Earthquake in Mexico

The following dreadful earthquake occurred in the city of Mexico on the 12th of March last.

At the moment we write, says the Siglo of the 13th, the inhabitants of the capitol of the Republic are still under the influence of the horrors excited by the earthquake of yesterday, the disastrous effects of which we are still imperfectly acquainted with.

Yesterday at 52 minutes past 3 o'clock, P. M., the oscillations began, slight at first and then stronger. The direction of the motion appeared to be north and south. It lasted about two minutes. The shocks were terrible, nothing like them was ever experienced before, and the condition of the buildings too surely proves the absence of all exaggeration.

We were by chance upon the great square at the time, and we witnessed a spectacle not easily forgotten. In an instant the multitude, but a moment previous tranquil and listless, were upon their knees praying to the Almighty and counting with anxiety the shocks which threatened to convert the most beautiful city in the New World into a vast theatre [theater] of ruins. The chains surrounding the portico were violently agitated; the flags of the pavement yawned open; the trees bent frightfully; the buildings and lofty edifices oscillated to and fro; the immense arrow which crowns the summit of the cathedral vibrated with astonishing rapidity; at 56 minutes past three the movement had ceased.

It is impossible yet to ascertain the extent of destruction. Not a house or a door but bears the marks of this terrible calamity. Many of them are cracked and greatly injured, others are tottering, and others entirely fallen. San Lorenzo, La Misericordia, Tompeate, Zapo and Victoria streets and the Grand street have particularly suffered. The aqueducts were broken in several places. The bridge of Tezontlale is demolished. The Hospital of St. Lazarus is in ruins, and the churches of San Lorenzo and San Ferdinand greatly injured. The magnificent chapel of Saint Teresa no longer exists. At the first shock the cupalo [cupola], a building of astonishing strength and great beauty fell, and was soon followed by the vault beneath the tabernacle and the tabernacle itself.

Fortunately, all those in a church so much frequented, succeeded in escaping. At eight o'clock last evening, seventeen persons had been taken from the ruins of other buildings and carried to the Hospital.

At three-quarters past six, and a quarter past seven, two more shocks were felt. They were, however, slight, and occasioned nothing but a temporary renewal of terror.

The authorities did every thing that zeal and humanity could suggest, to carry help to the victims, and restore the aqueducts which furnish water to the city.