Note 42 — Chapter XXIV
Reading edition
The port of La Union is forty-five miles distant, in a right line, from the volcano of Coseguina, and on the occasion of its eruption, was deserted by the entire population, who fled in dismay to San Miguel. The darkness was so great that they were obliged to carry torches, which, however, gave no light, except for two or three yards around them. The terrified inhabitants, some on foot and others mounted, were followed by their equally terrified cattle, and even wild beasts, tame with fear, joined in the unearthly procession, while birds lit upon the travellers in affright, and would not be driven away.