William L. Scruggs to the Hon. J. Sanchez, June 7, 1875

No. 198. Mr. Scruggs to Mr. Fish.

Sir: It becomes my painful duty to record a terrible disaster to life and property on the northern frontiers of Colombia, resulting from an earthquake on the 18th ultimo, at the hour of 11¼ a.m.

The scene of disaster was the fertile and beautiful valley of Cucuta, adjoining the Venezuelan boundary. Although more than three hundred and fifty miles from Bogotá, the shock was distinctly felt here, creating some alarm, but resulting in no immediate danger to the capital.

The thriving commercial city of San José de Cúcuta, numbering some twenty thousand inhabitants, among whom were many foreign residents and merchants, is said to have been totally destroyed. Probably more than three-fourths of the entire population perished. Whole families were crushed beneath the crumbling ruins of their own mansions, without a moment’s warning, leaving none to tell the sad story of their fate. The time of the disaster being the usual breakfast hour, there were comparatively few persons in the streets$ hence the almost unparalleled destruction of life.

The loss of property seems to have been even more general. Official dispatches from that neighborhood to the government here represent all the buildings, public and private, as being in complete ruins. The disaster was followed by a shameless demoralization, which doomed the ruined city, so suddenly and tragically converted into an immense cemetery, to the rapacity of plunderers who rushed thither in search of spoils.

This state of things continued, it seems, for some days, until a sufficient military force could be collected and sent from the interior for the restoration and maintenance of order.

Some eighteen or twenty other towns in the valley of Cucuta, and many settlements and villages within the Venezuelan line, were likewise destroyed. But in these, owing to the fact that most of the houses were but one story high, or mere thatched huts, the loss of life was less considerable than in San José de Cúcuta.

The scene of this frightful disaster was the great coffee-growing region of Colombia; and, next to the valley of Bogota, was in all probability the wealthiest section of the federal union.

Private subscriptions to the amount of nearly $10,000 have already been raised in this city for the relief of the survivors in the unfortunate section5 and there is also a proposition before the national Congress, still in session here, looking to the same end.

After consultation with my colleagues of the other legations here, it was agreed that each should address a separate note of sympathy and condolence through the Colombian minister for foreign affairs. I submit herewith copy of my note on this occasion.

I have, &c.,