| Description | Responding to a notice in the "Field" Newspaper with regard to the Krakatoa eruption. Details his observations, whilst onboard Yacht "Marchesa" in the Dorey Harbour, Great Geetoink Bay, north part of New Guinea, which he believes to be almost without parallel as an instance of the distance at which the eruption was audible. Corroborated his experience with that of Mr Van Hasselt, Dutch Missionary he met, who had heard it and noted it in his diary on 27 August. The diary entry noted having heard a noise akin to the sound of cannonading at a great distance, aduible through the greater part of the day. At the time he supposed the noise could be of volcanic origin but ascribed it to a probable explosion in the Moluccas, noting that the natives heard similar noises the day before him. Speculates that the explosion was heard at varying distances with no apparent connection with prevalent winds, questioning the possibility of a sort of subterranan communication, emphasising his general ignorance on seismology.
Draws attention to the non-Anglicised spelling of Krakatoa being "Krakatau", and pronounced "Krakatow". Provides his current address for further correspondence. |