Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1841-08-26
From the onondsga STANDARD Extra Vi Saturday Eve.
Fire and Great Loss Of Life!
THIRTY LIVES DESTROYED ny
THE EXPLOSION OF GUNPOW.
DERl

One of the most deeply affecting events
that ever occurred in our town, took place
last night. Al about half past nine o'clock
the alarm of fire was given, which brought
most Of our citizens TO a wooden building
situated on the tow path Of the Oswcgo canal,
nearly in rear Of the county clerks office,
and occupied as joiner's shop by Charles
Goings. At the time we had reached the
spot, the roof Of the building was completely
cnveloped in flames. The engine co,nps.
nies were near the fire, and appeared to bo
doing good execution. Presently we heard
the cry Of powder powder! There is pow.
der in the building." When this cry was
first given, nearly the whole crowd rushed
back, but the move was but nome ntary.--
Most Of those nearest the fire maintained
their position, and very few appeared to
place any credit in the report. AT this time
we were standing within 50 or 60 feet Of The
hames-the building had been on fire per.
baps fifteen minUtes-when Tremendous ex-
plosion took place, completely checking tho
fire and demolshing the building. Tins ex.
plosion lasted we should think a or 5 seconds,
filing the uir with fragments Of the building,
and creating the greatest CONSERVATION iinag-
Unable. The noise of the explosion having
ceased, all was still for a moment, and then
the most hcart-rending groaDs that ever
reached our cars were distinctly heard.
The first person whom we met after the
shock was Mr.. Myers, the lock tender, tall,
athletic man, with part Of his face blown of,
and his head and shoulders completely COW
cred with cinders and blood. lie begged
some one 10 go home with him, and two per-
sons readily accompanied him. The next
was person brought out dead one side Of
his head having been blown off, and his brains
fallen out. From this followed other
scenes wlich il is impossible 10 describe. All
was confusion. Although the sight Of the
dead aud the dying was horrible, it was
scarcely loss than that of the living, inQuir-
ing for their rclatives-pnrents for their chill.
drcn, and wives, almost frantic with despair,
for their husbands.
Every thing, We believe, was done that
could have been done under the circums,an-
ccs. An extra train Of cars was run to
Auburn for physicians nnd our hotel keepers
threw open their doors for the reception of
the wounded. We were on the ground an
hour after The explosion occurred, and wit
messed the greatest kindness on the part of
ALL Every effort wns made to c@ricatc the
bodies, end to afford all the consolation and
relief that could be afforded.
As to the origin o. The fire, il is unknown;
but It is supposed That 1t was the work of an
inccndary. The Gre appeared to have COM
menccJ IN The top Of the building. The
powdcr-some say 10, others l5 kegs was
placed on thc ground floor, under a work
bench. and belonged to Malcom & Hudson.
Such is bricf aud impcrfcc, sketch Of
this awful calamity-a calamity which, from
the carelessncss, avsrice, or inalignty Of one,
or two, or three persons has sent, or probably
viii send, not less than thirty of their fellow
beings lrom time to eternity; and most of
them without n moments warning. What II
subject for reflection let those who es-
we ere among the nulnber--fccl
grateful to that Good Beng whose ways,
though inscrutab!e, are always just.