“During the whole time a sickly, melancholy gloom overcast the
face of nature. Nor was the darkness of the night less uncommon
and terrifying than that of the day, for notwithstanding there was
almost a full moon, no object was discernible but by the help of
some artificial light, which seen from the neighboring houses and
other places at a distance appeared through a kind of Egyptian
darkness which seemed almost impervious to its rays. This unusual
phenomenon excited the fears and apprehensions of many
people.”—_Mass. Spy, Correspondence, 1780._