Report on Hurricane Damage to Baracoa, Cuba

Collection

Identifier: OLPb178BAR

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Small archive of three manuscripts reporting on the situation in Baracoa, Cuba following a massive hurricane in 1815. Collection includes one document [18 pp. on 9 leaves] dated November 6, 1815 that describes the devastation signed by Miguel de Mena and Juan Nepomuceno. The second document [2 pp. on 1 leaf] dated January 3, 1816 notes that the government has agreed to extend a series of amenities to the city of Baracoa. The third document [2 pp. on 1 leaf] dated February 7, 1816 agrees to a further extension of document #2. Both documents are signed by Antonio del Valle Hernandez. Note: The documents are in Spanish.

Dates

Creation: 1815-1816

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

In late September 1815, Baracoa, the oldest Spanish settlement in Cuba suffered a massive hurricane. The gale, most likely the same reported to strike New England between September 22 and 24, 1815 became known as the Great September Gale of 1815, or the New England Hurricane of 1815. The documents report on the destruction and economic damage to the region suffered by the hurricane. Reports for assistance from the HM Government, and the position of the city by the Mayor.