when a cold north-east
rain storm followed. On the 8th the wind
southed, and the weather was very warm and
pleasant until the 17th, when the wind changed
to east, and a great deal of rain fell during three
days, and the atmosphere remained overcast,
damp, and chilly until the 23d, when the wind
changed to west, and the weather was warm
and pleasant during the remainder of the month.
Vegetation looked very promising.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 65, and much rain fell during the
months to the injury of corn and grain, but fa-
vourable for grass. About the middle of the
month there were several cool nights, but no
frost in this vicinity to injure any thing. On
the whole, vegetation looked very fair.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 68, and it commenced warm and
pleasant ; vegetation was forward and very pro-
mising, and met with no check during the

M A Y. 89

month. Fruit trees, also, promised a great
abundance. Showers were very frequent, but
there was only one easterly storm during the
month.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and the warmest May month
we have yet on our record. There were but
five days of cool, easterly winds, and two days
north-west wind, all the rest were west and
south-west and south. Vegetation very for-
ward.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 66. It commenced with a warm
south-west wind, and so continued until the
8th, when the wind changed to east, and it was
rainy, drizzly, and cloudy until the llth, when
ten days of warm splendid weather followed.
On the 20th the wind changed to north-east,
and overcast, rainy weather continued until the
25th, when the wind southed, and the residue
of the month was quite warm enough, and
vegetation never looked better.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 71, and it was proverbially called
" The hot May /" Westerly, south-westerly,
and southerly winds prevailed a great part of
the month. There was only one easterly rainy
day, but there were three thunder showers.
Not more than half as much rain fell as usually
falls in May.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 60. There was a great contrast be-
tween this and the corresponding month of last

90 M A Y.

year. This month commenced with a cold,
north-east wind, and a thick, overcast, drizzly
atmosphere. On the 5th it rained and blew
violently, after which it continued cloudy and
cool until the 14th, when it rained all day. On
the 15th the wind changed to north-west, and on
the 17th to west, and afterwards to south-west,
and the weather was clear and fine until the
25th, when the wind changed to east, and it
rained and drizzled for three days ; the wind
then southed, and a spell of warm weather fol-
lowed.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 62. It commenced mild and very
pleasant with the wind at south-west, but on
the 5th it changed to north-east, and a chilly,
overcast, damp, drizzly atmosphere ensued, and
on the 7th there was a real old-fashioned rain
storm. The weather continued overcast and
chilly until the 13th, when the wind changed
to west, and nine days of fine summer-like
weather followed, which was very reviving to
all kinds of vegetation, as well as to man and
beast. On the 23d, the wind changed to south-
east, and rain fell powerfully for nearly two
days, but on the 27th, the wind changed to the
west, and it again became warm and pleasant,
and so continued until the month closed. Ve-
getation looked pretty well, and there was a
prospect of abundance of fruit and hay. On
the llth, there was a great storm at Newfound-
land, and eighty vessels were lost.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 63. It commenced with a delight-
ful south-west breeze, and a warm, growing at-

MAY. . 91

mosphere, which continued until the 7th, when
a violent thunder-gust occurred, accompanied
by vivid lightning ; at the close of which the
wind changed to north-west, and the atmos-
phere became so cold as to produce frost, which
injured bean and other tender vines. On the
llth the wind changed to west, and the wea-
ther became very mild. On the 15th the wind
southed, and a rainy day followed. It then
cleared with a westerly wind, and it was fine
growing weather the remainder of the month.
Vegetation and fruit looked very promising
when the month closed.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 67, and it commenced under very
auspicious circumstances, as all nature looked
in a very healthful and flourishing condition.
On the 7th the wind changed to south-east, and
a very seasonable and plentiful rain fell. It
soon cleared warm again, with wind at south-
west, and no month of May ever produced finer
weather. It was warm, with seasonable show-
ers, and vegetation grew apace. Wheat, rye,
indian corn, oats, and every thing looked well.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 65. The weather during this month
was very variable. A great deal of wet, east-
erly weather prevailed ; also, some cool north-
west winds, and towards the close, ten days of
very warm, growing weather. But, notwith-
standing the unpropitious weather for nearly
three weeks, vegetation looked tolerably well.

1808. The medium temperature of this

92 MAY.

month was 68, and a month of fine weather it
was, with but very few exceptions, the wind
being at north-east, and east only five days dur-
ing the whole month, which produced a copious
and very seasonable rain ; the other rain that
fell was in showers. The wind varied from
west to south a great part of the month, and the
mercury ranged from 1 0 to 85 during mid-day
nearly half the month. Vegetation at the close
of the month was forward and very promising.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and the first week was mild
and pleasant, but the second proved quite the
reverse, for a cold north-east wind commenced,
with a chilly, overcast, drizzly atmosphere, and
then a real pour-down rain ended the second
week. After which the wind changed to the
west, and varied to south-west and south, pro-
ducing nearly two weeks of warm, growing
weather, interspersed with refreshing showers.
On the 28th, the wind changed to south-east,
and a plentiful rain followed.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 58. It commenced with a north-
east chilly atmosphere, which produced a rain
storm. It continued cloudy, damp, and cool,
until the 6th, when it cleared with a north-
west wind. On the 8th, the wind changed to
west, and the atmosphere gradually became
warm. On the 12th, the wind southed, and it
rained nearly all day ; after which it cleared
very warm, and so continued until the 18th,
when another easterly rain storm ensued. On
the 22d the wind changed to north-west, and

MAY. 93

the subsequent day to west and south-west, and
the weather became warm and pleasant, and so
continued until the month closed. Grass was
very heavy. Corn, potatoes, oats, rye and
wheat, looked tolerably fair when the month
closed.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 62, and it commenced mild and
pleasant, with the wind at the west. But on
the 3d it changed to the south-west, and there
was a smart shower. A spell of warm, plea-
sant weather then followed until the 14th, when
the wind changed to south-east, and brought
three or four overcast and partly rainy days.
The wind then changed to south-west again,
and very warm, growing weather followed until
the month closed. Vegetation was rather more
forward than usual, and the prospect was fa-
vourable for good crops.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 60. It commenced overcast and
cool, with the wind at south-east, and after two
or three days of drizzly, unsettled weather, the
wind changed to south-west, and the weather
was clear and fine until the 1 1th, when the wind
changed to north-east, and a spell of rainy, chilly
weather continued until the 16th, after which
a brisk north-wester blew away all the damp
vapour, and brought a clear warm sunshine.
The wind then southed, and fine growing wea-
ther continued until the 25th, when another
cloudy, overcast, rainy season ensued, with an
easterly wind, and thus closed the month.

9

94 MA Y.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 59 ; and it was about equally di-
vided between fine warm weather, with wester-
ly winds, and cool easterly winds, and chilly,
overcast, rainy weather. But vegetation looked
tolerably well, and there was a fair prospect of
abundance of hay and grain, and vegetables of
all kinds.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 62. The month commenced de-
lightfully pleasant, and showers were as fre-
quent as in April. From the 1st to the 20th,
the wind was quite variable, from south to
north, but on the 20th there was a north-east
blow; which soon produced a real storm, and
the rain poured down copiously. On the 23d
it partly cleared, and on the 25th the wind
southed, and the weather became clear and
fine, and so continued the remainder of the
month.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 64. This was an unusually dry
month for May, although she did not forget her
easterly rain storm, which, however, was com-
paratively moderate. Some very refreshing
showers kept vegetation in a very thriving con-
dition. Grass appeared short, but corn and
potatoes looked very promising, and vegetation
generally very fair.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was 57, and she was really a frosty jade.
Her frowns were many, and her smiles few.
Northerly winds, with cold frosty nights pre-

MAY. 95

vailed, until every green thing was either killed
or withered. A melancholy hue appeared to
seal the fate of all vegetable life. Buds and
small fruit froze upon the trees. On some
mornings there was ice from a quarter to half
an inch thick, in exposed situations. Corn was
replanted two or three times, and very little
ever came to perfection. Westerly and south-
west winds prevailed but seven days during the
whole month. There were two north-east rain
storms.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 65, and it was a month of uncom-
monly fine growing weather. Westerly, south-
westerly and southerly winds prevailed during
almost the entire month, and there were seve-
ral thunder showers. It is true, that her north-
east rain storm was not forgotten, and the wind
was north-west for two days. Appearances
were favourable for all kinds of fruit and vege-
tables.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 62. It commenced warm, but cool
easterly winds, and overcast, rainy weather soon
succeeded, and continued until the 10th, when
it cleared with a brisk north-wester; but on
the 13th the wind changed to south-west, and
two weeks of very warm, growing weather fol-
lowed, interspersed with fertilizing showers.
On the 27th the wind changed to east, and
several overcast, rainy days ensued, and the
month ended with rain.

1819. The medium temperature of this

96 MAY.

month was 60. It commenced with a cool, east-
erly wind, and a damp, overcast atmosphere,
which soon produced small showers of rain.
On the 5th the wind changed to north-west,
and it continued coo] for several days. There
were two or three frosty nights, which did
some injury to bean vines and other tender
plants ; but the frost was not so severe as to
destroy them altogether, except in some very
exposed situations. On the 9th, the wind
changed to south-west, and a warm and clear
atmosphere ensued, and continued until the
15th, when the wind southed, and the heavens
were enshrouded with black and portentous
clouds, charged with electric fluid, and terrific
thunder and lightning followed, such as the
month of May rarely produces. The quantity
of rain which fell was small, but the wind was
very boisterous. After the shower, the wind
changed to north-west, and the weather was
quite cool for several days, and two mornings a
light frost was perceptible. On the 20th, the
wind changed to south-west, and the remainder
of the month was fine, warm, growing weather :
at the close of which, vegetation looked pro-
mising, but rain was much wanted.

1820. The medium temperature of this
month was 62. It produced much pleasant,
growing weather, with some very seasonable
rainy days. The wind was very changeable,
and from the third w^eek to the close of the
month, there was a good deal of cloudy, damp,
easterly weather. The north-east rain storm
did not occur until the 26th, after which the

MAY. 97

wind southed, and the last three days were
quite warm and pleasant.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 65. The month commenced with very
warm, growing weather, and vegetation looked
finely. On the 10th the wind changed to north-
east, and three very damp, chilly days ensued,
after which it rained part of two days, and then
cleared with a warm westerly wind, and the
weather was very fine until the 23d, when a
south-easterly rain storm occupied two days ;
and it continued cloudy until the morning of
the 27th, when the wind changed to west, and
four very warm days ensued, and thus ended
the month, with a prospect of good crops of
wheat, rye, oats and hay, and abundance of
fruit.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and a remarkably warm month
it was indeed. It was the warmest May month
for twenty-two years. It seemed as though she
was determined to make up for the deficiency
and remissness of her sister, April. Very little
rain fell, excepting in thunder showers. West-
erly and southerly winds prevailed more than
three quarters of the month, and on four days
the mercury rose to 90 in the shade, and on
fourteen days from 80 to 86, at mid-day, in the
shade. Vegetation grew very rapidly during
the whole month. The prospect for fruit was
not very promising.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and there was a good deal of

9*

98 MAY.

wet, easterly weather during the first two weeks,
interspersed by some pleasant days. On the
13th, the wind changed to west, and it varied
from this point to south-west and south, until
the 23d, producing some very warm, growing
weather. On the 24th the wind changed to
north-east, and several days of overcast, damp,
rainy weather ensued. On the 28th it cleared,
and the month closed very pleasant.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 67, and it commenced mild and
pleasant ; but the wind changed to north-east
on the 5th, and a cloudy, rainy spell ensued.
It cleared, however, on the 10th with a fine
westerly wind, and warm, growing weather con-
tinued during the remainder of the month, in-
terspersed with some rainy days. Vegetation
looked very promising.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 62, and there was some cool, cloudy,
wet weather, interspersed with some warm,
pleasant days until the 12th. From the 13th
to the close of the month, the weather was warm
and rather dry. Vegetation looked very pro-
mising, and there was a fair prospect of pretty
good crops. One and three quarter inches of
rain fell during the month.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 71. This was the warmest and
driest May month that we have on our record,
except 1802. We were deprived of our usual
easterly rain storm, or even a rainy day during
the month, in this vicinity. There was a

MAY. 99

sprinkle of rain on four days, and the whole
which fell measured only one quarter of an
inch. Vegetation was very much parched, and
every thing looked in a dying condition.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 62 ; and although not so warm as
usual, there was much mild, pleasant weather.
The north-east rain storm was longer and more
violent than usual, and a cool north-west wind
succeeded for several days, but we heard of no
frost to injure vegetation, which looked very
promising; and there was a fair prospect of
much fruit. Two and a half inches of rain fell
during the month.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 65. It commenced mild and plea-
sant, with wind at south-west, but on the 6th it
changed to north-east, and overcast, damp, chilly
weather followed for several days, and then a
rain storm; but on the llth it cleared with a
westerly wind, and two weeks of very fine
weather ensued, after which the wind changed
to south-east, and a whole day of very season-
able rain fell ; and fine, growing weather fol-
lowed. Three and a half inches rain fell dur-
ing the month.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 64. It was alternately clear and
cloudy, with wind varying from east to south
until the 5th, when it rained nearly all day.
The wind southed on the 6th, and the wea-
ther was pleasant and sometimes quite warm,
until the 13th, when more rain fell, and the

100 M A Y.

wind changed to north-west, and the atmos-
phere was cool for several days, after which the
wind changed to west, and then to south-west,
and a spell of fine growing weather ensued,
with some occasional showers. Two and three
quarter inches of rain fell during the month.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and it commenced and con-
tinued pleasant for a week, when the wind
changed to north-east, and a week of cloudy,
drizzly, rainy, unsettled weather ensued ; after
which the wind wested, and the weather be-
came very fine for ten days. It then changed
to east and south-east, and considerable rain
fell, making three and three quarter inches
during the month.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 66. The month commenced and
continued pleasant until the 8th, when the
wind changed to north-east, and some rain fell.
On the 9th, the wind changed to north-west,
and it was cool until the 12th, when the wind
southed, and with the exception of 'three days,
it was warm and dry during the remainder of
the month. The quantity of rain which fell,
was only one inch.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 62. It commenced and continued
cool, and alternately clear and cloudy, until the
9th, when it rained. It was then clear until
the 15th, when it rained again; after which it
was clear until the 19th, when it rained on the
19th and 20th. The remainder of the month

MAY. 101

was alternately clear, cloudy and rainy. Five
and a half inches of rain fell during the
month.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 63. It commenced and continued
tolerably clear, and on some days it was quite
clear, until the llth, when the wind changed
to south-east, and it was cloudy, misty and
rainy until the 17th. Three days of fair wea-
ther then followed. On the 20th it commenced
raining again, and it was alternately rainy,
misty, cloudy and clear, the remainder of the
month. Six inches of rain fell during the
month.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 64. It commenced cool, with wind
varying from north to north-east. On the 5th
it rained all day, and the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th,
were partly rainy. From the 10th to the 26th,
the weather was clear, with a very fine grow-
ing atmosphere. From the 26th to the close
of the month, it was hazy, overcast, drizzly and
unpleasant. Four and a half inches of rain fell
during the month. Vegetation was tolerably
fair.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 64. It commenced cool and cloudy,
with wind east, and it was alternately cloudy
and clear until the 8th, when it rained. The
wind continued from north to east until the
14th, when it rained all day. From the 14th
to the 21st it was pleasant and warm. On the
21st there was a thunder shower, after which

102 M A Y.

it cleared pleasant, and so continued the resi-
due of the month. Two inches of rain fell
during the month.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 63. The first week was warm,
clear and pleasant. On the 7th some rain fell ;
it was then clear until the 17th, when there
was a shower. On the 14th there was a slight
frost. It was clear again until the 21st, when
there was a thunder shower. It was again
clear until the 28th ; from this time to the end
of the month, it was cloudy, misty, and rainy.
Vegetation was forward and looked very flour-
ishing. Two and a quarter inches of rain fell
during the month.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 61. It commenced cool, with the
wind at north-west. On the morning of the
2d there was a slight frost. On the 3d the
wind southed, and the mercury ran up to 74 ;
in the evening there was a thunder shower.
After which it was warm and pleasant, until
the evening of the 9th, when there was a severe
thunder shower. It was afterwards clear and
warm until the evening of the 15th, when the
wind changed to east, and it rained all night
and the subsequent day. On the 18th, there
was another thunder shower, and also, on the
22d; on the 24th and 25th there were more
thunder showers. The residue of the month
was clear and pleasant. Five inches of rain
fell during the month.

1838. The medium temperature of this

M A Y. 103

month was 58. It commenced quite cool, with
slight frost on the morning of the 1st. On the
2d the wind changed to east, and it rained more
or less on each day until the 10th, when it
cleared cool, with the wind at north-west, and
it continued clear until the 17th, when a little
rain fell. Some rain also fell on the 18th, after
which, four clear days followed. It rained a
little on the 22d, -23d, 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th,
and 29th, in drizzly showers. The 30th and
31st were clear. Three and a half inches of
rain fell during the month. Vegetation very
backward and unpromising.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month was 62. It commenced overcast and
rainy, with wind at north-east, and in the even-
ing a heavy thunder shower. In the evening
of the 2d there was another thunder shower.
The 3d and 4th were clear and cool. There
was a slight frost on the morning of the 4th,
after which the wind southed, and it was warm
and pleasant until the 10th, when the wind
changed to north-east, and the weather was
cold, dry, and a little frosty for three days. On
the 13th, the wind southed and a little rain fell.
It also rained a little on the morning of the
14th. On the 15th and 16th, the mercury ran
up to 82. On the 17th and 18th it rained a
little. It was afterwards quite warm until
the 23d, when the wind changed to east. It
rained more or less from the 22d to the even-
ing of the 28th, when there was a thunder
shower, after which it cleared and continued
cool until the month closed. Vegetation was

104 M A Y.

quite forward and very flourishing. Six and
three quarter inches of rain fell during the
month.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 61. It commenced cool and windy,
with small showers on the 1st and 3d. On the
mornings of the 6th and 10th, there were light
frosts, but not sufficient to injure vegetation.
There was a north-east rain storm on the 9th,
after which it cleared cool. The wind southed
on the 14th, and the weather became very warm
and so continued until the 19th, when it changed
to north-east, and it was cloudy, drizzly, and
cool until the 26th, when the wind changed to
south-west and south, and the remainder of the
month was warm and pleasant. Vegetation
was very forward and promising. Two and
three quarter inches of rain fell during the
month.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 58. It commenced overcast and
drizzly, and so continued until the evening of
the 2d, when a little snow fell. On the morn-
ing of the 3d, there was ice as thick as window
glass, and there was frost on the mornings of the
4th and 5th, and it continued cool, with north-
erly and easterly winds until the 17th, when
the wind southed, and there was a warm day !
but, during that evening, the wind changed to
north-west, and it was again cool until the 21st,
when the wind changed to south-west, and the
remainder of the month was warm and plea-
sant, with the exception of some showers on the
25th, 28th, and 30th. Vegetation was very

M A Y. 105

backward and unpromising. The repeated
frosts of April and May destroyed a great part
of the fruit-buds, &c. Three and a half inches
of rain fell during the month.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 60. It commenced warm, with
wind at south-west, and there was a thunder
shower in the P. M., after which, the wind
changed to north-east, and on the 2d, 3d, and
4th some rain fell. The 5th, 6th, and 7th were
pleasant. On the 8th and 10th it rained. On
the llth, the wind southed, and it was pleasant
until the 15th, when the wind changed to north-
east, and some rain fell on the 15th, 19th, 22d,
24th, 27th, 29th and 3()th. The weather was
very changeable during the whole month. Six
inches of rain fell during the month. Vegeta-
tion was forward and looked promising.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 58. It commenced and continued
cool until the 7th, when the wind southed, and
the mercury ran up to 76, and in the evening
there was a thunder shower. The 8th and
9th were fair. On the 10th there was a north-
east rain storm, after which it was fair until the
17th, when some rain fell. During the re-
mainder of the month the weather was very
unsettled, and a little rain fell on the 20th, 22d,
23d, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th; the last two
days were pleasant. Two inches of rain fell
during the month.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 65, and it was a very warm May

W

106 M A Y.

month. On seven days the mercury rose to
80 and above. On the 26th, it rose to 90 at
two o'clock, and in the evening there was a
heavy shower. The month commenced with
summer heat, and so continued until the 12th,
when the wind changed to north-east, and some
rain fell, and it was cooler until the 16th, when
the wind southed, and there was a thunder
shower in the evening. There was also a
shower on the 17th — two thunder showers on
the 20th, one on the 26th, 27th, 30th, and 31st,
but neither of them were heavy. Vegetation
was forward and very promising, and there was
a prospect of abundance of fruit. Nearly three
inches of rain fell during the month.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 59. It commenced cloudy and mild,
and there was a shower in the evening, but,
before the month closed, there was almost all
kinds of weather. The mercury sunk as low as
40, and rose as high as 82 on three days. Some
rain fell on seven days, and hail on one day.
On thirteen days the wind changed to every
point of the compass ; notwithstanding all these
changes occurred, yet there was much plea-
sant, growing weather during the month, and
vegetation and fruit looked very promising.
There was only one and a half inches of rain
fell during -the month.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 63. The weather was very varia-
ble, and the mercury varied from 40 to 88 dur-
ing the month. Some rain fell on twelve days,

3VI A Y. 107

but there was no heavy rain during the month.
There was a good deal of pleasant, growing
weather, and vegetation and fruit looked very
promising. Three and a half inches of rain
fell during the month.

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

TOR THE MOZTTH OF

JUNE.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, It commenced cloudy, but soon
cleared pleasant, and so continued until the
5th, when the wind changed to north-east, and
several rainy, misty, cool days ensued. On
the 12th the wind wested, and warm, showery,
growing weather continued until the 22d, when
the wind changed to east, and alternate rainy,
cloudy, and clear weather filled up the remain-
der of the month.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, during which, westerly winds
prevailed more than half the time. It com-
menced warm, and there were showers on the
3d, 6th, 7th, and 10th. On the 12th the wind
changed to north-east, and for several days it
was overcast, drizzly, and cool. On the 16th
it rained a great part of the day. On the 17th
the wind changed to south-west, and growing
weather, interspersed with thunder showers,
continued until the 27th, when the wind
changed to east and south-east, and overcast,
wet weather closed the month.

JUNE. 109

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 72. The first week was warm and
pleasant, including two seasonable showers.
The next -ten days were variable ; the wind
alternating from north .to east, to south-east
and south, and the weather was cloudy, over-
cast, misty, rainy and clear. On the 18th
the wind wested, and the atmosphere was clear
and fine until the 25th, when there was a heavy
thunder shower, and it cleared with a cool,
north-west wind. On the 29th the wind west-
ed, and the month closed warm and pleasant,
with vegetation looking well.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 76, and it was a warm month, with
frequent thunder showers and vivid lightning,
which struck in many places in this vicinity.
West, south-west and southerly winds prevail-
ed a great part of the month. From the 23d
to the 30th, the wind varied from north to
south-east, and considerable rain fell. Vegeta-
tion was forward and very promising.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 70. The month commenced with
a cool north-west wind, which changed to west
on the 3d, and on the 4th to south-west, and the
weather was warm and pleasant until the 10th,
when the wind changed to east, and produced
several cool, overcast, drizzly, wet days. On
the 15th the wind changed to south-west, and
fine warm, growing weather followed until the
25th, when the wind changed to north-east, and
the last five days in the month were overcast,
and sometimes very rainy.

10*

110 JUNE.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and the weather was very va-
riable. It commenced warm and pleasant, but
on the 6th a cool east wind blew up a wet,
rainy, overcast spell, which continued till the
llth, when the wind wested, and the weather
was very fine until the 19th, when an easterly
wet spell ensued, and the weather was very un-
settled during the remainder of the month.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 72. It commenced with the wind
south, and the weather sultry ; but, after a
thunder shower in the evening of the 4th, the
wind changed to north-west, and it was cool
until the 8th, when the wind wested, and the
weather was much warmer. On the llth the
wind southed, and it was very warm for seve-
ral days, but a thunder shower cooled the air,
and the wind changed to north-east, which pro-
duced cool, cloudy, drizzly weather, until the
21st, when the wind changed to south-west, and
it became very warm and pleasant and so con-
tinued, with occasional showers, until the month
closed.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 73, during which there was much
pleasant weather, with occasional thunder
showers until the 20th, when the wind changed
to north-east, and a clamp, drizzly, atmosphere
ensued until the 25th, when it rained power-
fully, and cleared cool with the wind at north-
west. On the 28th the wind southed, and the
month ended warm.

JUNE. Ill

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 74. Part of the month was exces-
sively warm. The mercury rose several times
to 90 and above at mid-day in the shade. It
was seven times from 85 to 89, ten days from
80 to 84. Frequent thunder showers kept the
earth well saturated, and vegetation progressed
with astonishing rapidity. On the 22d the
wind changed to the east, and it rained a part
of two days, after which the wind wested, and
the month closed very warm.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 71. The month commenced with
the wind east, and the atmosphere was cool,
damp and drizzly, until the 4th, when the wind
southed, and the weather was very fine for ve-
getation until the 16th; there being frequent
showers. On the evening of the 16th, the wind
changed to north-east, and the atmosphere be-
came cool and damp. On the 17th and part of
the 18th, it rained powerfully; after which it
cleared, with the wind at north-west, and two
or three cool days ensued. On the 22d the
wind changed to west, and on the 24th to south-
west, and the last week in the month wras fine,
growing weather.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 72. It commenced with a warm
westerly wind and pure atmosphere, and vege-
tation arid fruit very forward and looked finely.
On the 10th, it rained copiously, with the wind
at south-east. On the 12th, the wind changed
to west, and afterwards to south-west, and some
very warm days ensued, with some heavy

112 JUNE.

showers, accompanied by thunder and light-
ning. On the 24th the wind changed to east,
and two or three damp, rainy days followed,
when the wind again wested, and the remain-
der of the month was very pleasant.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and it was not quite so warm as
some of its predecessors. It was rather more
tainted with an easterly atmosphere. Two
easterly rain storms occurred during the month,
and some drizzly weather, but there were, not-
withstanding, quite two weeks of fine westerly
winds, and warm, growing weather, and the
month closed remarkably pleasant, with abund-
ance*1 of early fruit and vegetables.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 73. After one of the warmest May
months experienced for many years, this month
commenced and continued very warm until the
16th. The earth, however, was frequently re-
freshed with very seasonable showers. But on
the 17th, a great re-action took place, by the
wind changing to north-east, and the weather
becoming very chilly, damp and rainy, for sev-
eral days. After which another more agreeable
re-action took place, by the wind taking a west-
erly direction, which produced some as fine
summer weather as was ever experienced, and
with which the month closed.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month wras 69. It was a cool, wet month.
Easterly winds prevailed, and much rain fell.
It was bad for both grain and hay harvest.

JUNE. 113

There were, however, some fair days, which
were improved to the utmost, and some hay
and grain were well got in. We cannot say
much in praise of vegetation, thus far.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 67. This month was still cooler
than the corresponding month of last year ; and
there were two easterly rain storms, besides
smaller rains. There was very little good hay
and grain harvest weather. Vegetation appear-
ed to suffer for want of warmer weather.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 71. It commenced warm, and ve-
getation was in a very thriving condition. Both
grain and grass looked very luxuriant, and gar-
den vegetables and strawberries, raspberries,
blackberries, &c., were very abundant. There
was no violent easterly storm, but small rains
were abundant, and thunder showers were fre-
quent and seasonable, and during a part of the
month it was very hot.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and the wind inclined very much
to the eastward, which produced much wet
weather; but the wind occasionally changed
to south-west and south, and produced some
very warm days. Grass was very luxuriant,
but grain was a good deal lodged. Indian corn
evidently needed more warm weather.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and there was a full average of
pleasant weather. The month commenced and
continued warm and pleasant until the 9th,

114 JUNE.

when a whole week of easterly damp weather
ensued, with some copious rains. On the 17th,
the wind wested, and some warm, growing
weather followed, until the 25th, when the wind
changed to north-east, and it rained part of two
days. The 28th brought fine harvest weather,
and with this, the month closed. On the whole,
vegetation looked well, and the fruit trees pro-
mised an abundance.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and it produced several thunder
showers, with very vivid lightning, that struck
in many places, consuming barns, &c. From
the 19th to the 23d, the wind was north-east,
and it rained part of two days, after which the
wind southed, and the remainder of the month
was very warm ; the mercury rose to 90, on
three days. Vegetation was very forward and
luxuriant, and fruit looked very promising.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 73, and it was indeed a month of
fine, growing weather. Thunder, lightning,
rain and hot sunshine, made every thing grow
apace. Vegetation looked finely, and fruit very
inviting, at the close of the month.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and more rain than usual fell.
Easterly winds prevailed more than half the
month ; there were, however, alternately, some
very warm westerly winds, and very growing
weather. At the close of the month, vegeta-
tion looked very fair, and the prospect of fruit
was tolerably good.

JUNE. 115

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 72. It commenced with a warm
south-west wind, and pleasant weather, which
continued for nearly two weeks, with occasion-
al showers. On the 12th, the wind changed
to north-east, which produced chilly, damp and
rainy weather, until the 17th, when the wind
wested, and fine, warm, growing weather en-
sued until the 25th, when an easterly rain
storm occupied two days, after which, fine
pleasant weather closed the month, with vege-
tation in a very flourishing condition.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, during which, the usual variety
of June weather was experienced. Two east-
erly rain storms occurred and several showers ;
there were also, several very warm days, and
many that were pleasantly mild, and a few that
were cool.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 69, and it furnished more than her
usual quota of easterly, wet weather, and some
quite cool nights. But she also furnished some
very warm cheering weather, yet the weather
was not so pleasant as we are accustomed to
look for in a summer month.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 71. It commenced and continued
warm and very pleasant until the 7th, when a
re-action took place, and a whole week of east-
erly, wet weather ensued ; after which it clear-
ed, with a north-west wind, that soon dispersed
all the damp vapours, and brought a cool and

116 JUNE.

clear atmosphere. On the 17th the wind
changed to south-west, and for several days the
weather was quite warm enough ; the mercury
ranged from 86 to 90 during five days, and af-
ter a heavy thunder shower, the wind changed
to north-west, and it was cool until the 25th,
when the wind southed, and it was very warm
the remainder of the month.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 73, and a more uniformly pleasant
summer month has not occurred for several
years. There were several pretty severe thun-
der showers ; and on the 22d and 23d consi-
derable rain fell, but it soon cleared moderately
warm, and fine growing weather ensued until
the month closed. Vegetation looked very
flourishing.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was only 64, arid it was the coldest
month of June we ever remember ; there were
not only severe frosts on several mornings, but
on one morning there was said to be ice.
Every green herb was killed, and vegetables
of every description very much injured. All
kinds of fruit had been previously destroyed,
as not a month had passed without producing
ice. From six to ten inches of snow fell in
various parts of Vermont ; three inches in the
interior of New York ; and several inches in
the interior of New Hampshire and Maine.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and there was much very warm,
sultry weather, and frequent thunder gusts,

JUNE. 117

with very vivid lightning. On five days the
mercury rose to 90 and above ; on ten days
from 86 to 89 ; and on ten days from 80 to 85.
It was a fine month for harvesting grain and
hay, as not so much rain fell as usual, and dry
westerly winds prevailed a great part of the
month. Vegetation was very promising, and
fruit of every description very abundant.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and the weather during the
month was very like the corresponding month
of last year, except that more rain fell, and the
crops of grass and grain were much heavier.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 72. It commenced and continued
warm and dry until the 9th, when the wind
changed to east, and a little rain followed. The
wind then wested, and the weather was very
fine until the 20th, when another damp, drizzly
spell ensued. On the 25th, the wind southed,
and the weather wras warm and dry the residue
of the month.

1820. The medium "temperature of this
month was 73, and it commenced and con-
tinued warm until the 7th, when the wind
changed to south-east, and considerable rain
fell, after which the wind changed to south-
west, and a spell of warm, growing weather
ensued, with occasional showers, until the 18th,
when the wind changed to north-east, and after-
wards to east, and it rained part of two days
and then cleared warm, and so continued until
the 29th, when the wind changed to east, and

11

118 JUNE.

overcast, drizzly weather followed for two or
three days. Vegetation was forward and very
promising.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 72. This was a wet month. Much
damp easterly weather prevailed. But the
wind changed to west and south-west frequent-
ly, and produced some very hot days. The
wind however did not remain long at the west,
but after four or live days it easted again, and a
rainy spell followed. In this way, the wind
and weather kept changing during the whole
month, so that farmers had a very sorry time
with their harvesting. The grass and grain
were very heavy.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 75 ; during which, there was much
very hot and dry weather ; and had there not
been some very seasonable thunder showers,
vegetation would have suffered exceedingly,
and crops been very short.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 71. It commenced warm and very
pleasant. On the 5th, the wind changed to
north-east, and it was rainy and misty for seve-
ral days. On the 10th, the wind changed to
west and south-west, and a week of fine, grow-
ing weather ensued ; but on the 18th, the wind
again changed to the east, and another spell of
easterly wet weather followed, until the 23d,
when the wind wested, and the remainder of
the month was delightful weather for harvest-
ing grain and hay.

JUNE. 119

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 73. It commenced and continued
pleasant for ten days, with the exception of a
few showers, which were very seasonable. The
wrind then changed to east, and a damp, rainy
season followed, until the 15th, when it cleared
with a fine westerly wind, and continued warm
and pleasant during the residue of the month,
with the exception of some very seasonable
showers. During the last two weeks, the
farmers had fine weather for harvesting their
grain and hay, which were very abundant.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. It commenced overcast, and a
little rain fell, when it cleared warm and plea-
sant, with the wind at south-west. On the
evening of the 5th, the wind changed to north-
east, and a rain storm followed, which con-
tinued during the night and succeeding day.
On the 7th, the wind changed to south-west,
and a very warm spell of weather ensued until
the 23d. During which, the mercury rose to
90 and above, on ten days. Three of those
days it rose to 96 at mid-day. On the 23d, the
wind changed to north-east, and the weather
was cool the remainder of the month. Some
rain fell on the 1st, 4th, 6th, 18th, 23d, 25th
and 27th. The quantity which fell during the
month was three and a half inches.

to

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 73. The first four days were in-
tensely warm, the mercury ranging as high as
90 and above. On the 5th, the wind changed
to east, and some rain fell. On the 6th, it was

120 J U N E.

so cool, that the mercury at sunrise was only
59, and it did not rise higher than 75 at mid-
day. On the 7th, the wind changed to south-
west, and a week of very warm, growing wea-
ther ensued. On the 14th. the wind changed
to north-east, and a spell of cloudy, drizzly
weather followed. On the 18th and 19th, some
rain fell. On the 25th, there was a very heavy
thunder gust. On the whole there was a fair
proportion of warm, pleasant weather, for a
June month, notwithstanding more or less rain
fell on the 3d, 4th, 5th, 18th, 19th, and every
day from the 22d to the 27th, and again on the
29th ; and during the whole month, there fell
nearly four and three quarter inches. The
poor farmers had a poor time for harvesting
their grain and hay.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 71 ; and two inches of rain fell.
The month commenced cool, and so continued,
with the wind varying from north-west to north-
east, until the ] 2th, and the atmosphere alter-
nately clear and cloudy. On the 13th, the
wind changed to south-west, and it was warmer
until the 18th, when the wind changed to north-
west, arid it was quite cool until the 20th, after
which the wind southed, and two da^sof very
warm weather ensued. The wind again chan-
ged to north-west on the 23d, and from this
time until the month closed, it varied daily from
north to south-west, without producing a very
warm day. There was not a heavy rain during
the month, but a little fell on the 3d, 14th, 21st,
22d, 25th, and 26th, making only two inches

JUNE. 121

in the whole. Vegetation looked only tolera-
ble.

1828. The medium or average temperature
of this month was 77, and it was a very warm
month ; and although some rain fell on seven
days, yet the whole which fell amounted to
only two and three quarter inches. The mer-
cury rose to 90 on seven days. Vegetation
looked very flourishing, and there were good
crops of grain and hay.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 73. The first five days were very
pleasant. On the 6th, the wind changed to
north-east, and some rain fell on the 6th, 7th,
and 8th, also on the 17th, 23d, and 27th, amount-
ing in all, to three and a half inches. There
was no intensely warm weather during the
month. Only once the mercury rose to 90 at
mid-day, but during the corresponding month
of last year, it rose to 90 and above, on seven
days.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 72 ; and there was much overcast,
damp, rainy weather during the month ; more
or less rain fell on thirteen days ; amounting in
all, to six inches. The mercury rose to 90 only
on one day. Grass was heavy, but corn and
grain very backward, having suffered much
from the unusual quantity of wet weather, and
the absence of a warm sun. On eighteen even-
ings and mornings, it was quite cool for June.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 77, and the month was uniformly

11*

122 JUNE.

warm. On ten mid-days, the mercury ranged
from 88 to 94. On four of these days it was
90 and above. On one day only, was it below
80 at mid-day. Some rain fell on eight days,
making in all, three and a half inches. Vege-
tation looked pretty well considering the great
drought in May.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 71, and it was rather a cool month.
Northerly dry winds prevailed. Only one inch
and a half of rain fell during the month. At
the close of the month vegetation was suffering
for rain, as scarcely enough had fallen to lay
the dust since the 16th instant.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 65. This was the coldest June
month that we have on record, except June
1816. On seven days it did not rise as high as
70 at mid-day. On ten days only it rose to
summer heat, (76,) and on four of those days
the mercury rose to 80. Indian corn suffered
from the cool weather. On seven days some
rain fell, making in all, five and a quarter
inches.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 69, during which, northerly and
easterly winds generally prevailed. Some rain
fell on eleven days, making four inches. There
were only two very hot days during the month.
Vegetation suffered for more warm weather.
Neither vegetation or fruit looked very pro-
mising.

1835. The medium temperature of this

JUNE. 123

month was 71. With the exception of the 5th,
(which was overcast, and some rain fell,) the first
twelve days were warm and pleasant. On the
13th, 14th and 15th, more rain fell. From the
15th to the 25th, it was fair and pleasant. Rain
fell on the 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th. The
whole that fell during the month was six and a
quarter inches. The 29th and 30th were fair.

It was rather a wet month for harvesting grain

i , n to

and hay.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 67 ; and it was a cool, wet month.
It rained more or less on eleven days, and seven
inches and a quarter fell during the month.
There was some pleasant weather from the 7th
to the 19th, and from the 26th to the close of
the month. Vegetation was tolerably fair.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 69. There was not any very warm
weather during the month. One day only it
rose as high as 88. Some rain fell on eleven
days, principally in small quantities ; making
in all, about three* inches. Vegetation and
fruit looked promising.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 75, and there was some very warm
weather during the month. On eight days the
mercury rose to 90 and above; and on eight
days from 86 to 89. Nineteen days were fair;
on ten days some rain fell, and one day was
overcast. The quantity of rain which fell dur-
ing the month was six and a half inches. Vege-
tation improved very much during this month.

124 JUNE.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month was 6 ^. On eleven mornings the mer-
cury varied from 50 to 58, and during mid-day
from 0 to 68. On one day it rose to 85, and
one day to 89. Some rain fell on fourteen days,
making in all about four inches. There were
nine entirely clear days during the month.
The others were either rainy, overcast or
cloudy.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 69. During twelve days of this
month the mercury did not rise to summer-
heat (76.) The remainder of the month was
pleasant summer weather. Some rain fell on
nine days ; the whole making six inches. Ve-
getation looked tolerably fair.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 73 ; and there was a fair proportion
of warm, pleasant weather. On six days the
mercury rose to 90 and above ; and on fourteen
days it was from 80 to 88. On nine days some
rain fell, principally in showers, measuring in
all three and a quarter inches. Vegetation was
tolerably fair. The frosts of the previous month
not only injured vegetation, but destroyed most
of the fruit buds; so that all kinds of fruit was
very scarce.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 68. This month fell far short of
her usual proportion of warm, growing wea-
ther. On two mornings at sunrise, the mer-
cury was as low as 45. There was frost in the
country on three mornings, and on one day only

JUNE. 125

did the mercury rise as high as 86. There were
but ten entirely clear days. The remainder were
either cloudy, overcast or rainy. On fourteen
days, more or less rain fell, making in all three
and a quarter inches. Vegetation looked tole-
rably well, considering the weather was so un-
propitious.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and the weather was very va-
riable from the commencement to the close. It
commenced with the mercury down to 4 4. In
the interior of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New
York, and in all the New England states, on
the mornings of the 1st and 2d of the month
there was frost ; and in some places there was
ice as thick as window-glass, which destroyed
tender plants and did great damage. There
was a snow squall in this city on the P. M. of
the 1st. On the 4th the weather moderated ;
on the 5th the mercury ran up to 83 ; the 6th
and 7th were quite cool ; the 9th and 10th very
warm; the llth, 12th and 13th very cool, the
mercury ranging from 60 to 70. With the ex-
ception of two days, there was pleasant summer
weather from the 14th to the close of the month.
On eight days a very little rain fell, making in
all, one and three quarter inches. Vegetation
was only tolerably fair.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and it produced bpth cool and
very warm weather. One day the mercury
rose only to 68, and three days only to 70, dur-
ing mid-day. On four days it rose to 9 J and a
little above ; and on twelve days it varied from

126 J U N E.

80 to 88. On nine days some rain fell in show-
ers, making, in the whole, three and a quarter
inches. There were fifteen entirely clear days.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and a great part of the month
was very fine summer weather. One day the
mercury rose to 94 ; on seven days from 86 to
88 ; on nine days from 80 to 84 ; on twelve
days from 70 to 76 ; and on the last day of the
month it rose to 66 only, at mid-day. On ele-
ven days some rain fell, principally in showers,
making in all three and three-quarter inches.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 69, and there wras much cool, driz-
zly, rainy, and unpleasant weather. More or
less rain fell on fourteen days, making the total
of four and a half inches. There were only ten en-
tirely clear days during the month. The others
were either rainy, cloudy, or overcast, during the
whole or a part of the day. Vegetation and
fruit looked very promising.

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

FOR THE MONTH OF

JULY.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 78, and a large portion of the month
was very warm. There were several severe
thunder storms, and one north-east rain storm.
Westerly and southerly winds prevailed. The
mercury rose to 90 and above on seven days.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 80. It commenced and continued
very warm until the 13th. During those two
weeks, there were three very heavy thunder
showers. On the 14th and 15th the wind blew
cool from the east, but it soon changed again
to the south-west, and it continued in this di-
rection almost every day during the remainder
of the month. There were several very foggy
mornings between the 20th and 30th, and very
hot days followed, with showers in the evening
occasionally.

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 77, during which, there was much
fine, growing weather, which was good for har-
vesting. Fruit and vegetables were abundant,

128 JULY,

and crops very fine. There were several very
seasonable showers, but the earth was dry not-
withstanding, and Indian corn and late potatoes
suffered much for a good soaking rain. On the
16th there was a destructive hurricane in New
York, small vessels and boats were upset, and
sixteen to twenty persons were drowned.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 81, and there was a great deal of
excessively hot and dry weather. All the rain
that fell was during some violent thunder gusts.
The mercury was from 90 to 96 in the shade
on ten days, and from 84 to 89 on fifteen days.
Vegetation suffered very much for rain. There
was a great mortality among the flies.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month wras 73, and it was a cool, wet month ;
easterly winds prevailed about half the month.
There were, however, some wrarm, pleasant
days, and it wrould have been very strange if
the month of July had passed without some
warm weather.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 78, and it was indeed, a month of
very fine summer weather. Showers were fre-
quent. Vegetation looked flourishing, and the
crops of hay and grain were very heavy.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. There was no intensely hot
weather during this month, but good summer
weather, and just rain enough. Vegetation

JULY. 129

looked well. Of grain and hay, there was a
full medium crop.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 76. There were a few very hot,
and some quite cool days during the month.
During the hot days, there were two severe
thunder gusts, and during the cool days, there
was an easterly rain storm ; but, in the aggre-
gate, it was a pleasant month, and vegetation
looked very well, particularly Indian corn.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 80, during which there was much
intensely hot, dry weather. On nine days
the mercury was 90 and above ; and on thir-
teen days from 85 to 89. There were seve-
ral heavy and terrific thunder showers. Vege-
tation was very flourishing. Much sickness
prevailed, particularly among children.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 73 ; during-which, the weather was
very variable. The wind was alternately east,
west, north and south. It was cool, and it was
hot ; it was wet and it was dry. Vegetation
looked pretty well, and there was an abundance.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and it was a very prolific month.
Vegetables and fruit were very plenty and
cheap. There were several severe thunder
gusts during two weeks of very warm weather.
The other part of the month the weather was
very changeable.

1801. The medium temperature of this

12

130 J U L Y.

month was 72. This month commenced with
an easterly wind, and a cool, damp atmosphere,
which poured down a copious rain. On the
P. M. of the 3d the wind changed to west-
north-west, and the 4th, and for several suc-
ceeding days, it was splendid weather. On the
8th the wind changed to south-west, and on the
9th to south, and the weather was very warm
until the 17th, when the wind changed to east,
and rain fell plentifully. During the remain-
der of the month, the wind and weather changed
several times.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and it produced much very fine
growing weather. On several days the mer-
cury rose to 90, and there were some powerful
thunder showers. Vegetation looked well, par-
ticularly Indian corn. Foggy mornings and
hot days prevailed during the whole of the last
week in the month.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 72. It commenced cool, overcast,
damp, and drizzly, but this unpleasant weather
did not continue long, as the 4th brought a
splendid day, with a fine westerly breeze, and
very pleasant weather continued until the 13th,
when the wind changed to east, and rain pour-
ed down powerfully. On the 16th the wind
southed, and six days of fine harvest weather
ensued, which brought the month to the even-
ing of the 22d, when the wind changed to south-
east, and the weather was very variable during
the residue of the month. It was cloudy, drizz-
ly, and fair alternately.

J U L Y. 131

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 70. The month commenced with
a fine westerly breeze and pure atmosphere, and
the weather was clear and warm until the
evening of the 7th, which produced a tremen-
dous thunder shower and vivid lightning, after
which it cleared cool with a fresh north-west
wind. On the llth the wind southed, and a
few very warm days ensued. On the ]6th the
wind changed to east, and the atmosphere was
cool, overcast and drizzly until the 19th, when
it rained all night, and continued cloudy until
the 22d, when it cleared warm with the wind
south-west. The rest of the month was alter-
nately foggy and clear. It was real dog-days'
weather.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 73, and the weather was warm and
pleasant until the 5th, which brought a damp,
easterly atmosphere and some rain ; it contin-
ued cloudy and rather cool until the 1 1th, when
the wind changed to west, and the atmosphere
became very pure, and very fine warm weather
followed until the 20th, when the wind changed
to south-east, and considerable rain fell between
the 21st and 24th, after which the wTind south-
ed, and foggy mornings and warm days en-
sued until the month closed.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 73, and the weather was very simi-
lar to that of the corresponding month of last
year, excepting that not so much rain fell ;
therefore, there was more fair and pleasant
weather. Vegetation looked very flourishing.

132 j u L Y.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and there was a great deal of
very fine, pleasant weather, interspersed with
very seasonable rains ; but westerly and south-
erly winds prevailed chiefly. The wind changed
to the eastward three times during the month,
but it did not remain in that quarter long.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 75, and there was some intensely
hot weather, which ran the mercury up to 90
and above on several days in succession : and
there were several very severe thunder gusts
with terrific lightning. Foggy mornings were
more numerous than welcome. From the 20th
the wind inclined very much to east and south-
east, which produced some damp, drizzly wea-
ther towards the close of the month.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. It commenced and continued
very warm for two weeks, during which there
were several very refreshing showers. On the
15th the wind changed to north-east, arid the

O '

weather became damp, cloudy and overcast,
and rain fell on the 16th and 17th, and it did
not clear until the 20th, when the wind changed
to west, and a week of very warm weather fol-
lowed. The last few days were foggy and
damp.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 72. It commenced damp and
lowering, and some rain fell. On the morning
of the 4th it cleared with a cool north-west
wind. On the 7th the wind changed to south-

JULY. 133

west, and the weather was warm and pleasant
until the 17th, when the wind changed to
north-east, and afterwards to east, and it rain-
ed a part of two days. On the 21st the wrind
wested, and a week of warm, pleasant weather
followed, when the wind changed to south-east,
and the month ended in a fog.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and there was a great deal of
very hot and dry weather, and had it not been
for a few thunder showers, vegetation would
have entirely ceased, and every green thing
dried up. The drought was very severe, and
continued to the 10th of August. In the eve
of the 9th, an awful thunder storm occurred at
Alexandria, and many places were struck by
lightning, and several persons instantly killed.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 73. Its commencement was cool
and damp. Some rain fell on the night of the
2d, after which it cleared with a westerly wind,
and nine days of warm, pleasant weather fol-
lowed. On the 12th, the wind changed to east,
and brought a very seasonable rain. On the
15th the wind southed, and the weather was
quite warm until the 24th, when the wind
changed to south-east, and a week of damp,
drizzly, foggy weather closed the month.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and it was a month of delightful
summer weather, neither too warm or too cool.
There were seasonable rains and wrarm sun-
is*

134 J U L Y.

shines, and the fruits of the earth were very
flourishing and abundant.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 73. There was much dry weather
during the fore part of this month, which gaVe
the farmer a fine opportunity to harvest his
hay, oats, &c. On the 16th the wind changed
to north-east, and on the succeeding day to
east, and it rained moderately for part of two
days. From the 21st to the close of the month,
it was delightful summer weather, and vegeta-
tion looked very promising.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 74. There was much very hot and
dry weather. Indian corn was very forward
and very promising. On the 17th, the wind
changed to south-east, and it rained moderately
from one o'clock until the next morning, after
which the wind changed to south-west, and
some very warm weather followed. On the
26th the wind changed to east, and damp, fog-
gy, drizzly weather continued until the month
closed.

1816. The medium or average temperature
of this month was only 68, and it was a month
of melancholy forebodings, as during every pre-
vious month since the year commenced, there
were not only heavy frosts, but ice, so that very
few vegetables came to perfection. It seemed
as if the sun had lost its warm and cheering in-
fluences. One frosty night was succeeded by
another, and thin ice formed in many exposed
situations in the country. On the morning of

JULY. 135

the 5th there was ice as thick as window-glass
in Pennsylvania, New York, and through New
England. Indian corn was chilled and with-
ered, and the grass was so much killed by re-
peated frosts, that grazing cattle would scarcely
eat it. Northerly winds prevailed a great part
of the month ; and when the wind changed to
the west, and produced a pleasant day, it was a
subject of congratulation by all. Very little
rain fell during the month.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 74. The weather during this month
was a continuation of the splendid weather of
the previous month. The farmer rejoiced at
having such a pleasant season for gathering in
his early harvest, which was very abundant.
Fertilizing showers and warm sunshines, caused
the earth to bring forth luxuriantly. Indeed,
the earth and the trees were literally load-
ed with every good thing. Thunder show-
ers were very frequent, and a healthier season,
thus far, has not been experienced for many
years.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. It commenced, continued, and
ended well. It was indeed a delightful sum-
mer month. There was an abundance of every
thing that was good, both of fruits and vegeta-
bles. The fine refreshing showers interspersed
among the very warm evenings, were very
grateful to the feelings of man and beast. At
the close of the month, more rain was very
much needed. On five days the mercury rose
to 90 and above.

136 J U L Y.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 73. It commenced hot and dry.
A very heavy thunder gust on the 5th, but
very little rain fell. It however cooled the
atmosphere, and brought the wind to north-
west for a few days. On the 8th it changed to
south-west, and a week of very warm weather
ensued ; after which it changed to the east, and
a very little rain fell during one day, which was
very much needed. On the 19th the wind
southed, and it alternated from south to west
repeatedly, and the residue of the month was
fine summer weather, with occasional small
showers. Vegetation suffered for rain.

1820. The medium or average temperature
of this month was 74. The first two weeks in
this month was very fine weather for farmers
to finish their grain and hay harvest ; they
were only interrupted by two or three thunder
showers. There were heavy crops of both hay
and grain. Indian corn was very forward, and
looked well. There were abundance of vege-
tables and fruit. On the 16th the wrind chan-
ged to the east, and several days of overcast,
drizzly weather ensued. The wind then west-
ed, and the remainder of the month was warm
and dry. From the 25th, the mornings were
very foggy.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and there \vas much very warm
weather from the 1st to the 16th; the mercury
frequently rose to 90, and very little rain fell.
On the 17th the wind changed to south-east,
and brought a very seasonable and refreshing

JULY. 137

rain, which was much needed. On the 20th
the wind changed to west, and several very
warm days followed. On the 25th, it again
changed to south-east, and some foggy, drizzly
weather ensued, and continued until the month
closed.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 80, and it was the hottest month
since July 1798. A great drought prevailed.
Very little rain had fallen since April, except-
ing in showers, and those had been few and far
between. Vegetation suffered for moisture ex-
ceedingly. Eleven days, during the month,
the mercury rose to 90 and above. Four days
it rose to 97. All the rain that fell was in five
thunder showers, and they were comparatively
light. All kinds of crops were light, and there
was scarcely any grazing for cattle.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 74. The 1st and 2d were warm
and pleasant On the 3d the wind changed to
east, and some rain fell during the night and
subsequent morning, after which it cleared, and
ten days of very w^arm weather ensued. On
the 14th the wind changed to east, and two
days of overcast, misty, rainy weather followed.
On the 20th, the weather cleared with a warm
westerly wind, which continued until the month
closed, with the exception of a few seasonable
and refreshing showers.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 75, and the first week was warm
and dry. The second week produced some

138 JULY.

very seasonable rainy weather ; after which it
cleared very warm, and vegetation thrived with
great rapidity. On the 19th and 23d there
were heavy thunder showers, but they did not
cool the atmosphere. From the 25th to the
close of the month, the mornings were foggy,
but at mid-day it was clear and very warm.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 80 ; and it was a hot and dry month.
On fourteen days, the mercury rose to 90 and
above. During midv-day, it was only once be-
low 80. At early dawn, it was very variable ;
on some mornings it was as low as 62, and on
others as high as 76. No heavy rain fell dur-
ing the month ; but there were showers on the
3d, 5th, 23d, 25th, and 31st, making, in all,
only two inches of rain.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 75, and there were some very warm
days during the month. On five days the mer-
cury rose to 90. Some rain fell on the 5th,
13th, 17th, and 21st, making in all three and
three quarter inches. Vegetation looked very
fair.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. It commenced and continued
very warm until the 5th, the mercury ranging
from 90 to 94. Only once afterwards did it
rise to 90, during the month. Some rain fell
on nine days in showers ; making in all three
inches.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 80, and the mercury rose to 90 and

JULY. 139

above, on six days ; and on nineteen days, from
80 to 89. Some rain fell on ten days, making
in the whole five and a quarter inches. There
was a good deal of thunder, and very vivid
lightning, which struck in several places, and
burnt several barns, &c.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. On three days the mercury
rose to 90 ; and on twenty-one days, from 80
to 89, at mid-day. There was no heavy rain
during the month ; but rain fell in showers
on eleven days, making, in the whole, four and
a quarter inches. There was considerable
thunder and lightning.

1830. The medium or average temperature
of this month was 80 ; and it was an intensely
hot month. At mid-day the mercury rose to
90 and above, on twelve days. There was
much thunder and lightning, and some rain fell
on seven days, making, in the whole, a fraction
over four inches.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 78, and on ten days the mercury
rose to 90, and on some of these days a little
above 90. Some rain fell on eight days, mak-
ing in all four and a quarter inches. Vegeta-
tion looked very promising, and fruit was abun-
dant.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 78. There was much very warm
and dry weather during this month, and a good
deal of thunder and lightning, but very little
rain fell, only two and a half inches during the

140 J U L Y.

whole month. The mercury rose to 90 on two
days, and from 80 to 89 on twenty days. Since
May, vegetation had suffered very much for
want of rain. Only four inches fell during the
last nine weeks. There were some cases of the
cholera in Philadelphia.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 77. The mercury did not rise as
high as 90 during the whole month. There
was a great uniformity in the temperature of
the weather during the month. On sixteen
days it ranged from 82 to 88 at mid-day ; and
the remainder of the month from 72 to 78.
Some rain fell on nine days, making in all four
inches and an eighth.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 77, and the temperature was very
variable. On eight days the mercury rose to
90 and a little above at mid-day, and on seve-
ral days it did not rise to summer heat. But
very little rain fell until the 29th, when two
inches and a quarter fell on that day. The
whole that fell during the month was a fraction
over four and a quarter inches.

3835. The medium temperature of this
month was 76. The temperature of this month
was very uniform. The mercury only rose to
90 twice ; but the mercury ranged from 80 to
89 on twenty days during mid-day. More or
less rain fell on ten days, making in all six and
a half inches. Ten inches of rain fell during
the last eight weeks. The farmers had an un-
favourable time for gathering their harvest of
grain and hay.

JULY. 141

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 76, during which there were several
very warm days, on two of which the mercury
rose to 90, and on twenty days from 80 to 88.
More or less rain fell on six days, making in
all three inches. Vegetation was very flour-
ishing.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 78, and there was more uniformity
in the temperature of the weather during the
month than usual. The mercury did not rise
to 90 once ; but it ranged from 80 to 88 on
twenty days. More or less rain fell on eleven
days, making in all six inches. There were
twenty entirely fair days. Vegetation thus far
was not so forward as usual, but after the 18th,
the uniformity of heat, and the frequent small
showers, gave an impetus to vegetation, and
caused it to progress with surprising vigour ;
so that at the close of the month vegetation
looked very flourishing.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 81, and it was the warmest month
in this vicinity, that we have on our record for
several years. On eighteen days, (during mid-
day) the mercury rose to 90 and above ; on two
of these days it rose to 96 \ in the shade, but
being placed for thirty minutes in the full rays
of the sun, at mid-day, it rose to 143. A small
quantity of rain fell on six days, making in all
two and a quarter inches ; but only in one in-
stance was the atmosphere cooled after a thun-
der shower, and in this instance it was cooler

19

142 J U L Y.

only for a few hours. There were twenty-one
fair, hot and dry days.

1839. The medium or average temperature
of this month was 74, during which, there were
both cool, and very warm days. On nine days
the mercury rose to 90 at mid-day ; one day it
did not rise above 67 ; on ten days there were
showers, making in all two and a half inches
of rain. Thus far the season was uncommonly
healthy, and fruitful for every thing pleasant
to the eye and delicious to the taste.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and both the wind and the wea-
ther were very variable. On three days the
mercury rose to 90, and on five days it did not
rise^to 76 ; on twelve days it was cloudy ; on
seven days some rain fell, making in all four
and a half inches. On the 13th there was one
of the most terrific thunder gusts which had oc-
curred for many years ; the wind blew a com-
plete hurricane for about fifteen minutes, dur-
ing which some injury was done to the ship-
ping, and also to several houses, and many
awnings were blown to tatters.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 75, and a great part of which was
very fine for harvesting. But there were some
scorching days, and others that were cool. On
six days the mercury rose to- 90, and a little
above. On six days some rain fell, principally
in thunder showers, making in all three and a
quarter inches. During the thunder shower
on the 5th, the lightning struck and burnt two

JULY. 143

or three rope-walks and other buildings contigu-
ous, about two miles from the city. Several
barns were also struck and burnt, in Pennsyl-
vania and New Jersey.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 74. This was indeed a month of
thunder showers, and great destruction by light-
ning, and torrents of rain ; also by wind and
hail. The month commenced with the mer-
cury at 90. From five to seven o'clock, P. M.,
on the first day, there was one of the most aw-
ful thunder storms passed over this city and
vicinity, ever experienced by the present gene-
ration. The peals of thunder were astounding,
and the lightning the most terrific ever beheld ;
and the rain poured down in such torrents for
two and a half hours, that several of the streets
in the eastern part of the city were covered to
the depth of two feet, and many basements and
cellars completely filled, and a great amount of
goods destroyed. During this shower, nearly
six inches of rain fell. The lightning struck
and consumed several barns in the vicinity of
the city, and several houses were struck in the
city and liberties, also several persons were
stunned. Some rain also fell on twelve other
days, principally in showers, making in all,
which fell during the month, TWELVE INCHES !
which is the greatest quantity in any one month
we can find on record.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, during which there was a great
variation in the temperature, from day to day.
On the 1st, the mercury was 90, and on the 2d,

144 JULY.

it was 96. On the morning of the 3d it was
only 60, and did not rise above 72 at mid-day.
At sunrise on the 4th it was only 58. During
the month it rose to 90 and above, on eight
days. More or less rain fell on twelve days,
making in all four and a half inches. Vege-
tation and fruit were very luxuriant

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 74 ; and there was a good deal of
uniformity in its temperature, from day to day.
The mercury rose to 90 but once. On twenty
days the mercury varied from 80 to 89. More
or less rain fell on twelve days, making in all
five and a quarter inches. Notwithstanding
this part of the country was blest with frequent
refreshing rains, other portions were parched
by distressing drought.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 76 ; it commenced and continued
cool until the 7th, when the wind changed to
south-west, and the weather became very warm,
and so continued until the 23d, when the wind
changed to north-west, and the atmosphere be-
came gradually cooler, until the mercury sunk
to 58 at sunrise, and 74 during mid-day. From
the llth to the 23d, the mercury rose to 90 and
above, on ten days. There were thunder show-
ers on the 2d, 14th, 16th, 22d, 27th, and 30th,
and some sprinkles of rain on three other days,
making in all two and three quarter inches.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 74. It commenced and continued
overcast and rainy until the 5th, with the wind

JULY. 145

from south-east to north-east, when the wind
changed to south-west, and it cleared warm;
but toward evening, there was a heavy thunder
shower. It afterwards continued clear and
very warm until the 12th, when there was an-
other thunder shower in the afternoon, after
which it cleared cooler, and so continued until
the 17th, when there was a north-east rain
storm; after which the weather was alternate-
ly cloudy, drizzly, and partly clear, until the
23d, wrhen the wind changed from east to south-
west, and it continued clear nearly all the time
until the month closed. Some rain fell on
thirteen days, making in all four and a half
inches. A meteor passed over this city about
nine o'clock on the evening of the 13th of this
month, which was afterwards described in the
newspapers of Baltimore, Annapolis, York
county, Pa., Carlisle, &c. as being much more
brilliant than it was here.

13*

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

FOR THE MO3TTH OF

AUGUST.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, during which there was a good
deal of foggy, misty, dog-days' weather, but
when the fog dispersed, the sun shone quite
warm. On the 12th the wind changed to east,
and considerable rain fell. On the 15th the
wind changed to the west, and the weather was
very warm and pleasant until the 20th, when the
wind again changed to east, and a drizzly, over-
cast, foggy spell ensued until the 27th, when
the wind wested, and the weather was pleasant
until the month closed.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. This month commenced and
continued, very warm, with foggy mornings,
and so continued until the 10th, when the wind
changed to north-east, and a drizzly, rainy spell
followed until the 16th, when it cleared cool
with the wind at north-west. On the 19th the
wind wested, and it became very warm and
pleasant, and so continued, with occasional
thunder showers, until the 28th, when the wind

AUGUST. 147

changed to east and south-east, and it was
foggy, damp and drizzly, until the month
closed.

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 76, and there was some very hot
days. The mercury rose to 90 on three days,
and from 84 to 89, on ten days. The weather
was hot and dry until the llth, and vegetation
suffered very much for rain. On the llth the
wind changed to east, and a copious and re-
freshing rain followed, to gladden the hearts of
many. On the 16th the wind changed to
south-west, and the weather was very warm
until the 21st, when it changed to north-east,
and afterwards to east, and during the remain-
der of the month it was alternately foggy,
drizzly, rainy, fair, warm, and cool.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and there was much damp, fog-
gy, and very sultry weather, with some cool
evenings and mornings, until the 13th, when
the wind changed to west, and afterwards to
south-west, and there was a terrific thunder
shower, with very vivid lightning, which struck
in several places. This shower was joyfully
received, as it was in the midst of a melancholy
drought, and a good deal of sickness prevailed.
It was supposed that as many as a hundred
cases of yellow fever occurred in the eastern
part of the city during the month, and but few
persons recovered. Fences were built across
the streets, to prevent persons from going into
the infected part of the city. After the shower
of the 14th, there was no more rain during the

148 A U G U S T.

month, but cool, foggy mornings and hot days.
The drought and heat continued through Sep-
tember and a part of October, and much sick-
ness prevailed.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 71, and it commenced cool and
damp, with the \vind at north-east. It rained
on the 5th, and on the 6th the wind wested,
and several very warm days ensued. On the
9th there was a violent thunder gust, and it
cleared cooler with the wind at north-west. On
the 10th the wind changed to south-west, and

O '

cool nights, foggy mornings, and wrarm days
followed, until the 18th, when the wind chan-
ged to east, and a cloudy, drizzly spell of wea-
ther ensued until the 25th; when the wind
southed, and foggy mornings and wrarm sunny
days continued until the month closed.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 70 ; it commenced warm and plea-
sant, with a fine westerly breeze. On the 3d
the wind southed, and it continued warm until
the 7th, when there was a heavy thunder
shower in the evening, which changed the wind
to north-west, and it was cool until the 12th,
when the wind changed to south-east, and a
foggy, damp, cool, drizzly spell continued for a
week. On the 19th the wind southed, and it
was warm and tolerably pleasant until the 26th,
when the wind changed to north-east, and a
rainy, chilly spell closed the month.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and easterly winds and foggy,

AUGUST. 149

damp, drizzly weather prevailed until the 8th,
when the wind changed to south-west, and ten
days of warm, dry pleasant weather ensued.
On the 19th, the wind changed to north-east,
which brought a soaking rain storm, and it
cleared on the 21st, with a cool north-west
wind, which produced some cold, frosty nights.
On the 27th the wind wested, and the weather
was warm and pleasant the residue of the
month.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 74 ; and there were alternately some
very hot, and some quite cool days. Very little
rain fell, and owing to the drought, corn and
late potatoes suffered very much. Some very
foggy, easterly weather prevailed during the
last two weeks. Fruit was very plenty, and
owing to too free use of it, the dysentery was
very prevalent among adults as well as chil-
dren, and many children died during the
month.

1798. The medium or average temperature
of this month was 77, and there was an unusual
quantity of very hot and dry weather. Although
there were several thunder showers, yet com-
paratively but a small quantity of rain fell.
Foggy mornings and hot sunny days prevailed
a great part of the month. On the 19th the
wind changed to north-east, and on the 20th to
east, and there was several cool, damp, misty
days, but very little rain fell. During this and
the succeeding month, several cases of yellow
fever again occurred near the wharves, in the
eastern part of the city, which was traced to

150 AUGUST.

two vessels from the West Indies that came
from a sickly port, and had lost part of their
crews by the yellow fever; but through the
vigilance of the Board of Health, the vessels
were sent down to the quarantine and the fever
was stopped, after a few cases had occurred. The
same fever which occurred in this city in 1793,
was also imported by vessels from the West In-
dies, where said fever prevailed, but it had then
spread to an alarming degree before it was as-
certained that it was imported. Perhaps there
is not a healthier city on earth than Philadel-
phia, and no city which has a more vigilant
board of health and police.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 71, and there was a good deal of
damp, drizzly, foggy, dog-days' weather. There
were, however, a few very hot days, after the
fog dispersed, and on two of those days the
mercury ran up to 90, and on four others from
86 to 88; during those hot days, there were
two severe thunder gusts, which caused some
cool weather afterwards.

1800. The medium or average temperature
of this month was 72, and it was a month of
many weathers. There were several very hot
days, with the wind from west to south, which
produced some thunder showers. It then
changed to north and south-east, and a spell of
rainy weather ensued. The wind afterwards
changed to north-west, and some cool days and
nights followed. The wind then changed to
south-east, and the whole country was en-
veloped in fog by day and by night. It clear-

AUGUST. 151

ed after two days with a brisk north-wester,
which blew away all the fog, vapour and un-
pleasant fluids, and produced a clear, cool and
healthful atmosphere, with which the month
closed.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and there was more cool, damp
weather than usual for August. Northerly and
north-easterly winds prevailed until the middle
of the month, after which the wind changed
to south-east, and fogs, mists and a drizzly rain
followed. On the 19th there was an easterly
rain storm ; on the 21st it cleared cool with the
wind at north-west, and afterwards to south-
west, and foggy mornings and hot days ensued
until the month closed.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and it commenced very warm
and dry, with wind varying from west to south
until the llth, when it changed to east, and a
very refreshing rain fell, and on the 14th the
wind southed, and foggy mornings and hot
days followed until the 20th, when the wind
changed to east, and the weather was very va-
riable the residue of the month.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and it commenced overcast and
drizzly with the wind east. On the 5th the
wind wested, and it was warm and pleasant
until the 13th, when the wind changed to
south-east, and several days of wet weather en-
sued. The wind then changed to north-west,
and three quite cool days followed; after which,

152 A U G U S T.

it southed, and live days of foggy mornings and
warm sunny days occurred; when the wind
again changed to east, and the remainder of the
month was damp and cool.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 69, and a very cool month it was.
On two or three mornings light frosts were
very perceptible. From the 8th to the 14th,
the wind varied from west to south, and there
was one week of pleasant weather. On the
15th it changed again to east, and a long spell
of foggy, drizzly, rainy weather ensued. On
the 24th the wind changed to north-west, and
on the 27th to south-west. On the 28th there
was a thunder gust, after which it cleared cool,
and thus the month ended.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 70. It commenced foggy, and af-
terwards cleared warm, and so continued, until
the 10th, when the wind changed to east, and
a whole week of damp, drizzly weather ensued.
On the 16th the wind changed to west, and
afterwards to south-west, and several very warm
days followed. On the 21st the wind changed
to north-east, which produced four cool, chilly
days. On the 25th it changed to east, and
foggy, damp, drizzly weather closed the month.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 69, and it wras cool and unpleasant
for several days ; after which some foggy morn-
ings and hot days ensued. After the 20th
there were several overcast, drizzly, rainy days.
There was a light frost on two mornings, and

AUGUST. 153

the weather during the month was very varia-
ble.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 71. The month commenced with
a clear atmosphere, and a refreshing westerly
breeze. It continued very fine (with the wind
varying from west to south-west,) until the 7th,
when a heavy thunder shower occurred in the
evening. On the morning of the 8th the wind
blew fresh and cool from the north-west, and it
continued cool until the llth, when the wind
wested, and it became much warmer. On the
15th the wind southed, and there was a heavy
thunder gust, after which the wind changed to
the north-east, and a damp, drizzly, cool atmos-
phere followed until the 23d, when the wind
changed to south-west, and foggy mornings and
warm days ensued until the month closed.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 73, and foggy mornings and hot
days followed, during the first week ; when
the wind changed to east, and four days of
damp, drizzly weather ensued ; after which the
wind wested, and there was a spell of warm,
splendid weather, with the wind varying from
west to south, during which there were two
severe thunder gusts. On the 21st the wind
changed to east, and considerable rain fell. On
the 24th it cleared with the wind at south-west,
and several warm days ensued. On the 29th
the wind changed to south-east, and the residue
of the month was extremely foggy and damp.
During the month, the mercury rose to 90 on
three days, and on eight days from 85 to 88.

14

154 AUGUST.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and the mornings were foggy,
and mid-days very warm until the 5th, when
the wind changed to east, and the weather was
overcast, damp and drizzly until the 28th,
when the wind changed to west, and a whole
week of clear dry weather ensued. On the
16th there was a violent thunder shower, with
terrific lightning ; at the close of the shower
some hail fell, which broke much window-glass.
On the 17th the atmosphere was quite cool,
with the wind at north-west. It continued
cool until the 20th, when the wind southed,
and some foggy mornings and warm days fol-
lowed until the 26th, when the wind changed
to east, and damp, drizzly weather continued
until the month closed.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 69 ; and the month commenced in
a dense fog, and foggy mornings and warm
days followed until the 4th, when there was a
heavy thunder gust, which brought the wind
to north-west, and cool weather continued until
the 9th, when the wind changed to south-west,
and it was warm and pleasant until the 14th,
when a dry, chilly north-east wind followed,
until the 21st, at which time the wind changed
to south-east, and it rained on the 22d and 23d,
and the weather continued cool, damp and
drizzly until the 26th, when the wind changed
to west, and the weather was pleasant until the
month closed. The season abounded in fruit
and vegetables of all kinds, and Indian corn
and potatoes promised an abundant yield.

AUGUST. 155

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 73. The month commenced hot
and dry, and so continued until the llth, when
the wind changed to east, and on the 12th it
rained moderately nearly the whole day. The
atmosphere continued cool until the 17th, when
the wind southed, and eight days of very warm
weather ensued. On the 25th the wind changed
to north-east, and on the 26th to east, and a
foggy, damp atmosphere concluded the month.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 71 ; it commenced cloudy and damp,
but the 2d brought a westerly wind and clear
atmosphere, and it continued warm and plea-
sant until the 10th, when a thunder gust
brought the wind to north-west, and three days
of cool weather ensued. On the 15th the wind
changed to east, and it became overcast, damp
and drizzly for several days. On the 20th the
wind southed, and foggy mornings and warm
days followed, until the 26th, when the wind
changed to north-east, and it was quite cool and
damp until the month closed.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and much cool, damp, overcast
weather prevailed during the month. Some-
times the wind changed to west or south-west,
for a few days, and fine, clear, and splendid
weather followed. It then suddenly changed
to north-east, and produced a cool, damp atmos-
phere, and after two or three days it changed
to east, and rain followed for a day or two. In
this way the weather alternated during the
whole month. There were, however, some

156 AUGUST.

very foggy mornings and warm days. On the
27th there was a destructive gale at Charleston,
S. C., which did immense damage to the ship-
ping, &c.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and it was a month of great
changes of weather. It commenced very warm,
with the wind at south-west. On the 5th, after
a heavy thunder gust, the wind changed to
chilly north-east, and many persons took vio-
lent colds, owing to the great and sudden change
in the weather. In twelve hours the mercury
sank from 90 to 60. It continued cool until
the 9th, when the wind changed to south-east,
and foggy, drizzly weather ensued until the
12th, when it cleared with a cool north-west
wind. On the 15th it changed to south-west,
and it was warm and pleasant until the 21st,
when a thunder gust produced a cold north-
west wind, which continued for three days.
The wind went down with the sun, and during
each night there was a light frost. On the
25th, the wind southed, and foggy mornings
and warm days ensued until the month closed.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and it commenced enveloped in
a dense fog, which the sun did not wholly dis-
perse until eleven o'clock, when it shone very
hot. Foggy mornings and oppressively warm
days continued until the 6th, wThen a violent
thunder shower, with terrific lightning, cooled
the atmosphere, and changed the wind to north-
west. On the 10th it changed to east, and a
thick, misty atmosphere ensued, with occasional

AUGUST. 157

rain, until the 15th, when the wind changed to
west, and a week of delightful weather follow-
ed. On the 22d the wind changed to south-
east, and an overcast, damp, drizzly spell of
weather ensued until the 27th, after which it
cleared with a westerly wind and pure atmos-
phere, which continued until the month closed.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was only 66 ! and such a cheerless, des-
ponding, melancholy summer month, the old-
est inhabitant never, perhaps, experienced. This
poor month entered upon its duties so perfectly
chilled, as to be unable to raise one warm, fog-
gy morning, or cheerful sunny day. It com-
menced with a cold north-east rain storm, and
when it cleared the atmosphere was so chilled
as to produce ice in many places half an inch
thick. It froze the Indian corn, which was in
the milk, so hard, that it rotted up on the stock,
and farmers mowed it down and dried it for
cattle-fodder. Every green thing was destroy-
ed, not only in this country but in Europe.
Newspapers received from England said, " It
will ever be remembered by the present gene-
ration, that the year 1816 was a year in which
there was no summer." Indian corn, raised in
Pennsylvania in 1815, sold (for seed to plant in
the spring of 1817,) for four dollars per bushel
in many places.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 72 ; during which, there was much
delightfully pleasant weather. There were
fine crops of grain and vegetables of every de-
scription, and fruit was very abundant and joy

14*

158 A U G U S T.

and gladness filled every heart. Seasonable
rains, warm sunshines, and foggy mornings
continued until the month closed.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 73, and it was a hot and dry month.
Foggy mornings and intensely warm days fol-
lowed each other in quick succession until the
middle of the month, before any rain fell, ex-
cept the skirts of two thunder showers, which
passed south of the city. At last the wind
changed to east, and it rained part of a day and
night, to the joy of thousands, and afterwards
cleared much cooler, and so continued until the
24th, when the wind again southed, and foggy
mornings and warm days followed until the
month closed. On five days the mercury rose
to 90, and on thirteen other days it rose from
84 to 88.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 71, and it was clear and moderately
warm until the 13th, after which foggy morn-
ings and hot days followed until the 23d, with
a distressing drought. Almost every thing was
parched up. On the 23d there was a thunder
gust, with terrific lightning, but not much rain
fell in this vicinity ; after the shower, a cool
north-west wind succeeded for several days,
when the wind southed, and foggy mornings
and warm days ensued until the month closed.

1820. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, during which there was much
cool, wet, easterly weather, and when the wind
changed to west or south-west, the re-action

, . A U G U S T. 159

was extremely oppressive. For several days
the mercury ran up to 88 and 90, and there
were several alarming cases of fever in the east-
ern part of the city, which originated from
clothes and bedding sent from a vessel that had
recently arrived from the West Indies ; but the
cases were confined to a few families, and the
alarm soon subsided. From the 22d to the
close of the month, damp easterly weather pre-
vailed.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 73. It commenced with foggy
mornings and warm sunny days, which con-
tinued until the 9th, when there was a tremen-
dous thunder shower, which changed the wind
to north-west, and several cool days followed.
On the 13th the wind wested, and a week of
delightful weather ensued ; after which, it
changed to east, and there was a copious rain.
From the 24th to the close of the month, foggy
mornings and warm days followed. A few
cases of fever occurred, as in the corresponding
month of last year.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 76, and there was much oppres-
sively hot weather, and but very little rain fell.
Westerly and southerly winds prevailed a great
part of the month. From the 18th the fog was
so dense and wet, it was like a misty or drizzly
rain ; and as the sun dispersed the fog late in
the morning, it then shone with almost a scorch-
ing heat, and for eight days the mercury ran
up to 90 and above ; on two days it reached
96. During this month, the yellow fever pre-

160 AUGUST.

vailed in New York city, and there were a few
instances in this city.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and foggy mornings and warm
days ensued, until the 8th, when the wind
changed to north-east, and cool, damp weather
followed until the 1 1th, after which, the wind
changed to east, and it rained moderately dur-
ing the day. On the 13th the wind changed
to north, and there was a week of cool weather,
when the wind wested, and some moderately
warm weather followed until the 25th, when
the wind changed to south-east, and damp,
drizzly weather closed the month.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 71, and it commenced with the wind
at north-east, and a cool, damp, drizzly atmos-
phere followed until the 5th, when the wind
changed to west, and on the 7th, to south-west,
and the weather was warm and dry until the
15th, when the wind changed to east, and a
very seasonable rain fell. On the 17th, the
wind changed to north, and it was quite cool
until the 22d, when the wind wested, and warm
and delightful weather ensued, until the month
closed.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 72. It commenced with a warm
westerly wind, and the mercury ran up to 86
at mid-day ; but on the 2d the wind changed
to north-east, and it was cool until the 5th,
when the wind southed, and it was quite warm
until the llth, after which the wind changed

AUGUST. 161

to north-east, and three days of cool weather
ensued. On the 14th, the wind changed to
south-west, and three days of intensely hot
weather followed, with the mercury ranging
from 92 to 94. On the 17th, the wind again
changed to north-east, and it was cool until the
25th, (rain falling on part of those days.) From
the 26th until the month closed, it was quite
warm. The mercury rose to 90 and above, on
five days. On one day, it did not rise above
62 ; and on several other days it did not rise to
summer heat. Some rain fell on eight days,
making in all three and three quarter inches.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and it produced quite a variety,
both as it respects wind and weather. It com-
menced very warm, and the mercury ran up to
90 at mid-day. On thirteen other days, it
ranged from 80 to 85, and on fourteen other
days, it ranged from 70 to 76, at mid-day. On
nineteen days, the wind was from north-east to
east. On the remaining days, it was from north
to south-west. There was no regular rain storm
during the month, but a little rain fell on eleven
days, making in all two and three quarter
inches.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 70; it commenced and continued
very warm until the 12th. with the wind at
south-west, when it changed to north-east, and
it was cooler until the 21st, which was very
warm. But from the 22d to the close of the
month, it was much cooler ; on two or three of
those days, it did not rise to 70 at mid-day, and

162 AUGUST.

only to 57 at sunrise. On the 26th, there was
a north-east rain storm, during which more
than three inches of rain fell, and some rain fell
on three other days, making in all five and
three quarter inches. The mercury rose to 90
and above, on the 4th, 5th, and 6th, and from
85 to 88 on seven other days.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 76. The first three days in this
month were very warm, the mercury ranging
from 88 to 91. On the 4th, the wind changed
to north-east, and one and a quarter inches of
rain fell, which was the only rain that fell dur-
ing the month, except a very little on two other
days, making in all one and a half inches.
From the 7th to the 17th, inclusive, it was very
warm, when three days of cooler weather en-
sued. From the 2] st to the close of the month,
it was very warm and very dry. The mercury
rose during the month to 90 and above, on nine
days, but not in succession. There was much
thunder and lightning during the month.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. This was also a warm month,
but not so intensely hot and dry as the corres-
ponding month of last year. Much more rain
fell, and the temperature was more uniform.
The mercury rose to 90 and above, on three
days only ; and it ranged from 83 to 88 on fif-
teen days. More or less rain fell on eight days,
making in all four and a half inches.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. This month was uniformly

AUGUST. 163

warm, with a few exceptions. The mercury
rose to 90 only, on four days ; and from 84 to
88 on fifteen days. More or less rain fell on
eight days, making in all four inches. There
were two severe thunder gusts during the
month.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 76 ; and it was a very warm month.
On ten days, the mercury rose to 90. Wester-
ly and southerly winds prevailed a great part
of the month. More or less rain fell on eight
days, making in all five and a quarter inches.
There was much thunder and lightning during
the month.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 74. There was a great uniformity
of temperature during the month. The mer-
cury^did not rise to 90 once, but it ranged from
84 to 88 on thirteen days. More or less rain
fell on nine days, making in all five and three
quarter inches. During this and the previous
month, the cholera prevailed in Philadelphia.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and there was great uniformity
in the temperature of this month, although
there were a few very cool days. The wind
was exceedingly variable, and more or less rain
fell on seven days, making in all three and a
quarter inches. There were some foggy morn-
ings, and two thunder gusts.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 73 ; and it was a very dry and cool
month. North and north-east winds prevailed

164 AUGUST.

very much. There were, however, nearly two
weeks of westerly winds, which produced a
very heated atmosphere. The drought was
very severe. Only a fraction over an half inch
of rain fell during the whole month.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 72 ; and the temperature was very
variable. The weather was very warm for
some days, and then cool. And it varied in
this way several times during the month. A
very little rain fell on eleven days, the whole
measuring only two inches.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 70. It commenced warm, with the
mercury at 86, and afterwards it continued
moderately warm until the 5th, with the mer-
cury at 80 in the shade, at mid-day; after
which the wind changed to north-east, and
some rain fell. It then continued cool until
the 14th, when the wind changed to south-west,
and it was moderately warm until the 20th,
when the wind again changed to north-east, and
it continued cool until the month closed. A
little rain fell on five days, making in all two
inches.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 75 ; and a great part of the month
was uniformly warm. The first three days,
the mercury ranged from 84 to 89. The 8th
and the 30th, were 90. The remaining days,
(with a few exceptions,) were warm and plea-
sant. There was very little fog during the

AUGUST. 165

month. Rain fell on nine days, making in all
about three inches.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 77, and there were some intensely
hot days, and severe thunder showers. On
nine days the mercury was from 90 to 95 in
the shade. And on twelve days, from 84 to
89. On four days there were terrific thunder
showers. That on the llth was truly awful,
extending from Virginia, through the middle
and New England States. Many persons were
killed by lightning ; houses and barns were
burnt; vessels struck and set on fire, and many
animals of various descriptions killed. During
a part of the shower, the wind blew a perfect
hurricane. In Maryland, several houses and
other buildings were demolished ; and in many
other places buildings were unroofed, &c. Sev-
eral barns were struck by lightning and burnt
in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, &c.
In Chesapeake bay, several small vessels were
capsized, and several persons drowned. We
saw published in the newspapers, the names of
twenty-six persons that were killed during this
storm, in various places. During the month,
more or less rain fell in this city, on six days,
making in all about two inches.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, and it was really a weeping
month. More or less rain fell on sixteen days,
making in all about four and three quarter
inches. A great majority of the mornings and
evenings were enveloped in fogs. There were
but five entirely clear days during the month ;

15

166 AUGUST.

and on no day did the mercury rise to 90, and
only once to 88.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 74 ; and it was uniformly warm
from the commencement to the close, but not
intensely so. On one day only, the mercury
rose to 90. Rain fell in showers on twelve
days, making in all five and a half inches.
There were ten entirely clear days, free from
clouds, fog or rain. Several barns were struck
and consumed by lightning on the llth and
12th, in the vicinity of Bristol, Burlington, and
Trenton.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 71, and the heat was very uniform;
in only one instance did the mercury rise so
high as 87, at mid-day, in the shade, and in
only one instance was it so low as 74 at mid-
day. More or less rain fell on twelve days,
making in all nine inches. There were ten
entirely clear days, and but very few foggy morn-
ings during the month. The season was de-
lightfully pleasant and fruitful.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 72, and it was a fair specimen of
what dog-days were in olden times, about
equally divided between foggy, hazy, over-
cast, cloudy, rainy and sunny. Some nights
so cool that a double-milled blanket was com-
fortable, and others so hot that a thin covering
was burdensome. The month commenced with
the mercury down to 53 at sunrise, and it did
not rise above 70 at mid-day. On the 14th it

AUGUST. 167

rose to 80, when the wind southed, and the re-
mainder of the month was warm summer wea-
ther. More or less rain fell on fourteen days,
making in all three and three quarter inches.
There was a tremendous thunder storm before
day-light on the morning of the 18th, and the
lightning struck in several places.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 75, and it was a month of disasters,
by storms, floods, tornadoes, thunder and light-
ning, &c. On the morning of the 5th a tre-
mendous north-east rain storm commenced and
continued until eight o'clock in the evening.
Towards night there was terrific thunder and
lightning, and the rain poured down in fright-
ful torrents. The streets were completely
flooded in every direction. In many parts of
the city and liberties cellars and basement sto-
ries were filled with water, to the great destruc-
tion of goods and other property. During the
latter part of the storm there was a violent tor-
nado, which swept down the Schuylkill river,
and did great damage to forty vessels, either
loading, or waiting to load with coal. Several
houses and other buildings in the vicinity of
the Schuylkill, were either blown down or
greatly injured, and much other damage done.
One man was instantly killed, and several per-
sons greatly injured. But the disasters in this
city and vicinity, when compared with those
sustained in the adjoining county of Delaware,
were comparatively small. In that county
about thirty persons lost their lives, and public
and private property was destroyed to the

168 AUGUST

amount of half a million of dollars, consisting of
mills, factories, houses, barns, grain, hay, fur-
niture, factory goods, stock, &c. ; fifty bridges
were swept away by the flood, and immense
other damage sustained. A storm, attended
with such disastrous results, was scarcely ever
experienced before in this part of the country.
During the same storm, great damage was sus-
tained at Norristown, Upper Merion, &c., in
factories, mills, bridges, &c. ; also, at Wilming-
ton, Brandy wine, Newark, Elizabeth town, and
in various other places immense damage was
likewise sustained. There were also great and
destructive floods during the month, in Mary-
land, Virginia, North Carolina, city of Wash-
ington, and in the states of New York, Con-
necticut, &,c. Nine and a quarter inches of
rain fell in this city during the month.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 73, and it presented a series of most
delightful weather. The season was the most
prolific for vegetables and fruit which had oc-
curred for several years. There was no heavy
storm during the month in this vicinity. On
seven days there were refreshing showers; and
the whole quantity of rain which fell during
the month was only two and a half inches.
There were seventeen entirely clear days dur-
ing the month.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 74, and there was much oppressive-
ly hot weather, and a very uncommon number
of severe thunder showers, with very terrific
lightning. More or less rain fell on fifteen

AUGUST. 169

days, and principally in showers, making in
all seven and a quarter inches. Although the
mercury rose to 90 but once, yet it ranged from
84 to 89 on fifteen days, in the shade.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 75. It was a month of great hu-
midity. The wind was either east or north-
east, the whole or a part of nineteen days.
There was either a drizzly rain or showers, on
thirteen days. There were many foggy morn-
ings; after which the sun shone with great
power. On thirteen days the wind was from
the west or south-west, the whole or a part of
the day. On four days, the mercury ranged
from 90 to 92 in the open air in the shade,
and on nine days it was from 84 to 88, in the
shade. There were twelve clear and cloudless
days. The rain which fell was principally in
small showers, making in all four and a quar-
ter inches.

15*

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

FOR THE MOIfTH OF

SEPTEMBER.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 66, and there was much warm and
very pleasant weather, with some seasonable
showers. The equinoctial storm passed off
very lightly in this latitude, but it was very
severe at the south. About three inches of rain
fell during the month.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 64. There was also much pleasant
weather during the month. There were seve-
ral very plentiful showers, and considerable
rain fell about the time the sun crossed the
line, but the wind was not boisterous in this
vicinity.

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 63. It commenced cool and damp,
with the wind at the eastward, but it changed
to west on the 5th, and afterwards to south-
west, and ten days of remarkably pleasant
weather ensued. Some rain fell on the 16th,
and it cleared much cooler. On the 22d the
wind changed to nort-east, and blew very fresh

SEPTEMBER. 171

for a night and a day, and considerable rain
fell. During the remainder of the month, the
weather was very variable.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 70. There was much intensely hot
weather. After a foggy, damp atmosphere
through the night, and until nine o'clock in the
morning, (with the wind south,) the sun shone
out with such intense heat, as to cause the mer-
cury in Fahrenheit to run up to 90 and above.
From the 1st to the 13th, it was seven times at
90, and on some days a little above ; and on
eleven other days during the month, it was from
84 to 88. The nights, in general, were cool,
foggy, and damp. The drought was very dis-
tressing ; very little rain had fallen since July.
Vegetation was parched up. There was neither
grazing or water for cattle, and many died in
various parts of the country for lack of food and
drink. Lakes, streams, springs and wells, that
had never been known to be dry, were then
without water. And during this distressing
season of heat and drought, the yellow fever
was raging in this city to a frightful degree.
But while the inhabitants of this city and vi-
cinity could send to the Delaware and Schuyl-
kill for water, in many parts of the country the
inhabitants were compelled to haul their water
from ten to twenty miles in casks. The drought
continued until October. The earth was lite-
rally like powder and dust, except clay land,
which baked as hard as a pine board.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 62 ; and it was a month of many

172 SEPTEMBER.

weathers ; from quite warm to cold and frosty,
and from mild and pleasant, and then stormy
and unpleasant. The wind varied from north-
west to west, and south. It was also north-
east and south-east. Some rain fell on seven
days, making in all about four inches.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 64 ; it commenced with a cool, dry,
north-east wind, which changed to south-east
on the 4th, and some rain fell on the 5th. It
cleared with a westerly wind, and two weeks
of clear, mild weather ensued. On the 20th
the wind changed to north-east, and after blow-
ing fresh for three days, it changed to south-
east, and it rained powerfully all one night and
part of a day. From the 26th to the close of
the month it was mild and pleasant. Six"
inches of rain fell during the month.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 68, and it was a month of splendid
weather, with just showers enough to keep the
dust laid, and thunder and lightning enough to
keep the atmosphere pure. The mercury va-
ried from 84 to 88 at mid-day, on nineteen days.
The remainder of the month was cool. Some
rain fell on six days, making in all about three
inches.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 66 ; during which there was much
pleasant weather, as well as much that was
cloudy, and some that was very rainy. And to
make up the variety of the month, there were

SEPTEMBER. 173

two or three very warm days, and a few frosty
nights. Five inches of rain fell.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 69 ; and during a part of the month,
the weather was extremely warm. On three
days the mercury was at 90 at two o'clock, and
on several days it varied from 80 to 88. Very
little rain fell during the month, not more than
two and a half inches. The yellow fever pre-
vailed for a short time, during August and Sep-
tember, but not to the extent it did in 1793.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 66. There were no very warm
days during this month, but many that were
very pleasant. There was considerable more
damp and rainy weather than usual, for Sep-
tember. More or less rain fell on nine days,
making in all about five inches. The wind was
very boisterous at north-east, about the time
the sun crossed the line.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 68. There were several very foggy
mornings and hot sunny days. Twelve en-
tirely clear days ; nine that were partly clear
and partly cloudy ; and nine in which more or
less rain fell, making in all about three and
three quarter inches.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 64. It commenced and continued
mild and pleasant until the llth, when some
rain fell, and the weather remained unsettled

4until the 16th. The wind then southed, and
it was warm and pleasant until the 21st, then

174 SEPTEMBER.

the wind changed to north-east, and it was
cloudy and damp until the 24th, when a copi-
ous rain descended, and it did not clear until
the 29th. The month ended very pleasant, but
cool and frosty.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 66. It commenced cool, with the
wind at north-west, and it varied from this point
to north and north-east until the 7th, when
some rain fell. On the 9th the wind wested,
and a week of quite warm and pleasant wea-
ther ensued. The wind then changed to south-
east and some rain fell ; it then southed , and
five warm days ensued. On the 23d the wind
changed to east and blew very fresh for two or
three days, during which rain fell several times,
after which it cleared cool, and so continued
until the month closed.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 65, during which there was much
pleasant weather. Some rain fell on six days,
making in all about three inches. Very little
of the equinoctial storm (so called) was felt in
this latitude ; but there was a great blow in the
gulf stream, &c.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 70, during which there were some
intensely warm days. The mercury rose to
90 on three days. On the 1st it was 92; on
the 2d 88 ; on the 3d 86 ; and on the 4th 90 ;
after which the wind changed to north-east,
and it became quite cool for two days. On the
6th and 8th there were a few sprinkles of rain,

SEPTEMBER. 175

and the wind afterwards changed to south-west,
and the weather was oppressively hot and dry
until the 23d, when the wind changed to north-
east, and a damp, cloudy, drizzly spell ensued,
and the weather remained in an unsettled state
until the month closed. On the 4th, 5th and
6th there was a terrible hurricane in the West
Indies, in which 274 vessels and a great many
sailors were lost.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 66, during which there was no re-
markably warm weather, but much that was
pleasant. The equinoctial storm was severe on
the American coast, and considerable injury
was sustained by vessels. Some rain fell on
seven days, making in all about four inches.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and there were some cool morn-
ings and evenings, with some foggy and hot
sunny days ; also, some rainy days, particular-
ly during the last two weeks, making in all
about five and a quarter inches.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 66. The first two weeks were very
pleasant, with the wind varying from south to
west. But the last two weeks were very va-
riable, both as to wind and weather. Some
rain fell on seven days, making in all about
three and three quarter inches.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 67. It commenced with foggy
mornings and warm sunny days, but not in-
tensely hot. The weather was very uniform

176 SEPTEMBER.

in temperature a great part of the month.
There were several very seasonable showers,
and about the time the sun crossed the line the
wind blew very fresh at north-east, and con-
siderable rain fell, making in all that fell dur-
ing the month about five and a half inches.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 68, and much very warm and dry
weather prevailed until after the 22d, when the
wind changed to north-east and blew very hard
for two days and one night, during which some
rain fell. The whole which fell during the
month was about two and three quarter inches.
During the first week the mercury rose to 90
on three days. On eleven other days it varied
from 84 to 88 during the first three weeks.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 66, during which the weather was
very variable. The wind frequently changing
from north to east, and from east to west and
south, and the temperature of the atmosphere
of course changed with the wind. There was
much damp, drizzly weather, as well as some
that was very warm and pleasant. About three
and a half inches of rain fell during the month.
On the 7th there was a very destructive hurri-
cane in South Carolina and Georgia and many
lives lost.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 6^, and the weather was remarka-
bly uniform and pleasant a great part of the
month. There were two days that the mer-
cury ran up to 90, and thirteen days in which

SEPTEMBER. 177

it varied from 83 to 88. There were two thun-
der gusts during the first two weeks. From
the 21st to the close of the month easterly winds
and damp, drizzly weather prevailed a great
part of the time. On the 8th there was a terri-
ble tornado at Charleston, S. C., and many lives
lost and great destruction of property.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 67. It commenced foggy and
warm, with the wind south, but on the 5th it
changed to east and some rain fell, after which
it changed to west, and a week of warm, plea-
sant weather ensued. The wind then changed
to north-east for three days, after which it
southed, and it was warm and pleasant until the
24th, when a north-east rain storm set in ; af-
ter the storm it cleared very cool with a north-
west wind.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 66, and there was much pleasant
weather the first two weeks, with several small
showers. From the 14th to the 18th a damp,
easterly wind prevailed, after which the wind
changed to west, and five very pleasant days
ensued. It then changed to north-east and
it rained for a day and night, after which it
cleared cool and frosty. Nearly four inches of
rain fell during the month.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and the weather was very va-
riable. After the first week the mornings and
evenings were quite cool, and northerly winds
prevailed until the 13th, when the wind chan-

16

178 SEPTEMBER.

ged to south-west, and it was warm and plea-
sant until the 20th. The wind then changed
to north-east, and damp, rainy weather ensued
until the 25th, when the wind wested, and the
month closed warm and pleasant. About three
and a quarter inches of rain fell during the
month.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 67; and during the first three weeks
there was much warm and remarkably pleasant
weather. There were two thunder gusts and
two other showers. The wind varied from
west to south, during the three weeks men-
tioned above. On the 22d the wind changed
to north-east, and the equinoctial storm was
severe from south to north. About five inches
of rain fell during the month.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was 62, and it produced more than two
weeks of the mildest and pleasantest weather
there had been during the whole season, for
such a length of time; but on the 17th, after
some rain fell, the wind changed to north-west,
and a chilly, frosty atmosphere ensued; and
the 23d brought a cold north-east wind and a
violent equinoctial rain storm, which continued
for two days. After which it cleared with a
brisk north-west wind, and for several succeed-
ing nights water froze a quarter of an inch
thick in -shallow ponds. About five inches of
rain fell during the month.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 64; and the first three weeks pro-

SEPTEMBER. 179

duced much mild and pleasant weather, with
some seasonable showers, with the wind vary-
ing from north to south. About the time the
sun crossed the line, the wind changed to north-
east, and it blew very hard for a day and night,
and some rain fell. It afterwards cleared cool
and frosty. About three inches of rain fell dur-
ing the month.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 66. It commenced and continued
very warm until the 7th, during which the
mercury rose to 90 on three successive days,
and from 86 to 88 on four other days. On the
night of the 7th, the wind changed to north-
east, and the mercury sunk twenty degrees in
twelve hours. It continued cool, overcast, and
drizzly until the llth, when the wind wested,
and eight days of warm and very pleasant wea-
ther ensued, when the wind again changed to
north-east, and a cool, damp spell followed, with
occasional rain, until the 25th, when it cleared
rather cool, and so continued until the month
closed. About three and a half inches of rain
fell during the month.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 64 ; it commenced warm and very
dry; very little rain having fallen for four
weeks, and none fell until the 17th of this
month, when, to the joy of thousands, it rained
moderately for nearly two days ; and afterwards
cleared and continued mild and pleasant until
the 25th, when the wind changed to east, and
more rain fell, making in all which fell during
the month, about three inches.

180 SEPTEMBER.

1820. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and it commenced with a damp
easterly wind, and drizzly rain ; but on the 4th
the wind wested, and a week of warm and plea-
sant weather ensued, when the wind again
changed to east, and more rain fell ; and then
another week of pleasant weather ensued. Dur-
ing the remainder of the month, the weather
was very variable, from cool to warm, and from
damp to rainy. About four and a half inches
of rain fell during the month.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 65, and it produced her full quota
of very fine weather, and some very seasonable
showers. On the 20th the wind changed to
north-east, and a week of cool, damp and rainy
weather followed, after which the wind wested,
and the month closed very pleasant. Nearly
four inches of rain fell during the month.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 68, and it commenced and continued
very warm and dry until the 18th. During
two thunder gusts, a little rain fell. On the
19th the wind changed to north-east, and it
was cool, damp and drizzly until the 24th,
when the wind changed to south-west, and it
was quite warm until the month closed. Dur-
ing the month the mercury ran up to 90 four
times, and on seven days it varied from 84 to
89. About three inches of rain fell during the
month.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 65 ; and the weather was very fine

SEPTEMBER. 181

until the 9th, when the wind changed to east,
and it was damp, drizzly, and cool, "until the
14th, when the wind wested, and a week of
warm and pleasant weather ensued. On the
22d the wind changed to north-east, and it
rained and blew very hard for part of two days.
The weather continued unsettled until the 28th,
when it cleared cool, and so continued until the
month closed. About four and a quarter inches
of rain fell during the month.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 66. It commenced and continued
with foggy mornings and warm days until the
6th, when the wind changed to north-west, and
it was cool until the 10th, then the wind chan-
ged to south-west, and it was quite warm until
the 20th, with two seasonable and copious
showers, on the 14th and 17th. On the 20th
the wind changed to north-east, and it continued
cool and damp until the 24th, when the wind
changed to south-east, and it rained all night
and part of the subsequent day, after which it
cleared cool with the wind north-west. About
five inches of rain fell during the month.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 64 ; the 1st and 2d were warm. On
the 3d some rain fell, after which the weather
was clear, dry and warm, until the 16th, when
some rain fell. It was again clear, (but not
very warm,) until the 23d, when the wind
changed to north-east, and some rain fell, and
it continued cloudy and damp until the 26th;
then a little more rain fell, making" in all that
fell during the month, two and a half inches.

182 SEP T E M B E R.

On the 27th it cleared cool, and so continued
until the month closed.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was G5 ; it commenced damp and driz-
zly. On the 4th it rained part of the day, after
which the wind wested, and it was warm and
dry until the 18th, when the wind changed to
north-east, and it was damp and drizzly for
two days, and continued cloudy until the 24th,
when a little more rain fell, after which it clear-
ed, and so continued until the month closed.
Only two inches of rain fell during the whole
month.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 64; and it was a very dry month,
but not very warm. Northerly winds prevail-
ed very much ; but it occasionally changed to
west, south-west, and south, but did not con-
tinue long at either of those points at any one
time. The only rain that fell during the month
was a very little on the 18th and 22d, making
in all only one inch.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 65. It commenced overcast, damp
and drizzly, and some rain fell on the 1st, 2d,
and 4th ; no more fell until the 28th, making in
all that fell during the month, four and a half
inches. From the 9th to the 25th, there was
much warm, sultry weather. The mercury
rose to 90 three days ; and on eleven days it
was from 84 to 88. The residue of the month
ranged from 76 to 82 at mid-day. There were,
however, a few cool nights.

SEPTEMBER. 183

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 66 ; and it was quite warm until
the 7th, when there was a thunder gust and
some rain fell. A little more rain fell on the
llth, 16th, and 29th, making in all two inches.
There was much warm, dry, sultry weather
during the month, and the appearance of show-
ers frequently passed both at the north and
south of the city, and distant thunder was
heard.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 65, and there was a great uniformi-
ty of temperature during the first three weeks,
notwithstanding the wind changed several
times, and rain fell on the 4th and 9th. The
mercury varied from day to day from 82 to
88. On the 22d the wind changed to north-
east, and it was much cooler; it continued
cloudy and overcast until the 26th, when it
rained moderately a great part of the day.
During the month three inches of rain fell.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 68, and it was quite warm until the
5th, when a thunder shower cooled the air for
a day or two, but it soon became warm again,
and so continued until the 16th; the mercury
thus far varying from day to day from 82 to
86. The wind now changed to east, and some
rain fell on the 16th and 17th, after which it
wested and pleasant days ensued until the 22d,
when the wind changed to north-east, and a
cold, drizzly, rainy week closed the month;
some rain fell on the 23d, 24th, 26th and

184 SEPTEMBER.

27th. The quantity which fell daring the
month was five inches.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 66, and it was a uniformly warm
and dry month for September. Rain fell only
on the 4th and 12th, making in all one inch
and a half. The mercury ran up to 90 twice.
Except on those two days it varied but little
until past the 20th, when the wind changed to
north-east and it was cooler.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 67. It commenced and continued
clear and warm until the 8th, when the wind
changed to east, and some rain fell on the 8th,
10th and 12th, when the wind wested, and it
was warm and pleasant until the 18th, when
another change took place, and some rain fell
on the 18th, 19th and 2Jst, making in all that
fell during the month four inches. The mer-
cury ran up to 90 on three days. The last
eight days in the month were pleasant, but not
very warm.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 65, and it commenced with a great
drought; only half an inch of rain having
fallen for more than four weeks, and the wea-
ther was very warm. But during this month
there were several small rains, measuring alto-
gether three and a half inches. There was
much thunder and lightning during this month.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 66, and it produced its full quan-
tum of very pleasant weather. Two thunder

SEPTEMBER. 185

showers, and part of a day and night there
was steady rain, which was much needed,
making in all that fell during the month two
and a half inches.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 67. The weather during this month
was very variable. On five days the mercury
ranged from 84 to 89 ; on twelve days it was
80 at mid-day ; on seven days it was from 70
to 78 ; on nine days it ranged from 63 to 66 ;
on one day it was 58, and one day only 53 at
mid-day, and 40 at sunrise. A little rain fell
on five days, making in all two inches. The
wind was very variable.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 64. The month was cool, but it
produced twenty fair and pleasant days. The
mercury rose twice to 84 and once to 80. On
thirteen days it could not get up to 70. The
remaining days in the month varied from 70 to
76 at mid-day. Some rain fell on eight days,
making in all two arid a half inches.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 67. It commenced warm, with the
mercury at 83, but in the evening of the 1st a
re-action took place, and by sunrise on the 2d,
the mercury had sunk to 57. At sunrise on
the 3d it was only 48 ; but on the 5th it rallied,
and the mercury ran up to 88 at mid-day, and
it continued warm and pleasant until the 12th,
when the wind changed from south to north-
east, and the mercury sunk to 60, and it rained
powerfully for twelve hours to the joy of

186 SEPTEMBER.

thousands, as it was very dry and rain was
much needed. After this, the weather (with
the exception of a few days) continued cool un-
til the month closed. The quantity of rain that
fell during the month was nine inches.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and it was a month of very uni-
form and delightfully pleasant weather, there
having been only four days during the whole
month which could be denominated unpleasant.
The quantity of rain which fell during the
month was only three inches. The past sea-
son was one of the most fruitful and pleasant,
(in this latitude) which has occurred for many
years. There was a brilliant display of north-
ern lights during the night of the 3cl.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 60 ; it was rather cool, but a very
pleasant month. There were twenty fine clear
days ; eight in which a little rain fell, making
in all two and a half inches ; and two days that
were cloudy. The whole season was delight
ful, producing a healthful and temperate atmos-
phere, and very fruitful in every thing. But,

" Touch'd by the breath of early frost,

The foliage falls away;
The loftiest and the fairest leaves

Are destin'd to decay !
But like the blush on beauty's cheek,

Spread by consumption's breath,
The foliage, in its autumn tints,

Is loveliest in DEATH !"

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 67. It is very uncommon to have

SEPTEMBER. 187

so much mild, easterly weather in September
as this month produced. Twenty days in suc-
cession the wind was from the eastward, either
the whole or a great part of the day, but on no
day was it boisterous. The equinoctial storm
spent itself before reaching the port of Phila-
delphia. A very little rain, however, fell on
eight days, making in all two inches. The
first six days of the month were nearly as warm
as mid-summer, the mercury ranging from 80
to 87. There was a thunder shower, with very
vivid lightning on the 2d. The whole month
was mild, pleasant and healthful in this lati-
tude ; but it was far otherwise in South Caro-
lina, Georgia, Alabama, New Orleans, &c.,
where they were deluged with repeated rain
storms, which nearly destroyed the rice crops,
&c., and the yellow fever prevailed to an awful
degree in New Orleans. A paper from that
city of the 17th of this month says, " the inter-
ments yesterday were 52, principally by the
yellow fever, and there is no diminution of the
disease whatever. The mortality is awfully
frightful."

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 64, and there were the extremes of
autumnal heat and cold. From the 1st to the
14th the mercury varied from 76 to 88. On
the 14th the wind changed from south to north-
east, and the 17th to north-west, and the cold
increased daily until the 23d, when the mer-
cury at sunrise had sunk to 36 in this city, and
in the country to 32, and ice was an eighth of
an inch thick in many places. On the 28th it

188 SEPTEMBER.

moderated and the mercury ran up to 76 at
mid-day, on the last three days in the month.
A very little rain fell on ten days, making in ail
only one inch and a quarter. The wind was
north-west either the whole or a part of fifteen
days.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 68. It commenced and continued
very warm until the 7th. On the 3d and 4th
the mercury ran up to 90 at mid-day. On nine
days during the month it was from 80 to 87.
On eight days from 70 to 78 ; but there were
two days in which it did not rise above 58 ; one
day it was 60, and three days 66 during mid-
day. On the evening of the 25th there was a
thunder gust, and much thunder and lightning.
Some rain fell on eight days, making in all
four and three quarter inches.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 66, and it was uniformly warm from
the 1st to the 22d. On thirteen of those days
the mercury was from 80 to 88. On the 22d
•the wind changed from south to north, and it

varied from north to north-east until the month
closed, and the mercury varied from 44 to 72.
There were twenty entirely clear days during
the month. There was a heavy thunder gust
in the evening of the 2d, and some rain fell on
six days, the whole making four inches. On
the 29th and 30th some snow fell in the inte-
rior of Pennsylvania and New York, and in
the New England states. Late accounts from
Africa, state that the weather had been so in-
tensely hot and dry, that many persons had

SEPTEMBER. 189

perished. Also, the last accounts from St. He-
lena states, that no rain had fallen there for fif-
teen months, and that great distress prevailed.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 65. It commenced warm, the first
four days varying from 80 to 83. On the 5th
the wind changed from south to north-west,
and the weather was uniformly mild until the
21st, when the wind changed to north, and the
mercury sunk from three o'clock on the 21st to
the next morning to 56, and it continued cool
until the 28th, when the mercury rose to 70,
and on the 29th and 30th to 74. There was a
thunder gust on the 2d, and another on the
21st. A little rain fell on nine days, making
in all two and a quarter inches. There were
eighteen entirely clear days."

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 69 f, and it was more remarkable
for heat and drought than any September
month we can find on our record since 1804.
The medium temperature of that month was
70, and this was 69 1; and there was only one
quarter of an inch of rain fell during the whole
month, and about the same quantity fell in Sep-
tember, 1804. In September, 1846, the mer-
cury rose to 90 on two days; to 88 on four
days ; to 87 one day ; to 86 on four days ; and
on six days it varied from 74 to 80. Twice
during the month the wind suddenly changed
from south-west to north-east, and the mercury
sunk twenty degrees in a few hours. The last
account from the state of Maine said, there had
scarcely been rain enough there to lay the dust

17

190 SEPTEMBER.

for eight weeks, and the weather had been very
warm a great part of the time. After the vio-
lent north-east gale of the 8th and 9th of this
month, accounts were received from the south
and the east of many shipwrecks on the coast.
Also, of vessels dismasted and otherwise crip-
pled, &c. The Great Western steamship, on
her passage from Liverpool to New York, came
very near being lost.

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

FOR THE MONTH <M?

OCTOBER.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 50, and the weather was very va-
riable. Sometimes mild and pleasant, and anon
cloudy, chilly, damp and rainy, and then clear
with a cold, north-west wind and frosty nights.
After several cool days the wind wested, and
several mild and pleasant days ensued. The
wind then changed to east again and more rain
fell, and thus the weather alternated until the
month closed. About four inches of rain fell
during the month.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 52, and it produced much pleasant
weather and some very frosty nights, as well as
a few rainy days. A few flakes of snow indi-
cated that winter was approaching. About
three and a half inches of rain fell during the
month.

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 50. It commenced and continued
mild until the 7th, when some rain fell and the
wind changed to north-west, and the mercury

192 OCTOBER.

sunk to 36, and some frosty nights ensued. On
the 15th the wind changed to west, arid on the
16th to south-west, and it was mild and plea-
sant until the 22d, when the wind changed to
north-east, and the remainder of the month was
cold and some rain fell. About two and three
quarter inches fell during the month.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 64. During the first three weeks
it was excessively warm and dry for October,
and many died with fever. On five days the
mercury ran up to 86, and on ten days from 76
to 78 at mid-day. It afterwards grew gradually
cooler, and during the fourth week, water, in
exposed situations, froze from an eighth to a
quarter of an inch thick. About two inches of
rain fell during the month. The wind was
very variable. During the months of August,
September -and October, the newspapers said,
that between 3 and 4000 persons died of the
yellow fever, viz. in August 500, September
1400, and October 1400 and 10 physicians.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 50, and there were many mild and
pleasant days, and about as many chilly, cloudy,
unpleasant ones, and more or less rain fell on
nine days, making in all four and a half inches.
At sunrise on one morning the mercury sunk
to 28, and on three mornings to 32.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 52; it commenced and continued
mild and pleasant until the llth, when the
wind changed to east, and it was damp arid

OCTOBER. 193

drizzly until the 14th, when the wind changed
to north-west, and the days were cool and
nights frosty until the 20th. The wind then
wested, and the weather was mild until the
26th, when it changed to north-east, and it was
chilly and damp until the month closed. About
three and a half inches of rain fell during the
month.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 50: during the month there were

* O

many fair and pleasant days, but very cool and
frosty nights. There was thin ice on eleven
mornings, and some rain fell on five days, mak-
ing in all about four inches.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 55 ; and in the first two weeks there
was much mild and very pleasant weather, but
the last two were variable, being damp, chilly
and rainy. Sometimes a cool north-wester,
with frosty nights; and sometimes mild and
pleasant. About three inches of rain fell dur-
ing the month.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 55, and during the month there
were several quite warm and pleasant days,
with the mercury 70 at mid-day; and ten days
it varied from 66 to 68. On several days the
wind was from north to east, and more or less
rain fell on nine days, making in all about six
inches.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 54 ; and the weather was alternate-
ly mild and pleasant, and then much cooler ;

17*

194 OCTOBER.

and anon, overcast, damp and rainy. The wind
also was very variable. More or less rain fell
on ten days, making in all about six and a half
inches.

1SOO. The medium temperature of this
month was 52. The first five days were warm
and pleasant; after which the wind changed to
north-east, and considerable rain fell. It then
cleared to cool, with the wind north-west, and
some frosty nights followed. The wind then
changed to south-west, and five mild and plea-
sant days ensued. From the 20th to the end
of the month the wind varied from north to
south-east, and it rained copiously on several
days, making in all that fell during the month,
about seven inches.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 53 ; and the first week was very
warm. On the 1st the mercury was 70. On
the 2d, 67. On the 3d, 75, and on the 4th, 68,
at mid-day, in the shade. On the 6th the wTind
changed to north-east, and it was cool, damp
and drizzly until the 10th, when the wind
changed to north-west, and it was clear and
cool, with frosty nights, until the 17th, when
the wind changed to south-west, and a week of
very pleasant weather ensued. The wind then
changed to north-east, and it was cool, damp,
and sometimes rainy, until the month closed.
About three inches of rain fell during the
month.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 54 ; and the first four days were

OCTOBER. 195

very warm ; the mercury ranging from 68 to
74, at mid-day. On the 5th the wind changed
to north-wesj, and it was clear and cool until
the 12th, when it changed to north-east, and
some rain fell, after which the wind changed to
west, and it was pleasant the remainder of the
month. Some rain fell on six days, making in
all about four and a half inches.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and a great proportion of the
month was very mild and pleasant. The mer-
cury rose to 70 twice at mid-day ; and it sunk
to the freezing point three times between day-
break and sunrise. The wind was from north-
east to east seven days, and some rain fell on
four days, making in all about three and three
quarter inches.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 55, and it produced many mild and
pleasant days, and some that were cloudy,
damp and cool ; and on ten days, more or less
rain fell, making in all about six and a half
inches. During the month, the wind changed
to almost every point of the compass. On the
9th Oct. there was an awful and destructive
storm at Boston, &c., in which the Hallowell
Packet was lost on Cape Porpoise, and twenty
passengers perished, among whom was Dr.
Appleton, wife and child, and eleven ladies be-
longing to Boston. A number of other vessels
were lost during the same storm.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 52; and the first two days were

196 OCTOBER.

cool, with the wind at north-west; but in the
evening of the 2d, it changed to south-west ; on
the 3d and 4th the mercury ran up to 72 and
74 in the shade, at mid-day. On the 5th the
wind changed to north-east, and a cold, damp
atmosphere ensued for several days, when the
wind changed east, and it rained part of a day
and night. On the llth it cleared cool, with
the wind north-west, and the nights were very
frosty until the 17th, when the wind changed
to south-west, and five days of mild, pleasant
weather ensued. On the 22d it changed to
north-east, and the remainder of the month was
damp, chilly and rainy part of the time. About
five and a half inches of rain fell during the
month.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 55, and there was many very mild
and pleasant days ; but, as usual in this month,
there were some cool days and frosty nights,
and some easterly damp weather. The wind
varied from west to east several times, and some
rain fell on six days, making in all about four
inches.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and it was indeed a month of
splendid weather. On four days the mercury
rose to 70 and above; and ten days it ranged
from 63 to 68 at mid-day. The wind was west
and south-west fifteen days, and north-west five
days. Some rain fell on five days, making in
all about three inches.

1808. The medium temperature of this

OCTOBER. 197

month was 53. Although there were several
mild and pleasant days during this month, there
were more cool days and frosty nights than
usual. North-east winds prevailed more than
two weeks, and some rain fell on eight days,
making in all nearly five inches.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 54, and it produced some very rainy,
and some very pleasant days. The wind varied
during the month from south-west to east, and
rain fell on seven days, making in all six and a
quarter inches.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and it produced its full quantum
of mild and pleasant weather. On two days
the mercury ran up to 70, and on twelve days
it varied from 62 to 68 at mid-day. It con-
tinued mild until the 23d, when the wind
changed to north-east, and the remainder of the
month was very cool, damp and chilly, and
considerable rain fell, making in all about four
inches.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 55. This month commenced unu-
sually pleasant, and so continued until the llth,
when the wind suddenly changed to north-east,
and for one week it was a sad reverse. After
that the wind wested again, and it was delight-
fully pleasant until the 25th, when the wind
changed to east, and the weather was unsettled,
(and part of the time rainy,) until the month
closed. The quantity of rain which fell during
the month was three and a half inches.

198 OCTOBER.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 56. It commenced cool, with the
wind north-west, but on the 4th it changed to
south-west, and two weeks of mild and splendid
weather followed. It then changed to north-
east, and some rain fell on two days, making in
all that fell during the month, about three
inches. The month ended clear and cool.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. The weather during the month,
was more variable than usual for October. It
was both warm and cool, and some rain fell on
eight days, making in all nearly six inches.
On several days the wind was quite boisterous.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 55. It commenced mild and plea-
sant, with the wind west. On the 7th the
wind changed to north-east, and it was quite
cool until the 12th, when it changed to east,
and considerable rain fell; after which it clear-
ed cool, with the wind north, and there was
thin ice on several mornings. On the 19th the
wind wested, and it was very mild until the
25th, when the wind changed to north-east, and
it was very chilly and damp for several days.
About four inches of rain fell during the month.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 57, and it was remarkably mild and
pleasant a great part of the time until the 20th,
when the wind changed to north-east, and some
rain fell; after which it cleared quite cool and
frostv, and so continued until the month closed.

J '

During the former part of the month, the mer-

OCTOBER. 19'9

cury rose to 70 and above, on five days, and on
eleven days it varied from 62 to 68. About
three inches of rain fell during the month.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was 52, and it produced more than its
usual quantity of cool days and very frosty
nights. On several mornings ice was a quar-
ter of an inch thick. There was, however, one
week of very mild and pleasant weather with a
balmy south-west wind. About two and a half
inches of rain fell during the month.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. It was mild and pleasant until
past the middle of the month, when a week of
wet, easterly weather ensued; it however be-
came mild and pleasant again, and the month
closed with a good character. About four inches
of rain fell during the month.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and it produced much very mild
and pleasant weather, interspersed with some
cool, damp, and rainy days. The mercury ran
up to 70 twice at mid-day, and it was from 64
to 68 on several days. About three and a half
inches of rain fell.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 54, and as usual there were many
mild and pleasant days, and others that were
cool and frosty, and also some that were over-
cast, damp, and rainy. About two inches of
rain fell during the month.

1820. The medium temperature of this

200 OCTOBER.

month was 56. It commenced and continued
pleasant and mild until the 13th, when the wind
changed to east, and overcast, chilly and wet
weather followed until the 20th, when the wind
took a westerly direction, and it was very mild
during the residue of the month. Some rain
fell on five days, making* in all about two and
three quarter inches.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 55, and it produced many mild and
very pleasant days, particularly during the first
two weeks. From the 15th to the close of the
month the weather was very variable, being al-
ternately cloudy, overcast, chilly, drizzly, rainy,
clear, mild, cold and frosty. About three inches
of rain fell during the month.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 53, and it was cooler, and more rain
fell than usual during the month, making in
all about five inches. There were, however,
some very mild and pleasant days, interspersed
with those that were unpleasant.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 55. It commenced cool with the
wind at north-east, but it changed to west on
the 5th, and nearly two weeks of mild and
pleasant weather ensued. On the 17th the
wind changed to north-east, and it was over-
cast, cool, and rainy until the 21st, when the
wind wested, and the weather was again mild
and pleasant until the 28th, when the wind
changed to north-west, and it was quite cool
and frosty until the month closed. About three

OCTOBER. 201

inches and a quarter of rain fell during the
month.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. It commenced cool and plea-
sant with the wind at north-west, but it changed
to south-west on the 4th, and ten days of very
mild and pleasant weather followed, when the
wind changed to north-east, and it was cool,
clamp, and rainy until the 20th, when it cleared
cool and frosty for a few days, after which the
wind wested and the month closed mild and
pleasant. About three inches of rain fell dui-
ing the month.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 56. It commenced cool, cloudy
and damp, and some rain fell on the 4th, after
which the wind wested, and nearly three weeks
of mild and splendid weather followed. On
the 23d the wind changed to north-east, and it
became very cool and damp, and so continued
until the 27th, when it rained, after which it
cleared cool. Only one inch and a quarter of
rain fell during the month in this vicinity.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 52, and it commenced and contin-
ued pleasant until the llth, when the wind
changed to north-east, and it was cool and
damp, and some rain fell on the 12th and 13th,
after which the wind wested and some mild
and pleasant weather followed until the 19th,
when the wind changed to east, and it rained
part of the 19th, 20th and 21st, after which it
was clear and frosty until the 28th, with the

202 OCTOBER.

wind at north-west. More rain fell on the
29th, making in all that fell during the month,
a fraction over six inches.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was only 46, and it was the coldest
month of October we have upon our record. It
rained, it snowed, it hailed and it froze water
in shallow ponds hard enough to bear a stout
man. In the vicinity of Philadelphia it was
more than half an inch thick, and at the north
and east it was said to be an inch and a half
thick. It was also very cold far to the west
and south, and mariners on the coast reported
on their arrival that they rarely ever experi-
enced more severe weather in mid-winter. The
wind was from the north and east a great part
of the month. Some rain fell on the 2d, 9th,
10th, 14th, 22d and 30th, making six inches.
On some days a little snow fell here ; several
inches of snow fell in the interior of New York,
Vermont and in the eastern states. In Upper
Canada it was published as being a foot deep,
and good sleighing.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and it was a very warm month
compared with the corresponding month of last
year. It commenced damp and overcast, and
a very little rain fell on the 1st and 5th, with
the wind east, but on the 6th the wind changed
to west and two weeks of mild and pleasant
weather followed. On the 19th a little more
rain fell, after which pleasant weather ensued
until the 28th, when a little more rain fell,

OCTOBER. 203

making in all that fell during the month, only
one inch and a half.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and there were many very mild
and pleasant days, notwithstanding some rain
fell on five days, making in all two and a quar-
ter inches. The wind was very variable, but
not boisterous.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. It commenced and continued
mild and pleasant until the 9th, when the wind
changed to north-east, and it was overcast and
cool until the 15th, and some rain fell on the
9th, 12th and 14th, after which it was pleasant
until the 20th, when more rain fell, and it clear-
ed cool and frosty with wind north-west, and
so continued until the month closed. Four
inches of rain fell during the month.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 55. It was mild and pleasant until
the 10th, when the wind changed to north-east
and some rain fell on the 10th and 12th, after
which it was mild and pleasant until the 23d,
when the wind again changed to north-east, and
it was partly cloudy, chilly and damp until the
month closed. More rain fell on the 24th and
29th, making in all that fell during the month
four inches.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 57. Although some rain fell on
seven days during this month, yet between the
days in which it fell, there was much mild and
splendid weather. No severe storm occurred

'-204 OCTOBER.

during the month, but the rain that fell de-
scended in showers. All that fell during the
month was three and a half inches.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and it was a mild, but wet
month. There were two old-fashioned north-east
rain storms, and in addition thereto rain fell on
five other days, making in all ten inches, and
yet there were a goodly number of very mild
and pleasant days.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, which is the same as the cor-
responding month of last year, but the quantity
of rain that fell was very small compared with
that month, as only three and a quarter inches
fell, and there were a greater number of mild
and pleasant days.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. It was not so mild and plea-
sant as the two previous October months, as it
had more dry northerly winds to contend with.
Only one inch and a quarter of rain fell during
the whole month. It gave more clear days, but
they were cool and chilly. A Yarmouth,
Mass, paper, gives the names of 62 men belong-
ing to Truro, who perished in the gale of this
month, on their homeward passage, 27 of whom
left widows, and 35 were young men.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 49, and north-west and easterly
winds prevailed either the whole or a part of
twenty-two days. It rained on five days, dur-

OCTOBER. 205

ing which three and a half inches fell. On
two days the wind southed, and the mercury
ran up to 70 at mid-day ; and on seven days
the mercury varied from 60 to 66. On the
other hand, while the wind was at north-west
and north, the mercury did not rise above 47
at mid-day for eight days. On one of those
days, it only rose to 43 at mid-day, and during
the night it sunk to 20, which is 12 degrees
below the freezing point. This was the cold-
est October night that we have on our record.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 54 ; and it was very warm and very
cool, alternately. On nine days, (not in suc-
cession,) the mercury rose to 70 and above.
On three of those days it rose to 76 at mid-day.
On eight days, the mercury varied from 62 to
68. But on the other hand, it was from 44 to
48 only, on three mid-days. On eleven days,
it varied from 50 to 60 at mid-day. On seven
nights there was frost ; and on three mornings
there was ice as thick as window-glass. Dur-
ing the whole or a part of fourteen days, the
wind was from the north-west. Ten days it
was from west to south. The remaining days
it varied from north to south-east. Some rain
fell on five days, making in all only three quar-
ters of an inch.

A succession of violent gales were experien-
ced, both on the sea and on the land, during
this and the previous month, which occasioned
many disasters, the most appalling of which
was the loss of the steam-packet Home, in
which more than one hundred valuable lives
18*

^06 O C T O B E R.

were lost. Several other vessels were lost dur-
ing the same storm. It is worthy of record,
that while other latitudes were visited with
boisterous weather during the past three
months, in this latitude there was scarcely
wind enough to fill the sails of vessels passing
up and down the Delaware, from May to Octo-
ber, and the weather was very mild.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 50, and there were more easterly
winds and wet weather than usual. On eleven
days some rain fell, making in all five inches.
The wind was from north to east, a great part
of the month. On six mornings there w^as frost,
and thin ice in the country on two mornings..
On the llth, part of the Alleghany mountains
were covered with snow, and on the 31st, snow
fell to the depth of ten inches in the interior of
Pennsylvania and New York. On the 31st
there were two smart snow squalls in this city,
and the wind blew violently from the north-
west from ten in the morning until sunset.

O

Violent gales of wind were experienced off
Cape Florida arid elsewhere, and many vessels
and lives were lost.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month was 56, and from the 1st to the 19th of
the month, it was remarkably mild and plea-
sant. On the 19th there was a north-east rain
storm, but on the 20th it cleared cool, and so
continued until the month closed. During the
first three weeks, it was so mild, that on seven
days the mercury varied from 70 to 75 at mid-
day ; and on sixteen days it was from 60 to 67.

OCTOBER. 207

Some rain fell on six days, making in all three
inches.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 54. On the first day, the mercury
was 76 at two o'clock, which is summer heat.
On four other days it was from 70 to 75 during
mid-day ; and on thirteen other days, it varied
from 60 to 68 at mid-day. On eleven days it
was from 50 to 58 ; and on three days from 42
to 45 at mid-day. On the 26th and 27th, at
sunrise, the mercury^was 29, which is 3 below
the freezing point, and ice was nearly half an
inch thick. Therefore, this month produced
both a winter and a summer atmosphere. On
six mornings there was frost. On eleven days
a little rain fell, and on one day there was a
north-east rain storm ; making in all that fell
during the month, five and three quarter inches.
On the 25th, snow fell in Connecticut to the
depth of six inches, and in Worcester, (Mass.)
there was good sleighing.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 50, and there was much cold, dry,
windy weather. But once did the mercury
rise so high as 68 at mid-day. On one morn-
ing it was as low as 28. Six mornings it was
from 34 to 36. Sixteen mornings it was from
40 to 48, and during mid-day from 50 to 60.
North and north-west winds prevailed during
the whole or a part of twenty days. There
was a north-east rain storm on the 3d, and a
little rain fell on four other days, making in all
three and a quarter inches. The violent north-
east storm of the 3d, extended from east to west,

208 OCTOBER.

and from north to south, and upon the ocean,
doing immense damage. More than one hun-
dred vessels were lost, and many poor mariners
perished. It was estimated, that property in
vessels and goods was destroyed to the amount
of two millions of dollars. The storm at New
Brunswick, N. J., was very furious, and rain
fell in torrents, mingled with snow and hail.
In New York city the rain poured, and the
wind blew a complete gale all day and night,
carrying away awnings ajad branches of trees
like feathers, and doing much damage to the
shipping at the wharves and in the harbour.
At New Haven and further east, much damage
was also done. There were between forty and
fifty vessels lost on Cape Cod, and most of their
crews, numbering more than three hundred
that were lost. Fifty dead bodies were washed
or drifted on shore. From forty to fifty vessels,
(principally fishing schooners,) owned in Glou-
cester and Marblehead, were lost, with a part
of their crews. Much damage was also sus-
tained by vessels at Halifax, Quebec, &c. Such
a severe and destructive storm had not occurred
on the American coast for many years. There
were both hail storms and snow storms during
the month, at Utica, Geneva, Buffalo, &c., in
New York State, and also in the interior of
Pennsylvania, &c., &c.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 53 ; and with a very few exceptions,
the weather was mild and pleasant during the
whole month, in this vicinity. On five days
the mercury rose to 70 arid above, at mid-day.

OCTOBER. 209

On two days it rose to 74. On fourteen days
it varied from 60 to 68. There were only six
frosty mornings during the month. A little
rain fell on five days, making in all one and
three quarter inches. While we were so highly
favoured in this latitude with mild and pleasant
weather, violent gales and storms were expe-
rienced at South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, in
the Gulf of Mexico, in the Mississippi river, at
Pensacola, Galveston, &c.; great damage was
done to vessels on the coast and in ports. The
brig Cuba, from Galveston for New York, with
a number of male and female passengers, was
lost in a violent gale, and all on board perished,
and several other vessels were supposed to have
been lost in the same gale, as nothing was heard
of them afterwards.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 52 ; and it was indeed a pleasant
month in this latitude. There were twenty-
two fair and pleasant days* three that were
cloudy ; and six in which some rain fell, mak-
ing in all three and a quarter inches. The
mercury was from 70 to 72 on three days, and
on twelve days it was from 60 to 68 at mid-
day. The mercury, at sunrise, was only once
as low as 32. In other latitudes this side the
equator, the weather was very different from
that experienced in this latitude. During the
storm and flood at Port Leon, (Florida,) every
house but three were swTept away. At St.
Marks, (Florida,) several buildings were swept
away, and several lives were lost at both places.
During the storm on the 7th and 8th, such tor-

210 OCTOBER.

rents of rain fell in Massachusetts, bordering
on trie Connecticut river, as to cause a rise in
the river of eighteen feet, which did great dam-
age. This storm, which continued for two days
east of New York, was very boisterous, and the
steamboats in the Sound received so much
damage, they had to put into harbours. The
steamboat Victor, and several other vessels,
were blown ashore.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 53 ; during which there was much
cloudy, overcast, stormy, and unpleasant wea-
ther in this latitude, which is very unusual.
The wind blew from the north, north-east, and
east, either the whole or a part of nineteen
days, and several days were very stormy ; but
there were a few that were very pleasant and
warm. Some rain fell on twelve days, making
in all five inches. On four days the mercury
rose to 70, and on seven it varied from 64 to 68.
There were slight^frosts on eight mornings, and
in the country the're was thin ice on two morn-
ings. Numerous gales of wind were experien-
ced by vessels at sea and on the coast ; also in
the Gulf of Mexico, at Key West, &c. Awful
and destructive gales were also experienced on
the Lakes, and great damage was sustained by
vessels, and many lives were lost,

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 56. The weather during the first
two weeks, was very variable. Part of the
time it was cloudy, overcast, foggy and rainy.
Two days it was clear, and on six days some
rain fell. The remainder of the month was

OCTOBER. 211

generally pleasant, but several days were quite
cool. Four mornings were a little frosty, and
on two others there was thin ice, with the mer-
cury at thirty. On ten days the mercury was
70 and above, during mid-day ; on two of those
days it was 74, and on one 78. On seven mid-
days it varied from 50 to 59. On eight days it
was 42 to 48, at mid-day. Two and a half
inches of rain fell during the month. On the
12th, while it rained in Pennsylvania, snow
was falling in the interior of New York, and in
Vermont, and also in Upper Canada. Owing
to the torrents of rain that fell from the 5th to
the 13th of the month, at the south, the Ala-:
bama river rose twenty feet higher than usual.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 55, and it was a remarkably plea-
sant month. It commenced with the summer
temperature of 76, and continued fair and mild
until the 13th, when a south-east rain storm
occupied one whole day, after which it cleared
mild and pleasant, and so continued in this lati-
tude, until the month closed. Only two inches
of rain fell in this city during the whole month,
and there were twenty-four fair and pleasant
days. Although the weather was so uncom-
monly pleasant in this latitude during the whole
month, (with the exception of the 13th,) there
were violent and destructive storms on the llth,
12th, and 13th, in the Gulf of Mexico, at Key
West, at Havana, and various other places at
the south, the west, the north, and the east, and
an immense amount of property was destroyed
both on the land and sea.

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

TOR THE MOIfTH OF

NOVEMBER.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 40; during which there was rain,
hail, and snow, and alternately some mild and
some very cold days. Rain fell on seven days,
making in all about six inches, and about four
inches of snow fell. The month closed very
cold.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 41. It commenced cool and frosty,
with the wind north-west. On the 7th the
wind wested, and it was mild and pleasant until
the 13th, when it changed to north-east, and a
little snow fell, which was soon followed by
rain. On the 15th the wind changed to north-
west, and blew very fresh and cold, and the
nights that succeeded were very cold until the
20th, and considerable ice was made. On the
21st the wind changed to north-east, and more
snow and rain fell; after which the weather
cleared mild, with a westerly wind, and it con-
tinued mild until the month closed. About
four inches of rain and two inches of snow fell
during the month.

NOVEMBER. 213

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 40 ; during which there was much
mild and pleasant weather, for a November
month, but when a re-action took place it was
severely cold. After the 20th the weather was
very variable, and it rained and snowed on seve-
ral days, and there was no more settled wea-
ther during the month. About five inches of
rain fell during the month.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 38. After the previous very warm
months, it was not surprising that the weather
should be very cold, as generally one extreme
succeeds another. The prevailing winds were
north-west and north-east. Snow, as well as
rain, fell on several days. There were a few
days of sleighing. But generally, in this vicini-
ty, after a fall of snow, the weather soon mode-
rates and rain follows.- This is more particu-
larly the case the first commencement of cold
weather. About six inches of snow, and four
and a half inches of rain fell during the month.
There was much boisterous weather on the sea
coast, and several marine disasters.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and like almost all other No-
vember months the weather was very variable.
During a part of the month it was mild and
pleasant, and anon very cold and boisterous,
and some snow and rain fell ; making in all
two inches of snow and five of rain.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 41. It commenced damp and

19

214 NOVEMBER.

drizzly, with the wind north-east. On the 3d
the wind wested, and a week of mild and plea-
sant wreather ensued, after which the wind
changed to north-east and some rain fell, when
it cleared cool with a north-west wind, and it
continued cold and very frosty until the 16th,
when some easterly, \vet weather ensued. On
the 24th it cleared with a cold north-west wind,
which continued until the month closed. About
five inches of rain fell during the month.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 43, and a great part of the month
was clear, splendid weather. Some rain fell
on five days, making in all about three and a
half inches. There was also a few flakes of
snow fell in this city, but at the north and east
there was some sleighing. On the 26th a great
fire occurred at Savannah, Georgia, in which
229 houses were burnt..

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and the weather was very va-
riable. The second week, however, was very
mild and pleasant ; during the other parts of
the month there were rain storms and snow
storms, and much cold, cloudy and overcast
weather. About four and a half inches of rain
and two inches of snow fell during the month.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and the first ten days were clear,
cool and pleasant, with the wind at north-west.
It afterwards changed to south-west, and a week
of very mild wreather ensued. It then changed
to north-east and a storm gathered, and it rain-

NOVEMBER. 215

ed copiously for part of two days. On the 18th
it cleared cool with the wind at north-west.
On the 26th the wind again changed to north-
east and more rain fell, making in all that fell
during the month six and a half inches.

1799. The medium temperature of this
month was 42. It commenced clear and mild,
with the wind at south-west, but on the 8th it
rained copiously. It afterwards cleared with a
cold north-wester. On the 17th the wind
again changed to west, and several mild and
pleasant days followed. The wind then south-
ed and a warm rain ensued, after which the
wind changed to north-west, and the remainder
of the month was quite cold and frosty. Some
rain fell on eight days, making in all nearly
six inches.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 41. The first week was cool, fair
and frosty, with the wind north-west ; the se-
cond week was mild and pleasant, with the
wind south-west, after which it was overcast,
cloudy and rainy for several days. During the
remainder of the month the weather was very
unsettled ; being sometimes clear and cool, and
at other times overcast and rainy, with some
flirts of snow. About five inches of rain fell.
While it rained in Pennsylvania, it snowed at
the north and east.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 43, and the weather was cool and
frosty during the first week, with wind north-
west ; the second week was mild and very

216 NOVEMBER.

pleasant, with the wind at south-west ; after
which the wind changed to north-east, and it
was cool and rainy for several days. On the
16th the wind wested and the weather was
mild until the 23d, when some snow and rain
fell, and the remainder of the month the wea-
ther was very unsettled. About seven inches
of rain, and two inches of snow fell.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 44. The first week was very mild
and pleasant with the wind south-west, after
which the wind changed to north-east, and it
was cool, overcast and rainy during the second
week ; the third week was clear, cold and
frosty, with the wind north-west. The remain-
der of the month was mild and pleasant, with
the wind varying from west to south-west. A
great part of the month was mild and pleasant.
About three and a half inches of rain fell.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 46, and it produced some very mild
and pleasant, with some cloudy and rainy wea-
ther. There was very little frost during the
month. The wind was west and south-west
more than half the month. During the re-
mainder of the month the wind was very va-
riable. About four and a quarter inches of rain
fell during the month.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 44, during which there were eleven
entirely clear and splendid days ; eleven that
were partly cloudy and partly clear ; and eight
in which some rain fell, making in all that fell

NOVEMBER. 217

during the month, about five and a half inches.
The wind during the month varied from north
to west, and south-west. There was frost on six
mornings and ice on two.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 44, and the wind and weather were
very variable. During the month some rain
fell on thirteen days, making in all about nine
inches. There were several very mild and
pleasant days, and some that were very cold
and frosty. On the 8th and 9th of this month
an awful and destructive storm \vas experienced
in the British channel, during which many
vessels and several hundred lives were lost.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 45, and the first twelve days were
mild and very pleasant, after which the wind
changed to north-east and a rain storm ensued.
The wind then changed to north-west, and a
week of cold, frosty weather followed. The
wind again changed to north-east and more
rain fell. The weather during the residue of
the month was very unsettled, but it was cold
and frosty most of the time. About five inches
of rain fell during the month, and a few flakes
of snow.

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 44, and it produced its full quan-
tum of mild and pleasant weather, with a few
rainy days and some flakes of snow, all of which
received a hearty welcome, as the rain was
much needed, and the snow warned us that
wrinter was near at hand and to be prepared for it.

19*

218 NOVEMBER.

About four inches of rain fell during the
month.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and it produced much cold,
wintry weather, with some snow storms and
rain storms. But notwithstanding these un-
pleasant visitations, old Sol gave us some cheer-
ing and pleasant days occasionally. About
three inches of rain, and three inches of snow
fell during the month.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 43. It commenced and continued
mild and pleasant until the llth, when the
wind changed to north-east, and a rain storm
soon followed, after which the weather remain-
ed unsettled until the 17th, when the wind
changed to north-west, and there was a freezing
atmosphere for several nights. The wind then
wested, and mild, pleasant weather ensued un-
til the 26th, when there was a north-east snow
and rain storm, and freezing weather followed
until the month closed. About six inches of
rain and two inches of snow fell during the
month.

1810. The medium temperature of this
month was 45. During the first two weeks
there was much very mild and pleasant wea-
ther, with some rainy days. West and south-
west winds prevailed until the 14th, after which
the wind changed to east, and a week of damp,
chilly weather ensued, when the wind changed
to north-west, and the weather was quite cold

NOVEMBER. 219

and some snow fell. About two inches of snow
and five inches of rain fell during the month.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 43, and although there were some
very pleasant, mild days, yet the weather was
very variable a great part of the month. It
rained, it hailed, it snowed, it froze and it
thawed, and it was overcast, clear, cloudy,
windy and calm. About six inches of rain,
and three inches of snow fell during the month ;
and the wind changed to almost every point
of the compass.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 47, and it produced twenty-one
mild, and pleasant days. On the 24th a terri-
ble hurricane passed over Philadelphia, and
blew down several buildings and unroofed
others. The privateer Rattlesnake was sunk
at New Castle, and sixteen officers and men
perished. Some rain fell on five days, making
in all about three and a quarter inches, and a
few flakes of snow fell on two days.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 44, and the first week was mild and
pleasant ; but on the 7th the wind changed to
east, and rain fell on the 8th and 9th, after
which it cleared cold and some very frosty
nights followed. On the 17th the wind wested,
and a week of pleasant weather ensued. On
the 23d the wind changed to north-east and the
remainder of the month was quite cool, damp,
rainy, snowy and frosty. About five inches of
rain and two inches of snow fell during the

220 NOVEMBER.

month. On the 12th there was a very de-
structive gale at Halifax, N. S., and several
vessels and many lives were lost.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 45, and it produced much mild and
pleasant weather, interspersed with some rainy
days, and a few flirts of snow, and frosty nights.
From the 18th to the end of the month some
rain and a little snow fell. On the 28th it
cleared very cold with a north-west wind.
During the month about four inches of rain,
and one inch of snow fell.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 42, and it commenced quite cool
and frosty, with the wind at north-west. On
the 4th the wind wested, and it was mild and
pleasant until the 12th, when the wind changed
to north-east and considerable rain fell. On
the 16th it changed to north-west, and it was
windy by day and very frosty by night until
the 21st, when the wind again changed to
north-east, and about two inches of snow fell,
after which it rained nearly all day and night ;
it then cleared cold and very slippery, and so
continued until the month closed. Nearly six
inches of rain fell during the month, and snow
as mentioned above.

1816. The medium temperature of this
month was 41. This was indeed a cold blus-
tering month, and there was rain storms and
snow storms; cold north-west and north-east
winds, with a few balmy westerly breezes, and
mild days. About six inches of rain and four

NOVEMBER. 221

inches of snow fell, which made some sleighin
in the country, but very little in the city,
froze very hard several nights, and some days
were cold enough to sit by a good fire.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 45, and the first two weeks were as
mild and pleasant as October, but on the eve
of the 14th a great re-action took place ; the
wind changed to north-east, and a rain storm
followed, mingled with some snow. On the
16th it cleared with a cold north-wester, which
produced some frosty nights. On the 21st the
wind wested, and a few mild days ensued ; but
on the 25th the wind changed to north-east,
which produced more rain and snow, and the
month closed cold. About five and a half
inches of rain and two inches of snow fell dur-
ing the month.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 43, and the weather during the
month was quite variable ; sometimes it was
mild and pleasant, and then cold and frosty,
with snow squalls. The wind then changed
to east, and rain soon followed, and the month
closed cold. Nearly six inches of rain, and
about two inches of snow fell.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 44, and the weather was about
equally divided between mild and pleasant, and
cool, cloudy, damp, rainy, &c., and the wind
was variable, from north to east, and west to
south. On one day there were some snow

222 NOVEMBER.

squalls, and on five days more or less rain fell,
making in all about two and a half inches.

1820. The medium temperature of this
month was 45, and it produced its full quantum
of mild and pleasant weather; but there were
some cool days and frosty nights, with two
easterly rain storms, and about one inch of
snow. Nearly five inches of rain fell during
the month.

1821. The medium temperature of this
month was 41, and it may be recorded as hav-
ing been a stormy, windy, squally, cold month ;
although there were some clear and pleasant
days, and it would have been very strange had
there not been. There were three snow storms,
which were accompanied with high winds, and
considerable rain fell during the month, in all
about four inches, and four inches of snow.
Several marine disasters occurred on the coast.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 42, and the first week was mild and
pleasant, but it was succeeded by a very cold
and frosty one. After which the wind changed
to north-east, and a rain storm followed, min-
gled with snow, which made very sloppy and
slippery walking, but it soon froze hard, and
cleared quite cold enough for three or four
days, when the wind wested, and the month
closed mild and pleasant. About four and a
half inches of rain and two inches of snow fell
during the month.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 46, and there was more mild and

N O V E M U E It. 223

pleasant weather than usual, for a November
month ; but its rain storms, with easterly winds,
were not forgotten. Neither did the month
close without its cold north-wester, and some
frosty nights, with a few snow squalls. But on
the whole, it was a -pleasant month in this lati-
tude. At the north and east, the newspapers
did not give the month so good a character as
we have done. About six inches of rain fell in
this vicinity during the month.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 44 ; and the first ten days were tol-
erably mild and pleasant; after which the wind
changed to north-east, and a rain storm followed
soon afterwards. It cleared on the 14th with a
cold north-wester, and some very frosty nights
ensued. On the 20th the wind changed again to
north-east, and about three inches of snow fell,
which was followed by a powerful rain ; after
which it cleared cold, with a brisk north-west
wind, with which the month closed. About
six inches of rain fell during the month.

J825. The medium temperature of this
month was 44, and it produced a great deal of
clear and pleasant weather. Also, some that
was cold and very frosty. Very little rain fell
on the 14th and 30th, making in all that fell
during the month, only one and a half inches;
and a few flakes of snow on one day.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 43, and it commenced overcast, with
some rain. It was then clear until the 7th,
when a little more rain fell. After which it

224 NOVEMBER.

was clear until the 17th, when it rained again.
It was then fair until the 26th, when a little
more rain fell ; making in all that fell during
the month, only two inches. There was both
mild and frosty weather ; and there were a few
nights in which ice formed -a quarter of an inch
thick.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 38, during which there was much
cold and stormy weather. Rain fell on six
days, and some snow on three days, making in
all of rain four and three quarter inches, and
about four inches of snow. There was much
frosty weather, and some nights ice formed an
half inch thick. Mariners on the coast suffer-
ed much from the severity of the weather, and
there were several marine disasters.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 42, during which there was much
pleasant weather, notwithstanding rain fell on
eight days, making in all six and three quarter
inches. The wind was variable, from north to
south and east to west, but not long at one
point at a time. The mercury during the
month varied from 28 to 70.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 44. It commenced damp and drizz-
ly with the wind east. On the 2d the wind
wested, and with the exception of one day, it
was very mild and pleasant until the 10th,
when the wind changed to east and some rain
fell. Some rain also fell on the 14th, L7th,
23d, 26th and 30th, making in all that fell dur-

NOVEMBER. 225

ing the month four inches. Some of the inter-
mediate days (when it did not rain) were very
pleasant arid mild.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and it was a cool, damp month.
Rain fell on seven days, making in all five and
a quarter inches. Easterly winds prevailed
very much and a little snow fell on two days.
The wind blew very cool from north-west on
four or five days and at night it froze very hard.
There were several very mild days, with wind
varying from west to south-west ; but a ma-
jority of the month was cool and damp.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 42. It commenced and continued
mild and pleasant (Indian summer-like) until
the llth, with the wind varying from west to
south. But on the 1 1th the wind changed to
east and some rain fell, when it changed to
north-west, and it was cool and frosty until the
19th, then the wind changed to north-east, and
it was damp and overcast until the 22d, when
more rain fell, and the wind wested and it was
mild until the 27th ; after which the wind
changed to north-west and the month ended
cold. Some rain fell on four days, making in
all two inches.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and it was quite a cool, winter-
like month. After the first few days, which
were rather mild, the wind was cool and va-
riable, from north-west to north and north-east.
Some rain and snow fell on the 19th, after

20

226 NOVEMBER.

which the weather remained unsettled with the
wind at north-east until the 23d, when a severe
rain storm occurred during the night, after
which it cleared quite cool, and so continued
until the month closed. Two and a half inches
of rain fell during the month.

1833. The medium temperature of this
month was 44, and it was indeed a month of
splendid weather. Rain fell on four days only,
making in all two inches. During the first three
weeks it rained but once, and it was mostly
mild and pleasant. From the 22d to the close
of the month the weather was very variable,
and some rain fell on the 22d, 25th and 30th.
On the morning of the 13th of this month,
there appeared one of the most remarkable and
splendid phenomenas we ever remember to have
seen. It commenced about four o'clock and
continued until daylight. There appeared to
be a shower of stars, as thick as snow usually
descends, making a brilliant light of millions
of shooting stars. At first they descended per-
pendicularly, and afterwards in every direction
as though blown by a strong eddy or current
of wind ; sometimes larger and more brilliant
stars descended, producing a much greater
light and more brilliant appearance. It con-
tinued as above stated until day-light, or about
six o'clock. We witnessed the whole from
the beginning to the end, and never saw any
thing so splendid and wonderful. This extra-
ordinary phenomenon extended all over the
United States and many leagues at sea, as the
same was reported by mariners who arrived
several days afterwards.

NOVEMBER. 227

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 43, and although some rain fell on
six days, yet there was much mild and plea-
sant weather, with a few days that were quite
cool and frosty. The whole rain which fell
during the month was only three inches.
There were two little flurries of snow.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 44, and it was a weeping month,
but she did not weep sorely until the 23d, when
she made a great ado, and her tears flowed in tor-
rents during a whole day and part of a night.
She previously wept a little on the 6th, 9th,
llth and 16th. At the close of the month her
tears measured three and a quarter inches. On
the 27th about two inches of snow fell. There
were interspersed through the month some
cheerful and pleasant days, and before it closed
her tears were all wiped away.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 41, and it was very boisterous, al-
though there were twelve tolerably pleasant
days. Some rain fell on eight days, and there
were snow squalls on the 24th, 25th and 28th.
From the 24th to the close of the month, it was
very cold arid wintry. The quantity of rain
which fell during the month was three and a
quarter inches, and about one inch and a quar-
ter of snow. All the vessels that arrived dur-
ing this month, reported having experienced
very severe weather on the coast, and the news-
papers published accounts of several distressing
shipwrecks.

228 NOVEMBER.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 45, and it produced all the variety
of the different seasons. It commenced with
the frosty temperature of winter. But on the
4th the mildness of spring succeeded, and that
of summer soon followed, and on the llth the
pleasant and healthy temperature of autumn.
In this way the weather alternated until the
month closed. During the night of the 14th
the wind changed to north-east, and such a
snow storm ensued as January would not
blush to own ; from six to eight inches fell, af-
terwards it cleared and remained cold for four
days. On the 18th it moderated and summer-
like weather followed until the 23d, when a
sudden change took place, and the mercury
sunk 33 degrees in about twelve hours, and the
cold continued to increase until the morning of
the 26th, when the mercury rested at 20, which
is twelve below the freezing point. On the
27th the wind changed to south, and the wea-
ther moderated. During the month the mer-
cury varied from 20 to 71. The quantity of
rain which fell during the month was three
inches. On the evening of the 14th there was
a splendid Aurora borealis, which continued
for more than an hour, and a little before ten
o'clock there was a magnificent phenomenon a
little west of the zenith, of a deep crimson
colour, which spread from the centre like an
open umbrella, and extended quite down to the
horizon, with all the variegated colours of a
bright rainbow. Perhaps a more brilliant ap-
pearance was never presented to the eye of
man.

NOVEMBER. 229

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and it commenced cold and
frosty, with the mercury down to 27 at sunrise,
and during the day there were some snow
squalls, with the wind at north-east. On the
2d the wind changed to south-west, and the
mercury ran up to 56, and it varied from this
point to 70, at mid-day, until the 9th, when the
wind changed to north-west, and the atmos-
phere became cold and frosty until the 13th,
when the wind southed, and it was mild and
very pleasant until the 17th. From this time
until the month closed, the weather was cold
and squally, with an occasional mild and plea-
sant day, but there were some very frosty
nights. On fourteen nights the mercury was
below the freezing point. Two mornings at sun-
rise, it was as low as 18, which is 14 below the
freezing point ; and three other mornings it was
21 and 23. On six days some rain fell, making
in all three and a quarter inches. On five days
about two inches of snow fell. It was a cold,
blustering month, for November. The eastern
papers said, snow fell at different times in the
New England States, in sufficient quantity to
make good sleighing. As early as the 31st of
October, snow fell in the interior of New York
and Pennsylvania, to the depth of ten inches.
On the morning of the 25th, at sunrise, when
the mercury in this city was 18 above zero, it
was down to zero in Connecticut; also at Buf-
falo, and in Vermont; which was the coldest
weather in November, that we can find on re-
cord, as having occurred within the United
States.

30*

230 NOVEMBER.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month was 40, and the weather was very va-
riable, from mild to cool, until the 20th, when
the wind changed to north-west, after which
the cold increased so rapidly, that on the morn-
ing of the 21st, the mercury wras 20 ; on the
22d it was 18 ; on the 23d it was 20. The 24th
and 25th were mild ; but the 26th was severely
cold; at sunrise, the mercury rested at 15,
which is 17 below the freezing point, and it
did not rise higher than 24 at mid-day. The
27th and 28th were also cold ; but the 29th and
30th were milder. Some rain fell on five days,
making three and a half inches; and some
snow fell on two days, about half an inch in
all. During the night of the 25th, the cold
was so severe as to freeze over the Delaware
from Kensington to Trenton, which stopped the
steamboats from running for a few days. This
was also the case in November 1838, but they
resumed their trips, and continued to run until
the middle of December. The drought was so
severe in Alabama, from August to November,
1839, as to render good drinking water so
scarce, that it was sold for one dollar per gal-
lon. On the 7th, snow fell in the interior of
New York and through the New England
States, and the Canadas, to the depth of several
inches. In some places there was good sleigh-
ing. So said the newspapers from those places.
The Great Western steamer made her October
passage from New York to England in thirteen
days, and her return passage in fifteen days.
On the llth of this month, the planet Venus
visible to the naked eye, during mid-day,

NOVEMBER. 231

and while the sun was shining in full splendour ;
the atmosphere being clear and remarkably
transparent. It is generally known, that Venus
is the brightest star in the firmament, and the
second planet from the sun, and when she and
the earth are on the same side of the sun, her
distance from us is twenty-six millions of miles,
according to the calculations of the best astrono-
mers; and yet at this immense distance, she
was seen with the naked eye at noon-day.

1840. The medium temperature of this
month was 43, and it commenced with what is
generally called " Indian Summer" and so con-
tinued until the 8th, when the wind changed to
north-east, and rain soon followed. Some rain
fell on six days, making in all two and a half
inches. And some snow fell on three days, and
had not much of it melted as it fell, there would
probably have been from six to eight inches, and
good sleighing in the city, as there was in the
interior of this and several other states. There
was ice on eight mornings. At the close of the
month, the seared leaves falling from the trees
and vines, indicated the approach of winter.

" The trees to the blast have surrender'd their leaves,

The beauties of Summer have fled ;
The warblers departed for sunnier climes,
The herbage is withered and dead !"

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 42, and it produced the temperature
of the four seasons; from summer's heat to
winter's cold. On the morning of the 1st, the
fog was so dense on the Delaware, that an ob-
ject was scarcely perceptible at a distance of

232 NOVEMBER.

twenty feet. At ten o'clock, the scorching- rays
of the sun compelled this unpleasant visiter to
flee before it, and the mercury ran up to sum-
mer heat. It continued warm until the 4th,
when the wind changed from south to north-
east, and some rain fell. During the month
rain fell on eleven days, making in all four and
a half inches; and some snow fell on four
days, making about ten inches, and there was
good sleighing for several days. The coldest
day was the 30th, when the mercury was 20
at sunrise, which is 12 below the freezing point,
and it did not thaw any in the shade during the
day. Great quantities of snow fell during the
month in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, the interior
of Pennsylvania, New York, and in several of
the New England States.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 38 ; and from the 1st to the 18th, the
weather was as mild and pleasant as Septem-
ber. But in the afternoon of the 18th, the wind
changed to north-west, and the mercury sunk
from 50 to 31, by ten in the evening; and to
24 by the next morning. The weather during
the remainder of the month was more like mid-
winter than autumn. Some snow fell on the
24th, 27th, and 30th, making about four inches;
and two inches of rain fell during the month.
At the close of this month, we received accounts
of the severity of the weather, from the east,
west, north and south, commencing about the
time it did in this city. At Baltimore, Wash-
ington, and farther south, it was very severe.
The Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and

NOVEMBER. 233

other newspapers, stated the cold to be as great
there, as any ever experienced in November.
The papers from the interior of New York,
Vermont, and through the Canadas, made simi-
lar statements, and that much snow had fallen,
and sleighing was excellent. Most terrific gales
were experienced on the western and northern
Lakes, and many vessels wrecked, and lives
lost. Accounts from Detroit, Buffalo, Erie,
Chicago, Dunkirk, &c., stated, that in conse-
quence of the wrecks of so many vessels, the
shores were lined with barrels of flour, pork,
corn, wheat, &c., and many dead bodies were
washed ashore ; and in several of those places
the mercury was below zero.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 41, and during the month there was
a good deal of damp, chilly, wet weather. Rain
fell on nine days, making in all four and a quar-
ter inches. And some snow fell on two days,
but it melted nearly as fast as it fell. On eleven
mornings, between day-break and sunrise, the
mercury was at the freezing point, and below.
On the 28th it sunk to 22, which was the cold-
est morning in this city, during the month.
There were but nine entirely clear days. There
was not one severe storm in this vicinity during
the month. But in other parts of the United
States, there were several. On the 10th of
November, the weather was so cold in Upper
Canada, that there was good skating on the St.
Charles river, and the sleighing was excellent.
At the same time the snow was two feet deep
in Vermont, and in many places it was blown

234 NOVEMBER.

into banks to the depth of four feet. In the in-
terior of New York State, and in several of the
New England States, the snow was of suffi-
cient depth to make good sleighing. On the
1st of the month, there was ice in Georgia as
thick as window-glass.

1844. The medium temperature of this
'month was 44, and from the 1st to the 19th the

weather was remarkably mild. The mercury
was not once so low as the freezing point until
the morning of the 19th when it was 32, and
on four other mornings, towards the close of the
month, it was from 28 to 30 in this city, and
we neither saw or heard of a flake of snow fall-
ing in this vicinity during the month. Some
rain fell on nine days, making in all three
inches. There were eighteen clear days, and
a great part of the month was like Indian sum-
mer in this vicinity. But it was far otherwise
in some other parts of the United States, and
in the British provinces. In Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan and in the interior of New York,
Vermont and some of the New England states,
we read accounts in the newspapers of snow
being from ten to twelve inches deep and good
sleighing. In the Canadas there was much
severely cold weather, and in some places the
snow was two feet iri depth.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 46, and the weather in this latitude
was delightfully pleasant during almost the
whole month. But in other latitudes there
were violent gales, tornados, hurricanes and
storms of various kinds, as reported in the

NOVEMBER. 235

newspapers, and several disasters occurred in
consequence thereof, both on the sea and on the
land. According to our notes, there were fifty
shipwrecks on the American coast, notwith-
standing the weather in this latitude was so
mild and pleasant during almost the whole
month. From the 24th to the close of the
month the weather was cooler. A very little
rain fell on six days, making in all two and a
half inches ; and about half an inch of snow
fell on the 29th and 30th.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 46, and during which there was
much damp, drizzly, rainy weather. Some
rain fell on fifteen days, making in all eight
inches. There were five other days which
were overcast, damp and chilly, and ten that
were clear and cool. The last five of these
ten were quite wintry, and a little snow fell on
the 25th and 27th, making in all about one
inch. There was no violent blow or storm in
the vicinity of Philadelphia during the month.
But from New York city down the sound,
and to the eastward as far as Boston, there was
on the 19th of November a most disastrous
storm, accompanied by a terrific gale, which
caused much injury to vessels in the sound, and
also in the harbours of Newport, Providence
and Boston. It was in this storm that the aw-
ful calamity happened to the noble steamer
Atlantic, from New London, Connecticut, by
which she was wrecked and stove to pieces on
the ledge of rocks running out from Fisher's
Island, (at the east end of Long Island) where-

236 NOVEMBER.

by forty human beings were ushered into eter-
nity in a few moments ; among whom was the
commander of the Atlantic, Capt. Dustan, a
most estimable and worthy man, in the meri-
dian of life, and many other valuable citizens.
On the same day there was a violent and de-
structive gale and storm on the western lakes,
particularly on Lake Erie, during which seve-
ral vessels were lost, and many persons perish-
ed. On the 26th of November, snow fell in the
interior of New York to the depth of eight
inches, after which it cleared severely cold, and
there was good sleighing from Albany to Buf-
falo, and through Vermont and Canada.

RECORD OF THE WEATHER

IN PHILADELPHIA,

FOR THE MOXTH OF

DECEMBER.

1790. The medium temperature of this
month was 30, and it commenced and contin-
ued very cold until the 10th, when the wind
wested and four days of very mild weather en-
sued, after which the wind changed to north-
west and it became intensely cold, and the
Delaware closed with thick ice and remained
closed until the 18th of January, when the
wind changed to north-east and about five
inches of snow fell, and there was good sleigh-
ing for several days with a cold north-west
wind and a cold Christmas. On the 27th the
wind changed to south-west, and the residue of
the month was very mild. About seven inches
of snow and two inches of rain fell during the
month. The medium temperature of the whole
year was 52.

1791. The medium temperature of this
month was 32. The first ten days were very
cold. On the night of the 5th the Delaware
opposite the city froze over so hard as to be
passed by foot passengers. After the 10th the

21

238 DECEMBER.

wind changed to west, and a week of mild and
pleasant weather followed ; when the wind
changed to north-east, and about two inches of
snow fell in the city, but a great deal more fell
in the country. It cleared cold, and so con-
tinued until the 16th, when the wind changed
to south-east and it rained part of a day and
night ; it afterwards cleared cold. On the 22d
there was a north-east snow storm, and the
snow blew into banks that blocked up the
roads, which made the communication between
the city and country very difficult for several
days. On the 28th the wind southed and some
rain fell, and the weather was very mild until
the month closed. The medium temperature
of the whole year was 52 J.

1792. The medium temperature of this
month was 30, and it commenced mild, over-
cast and drizzly. On the 3d it cleared cold ;
on the 6th it snowed, and it cleared mild with
a westerly wind. On the 12th the wind
changed to east, and several inches of snow
fell, which made good sleighing until the 19th,
when some rain fell, which made very sloppy
and unpleasant travelling. On the 24th the
wind changed to north-west, and it was very
cold until the month closed. The medium
temperature of the whole year was 52.

1793. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. The first week was cold and
windy ; but from the 7th to the L5th, it was
generally mild, and some rain fell. On the
16th the wind changed to north-east, and it
snowed part of the 17th and 18th, and there

DECEMBER. 239

was good sleighing until the 27th, when it
rained and cleared mild, and thus the month
ended. From six to eight inches of snow, and
about two inches of rain fell during the month.
The medium temperature of the whole year
was 53.

1794. The medium temperature of this
month was 31; and it commenced cool and
pleasant, with wind varying from north-west to
west, and south-west, but on the 9th it changed
to north-east, and some rain fell, mixed with
flakes of snow. On the llth it cleared cold
and frosty, with the wind at north-west. On
the 16th the wind easted, and a few inches of
snow fell, and it again cleared cold ; but on the
23d the wind wested, and the weather was
mild until the 27th, when the wind changed to
north-east, and a little more snow fell, and the
weather remained unsettled until the month
closed. The medium temperature of the whole
year was 50.

1795. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. During which the weather
was very changeable, from very mild and plea-
sant to very boisterous and stormy, with both
snow and rain; and then it cleared very cold,
with a brisk north-west wind. Thus the wea-
ther kept vascilating during the whole month.
There were a few days of sleighing on two oc-
casions. The medium temperature of the whole
year was 51.

1796. The medium temperature of this
month was 32 ; it commenced mild and plea-

240 DECEMBER.

sant. But the pleasant weather was followed
on the 6th by a snow storm, which produced a
week of very good sleighing. It then modera-
ted, and some rain fell, which m'ade the snow
to disappear. After which, from the 18th to
the 24th, it was cool, but very pleasant. On
the 25th, the wind changed to north-east, and
some snow fell, and the weather was very va-
riable the remainder of the month. The me-
dium temperature of the whole year was 51 J.

1797. The medium temperature of this
month was 30 ; and it produced some severely
cold days, as well as some that were mild and
pleasant. There were also some snow storms
and snow squalls. But very little rain fell dur-
ing the month. There was more sleighing
than usual. Christmas was mild and pleasant.
There were several marine disasters on the
coast. The medium temperature of the whole
year was 51.

1798. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and it commenced clear and
cold with the wind at north-west. After which
it changed to west and south-west, and several
days of mild weather ensued. On the 13th
it suddenly changed to north-east, and several
inches of snow fell, which blew into banks and
some very cold days followed. On the 20th
the wind wested, and it was milder for a few
days ; but the last week in the month was very
cold. The medium temperature of the whole
year was 51.

1799. The medium temperature of this

DECEMBER. 241

month was 29. It commenced clear and cold
with the wind at north-west, and so continued
for nearly a week, when the wind changed to
north-east, and both rain and snow followed ;
the wind then wested and several pleasant
days ensued. After which it changed to north-
east and there was more falling weather, both
of snow and rain. The remainder of the month
was very variable, being sometimes very cold
and then milder. The medium temperature of
the whole year was 51.

December 14, 1799, George Washington, the
hero, the patriot, the sage, breathed his last,
aged 68, after twenty-four hours illness of the
quinsy; after which the whole country was
in mourning.

1800. The medium temperature of this
month was 30, and it was very variable until
the 15th, being sometimes very cold, and then
very mild and cloudy. From the 16th to the
close of the month there was much easterly,
damp weather, and a little snow and much rain
fell, and some very chilly and unpleasant days,
with a few that were clear and mild. There
was some very boisterous weather on the sea
coast, which occasioned many marine disasters.
The medium temperature of the whole year
was 51 1.

1801. The medium temperature of this
month was 34, during which there was much
mild and pleasant weather. Considerable rain,
but very little snow fell during the month in
this vicinity. There were a few cold days, but

21*

242 DECEMBER.

none that were severe. The medium tempera-
ture of the whole year was 52.

1802. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and there was a few severely
cold days in which the mercury sunk to 10 and
12 fcbove zero in this city, but at Albany and
New Haven it sunk down to zero. It is often
the case that one extreme follows another. The
wind afterwards changed to south-west and the
mercury ran up to 64, and several mild days
followed and some rain fell. The wind then
changed to north-west, and a week of very cold
weather ensued, after which it changed to
north-east, and there was a violent snow storm.
If the snow had fallen on a level it would have
been a foot deep, but it blew into banks of con-
siderable height and obstructed the roads very
much. During the storm several marine dis-
asters occurred on the coast. The storm was
very severe at the north and east and snow fell
to a great depth in many places. The medium
temperature of the whole year was 53 \. On
the 24th there was a great fire in Portsmouth,
N. H. ; about 120 houses and other buildings
were destroyed.

1803. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. There was no very severe
weather during the month ; the mercury varied
from 22 to 60. Of course there were some
very mild days. Rain fell on several days, but
very little snow fell during the month in this
vicinity. There was no severe storm or blow.
The wind changed several times from north to
south-west, and to north-east. On the whole,

NOVEMBER. 243

it was a pleasant December month. The me-
dium temperature of the whole year was 52.

1804. The medium temperature of this
month was 34, and it produced much mild and
pleasant weather, notwithstanding there were
a few severely cold days, with mercury at sun-
rise as low as 12 above zero, but at rnid-day it
ran up to 34, and once during the month it ran
up to 56. A little rain fell on several days and
some snow on two days. The medium tem-
perature of the whole year was 51. On the
18th forty houses and stores were burnt in New
York, including the Old Coffee House, the
Morning Chronicle office, &c.

1805. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. The weather was alternate-
ly very cold and boisterous and very mild.
On the 28th and 29th there was a most violent
and destructive storm, both on the sea and land.
Several vessels stove and sunk at the wharves,
and immense damage was done in this city, as
well as in New York, Boston, &c. There
were many shipwrecks on the coast and many
lives lost. It was a month of disasters that are
not forgotten by many now living. The me-
dium temperature of the whole year was 51 J.

1806. The medium temperature of this
month was 32, and during which there was
much mild and pleasant weather. The mer-
cury did not sink below 24, nor rise above 58
during the month. There was no violent
storm either of rain or snow in this vicinity
during the month. About two inches of snow

244 DECEMBER.

and three inches of rain fell. There was sleigh-
ing in the interior of New York, and through
the New England states. The medium tem-
perature of the whole year was 51 f .

1807. The medium temperature of this
month was 32 ; and the weather was alternate-
ly very cold and very mild. The coldest day
was 14 above zero at sunrise. On one day,
about three inches of snow fell, and on another
day about six inches, which made good sleigh-
ing. Three inches of rain fell during the month.
The medium temperature of the whole year
was 52.

1808. The medium temperature of this
month was 30; and it produced a few very
cold days, and two moderate snow storms ; in
each of which about three inches of snow^ fell ;
and during the month, two and a half inches
of rain. There were ten days of mild and plea-
sant weather. The residue of the month, was
usual winter-like weather. There was no severe
storm during the month in this vicinity. The
medium temperature of the whole year was 52.

1809. The medium temperature of this
month was 29, and it was alternately cold and
mild. Some snow fell on four days, making in
all about five inches ; and about two inches of
rain fell. It was a pleasant winter month in
this latitude. The eastern papers mention
some boisterous and severe weather, and a few
marine disasters. The temperature of the whole
year was 51.

1810. The medium temperature of this

DECEMBER. 245

month was 28. During which there was much
severely cold, and some boisterous weather,
which was very hard on the poor mariners on
the coast; as there were several shipwrecks,
and lives lost. Some snow fell on five days.
On one of those days, the storm was very se-
vere, and the wind blew very hard from the
north-east. At the north and east, a good deal
of snow fell during this month. The medium
temperature of the whole year was 51.

1811. The medium temperature of this
month was 30. There was much very severely
cold weather during this month ; and some that
was stormy and boisterous, both on the sea and
land ; and there were several distressing ship-
wrecks and loss of lives. Considerable snow
fell, but rain generally followed in this vicinity.
There were only a few mild and pleasant days.
The medium temperature of the whole year
was 52. On the 26th of this month, the Thea-
tre at 'Richmond, Virginia, was burnt during
a theatrical performance, and 123 persons pe-
rished in the flames.

1812. The medium temperature of this
month was 28 ; and a great proportion of this
month was steady, cold and clear weather. Not
much snow or rain fell in this vicinity. North-
west winds prevailed more than half the month;
and there Were some severely cold days, and
but few which could be denominated mild.
There were two snow storms, neither of which
were very boisterous in this vicinity ; but at
the north and east, they were very severe. The
medium temperature of the whole year was 51.

246 DECEMBER.

1813. The medium temperature of this
month was 28 ; and snow fell on several days,
which made good sleighing. During one of
the snowy days, the wind blew very hard at
north-east, and there were some marine disas-
ters on the coast. Very little rain fell, and
there were but few mild days. The medium
temperature of the whole year was 50 1.

1814. The medium temperature of this
month was 30 ; and it commenced and con-
tinued mild and pleasant until the 10th, after
which some stormy weather followed, of both
snow and rain, when it afterwards cleared cold,
and so continued until the 21st. The remain-
der of the month was variable, sometimes cold,
and at others mild and very pleasant. The
medium temperature of the whole year was 51.

1815. The medium temperature of this
month was 26 ; and there was more intensely
cold weather than in any December month for
twenty-five years. On three mornings, between
break of day and sunrise, the mercury was from
zero to 4 above ; and on six mornings, from
10 to 15 above. On six other mornings, from
18 to 24 ; and only on three mornings, was the
mercury above the freezing point. A good deal
of snow fell from east to west, and north to
south; but very little rain. The wind was
principally from the north-west and north, and
it sometimes blew very violently. Fuel was
scarce, and very high. The medium tempera-
ture of the whole year was 51 J.

1816. The medium temperature of this

DECEMBER. 247

month was 32, and there were fourteen mild
and pleasant days in the month. During the
other seventeen days the weather was very va-
riable. About six inches of snow and three
inches of rain fell. The temperature of the
whole year was only 49 ; it being the coldest
year we have on our record. Although there
was no uncommonly cold weather during the
three winter months, yet there was ice during
every month in the year, not excepting June,
July and August. There was scarcely a vege-
table came to perfection north and east of the
Potomac. The cold weather during the sum-
mer, not only extended through America, but
throughout Europe. One of the most cele-
brated meteorologists in England, on reviewing
the weather of the year, said, "it would ever
be remembered that 1816 was a year in which
there was no summer, and the temperature of
the year (as a whole) was the lowest ever
known." It was also the coldest summer ever
known in the West Indies and in Africa. The
medium temperature of the whole year in
Philadelphia was only 49.

1817. The medium temperature of this
month was 31, and it was a month of very
pleasant weather. It is true there were a few
very cold days, and a little falling weather.
The medium temperature of the whole year
was 52J.

1818. The medium temperature of this
month was 34, and there were two weeks of
very mild and pleasant weather. The remain-
der of the month was very cold, and sometimes

248 DECEMBER.

very windy and stormy. Snow fell on three
days, making in all six or seven inches, and
two inches of rain. The medium temperature
of the whole year was 53.

1819. The medium temperature of this
month was 26, and it produced a great deal of
severely cold and boisterous weather. Some
snow fell on seven days ; on two of these days
the wind blew very hard from the north-east,
and great anxiety was felt for the shipping on
the coast, and a few days brought accounts that
several vessels had been wrecked between the
coast of Virginia and Maine. The range of the
mercury between daybreak and sunrise during
the month was from 6 above zero to 28. On
two mornings it was 6 ; on eight mornings
from 10 to 16 ; and on fourteen, it was from 18
to 28. A number of mid-days were quite mild
and pleasant. The medium temperature of
the whole year was 51. The smallest quantity
of rain fell during this year that wre have on
our record, viz. 23J inches. In 1841, 55J fell.

1820. The medium temperature of this
month was 28, and it commenced and contin-
ued very cold, (with the exception of a few
days) until the 15th, and some snow fell on
three days. From the 15th to the end of the
month, the weather was very variable ; some-
times mild and pleasant, and at others, cloudy,
windy and cold, with some snow. Very little
rain fell during the month. The medium tem-
perature of the whole year was 51 J.

1821. The medium temperature of this

DECEMBER. 249

month was 26, and it commenced intensely cold,
and soon closed up the Schuylkill and Dela-
ware. And there was scarcely a day during
the whole month which could be called mild.
A great deal of snow fell from Virginia to the
extreme part of Maine, and through the British
provinces. Also, through, the western coun-
try. A great many marine disasters occurred,
and there was great distress and suffering on
the coast; also, among the poor, on the land,
on account of the scarcity and high price of
fuel. The medium temperature of the whole
year was 51 J.

1822. The medium temperature of this
month was 30; and the weather during the
month was quite variable ; sometimes very cold,
and at others quite mild. Some snow fell on
three days, but not to much depth, in this vi-
cinity. A little rain also fell on three days,
about two inches in all. The medium tempe-
rature of the whole year was 53.

1823. The medium temperature of this
month was 36, and this was the mildest De-
cember month for many years. The weather
until the 20th Was almost as mild as some Oc-
tober months. The mercury ran up to 60 and
above, on several days, between twelve and two
o'clock ; and there were but few frosty nights,
until the 20th. On the evening of the 20th, a
great change took place, and the weather be-
came very cold, and so continued until the
month closed. During the fourth week, snow
fell on two days, which made excellent sleigh-
ing in many places, particularly at the north

22

250 DECEMBER.

and east. The temperature of the whole year
was 53 1.

1824. The medium temperature of this
month was 34 ; and there was much mild and
pleasant weather. Very little snow fell during
the month. After the middle of the month,
there were some cold days, and the weather
was very variable until the month closed. The
medium temperature of the whole year was 53|.

1825. The medium temperature of this
month was 34. The weather during the month
was very similar to that of the corresponding
month of last year. There wrere some intensely
cold days, and others that were mild and plea-
sant. About three inches of snow, and three
and a half inches of rain fell during the month.
The medium temperature of the whole year
was 54.

1826. The medium temperature of this
month was 37, and there was a very unusual
number of very fine, mild, and pleasant days
during the month. A little rain fell on three
days, making in all one and a quarter inches;
and a few flakes of snow fell on three days.
The medium temperature of the whole year
was 53.

1827. The medium temperature of this
month was 36, and the weather was exceeding-
ly variable, being very mild and very cold on
several days. Some rain or snow fell on six
days, making in all about three and a quarter
inches of rain, and the same quantity of snow.
There were several cloudy and windy clays,

DECEMBER. 251

and on the whole, the weather was very un-
comfortahle a great part of the month. The
medium temperature of the whole year was 50.

1828. The medium temperature of this
month was 38, and a very mild month it was.
On several days the mercury rose to 60 at mid-
day, and there were only a few nights in which
there was any frost. The mornings were often
foggy, the same as dog-days, and a warm, sunny
day would ensue. A little rain fell on two
days, making one quarter of an inch only. The
medium temperature of the whole year was 54.

1829. The medium temperature of this
month was 34; and there were ten very mild days
and six that were very cold. Some rain and a
little snow fell on three days, making one and
a half inches of rain. The remaining days in
the month were partly clear and partly cloudy,
but mild for a winter month. The medium
temperature of the whole year was 53.

1830. The medium temperature of this
month was 32 f, and there was much cool,
damp, cloudy, wet weather, with some days
that were clear, cold "and windy, and others
that were mild and very pleasant. Some rain
or snow fell on seven days, making five inches
of rain, and about three of snow. The medium
temperature of the whole year was 52|.

1831. The medium temperature of this
month was 30, and it produced a great deal of
intensely cold, dry weather. On three days
only, there was a little snow and rain, making
in all one inch of each. There were seven days

252 DECEMBER.

that were tolerably mild and pleasant. But
cool northerly winds prevailed a great part of
the month. The medium temperature of the
whole year was 53.

1832. The medium temperature of this
month was 25 ; and there was much very cold
weather. Snow and rain fell on six days, mak-
ing five inches of rain and six inches of snow.
There was more severely cold weather during
this month, than in any corresponding month
since 1821. The mild days which occurred,
were few and far between. The medium tem-
perature of the whole year was 51.

1833 The medium temperature of this
month was 32, and the weather was very varia-
ble during the whole month. There were seve-
ral very mild and pleasant days, and some that
were very cold. Rain or snow, (and sometimes
both,) fell on seven days, making five and three
quarter inches of rain, and about four inches of
snow The medium temperature of the whole
year was 52|.

1834. The medium temperature of this
month was 33 ; and it produced much mild, as
well as some very cold weather. Some rain
fell on the 2d, 6th and 24th, making in all two
and a quarter inches. A little snow fell on
three days, but on the 29th there was quite a
snow storm. About four inches fell during the
whole month. The medium temperature of the
whole year was 52 J.

1835. The medium temperature of this
month was 28 ; and it was a cold stormy month.

D E C E M B E R. 253

Both snow and rain fell on several days/and
northerly and easterly winds prevailed very
much ; although there were a few very plea-
sant days, with the wind westerly. Two and
a half inches of rain, and' about four inches of
snow fell. Several marine disasters occurred
on the coast. The medium temperature of the
whole year was 52.

1836. The medium temperature of this
month was 33 ; and it produced twenty-two
entirely clear and pleasant days; some that
were very mild^and others that were very cold.
On three days "the mercury ranged from 50 to
54 at mid-day ; and on eleven days, from 40 to
47. On one morning at sunrise, the mercury
wras only 6 above zero, and on one other 12
above. On nine mornings, from 17 to 21 above
zero ; and on ten mornings from 23 to 32. The
remainder of the month was mild. On six days
some rain fell, making in all four inches ; and
about a quarter of an inch of snow fell. Dur-
ing the night of the 17th, and morning of the
18th, there was a violent gale of wind, (accom-
panied with rain,) which did considerable dam-
age to the shipping at the wharves, &c. And
during the night and morning of the 21st, there
was a similar storm, attended with like conse-
quences. The medium temperature of the
whole year was 50 J.

1837. The medium temperature of this
month was 32, and it was a very pleasant month.
There were twenty-two clear days, and there
was not a storm of any kind, (in this vicinity,)
during the whole month, and not one severely

254 I) E G E M B K R.

cold day. About two inches of snow fell on one
day, and a few flakes on two other days. A
little rain fell on three days, making in all one
inch and one-tenth. The warmest day was the
2d, when the mercury rose to 65 at mid-day ;
and the coldest was the 23d, when the mercury
was 19 at sunrise, but it rose to 32 at mid-day.
Notwithstanding the weather was so remarka-
bly fine in this latitude, -from August to the
close of the year, it was far otherwise in many
other latitudes, as our accounts from various
quarters testified. The medium temperature
of the whole year was 52|.

1838. The medium temperature of this
month was 29, and the weather was exceeding-
ly variable during the whole month. A little
snow fell on six days, making about five inches,
and some rain fell on three days, making a frac-
tion over one inch. There were ten clear days,
and twelve cloudy or overcast. On twenty-
four mornings at sunrise, the mercury was be-
low the freezing point. On one morning it was
only 8, and on another 9 above zero. On two
mornings it was 12, on three 15, and on three
from 18 to 20 above zero. There were twelve
days in which it did not rise to 32, even at mid-
day. The medium temperature of the whole
year was 53.

1839. The medium temperature of this
month was 34; and it was a weeping month.
Some rain fell on fifteen days, making in all
six and a quarter inches, and some snow fell
on seven days, making in all about twelve
inches, in this city; but in the country it fell

DECEMBER. 255

to a much greater depth. There were only
seven entirely clear days during the month.
The newspapers from various parts of the coun-
try said, that more snow had fallen in this
month, than in any December month for thirty
years. The snow, from this city to Baltimore
and Washington, was from 18 to 20 inches
deep, and the roads were impassable for two
days, after the violent snow storm of the 22d
and 23d. The roads between this city and
Lancaster were so blocked up, that cars and
stages were stopped for three days, and no mail
was received from Pittsburgh, Erie, &c., for
nearly two weeks. The snow was also very
deep in the interior of New York State, and in
all the western, northern and eastern States.
The gale and storm of the 22d and 23d, was
awfully severe and destructive from the Chesa-
peake to the extreme part of the State of Maine,
and many vessels and valuable lives were lost.
The shipping suffered very much in the har-
bours of New York, Rhode Island, Boston, and
to the extreme part of Maine. Out of sixty
vessels which put into Gloucester, (Cape-Ann,)
for a harbour, twenty-two were totally lost, with
almost every one of their crews; and the re-
mainder were all dismasted and otherwise crip-
pled. About fifty poor sailors thus perished.
Twenty of their dead bodies were found wash-
ed ashore the next morning, and several more
afterwards. On the 20th and 21st, the Dela-
ware closed from Kensington to Trenton. The
medium temperature of the whole year was 52.

1840. The medium temperature of this

256 D E C E M B E R.

month was 30 ; and it was a cold and stormy
month. The first three days were mild and
pleasant, but on the morning of the 4th it chan-
ged to north-east, and a snow storm commenced
in the P. M., which continued until the even-
ing of the 6th, during which about fifteen
inches of snow fell in this city, but much more
fell in the country. This storm was very vio-
lent, from Virginia to Maine, and considerable
damage was sustained by the shipping, in ports
and on the coast. The storm was also very
violent on the Lakes, and down through the
Canadas. Also through all the western coun-
try. While it was snowing from Virginia to
Maine, it was raining in torrents farther south.
Hail fell to the depth of several inches, in Nor-
folk and Richmond. After the storm ceased,
it cleared very cold, with the mercury at 18,
which is 14 below the freezing point; and
sleighing was good from Ohio to Maine, for two
weeks. Newspapers from the eastern States,
gave an account of another violent snow storm
there, on the 22d, in which the snow blew into
banks from six to eight feet high. And still
another on the 26th. On those days a very
little snow and rain fell in Philadelphia and
vicinity. Snow fell in this city on ten days,
making in all about two feet. And some rain
fell on four days, making three and a half
inches. The Delaware closed from Kensing-
ton to Trenton, on the 19th. The medium
temperature of the wrhole year \vas 52 j.

1841. The medium temperature of this
month was 35. It commenced with the mer-

DECEMBER. 257

cury at 19, and continued cold until the 9th,
when the wind changed from north to south-
west and south, and the weather was mild until
the 17th. The wind then changed to north-
east, and it rained, hailed, and snowed. On
the 18th it cleared cold with a north-wind, and
the mercury at 20. The cold increased until
the 22d, when at sunrise, it was 13 above zero,
and did not rise above 22 during the day. The
weather continued cold until the month closed.
On sixteen mornings at sunrise, it was below
the freezing point. On the morning of the 22d,
the mercury was 2 below zero, at Buffalo, Al-
bany, and Erie; also in Vermont; and in the
Canadas from 10 to 15 below. During the
rain storm in this city on the 23d, the Schuyl-
kill river, opposite the city, rose from eight to
nine feet above high water-mark, and complete-
ly covered the wharves. The freshet drifted
down the Schuylkill river a great quantity of
wood and lumber. The quantity of rain which
fell in this city during the month was six
inches. All the snow which fell, did not ex-
ceed two inches, in this vicinity. The medium
temperature of the whole year was 51 J. The
greatest quantity of rain fell during this year
that we have on our record ; viz. fifty -five and
a half inches. The smallest quantity in one
year was in 1819, when only twenty- three and
a quarter inches fell.

1842. The medium temperature of this
month was 32; and it commenced with the
mercury at 27 at sunrise, and continued about
this temperature, (with the exception of four

258 DECEMBER.

mornings,) until the 23d, when the wind chan-
ged from west to north-west, and the mercury
sunk from 36 to 18, and on the morning of the
24th to 14 above zero, and it continued cold
until the month closed. There was but little
falling weather during the month, in this city.
On the 8th there was a moderate north-east rain
storm, and on the 21st another; and a very little
rain fell on a few other days, making three and
a half inches ; and about four inches of snow
fell. The cold during a part of the month, was
very severe in many parts of the country, and
a great quantity of snow fell in the west, the
north and the east. But in this vicinity, there
was but very little stormy weather. The me-
dium temperature of the whole year was 52 J.

By the following we see how very different
the weather is in different latitudes, and some-
times even in the same latitude. For instance,
in Philadelphia and vicinity we had but very
little severely cold or stormy weather during
the two previous months, while in many parts
of the western, northern and eastern states
there was excessively cold, stormy and tem-
pestuous weather. In several places beyond
the Ohio river, snow fell to the depth of two
feet, and there were several weeks of excellent
sleighing in November. It was precisely the
same in the interior of Pennsylvania, New
York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and all the
New England States. In Illinois, as early as
the 29th of November, the mercury sunk to 14
degrees below zero, and in Belfast, (Maine,) to
20 below, (so said the newspapers from those
places,) while in Philadelphia on the same

DECEMBER. 259

morning at sunrise, the mercury was 18 above
zero ; being a difference of 32 degrees between
Illinois and this city, and between Belfast and
Philadelphia a difference of 38 degrees ; i. e. it
was 38 degrees colder at Belfast than in Phila-
delphia. And as it respects a snow storm
which commenced in this city at ten o'clock
on the morning of the 30th of November, (and
which was comparatively mild and moderate
here) it did not commence in New York until
past twelve o'clock, and in Boston not until
three P. M., where it was so violent, (said the
papers) from New York to the extreme part of
Maine, that the whole coast from Boston to the
bay of Funda, was lined with wrecks of vessels.
It was during this storm that the beautiful
barque Isadore, (which left Boston before the
storm commenced) was wrecked and stove en-
tirely to pieces on the ledge of rocks running
out from the harbour of York, (Maine,) and
every person on board perished, consisting of
fifteen young men, all under thirty years of age,
and belonging to Kennebec, (Maine,) where
the vessel was owned. Part of the time the
wind blew a complete hurricane, (said the east-
ern newspapers.) The number of lives lost on
the coast and in harbours, by shipwrecks, &c.,
from the 10th to the close of November, were
578. The whole month of December, 1842,
was one of awful and destructive storms in dif-
ferent latitudes.

1843. The medium temperature of this
month was 34|, and there was no intensely
cold or very mild weather. The month was

260 D E -C E M B E R.

very unpleasant. Some snow fell on four days,
which would have made six and a half inches,
had not a great part of it melted soon after it
reached the earth. Some rain fell on nine
days, making in all four inches. There were
nine days that were cloudy, either a part or the
whole day, in which no rain or snow fell. The
other nine days were tolerably clear, excepting
three foggy mornings. The medium tempera-
ture of the whole year was 51 f.

During the past autumn there was much se-
verely cold weather in several portions of the
United States, particularly in the west, the
north and the east ; and considerable snow fell
earlier than usual in those directions, and by
various arrivals at different ports, we received
accounts of very tempestuous weather at sea,
and many marine disasters ; and storms on the
lakes were very disastrous to many vessels.
There were fourteen vessels lost on Lake Erie
alone.

1844. The medium temperature of this
month was 35, and the weather during the
month was very variable. Some rain fell on
seven days, making in all three inches. A
very little snow fell on the 23d and 27th, about
a quarter of an inch in all. There was much
cloudy, overcast and chilly weather, but none
that was severely cold or very mild in this vi-
cinity. On the 17th the river became so ob-
structed by ice from Kensington to Borden-
town, that the up-river steamboats ceased to
perform their regular trips. Although there
was not sufficient snow fell in this vicinity

DECEMBER. 261

during the month to whiten the earth, yet the
whole state of New York and the New Eng-
land States were bountifully supplied. On the
llth and 12th of the month there was a violent
snow storm from New York to the extreme
part of Maine. On Long Island, the snow was
blown into banks from ten to twelve feet high,
so that the cars were stopped for several days.
The papers said, the storm was the most vio-
lent for many years ; in Connecticut the drifts
were fifteen feet high. Beyond Rhode Island
the storm was not so severe, and much less
snow fell. The medium temperature of the
whole year was 53.

1845. The medium temperature of this
month was 28 f , and it was the coldest Decem-
ber month since 1825. After one of the most
pleasant and mild autumns experienced in this
latitude for many years, stern winter took us
by surprise on the 28th of November, having
so powerfully operated on the atmosphere from
the evening of the 27th to the morning of the
28th, as to reduce the mercury 29 degrees in
ten hours. The weather was cold and very in-
clement a great part of the month. On a part
of fourteen days the mercury was below the
freezing point. On five days some snow fell ;
and on eight days some rain ; making in all
four and a half inches. The western, the
northern, and some of the eastern papers said,
" a much larger quantity of snow had fallen
than for many years at so early a period, and
there was good sleighing more than half the
month." A New Orleans paper of the 8th of

23

262 DECEMBER.

December said there was ice there, and in all
that region of country, and skating on the Mis-
sissippi; and the mercury was down to 23.
On the 8th of December the Ohio river was
frozen over at Pittsburg, Wheeling, Cincinnati,
&c., also that the Wabash river was frozen at
Vincennes, as early as November 30. The
snow was nine inches deep in Tennessee on
the 5th of December ; and in Michigan the
mercury was 6 below zero on the 29th of No-
vember. In Kentucky the mercury was 2 be-
low zero on the 3d of December ; and at St.
Louis it was 5 below zero, and snow a foot
deep 'on a level, in that and many of the west-
ern states. It was about the same depth in the
interior of Pennsylvania, New York, Connec-
ticut, and through the New England states;
but, in the Canadas, it was from eighteen to
twenty-four inches, and in many parts of Upper
Canada it was blown into banks fifteen feet
high, and the mercury was 13 below zero. In
Albany, Saratoga and Utica, it was 10 below
zero on the llth of December; and at Fran-
conia, N. H., it was 33 degrees below zero !
What a cold place ! ! ! The medium tempera-
ture of the whole year 1845, in Philadelphia,
was 54.

1846. The medium temperature of this
month was 35, and the weather was exceeding-
ly variable. There were but seven entirely clear
days. Some rain fell on eight days, making
in all three and a half inches ; and some snow
fell on three, making about six inches. The
remaining days were overcast, cloudy and

DECEMBER. 263

clear. On eighteen mornings at sunrise the
mercury was either at or below the freezing
point ; but only once was it as low as 20 above
zero, which is 12 below the freezing point. It
did not freeze at all during thirteen nights,
which is very extraordinary for a December
month. On four mid-days the mercury ranged
from 50 to 56 in the shade; on fourteen days
it was 40 and above, and only on three mid-
days was it as low as the freezing point. The
medium temperature of the whole year was 54.
The smallest quantity of rain which has
fallen in any one year during the last half cen-
tury was in 1819, when only twenty-three and
a quarter inches' fell. And the greatest quan-
tity in one year was in 1841, when fifty -five
and a half inches fell. The usual quantity
which falls is from 40 to 46 inches.

" The old year 's run his rapid race,
The new one follows in the chase ;
While hoary time stands listening1 by,
Marking the moments as they fly."

He that hopes to look back with satisfaction
upon past years, must learn the value of a sin-
gle moment, and endeavour to let no particle of
time pass unimproved.

264

TEMPERATURE — 1790 TO 1847.

The Temperature of each Year from 1790, to
1847, making 57 Years.

Temperature of 1790

was

52

Temperature of 1 8 1 9

was

51

«

1791

<;

52|

ii

1820

it

5lf

cc

1792

«

52

"

1821

ii

51*

tl

1793

n

53

(C

1822

ii

53

ll

1794

ii

50

"

1823

i

53§

11

1795

ii

51

"

1824

«

53|

ll

1796

ii

51*

ll

1825

<

54

ll

1797

"

51

"

1826

(

53

ll

1798

M

51

"

1827

<

50

ll

1799

ll

51

u

1828

<

54

ll

1800

ll

51*

u

J829

(

53

ll

1801

ll

52

«

1830

(

52*

"

1802

ll

53*

"

1831

*

53

ll

1803

ll

52

ti

1832

ii

51

"

1804

ll

51

u

1833

"

52^

"

1805

ll

51*

ll

1834

«

52|-

"

1806

ll

51*

ll

1835

<(

52

«

1807

ll

52

"

1836

"

50?

ll

1808

«

52

ll

1837

«

52?

ll

1809

ll

51

ll

1838

it

53

It

1810

ll

51

"

1839

u

52

"

1811

ll

52

M

1840

"

52^

ll

1812

ll

51

"

1841

u

51*

"

1813

ll

50^

it

1842

"

52!

u

1814

ll

51

ll

1843

"

512

ll

1815

11

511

n

1844

ll

53

ll

1816

ll

49

it

1845

ll

54

ll

1817

ll

52*

«

1846

ll

54

ll

1818

ll

53

By the table above, will be seen at one
view, the wonderful uniformity in the tempera-
ture of the years. Only in one year was there
a difference of 5 degrees, and that was in 1816,
in which there was ice in every month. Twenty
of the other years, the temperature did not vary
one degree. The periods of our recording the
state of the atmosphere, may be seen in the
preface.

APPENDIX.

Further accounts respecting the weather, extracted from very ancient
as well as modern manuscripts ; also from books and periodicals re-
ceived from Foreign correspondents, as mentioned in our preface.

COLD AND STORMY WINTERS,
In Europe, $c.

Christian Era 202, &c. The winters of 202,
250, and 291, were intensely cold for four
months. The Thames was frozen for nine
weeks.

In the winter of 301 the Black Sea was fro-
zen entirely over.

In the winter of 401 the Pontus Sea was
frozen over, also the Sea between Constantino-
ple and Scutari.

In 462 the Danube was frozen over. In 508
and 558 the Danube was again frozen over, also
all the rivers in Europe were more or less
frozen.

In the winter of 695, the Thames was frozen
so hard, that many booths were built thereon.

In the winter of 762, the Dardanelles and
Black Sea were frozen over, and snow drifted
to the astonishing ctepth of 50 feet !

During the winters of 859 and 860, most of
the rivers in Europe were frozen for two months.

266 APPENDIX.'

In the winter of 923, the river Thames was
frozen for nine weeks ; and in the winter of 987
it was frozen 120 days.

In 1063, 1067, and 1076, the winters in Eu-
rope were long and intensely cold, and many
persons perished by cold and hunger.

In the year 1214, the Thames was so low be-
tween the tower and bridges, that men, women
and children waded over it, the water being
only four inches deep. And again in 1803 and
1836, the water all ran out, and many persons
passed and repassed.

In 1235, the water rose so high in the Thames
as to extend up round Westminster Hall, to such
a depth, that the judges and lawyers were taken
from the Hall in boats.

In the winters of 1234, 1294, and 1296, the
sea between Norway and Denmark, and from
Sweden to Gothland, and the Rhine and Baltic,
were all frozen, and snow fell to a frightful
depth.

In the winter of 1133, the cold was so intense
in Italy, that the Po was frozen from Cremona
to the Sea. The wine froze and burst the casks,
and the trees split with a great noise.

The winters of 1216 and 1234, were very
similar to the last mentioned.

In the winter of 1282, the houses in Austria
were completely buried in snow, and many per-
sons perished with hunger and cold.

The winters of 1323, 1349, 1402, 1408, 1423,
1426 and 1459, were all intensely cold, and the
Baltic was so firmly covered with ice, from
Mecklenburg to Denmark, that merchandise
was conveyed over it with horses and wagons.

A P P E N D I X. 267

In the winter of 1384, the Rhine and Scheldt,
and the Sea of Venice, were frozen.

In the winters of 1434 and 1683, the Thames
was frozen below Gravesend. Also, in 1709,
1760, 1763, and 1784.

In the winter of 1620, the sea between Con-
stantinople and Iskodar was again frozen.

The winters of 1670 and 1681, were intense-
ly cold. The Little and Great Belts were fro-
zen, and many persons perished.

The winter of 1692 was awfully severe in
Russia and Germany, and many persons froze
to death, and many cattle perished in their
stalls.

The winters of 1709, '16, '39, '47, '54, '63, '76,
'84, '88 and '89, are all recorded as having been
intensely cold throughout Europe.

On the llth October, 1741, there was the
most awful and destructive storm in India which
was ever experienced. It was computed that
three hundred thousand persons perished on
the land and water. The water rose 40 feet
higher than ever before known. It was also
computed that more than a thousand vessels
were lost, and among them eight English East
India ships, with all their crewrs.

On the 7th March, 1751, there was a terrible
storm at Nantz, which destroyed 66 square-
rigged vessels, arid 800 seamen perished. On
the 8th of December, of the same year, a still
more destructive storm occurred at Cadiz, in
which 100 vessels were lost, and three thousand
sailors perished.

A London paper of January 29, 1762, says,
"the Thames had been frozen so firmly since

268 APPENDIX.

Christmas, that horses and carriages were driven
thereon. Also, that booths were erected, and
fairs held thereon."

A German paper of December 17, 1788, says,
the cold was so intense, as to sink the mercury
27 degrees below zero.

On the 13th July, 1783, at St. Germain, in
France, hail fell as large as pint-bottles, and did
immense damage. All the trees from Vallance
to Lisle, were destroyed.

On the 10th Jan. 1812, the fog was so dense
in London, that every house was lighted with
candles or lamps ; and it was so dark in the
streets at mid-day, that a person could scarcely
be discerned at a distance of eight or ten feet.
On the 27th December, 1813, a similar fog oc-
curred in England, which continued for four
days, and several persons missed their way and
fell into canals and rivers.

In December 1840, the weather was so se-
vere in Sweden, that it was computed that three
thousand persons perished. A London paper
of February 3d, 1841, says, "The weather is
awfully severe and boisterous, and numerous
disasters have occurred to the shipping, &,c.
The Thames steamboat, from Ireland, was
wrecked, and out of sixty-five passengers, only
four were saved.

Cold Winters in Philadelphia, tyc., previous to
1790.

The winter of 1789 was very mild until the
middle of February, when the weather became

APPENDIX. 269

exceedingly cold to the close of the month.
The whole spring was so cold that fires were
comfortable until June. The summer months
were excessively hot, the mercury frequently
rising to 96 in the shade.

The whole winter of 1788 was intensely cold.
The Delaware was closed from the 26th of De-
cember to the 10th of March.

The winters of 1786 and 1787 were tolerably
mild. There were some cold days of course.

The winters of 1784 and 1785 were tolerably
mild, notwithstanding much snow fell.

The winter of 1783 was long and severe.
The Delaware closed as early as the 28th of
November, and continued ice-bound until the
18th of March. The mercury was several
times below zero.

The \vinter of 1782 was also very cold. The
Delaware froze over in one night opposite the
city.

The winter of 1781 was very mild, but the
spring was cold and backward.

The Avhole winter of 1780 was intensely
cold. The Delaware was closed from the 1st
of December to the 14th of March. The ice
was from two to three feet thick. During the
month of January the mercury was several
times from 10 to 15 below zero, and only once
during the month did it rise to 32. Long Is-
land Sound and the Chesapeake were so com-
pletely ice-bound as to be passable with horses
and sleighs.

The winter of 1779 wras very mild, particu-
larly the month of February, when trees were
in blossom.

270 APPENDIX.

" January 9, 1773, the mercury was 9 de-
grees below 0, and there was much snow and
cold weather until the 10th of March."

During the winter of 1772, the Delaware was
covered with ice for three months.

The winter of 1765 was intensely cold. On
the 19th of February, a whole ox was roasted
on the Delaware.

On the 31st of December, 1764, the Dela-
ware was frozen completely over in one ni ^ht,
and the weather continued cold until the 28th
of March, with snow two and a half feet deep.

The winter of 1760 was alternately very cold
and very mild. In the month of March there
was the heaviest fall of snow ever remembered
so late in the season.

The winter of 1756 was very mild ; the first
snow storm was as late as the 18th of March.

The winter of 1750 was very open and mild,
but all the spring months were cold and stormy.
As late in the season as the 30th of May, snow
lay on the ground.

The next record we find is 1742, which siys,
" One of the coldest winters since the settle-
ment of the country ; a gentleman drove him-
self with a horse and" sleigh through Long
Island Sound (on the ice,) to Cape Cod !"

The winter of 1741 was intensely cold. The
Delaware was closed from the 19th of Decem-
ber to the 13th of March. Many creatures died
from hunger and cold. As late in the season
as the 19th of April, snow fell to the depth of
three feet, after which the weather became
very warm, and the whole summer was in-
tensely hot.

APPENDIX. 271

The winter of 1740 was very cold and stormy.
The Delaware continued closed -until the 14th
of March.

The winters of 1736 and 1737 were both in-
tensely cold, and many persons perished.

In both the winters of 1727 and 1728, the
Delaware was closed for three months.

The whole winter of ]725 was mild, but the
spring very cold. In March snow fell to the
depth of two feet in one night.

The winter of 1717 was long and severe, and
there were the deepest snows remembered by
the oldest inhabitants. Their depth is not re-
corded.

The winter of 1714 was very mild after the
15th of January ; trees and shrubbery were in
bloom the first week in February, and the
spring was unusually mild. After this we
could find no record of the weather, or even a
word respecting it, until the winter of 1704,
which was long and severe, with many deep
snows.

The 14th of December, 1708, is recorded by
a New England writer, as being the coldest
day ever known there up to that time ! But
he forgot to say how cold it was ! At this time
thermometers had been in use eighty-eight
years. They were invented in 1620.

The winter of 1697 was intensely cold. Bos-
ton harbour was frozen as far down as Nan-
tucket.

After this the only record we can find re-
specting the weather in America is, " on the
llth of December, 1681, the Delaware river
froze over in one night, so as to be passable on
the ice."

272 APPENDIX.

The severest drought ever experienced in
America was in the summer of 1762. Scarcely
a sprinkle of rain fell for nearly four months,
viz. from May to September. Vegetables of
every description perished.

Storms and Hurricanes.

On the 26th November, 1703, there was a
most awful and destructive storm on the coast
of England, in which thirteen sail of British
men-of-war were lost, and fifteen hundred and
nineteen officers and seamen perished. A great
many other vessels, with their crews, were also
lost, and an immense amount of other damage
was sustained.

During the dreadful storm and tempest on
the coast of Newfoundland, on the llth of Sep-
tember, 1776, eleven ships, arid several hundred
smaller vessels with all their crews, were lost.

During a most awful hurricane in the West
Indies, on the 10th October, 1780, the whole
town of Bridgetown was destroyed, and many
thousand persons perished. St. Lucien, Gre-
nada, and St. Vincent, were also laid waste,
and many thousands perished. At Fort Roy-
al, (Martinique,) fourteen hundred houses were
blown down, and an incredible number of per-
sons were killed. Every house at St. Pierre,
was also blown down, and many thousands
perished. At St. Eustatia, five thousand per-
sons, at least, lost their lives. Many vessels
with their crews, were dashed to pieces in the
above ports.

APPENDIX. 273

On the first week in September 1804, there
was a destructive hurricane in the West Indies.
At St. Kitts, one hundred and twenty vessels,
with many of their crews, were lost. At Anti-
gua, fifty-nine vessels were lost, and most of
their crews perished. At St. Bartholomew,
fifty vessels and many lives were lost. At St.
Thomas, forty-four vessels with their crews
were lost. At other Islands, many vessels with
their crews were lost.

During the autumn of 1838, there were ter-
rible storms and gales the other side of the At-
lantic; and great damage was sustained both
on the sea and land. The chain bridge at Mon-
trose was carried away, and immense damage
done to the shipping, &c. Another storm oc-
curred on the night of the 28th October, sweep-
ing the whole northern and eastern coast of
England with terrific violence, unroofing houses,
blowing down chimneys, trees, &c., and doing
immense damage to vessels, &c.

In the year 450 there was the greatest hail
storm in England ever recorded, up to that pe-
riod. The hail stones measured three inches
in diameter, killing many men, beasts, fowls,
birds, &c.

In 549, there was a most terrific storm in
London, which blew down many houses, and
killed two hundred and fifty persons.

In the years 553, and 918, it rained most of
the time in Scotland. And in England and
Wales, during the years 1222, 1233, • 1330,
1338, 1348, 1365, 1752, 1770, and 1789, the
land was kept so inundated with continuous

24

274 APPENDIX.

rains, that scarcely an article of food was
raised.

In the year 944, there was another destruc-
tive storm in London, which blew down fifteen
hundred buildings, and killed several hundred
persons.

In 1223, there was a succession of thunder
storms in England, which continued fifteen
days, with violent wind and terrific lightning,
which did great damage.

In 1515, January 1, there was a most fright-
ful and destructive storm in Denmark, which
rooted up whole forests of trees, destroyed a
great many houses, and blew down the steeple
of the great church at Copenhagen. Many per-
sons were killed.

On the 3d September, 1658, there was a very
alarming and destructive storm in England.
And another on the 27th November, 1703, in
both which, many houses were blown down, and
others unroofed. Churches, steeples, and whole
groves of trees were prostrated, and immense
damage done to the shipping. Among a great
many other vessels which were lost with most
of their crews, were eight frigates and ships of
the line, and two thousand officers and seamen
perished.

The greatest snow storm in the Carol in as
that we have any account of, was in February
1717, when the snow fell to the depth of six
feet. In New England it fell to a much greater
depth. A Salem (Mass.) paper, published im-
mediately after the storm, said, "the snow was
blown into banks from fifteen to twenty feet
high."

APPENDIX. 275

\ ^,

The winter of 1697 was long, stormy, and se-
verely cold all over the United States. The
Delaware was closed with thick ice for more
than three months, so that sleighs and sleds
passed from Trenton to Philadelphia, and from
Philadelphia to Chester, on the ice.

In 1699, Charleston, S. C., was nearly depop-
ulated by an awful tempest and inundation.

The winter of 1704 was intensely cold and
stormy. In December, snow fell to the depth
of three feet on a level. The Delaware was
fast with ice two feet thick, from the 10th De-
cember to the 10th March.

On the 28th and 29th December, 1805, there
was a most violent and destructive storm almost
all over the United States. The wind blew a
complete hurricane. Many vessels were stove
and sunk in the Delaware, also in New York,
Boston, &c.

At the close of the winter of 1842, a New
York paper said, " The past winter has been
the coldest since the settlement of the country,
and perhaps, more snow has fallen !" Query.

On the 14th July, 1842, the lower part of the
city of Baltimore was completely deluged by
repeated and powerful rains ; and particularly
by a tremendous thunder storm, during which
several persons were struck down by lightning.
On the same day there was a most destructive
storm in Virginia and North Carolina, by which
the whole South was partially deluged. The
papers from those States gave the most dis-
tressing accounts of the violent gale of wind
which accompanied the torrents of rain. The
Norfolk papers said, " the rain was followed by

276 APPENDIX.

a three days' hurricane, by which great dam-
age was done to the shipping in Hampton
Roads, &c.; also to railroads, canals, bridges,
mills, &c. On the east side of Oronoke, four-
teen vessels were cast away, and completely
wrecked, and a number of dead bodies were
washed ashore. Two other vessels were strand-
ed, and their whole crews perished." It was
indeed, a month of more violent thunder storms,
all over the United States, than any month for
half a century. Our record of the number of
buildings burnt by lightning during the sum-
mer of 1842, was sixty-one ; and of the number
of deaths by lightning, forty-six.

NOTES FROM OUR RECORD,

Respecting the American Revolution, and formation of the government
of the United States, 4r.

On the llth of June, 1776, the old Congress
appointed Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben-
jamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and R. R.
Livingston, a committee to prepare a Declara-
tion of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence was adopt-
ed by said Congress on the 4th of July, 1776,
and was read from the State House steps in
Philadelphia, on the 8th of July, 1776. This
event took place 264 years after the first discove-
ry of America by Columbus, and 150 years from
the settlement of Plymouth, and when the Uni-
ted States possessed a population of short of
3,000,000 of souls, (men, women and children.)

On the 17th of June, 1775, the great battle

APPENDIX. 277

of Bunker Hill was fought, and 1054 British
soldiers were killed. On the same day Charles-
town, (Mass.) was burnt by the British.

On the 13th of June, 1780, " The American
Daughters of Liberty in Philadelphia," formed
themselves into an association, for supplying
the soldiers of the American army with cloth-
ing.

On the 26th of May, 1781, Congress resolved
to establish the Bank of North America, being
the first regularly established bank in America.
On the 7th of January, 1782, it opened for bu-
siness in Philadelphia.

On the 19th of April, 1783, the day which
completed the eighth year of the Revolutionary
war, the cessation of hostilities was proclaimed
to the American army. The loss of lives to the
Americans during this war, was estimated at
70,000 men.

On the 3d of September, 1783, the definitive
articles of peace were signed at Paris, between
England and America. John Adams, Benja-
min Franklin and John Jay, signed on the part
of America, and David Hartley, on the part of
England.

On the 17th of September, 1787, the Grand
Federal Convention adopted and promulgated
the present Federal Constitution of the United
States.

On the 3d of March, 1789, the delegates from
the several states which had ratified the Fede-
ral Constitution, assembled at New York, and
opened and counted the votes for President,
when it was found that GEORGE WASHINGTON

24*

278

APPENDIX.

was unanimously elected, and JOHN ADAMS was
elected Vice President.

The following is the order in which the se-
veral states adopted the Federal Constitution of
the United States.

1st. Delaware,

2d. Pennsylvania,

3d. New Jersey,

4th. Georgia,

5th. Connecticut,

6th. Massachusetts,

7th. Maryland,

8th. South Carolina,

9th. New Hampshire,

10th. Virginia,

llth. New York,

12th. North Carolina,

13th. Rhode Island,

14th. Vermont, admitted
ruary 18, 1791

15th. Kentucky, do.

16th. Tennessee, do.

17th. Ohio, do.

18th. Maine, do.

December 3, 1787.
December 13, 1787.
December 19, 1787.
January 2, 1788.
January 9, 1788.
February 6, 1788.
April 28, 1788.
May 23, 1788.
June 21, 1788.
June 25, 1788.
July 26, 1788.
November 27, 1789.
May 29, 1790.
into the Union, Feb-

do. June 1, 1792.

do. June 1, 1796.

do. in 1802.

do. in 1820.

The other states were admitted into the
Union at various periods, as their population
increased.

On the 19th of April, 1789, when WASHING-
TON entered Philadelphia on his way to New
York, to assume the office of President of the
United States, at each end of the bridge at
Gray's ferry were erected laurel arches, and as
he passed under the first, a crown of laurels was
lowered upon his h$ad,

APPENDIX. 279

On the 22d of September, 1790, Congress
passed a law to remove the seat of government
from New York to Philadelphia, for ten years,
and after that period, to the city of Washing-
ton permanently.

December 11, 1800, the government of the
United States was removed from Philadelphia
to the City of Washington.

HISTORY OF PHILADELPHIA.

From the State Book of Pennsylvania, published by U. Hunt 8s Son,
Philadelphia, 1846.

"THE site of Philadelphia seems to have been
called Coaquanock by the Delaware Indians,
who occupied it before the white men. The
Swedes were its first permanent settlers. Three
sons of a person of that nation called Sven, (sub-
sequently known as Swansons,) held the ground
on which the lower part of the city stands, by
deed from the British Governor of New York,
dated in 1664. Penn's grant of the provinces
was obtained early in 1681, and the first set-
tlers under it arrived in August of that year,
in the ship John and Sarah of London. Phila-
delphia not being yet laid out, they landed at
the Swedish town of Upland, (now Chester.)

In 1682, William Penn having arrived, se-
lected the site for the city, and regularly laid it
out. He procured the land of the Svens for
that purpose, by giving them other land on the

280 APPENDIX.

Schuylkill in exchange. He gave the new
town, and the county in which it is placed, the
name of Philadelphia, which he had deter-
mined on before he left England. It was the
name of an ancient city in Asia Minor, and
adopted on account of its indicating the har-
mony he wished to prevail in the new town. It
is composed of the Greek word "philos," a
friend, and "adelphos," a brother, and may be
said to mean the City of Brotherly Love. It
soon grew into importance, as many as twenty-
three ships having arrived from various parts
of Europe with settlers before the close of 1682.
When Penn returned to England in June,
1684, the population had already reached
2,500. He did not again visit Philadelphia till
1699, when he found it much increased and
improved. The same year the yellow fever
first made its appearance in the town.

Iti October, 1701, Penn chartered Philadel-

Ehia as a city, and Edward Shippen was the
rst mayor. The same year Penn finally re-
turned to England. The old Court-house in
the middle of Market street, where it is crossed
by Second, was built in 1707. Here the As-
sembly met and the courts were held. The
present State House in Chestnut street, was
commenced in 1729 and the central portion
completed in 1735. In 1731, the Philadelphia
Library was commenced by Dr. Franklin. In
1751, an academy, which subsequently became
the University of Pennsylvania, was founded.
It was chartered in 1753, erected into a college
in 1755, and a university in 1779. The bell
procured for the State House from England, in

APPENDIX. 281

1752, having been broken by accident, a new
one was cast in Philadelphia, and hung in the
steeple, with this remarkable motto upon it:
" Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to
all the people thereof." The same year Penn-
sylvania Hospital was founded, chiefly by the
exertions of Dr. Franklin, the population of the
city then being about 14,000. In 1760, the
population was 18,000, and in 1770, 28,000.

In the month of September, 1774, the first
continental Congress met in Carpenters' Hall.
On the 4th of July, 1776, Independence was
publicly declared from the steps of the State
House ; the Declaration having been adopted
and signed by the members of Congress, in an
apartment on the first floor of the eastern end
of the main building. The courts and public
offices of the city and county are now held in
the State House, but Independence Chamber
remains in the same condition as when the
memorable Declaration was there adopted. In
1781, the Bank of North America, being the
first in the Union, was established by Congress.
In 1788, the first steamboat was tried on the
Delaware by John Fitch.

In 1790, the population of the city and ad-
joining districts was 42,500. In 1793, the yel-
low fever carried off 4041 persons, and drove
the greater portion of the inhabitants from the
city. In 1794, South wark was incorporated,
and the turnpike to Lancaster completed. In
1799, water from the Schuylkill was introduced
into the city by steam, and distributed in pipes
from Centre Square, now called Penn's Square.

In the year 1800, the population was 63,900.

282 APPENDIX.

In 1803, the Northern Liberties were incor-
porated. In 1805, the Permanent Bridge was
completed across the Schujlkill. In 1809, the
Phoenix, the first of Fulton's steamboats, was
placed on the Delaware, from which time steam-
boats continued to be used. In 1810, the popu-
lation of Philadelphia was 95,672. Spring
Garden was incorporated in 1813. In 1815, the
steam water- works were completed. In 1818,
the existing public school law of the city and
county was enacted. In 1819, the United States
Bank (now the Custom House) was commenced,
and completed in five years.

In 1820, the population was 117,887, and
Kensington was incorporated. In 1822, the
Fairmount Water-works, as at present in ope-
ration, were completed. In 1823, the Eastern
Penitentiary was commenced. In 1824, the
Franklin Institute was incorporated. In 1826,
the Schuylkill Navigation was completed. In
1830, the whole population was 166,270. In

1833, Girard College was commenced — Ste-
phen Girard having left his immense property,
worth ten millions of dollars, when he died, to
the city, for the erection and support of that in-
stitution, and the improvement of the city. In

1834, the Columbia Railway was completed,
and locomotive engines first used on it. In

1835, gas for lighting*the city was first intro-
duced. In 1837, Pennsylvania Hall was burn-
ed. In 1840, the population of the city and
districts was 220,423. In 1840, a great fire
happened in Front street. In 1844, the Ken-
sington riots occurred. In 1845, the popula-
tion of the city and districts was not less than
260,000."

APPENDIX. 283

Buildings and Improvements in Philadelphia.

In 1683, there were only eighty dwelling
houses in Philadelphia, and the population was
short of twelve hundred ; but such has been the
rapid increase, that in 1845 the population of
the city and liberties amounted to two hundred
and sixty thousand. The first house built in
Philadelphia, was in Front street, between
Walnut and Dock.

Christ Church, in Second street above Mar-
ket, was originally built but one story high, in
1695, and the bell was hung in a large tree in
front of the house. In 1710, a part of a more
commodious house was erected on the founda-
tion of the old. In 1727, the western end of
the church was built, and the eastern end in
1731. The steeple was built in 1753, which is
196 feet high. For a great number of years, it
has had eight chiming bells.

The First Presbyterian Church in Philadel-
phia, was constituted in 1695, and they wor-
shipped in a small house or store, at the N. W.
corner of Second and Chestnut streets, for about
three years, when they purchased a lot, and
built a small house thereon, at the corner of
Market and Bank streets, in 1698, which build-
ing was enlarged in 1729, and they continued
to worship therein until 1793, when it was su-
perseded by a spacious and handsome edifice
on the same lot, where they continued to wor-
ship until 1821, when they erected their pre-
sent large and commodious house at the corner
of Seventh and Locust streets, facing Wash-

284 APPENDIX.

ington Square, which church is now, and has
since June, 1830, been under the pastoral charge
of the Rev. Albert Barnes.

The First Baptist Society, (who now have
a spacious place of worship in Second street,
between Market and Arch,) was constituted
the same year with the before-mentioned First
Presbyterian Church, and so mutually harmo-
nious were these two Christian societies and
their pastors, that they united together in wor-
ship in the same small building, (at the corner
of Second and Chestnut streets,) for nearly three
years, after which both were more commodi-
ously accommodated in different places.

The Swedes Church, in Southwark, was
built in 1690.

There are now, (1847,) in the city and liber-
ties of Philadelphia, 147 places of worship, in-
cluding all denominations.

The Pennsylvania Hospital was founded in
1752. These spacious buildings are between
Eighth and Ninth, and Spruce and Pine streets;
facing on Pine street. They were commenced
in 1755, and the east wing was finished that
year. The west wing was built in 1796, and
the centre in 1804.

The State House, on Chestnut, between Fifth
and Sixth street, was built in 1735. The fire-
proof wings, (occupied as public offices,) were
built in 1813.

The Philosophical Society of Philadelphia
was formed in 1760, and incorporated in 1780.
They hold their meetings in their building in
Fifth below Chestnut street, which was built in
1790.

APPENDIX. 285

The Pennsylvania College, in Ninth between
Chestnut and Market streets, was founded in
1779, and changed to a University in 1789. It
has two spacious buildings. The north one is
the University ; the other is the Medical Col-
lege. Both departments are in very high rep-
utation.

The Jefferson Medical College is located in
Tenth street, between Chestnut and Walnut.
There is no institution of the kind in the Uni-
ted States superior to this. The professors are
gentlemen of the highest reputation. The col-
lege building, which was rebuilt the past year,
is one ofvthe most commodious for the purpose
in America.

The College of Pharmacy, Materia Medica,
&c., is also in high repute. Their spacious
building is in Zane street, between Eighth and
Ninth.

The Girard College was commenced in 1833,
and will, probably, be completed the present
year, (1847.)

The Philadelphia Exchange, at the corner of
Third, Walnut and Dock streets, was com-
menced in 1828, and finished in 1832. It is a
large and splendid building, and occupied by
the Post Office, a number of Insurance and
other offices, a spacious Reading-room, which is
furnished with newspapers from all parts of the
United States, a large Hall, where merchants
hold their Exchange meetings, and for various
other purposes.

The United States Naval Hospital is located
on the banks of the Schuylkill, below South
street. It is a noble building, 386 feet long,

25

286 APPENDIX.

and 175 wide, and is the most convenient for
said purpose of any in the United States. It
was founded in 1835.

The spacious marble edifice, the United
States Mint, at the corner of Chestnut and Ju-
niper streets, was commenced in 1829, and fin-
ished 1831.

Philadelphia was first lighted with Gas in
1835.

The Masonic Hall in Chestnut, between Sev-
enth and Eighth streets, was burnt in 1819, and
rebuilt immediately afterwards.

The Odd Fellows' Hall, in Sixth, between
Arch and Race streets, was built in 1846.

The Bank of the United States, in Chestnut
between Fourth and Fifth streets, was built in
1819-20, and used by the stockholders until
1845, when the United States government pur-
chased and converted it into the Custom-house.

The square in Walnut, between Sixth and
Seventh streets, formerly the Potter's Field,
was laid out in serpentine walks, and adorned
with trees, in 1816-17, and '18, and has since
been known as Washington Square.

The noble ship Pennsylvania, (one of the
largest in the world,) was built in Philadelphia,
and launched on the 18th July, 1837.

The Arcade in Chestnut, between Sixth and
Seventh streets, was built in 1825.

WATER WORKS. — The distribution of water
in pipes, from Centre Square, was commenced
in 1801, and continued until the Fairmount
water works were completed in 1822.

The Telegraphic Wires were projected from
Washington in various directions, in 1846.

APPENDIX. 287

The Franklin, or Philadelphia Library, was
formed in 1731, and chartered 1742. In 1799,
a law was passed authorizing the company to
purchase a lot, and erect a suitable building for
their accommodation, which they did soon af-
terwards, at the corner of Fifth and Library
streets. There is no library in America that
has so large a collection of books. It contains
35,000 volumes.

The Philadelphia Athenaeum was established
in 1814, with a spacious Reading-room, fur-
nished with newspapers and periodicals from
almost every part of America, and many from
Europe. In another room, they have an ex-
tensive library of valuable books, which they
are continually increasing by making additions
of new and valuable publications. For their
better accommodation and more extensive use-
fulness, they laid the foundation of a large and
commodious building in 1845, at the corner of
Adelphi and Sixth streets, a little south of Wal-
nut, and which now, (February 1847,) is nearly
completed.

The Mercantile Library Company was insti-
tuted in 1821, and is furnished with newspa-
pers and periodicals from various parts of the
United States and Europe ; also, with an excel-
lent library suitable for such an institution. In
1845-6. they erected an elegant and spacious
building for their better accommodation, and
for public and private offices, at the corner of
Fifth and Library streets. The building is an
ornament to the city.

The Franklin Institute, in Seventh street, be-
tween Chestnut and Market, was built in 1824,

288 APPENDIX.

and is kept well supplied with newspapers, pe-
riodicals, and books. Scientific and other lec-
tures are delivered every season in said build-
ing.

On the 5th September, 1801, the foundation
stone of the Market street Permanent Bridge,
crossing the Schuylkill, was laid, and it was
completed in 1805.

The American Sunday School Union was
formed in 1824, and commenced business in a
house which they purchased for said purpose,
166 Chestnut street. The house, being too small
for this extensive and useful establishment, was
taken down in 1845, and a large and commo-
dious one erected in its place in 1846.

The Deaf and Dumb Asylum, at the corner
of Broad and Pine streets, was built in 1825,
and it has since been greatly enlarged.

The Orphans' Asylum was founded in
1815, and the Widow's Asylum, founded in
1818; both of which are on the square between
Schuylkill Fifth and Sixth, and Cherry and
Race streets.

Friends' Asylum, near Frankford, was found-
ed in 1815.

The Magdalen Asylum was founded in 1800,
and located at Schuylkill Second and Race
streets.

St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum was founded in
1817, and located at the corner of Seventh and
Spruce streets.

St. John's Orphan Asylum was founded in
1830, and is located in Chestnut, between
Twelfth and Thirteenth streets.

St. Mary's Orphan Asylum, located at Fifth
and Pine streets.

APPENDIX. 289

Pennsylvania Institution for the Blind was
was founded in 1823, and is located near Schuyl
kill Third and Race streets.

Wills' Hospital, for the Lame and Blind, was
founded in 1823, and is located near Schuylkill
Fifth and Race streets.

Christ's Church Hospital, was founded in
1785, and is located No. 8 Cherry street.

The Seamen's Friend Society is located at
121 south Second street.

Rail Roads, $c.

Since 1800, railroads have been projecting
from Philadelphia in almost every direction.

The first in the United States that was laid
and in operation, was from Philadelphia to
Columbia, a distance of eighty-four miles.

In 1832, a railroad was completed from Phila-
delphia to Bristol, and through New Jersey,
(via Trenton) to New York; and another from
Camden to New York, via Burlington, Borden-
town, &c.

Railroads have since been completed from
New York, via Long Island, through Connec-
ticut, Rhode Island, -Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, to Portland, Maine.

To the south, railroads have been in opera-
tion several years, from Philadelphia through
Delaware to Baltimore, Washington and far-
ther south.

To the west, they have also been in opera-
tion since 1794, from Philadelphia to Lan-
caster, Harrisburg, &c.

25*

290 APPENDIX.

To the north, they have likewise been in
operation for many years, from Philadelphia to
Germantown, Manayunk, Norristown, Read-
ing, Pottsville, &c.

In a few years a new railroad will probably
be laid the entire distance from Philadelphia to
Pittsburgh.

In 1756, stages were first established as pub-
lic conveyances, between Philadelphia and
New York, and they were three days perform-
ing the journey from city to city. The jour-
ney is now performed, per railroad and cars, in
about five hours. As late as 1790, it occupied
ten days to perform the journey from Philadel-
phia to Boston in stages; it now occupies
about seventeen hours, per railroad, &,c.

Steamboats.

There are few persons in Philadelphia, who
have not heard or read something about
the first steamboat invented and propelled on
the Delaware by John Fitch, as early as 1786
or 1788, who, from want of means, was pre-
vented from making such improvements there-
on as were suggested to his mind. He, how-
ever, made several trips in his boat to Burling-
ton and Bristol, and one to Trenton, previous to
abandoning his favourite invention, which has
since been greatly improved upon, and which
has proved such a public convenience in facili-
tating the speed of travelling, not only in this
country, but in Europe.

No further attempt was made at propelling

APPENDIX. 291

by steam until 1801, when Oliver Evans, of
this city, engaged in the enterprise, and applied
it to mills, and then to wagons and one small
boat, by way of experiment ; in all of which he
succeeded beyond his expectations. About six
or seven years after Mr. Evans' improvements,
Fulton & Livingston, of New York, had a
small steamboat built, and run her up the
North River to Albany. Very soon after this
successful experiment of theirs, the steam en-
gine mania commenced and spread with as-
tonishing rapidity, not only through this coun-
try, but in Europe, and steamboats have multi-
plied as fast as they could be built, so that now
(1847) almost every river and lake in the civi-
lized world, are covered therewith ; and for
the last ten years, the Atlantic ocean has semi-
monthly been navigated by some of the largest
and most splendid steamships that could be
built. A regular line of six or eight, has been
running regularly from England to Halifax,
Boston, and New York, and vice versa.

The steamboat Phoenix was the next boat
propelled by steam on the Delaware, (after
John Fitch.) The Phoenix -commenced run-
ning up the Delaware in 1809 ; she was owned
by Col. John Stevens. A few years after this,
say from 1813 to '20, and '24, there were a
number of steamboats built and equipt with
every necessary appendage, to ply regularly up
and down the Delaware with passengers, viz.
Franklin, Congress, Albemarle, Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, New Jersey, Baltimore, Burling-
ton, William Penn, the Eagle, the Trenton,
&c., and within two years, the elegant boat

292 APPENDIX.

John Stevens, all of which, in their days, per-
formed daily trips to Burlington, Bristol and
Bordentown, from early spring to the following
winter. For several seasons the boats ran up
to Trenton, and passengers were taken from
thence in post coaches to Brunswick and Am-
boy, and then in steamboats to New York un-
til 1832, at which time the railroad was finish-
ed from Amboy to Bordentown, where passen-
gers were taken from thence to New York
in steamboats. One line of cars is still con-
tinued to Amboy, and the two other lines take
the passengers to Jersey city, and there cross to
New York in steam-ferry boats.

The number of steamboats now on the Dela-
ware, which ply up and down and across the
river, is fifty.

Steamboats Lost.

The steamship Home, from New York to
Liverpool, with one hundred persons on board,
was lost in L838. •

During this year (1838) the following steam-
boats were lost on the western waters, viz : The
Washington, the Franklin, the Ben Sherod, the
the Monmouth, the Moselle, the Oranoko, and
the Pulaski, whereby ten hundred and eighty
human beings lost their lives.

On the night of the 13th of January, 1840,
the steamboat Lexington, on her passage from
New York to Stonington, (Connecticut,) was
entirely destroyed by fire in Long Island Sound,

APPENDIX. 293

whereby one hundred and fifty persons pe-
rished.

The Atlantic steamer President sailed from
New York for Liverpool on the llth of March,
1841, with one hundred and nine persons on
board, all of whom perished ! Not one was
spared to tell the woful tale. Among many
other estimable persons, was the Rev. Mr.
Cookman, late of Philadelphia, a very talented
clergyman. A London paper of May 3, 1841,
said, " that this noble ship was foundered, there
can be no doubt, and all on board perished !"
She was the largest steamer ever built, being
2360 tons and 540 horse power.

On the night of the 26th of November, 1846,
the steamer Atlantic, Capt. Dustan, on her pas-
sage from New London, (Connecticut) for New
York, with eighty persons on board, was over-
taken by a violent storm and gale in Long Is-
land Sound, by which she was wrecked and
stove to pieces on Fisher's Island, near the
eastern end of Long Island, whereby forty per-
sons (men, women and children) perished !

We could here record the loss of a multitude
of other steamboats, particularly on the western
rivers and lakes, but our limits will not permit
us so to do.

TABLET OF MEMORY,

AND MEMORANDUM-BOOK.

Through a great part of my life, I have been
highly privileged in having recourse to many

294 APPENDIX.

public and private libraries, both ancient and
modern, and from whence I have derived great
benefit, as I always endeavoured to have a
memorandum book at hand, in order to note
every remarkable event or incident I might
meet with, that would be likely to benefit my-
self or any of my fellow-beings, and which
would be apt to escape my memory, if I had
not adopted such a procedure. I would, there-
fore, earnestly recommend a like course to be
pursued by all young persons, (both male and
female) who are desirous of storing their minds
with useful information. For instance, if we
should wish to refresh our memories as to the
time when America was first discovered. By
whom ? The time and order of the settlement
of the different states. The adoption of the
Federal Constitution. In what order it was
adopted by the states. The meeting of the
first Congress, together with a great variety of
other information respecting the country of our
birth or adoption. Or, an account of the most
useful discoveries and inventions, in this and
other countries, &c. For these, and much
other useful information, we have only to turn
to our tablet of memory and see the account.

America was first discovered by Columbus, on
the llth of October, 1492; and by Cabot in 1497.

New England was first planted by the Puri-
tans, in 1620. On the 20th December, 1620,
the first settlers of New England landed at Ply-
mouth, (Massachusetts.)

The first settlement at New Hampshire was
at Little Harbour in 1623. It was partially
united with Massachusetts, (as to its executive

APPENDIX. 295

government) on the 14th of April, 1641, but
again became an independent state in 1679.
Massachusetts assumed the government of
Maine in 1 668, and it continued a part of that
state until 1820, when it became an indepen-
dent state.

Boston settled in 1630, and Salem, (Massa-
chusetts) about the same time.

The first settlement of Maryland, was at St.
Mary's, in 1634.

The first settlement of Connecticut was at
Wethersfield, in 1634.

The first settlement of New Jersey was in
1637, by the Swedes.

The first settlement of Rhode Island was in
1638.

The first settlement of Carolina was at Chow-
an, in 1634. North and South Carolina were
one state at this time. A division took place
at a subsequent period, viz. 1728.

The first effectual settlement of Virginia was
at Jamestown, in 1607.

Mexico was first settled by Spaniards in
1518.

Philadelphia first settled in 1682, and was
incorporated by the State Legislature in Octo-
ber, 1790.

On the 24th October, 1682, William Penn
first arrived in America, in the ship Welcome,
and landed at New Castle, Delaware, with one
hundred passengers. The next day, peaceable
possession was given to him. On the 4th De-
cember, 1682, he called the first Assembly of
Pennsylvania to meet at Chester, and passed
several laws. Philadelphia was chartered with

296 APPENDIX.

city privileges, and Edward Shippen was cho-
sen the first Mayor, and Thomas Story the
first Recorder.

Penn crossed the Atlantic twice to this coun-
try. His last return from Philadelphia to Eng-
land, was in 1701. Soon after his return, his
health began to fail, (although he lived several
years afterwards,) but on the 30th July, 1718,
he died at his seat in Buckinghamshire, (Eng-
land,) aged 74. While in Philadelphia, he oc-
cupied his house in Lsetitia court, but his coun-
try residence was in Pennsburg, a short dis-
tance above Bristol, Pa.

On the 28th June, 1781, the first Yearly
Meeting of Friends in America, was held at
Burlington, N. J. From 1684 to 1761, they
met alternately at Burlington and Philadelphia.
Since which time, their yearly meetings have
been held in Philadelphia.

The first newspaper published in France
was in 1631. The first published in England
was in 1642. The first in America was at Bos-
ton,- on the 24th April, 1704. The first in Phil-
adelphia was the 22d December, 1719. The
first in New York was the 16th October, 1725.
The first in South Carolina was in 1730. The
first in Rhode Island was in 1732. The first
in Connecticut was in 1755. And the first in
New Hampshire was in 1756.

The first Post Office established in France,
was in 1470. The first in England, was in
1492. And the first in America, was in 1710.

The first Custom-house established in Eng-
land, was in 1559 ; and the first Insurance of-
fice, was in 1667.

APPENDIX. 297

The Cape of Good Hope was discovered in
1486 ; and the Island of Ceylon in 1506.

China was first visited by the Portuguese in
1517; and by the English and French in 1601.

On the 9th August, 1787, the ship Columbia,
and sloop Washington, her tender, sailed from
Boston, for the north-west coast of America and
China, and returned to Boston in 1790, being
the first American vessel that circumnavigated
the globe.

The first vessel built in Boston was in 1631,
and she was called " The Blessing of the Bay.1'

The study of Astronomy was first taught by
the Moors, in 1220, and by them introduced
into England.

The first Eclipse that we can find recorded,
(and which was thought something very won-
derful,) was in 720.

From the 3d November, 1630, to the 9th
March, 1631, a large Comet was visible to the
naked eye, and approached so near to the earth,
as to cause great alarm.

Tea and Coffee was first introduced and used
in England, in 1660.

Coal was first discovered near New Castle,
(England,) in 1234; and first used as fuel
1305.

Anthracite coal began to be used in Philadel-
phia, as fuel, in 1812 to 1815.

The first Rice raised in America, was in
South Carolina, in 1702.

Sugar first made in India, in A. D. 620.
Do. " in Sicily, in 1148.

Do. " in the West Indies, in 1512.

Do. " in New Orleans, in 1790

26

298 APPENDIX.

Hemp and Flax first raised in England in
1533.

Tallow Candles first invented and used in
1290.

Gold first coined in Rome, A. D. 206, and
Silver in 296.

Copper coin first used in Scotland in 1340.

Purnps were first invented in England in
1425.

Weights and measures established in Eng-
land, as they now are, in 1492.

Hats first invented and made in Paris in
1404, and first made in England in 1510; pre-
vious to which, cloth hoods were worn both by
males and females.

Engines to extinguish fires first invented in
1663.

Writing paper first made in England in
1690.

Glass first made in England in 1557, it was
previously made elsewhere, as early as 1200,
but history does not say where.

Spectacles first invented in 1477.

Telescopes first invented in 1590.

Thermometers first invented in 1620.

Barometers first invented in 1643.

Seaman's Compass first invented by a Dutch-
man in 1229.

Quadrants first invented in Philadelphia, by
T. Godfrey, but it is said that Hadley stole the
invention from him.

APPENDIX. 299

Large Fires.

The largest fire that ever occurred in London, commenced
on the 2d September, 1666, and continued four days, and con-
sumed thirteen thousand houses, eighty-six churches and pub-
lic buildings. St. Paul's Cathedral was among the number.
The buildings were all destroyed on 400 streets.

On the 21st September, 1776, while the British were in
possession of New York, a fire occurred there, which con-
sumed above 1000 houses, stores, churches, and other buildings.

In December 1778, four hundred persons were burnt to
death in the Theatre at Saragossa, in New Spain, during a
theatrical performance.

On the 26th December, 1811, the Theatre at Richmond,
Virginia, took fire during a theatrical performance, and 72
persons were burnt to death, among whom were G. W. Smith,
governor of the State, and several other distinguished charac-
ters.

On the 26th November, 1796, a fire in Savannah, Georgia,
consumed two hundred and twenty-nine houses and other
buildings.

On the 24th Dec. 1802, a fire in Portsmouth, N. H., con-
sumed 120 buildings. Another fire in said town, on the 22d
December, 1813, consumed 370 buildings. And a third fire
in that devoted town, in 1845, consumed about 40 more.

On the 10th April, 1845, a large fire occurred at Pittsburgh,
Pa., which destroyed all the business part of that thriving city,
amounting to a million of dollars. A fire occurred in Alle-
gheny town, adjoining Pittsburgh, soon afterwards, which con-
sumed real and personal property to the amount of two hun-
dred thousand dollars.

On the 19th July, 1845, a very large and destructive fire
occurred in New York, which consumed three hundred houses
and stores, and a vast amount of goods, &c. ; the whole esti-
mated at seven millions. It is said, that other fires which oc-
curred in said city, the same year, amounted to a million more.

A fire at Sacket or Sag-Harbour, N. Y., in 1845, destroy-
ed property to the amount of two hundred thousand dollars ;
and one at Rochester, destroyed property to the amount of one
hundred thousand dollars. And during said year, there were
large fires at Albany, Troy, Utica, Saratoga, &c., which con-
sumed property to the amount of half a million.

On the night of January 21, 1847, one hundred buildings
were destroyed by fire in Boston.

300 APPENDIX.

Remarkable Earthquakes.

Lima was swallowed up by an earthquake in 1740, and
several thousand persons perished.

Conception, in Chilly, was swallowed up by an earthquake,
with all its inhabitants, in 1750.

In 1693, one hundred and forty towns and villages were
destroyed by an earthquake in Sicily, and one hundred thou-
sand persons perished.

On the 21st August, 1726, Palermo, in Italy, was destroy,
ed by an earthquake, and about 10,000 persons perished.

On the 1st October, 1755, Lisbon was swallowed up by an
earthquake, and sixty thousand persons perished in six min-
utes. On the spot where Lisbon stood, there is now one hun-
dred fathoms of water.

On the 30th October, 1755, Damascus was destroyed by
an earthquake, with twelve thousand persons.

On the 25th November, 1760, Tripoli was destroyed by an
earthquake, with seven thousand inhabitants.

On the 29th July, 1773, Guatimala, in New Spain, was
swallowed up by an earthquake, with 30,000 inhabitants.

In 1784, twelve thousand persons were swallowed up by
an earthquake, at Ardchinschan, in Turkey.

In 1792, Port Royal sunk into the sea, with a part of its
inhabitants. The dead bodies were washed ashore in such
numbers, (many thousands,) as to produce a pestilence, by
which three thousand persons, (who had survived the earth-
quake,) died.

On the 4th November, 1797, Quito, in South America, was
swallowed up by an earthquake, and forty thousand persons
perished.

In 1812, Caraccas was swallowed up by an earthquake,
with twelve thousand inhabitants.

On the 5th February, 1843, there were several shocks of
earthquake in several of the West India Islands; during
which, Point Peter was entirely destroyed, and fourteen thou-
sand persons perished in a few minutes, while a great part of
them were at breakfast.

On the 7th May, 1843, Cape Ilaytian was destroyed by an
earthquake, with seven thousand inhabitants.

XII E END.

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