Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-07-25
EFFECTS OF LIGHTNING


Extract OF letter, dated Wetherfeld, Conn
June goth, lS26.-On the Sd of this month, our
house was struck with lightning. Being without
conductor, 1t ran down the chimney s burst through
the ceiling of the chamber you have usually slep,
in. From thence it divided into several branches
and went into six closets, and two lower rooms
through tweDtyfour aperiures which it made in the
ceiling and walls. Gliding operated as an attrac-
tor in the most remote part OF The rooms The
fluid attacked 1t on china, picture frames, look
ing glasses; even the basket wrought with gold
thread in piece of embroidery, set behind glass
IN mahogany frame, which hung fifteen feet
| from the chimney, was raised and backened. In
some instances the gliding dissolved, and some
| cents which it found in its course were entirely
volatilized. It's effects in the chamber closet were
terrible. My mother, without any alarm from
the storm, had retired that closet for her even
ing devotions. A column Of the lightning enter
ed near her, consumed a large silk umbrella des-
iToyed carpet and injured two or three Others
which had been placed In the same closet for safe
~ during the SUMMER. My mother was only a
foot distant from the course of the lightning with
the door closed. A black sulphurous smoke Ia
staniiy filled the apartment, and the heat was as
intense as if she bad been cnyeloped in flame.
She Immediately arose unhurt, (aware of the
catassophe,) she left the closet, closed the door
and FASTENED down stairs, expecting to find her
family dead. We were all in the western par; Of
the house uninjured, when, at the moment of our
meeting, another peal OF thunder as awful as the
former, rolled over heads, and the blast of
heaven seemed to he on our habiiation. But God
be praiseu, we were all alive! Our house was soon
filled with sulphur and SCOT, and the smoke OF
burning wollen, silk, and furs. we discovered
the fire, and threw water but without much
effect, when we raised alarm, and it was ex-
tingushed by the aid of our neighbours and friends
Nothing in this scene of terrors, and Of wonders,
seems more marvellous, next to the preservation
of my mother, than the dissipation Of the cents
In the twinkling Of an eye, and the consuming of
the sleeve and waist OF cloth coat, while the
cotton lining to which they were stitched, was
left entire.
Our house has sustained but little damage; some
nails were thrown out, mouldings were torn, and
the floor was slightly rent in many places.
We all found ourselves in health the morning
following this night OF CONSERVATION and danger;
and admiration and gratitude filed our hearts to
Him who had granted Us this signal preservation.
NJ I. Times
| PHILADELPHIA, July 13.--The steam boat
/ Norfolk made her second trip 70 Cape May on
Friday last, with 1913 passengers. Fifty two la
dies seated themselves at the dinner table, and
were waited upon by the gentlemen. GGz
The merchants and traders of Centreyllle Ma
rylsnd, have determined not to receive in exchange
/ for merchandise, notes OF any denomination unaer
FIVE dollars.
The meeting held in this city some months ago
20 discourage the circulation of foreign notes Of
email denominations, did much good: and would