Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1844-05-18

Though no persons were to be seen upon the ad.
iacent roofs, the missiles evidently descended
upon the Mayors forces.
AS soon as the watch in front had been driven
off, the mob went to work quite coolly and sys-
tematically. One of the iron gates was first bro.
ken down. and thus the platform (about five feet
high) upon which the building stands having been
reached, sort of battcring-ram was procured,
with which steady and determined blows were
inflicted upon the northernmost door, but it resis-
ting all efforts, (Which it did until the lasD with
clubs the assailants begun to demolsh the sashcs
of the front windows, which are low, and in
which by this time there was not probably sim
gle unbroken pane of glass.
While the mob were thus engaged there was
an alarm of 'the Trcop''-''the Troop'-and a.
bove all the camor was presently heard the notes
ofa shril trumpet, sounding the charge, The
First City Troop rode by almost at gallop,
causing the crowds to fly towards Race street,
where the company wheeled and returned at
similar gait and several passages of this kind
were made, but with no effect, for the mob fol-
tering long and loud derisive cries; while the
party Immediately engaged in breaking into the
Church did not for moment desst, but seemed
to redouble their efforts in anticipation OF the
rival of more ofthe military
In an incredibly brief period, the obstruction
offered by the sash removed-the gas light
near by extinguished-and fire conveyed late the
IL, IVA Gra ~,
ly kindled by lucifer matches, as we were close
spectators, and certainly no FIRE was carried
.openy within
As soon as the light was seen, numerous per-
sons employed themselves in bringing small
pieces of boards and other light stuff, which were
either thrown upon the fire. or handed to these
inside. The flames appeared to make slow pro-
gress, for the light was not seen in the second
story at all, (this was owing, we believe, to the
windows having shutters inside,) but on a sud-
den they burst forth from the roof, and almest
Immediately envelopei the base of the cupola
The sight was hailed by a loud cheer.
The beautiful cupola of the Church did not
burn witt, the rapidly which might have been
supposed. This was owing to tho cornice of
the base projecting so Sac as f,r time to shield
the columns which supported the dome and
cross.
The lames probably reached the roof as soon
as they dic by means Of the organ, which stood
imzsedisteiy oSec TIVE Sgrwing materials below.
The cupcls burn, for long tiaie before aay
perossN sofd feli li,ias sftcs pillar, stanchion
after stancken fell, snd still the structure stood
erect one msss of flaac. At length the cross
fell into the street. This elected another cheer
A few nomeRts after, the failing in of the roof
carried with it the burning but still erect re.
mains of the cupola.
Between tour and Eve o'clock, the mob pro.
ceeded southwark 10 the Roman Catholic
School House, at the corner of Second and
phenix street, which sfier being stoned was set
on fire at the top. We understand that guam.
tity of Camph;ne Oil was thrown upon the Gu.
pola, and the fire then applied. This beautiful
building was also consumed without any effort
being saade te save it-the fremen throwing
water only upon the adjoining budidgs, to
guard them from the flames. At six O'Clock,
the bare hlackcned aad tottered walls alone rc-
manned.