BIB_ID
193549
Accession number
MA 4543
Display Date
1755 Dec. 15.
Credit line
Gift of Herbert Cahoon, 1987.
Description
1 item (5 p.) ; 22.4 cm
Notes
The Lisbon earthquake of 1 November 1755 was the worst in Europe in over two hundred years. It was followed by a seismic sea wave, by the flooding of the Tagus River, and by a great fire. From 10,000 to 30,000 (60,000 by some accounts) persons lost their lives in this All Souls' Day disaster, which sent Europe into shock and mourning.
With panel (from when the item was folded) that reads: "Relations du tremblement de terre de Lisbonne / Arrivé Le 15 Décembre 1755."
With panel (from when the item was folded) that reads: "Relations du tremblement de terre de Lisbonne / Arrivé Le 15 Décembre 1755."
Summary
Following a letter he had written on 4 November assuring her of his safety, the writer tells of the churches and other buildings that collapsed during the Lisbon earthquake of 1 November 1755 and how people lived in the ruined streets or fled to the country. He has been fortunate enough to have shelter in a wooden barracks built by his landlord, M. De La Calmette. The delay in sending this long letter has been because of a lack of writing materials, the high cost of postage, and the uncertainty of the mails.
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