Independent Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1842-1844, 1844-05-25

was reduced 10 ruins.
mpESTRUCTION OF ST. Angus
INES CHURCH.-During the latter
part OF yesterday Wednesday, afternoon,
crowds began to assemble in the vicinity
of; the Catholic Church of St. Augustine,
on Fourth street between Race and Vine
street.
Mayor Scott took early precautionary
measures, and long before dark had a
large posse Of citizens drafted, with which
he took position at the rear of the church,
while the City Watch, having their badges
on. formed in line upon the curbstone
before the front on Fourth street.
Matters remrned quiet until about half
past nine O'Clock, when every avenue
Whereabouts was filled by dense masses Of
people.
About that time a solitary brick was
flung in the direction of the City Watch
men, and struck with a loud and distinct
noise (for all then was quiet, against the
iron railing at their rear. This was iol-
lowed by loud cheer from the crowd OPP
posite the church in New street; and in
an instant after, tremendous shower of
bricks, stones, and missiles of every avail
able description, was directed against the
church, scattering the Watch and other
bystanders in every direction.
About the same time, similar attack
was made upon the rear. One OF the
stones in the first volley struck and sunni
ed Mayor Scott, and this spread constern.
alton among those having protection of
the rear. Besides, the missiles appeared
to be thrown not only from every concei-
vable but from inconceivable quarters.
Though no persons were to be seen upon
the adjacent 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 systematically. One Of the
iron gates was first broken down, and thus
the platform (about five feet high) upon
which the building stands having been
reached, q sort OF ba,tering ram was pro.
cured, with which steady and determined
blows were inflicted upon the northern
most door, but it resisting all efforts,
(Which i: did until the las',) with clubs,
the assalans began to demolish the sash
es of the front windows, which are low,
and in which by this time there was not
probably single unbroken pane Of
glass.
While the mob was thus engaged, there
was an alarm of "The Troop"-"The
Troop"-and above all the clamor was
presently heard the notes of shrill trum-
pet, sounding the charge. The First City
Troop rode by almost at gallop, causing
the crowd 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 followed the horsemen, with
ersoever they went, uttering long and de-.
risive cries; while the party Immediately
engaged in breaking into the church did
for moment desist, but seemed to re-
double their efforts in anticipation of the
arrival of more of the military.
In an incredibly brief period the OBJ.
struclion offered by the sash was removed
the gas light near by extinguished-and
fire conveyed into the lower centre win
dow. The fire was undoubtedly kindled
by lucifer matches, as we were close
spectators, and certainly no fire was cur
ried openly within.
AS soon as The light was seen, numer.
Gus persons employed themselves in
bringing in small pieces of boards and
other light stuff, which were either thrown
upon the fire or handed TO those inside.
The flames appeared to make slow pro-
gress, for the light was not seen in the Sc
cond story at all, (:his was owing, we be.
lieve, to the windows having shutters in
side,) but on sudden they burst forth
from the roof, and almost Immediately en-
veloped the base of the cupola. The
sight was hailed by loud cheer.
The beautiful cupalo Of the church did
not burn with The rapidity which might
have been supposed. This was owing to
the cornice Of the base projecting so far
as for time 10 shield the columns which
supported the dome and cross.
The flames probably reached the roof
as soon as they did by means of the or
gan, which stood Immediately over the.
burning materials below.
The cupalo burnt for long time before
any portion of it fell. Pillar after pillar,
stanchion after stanchion fell, and still the
structure stood erect, one mass Of fame.
At length the cross fell into the street.
This elected another cheer. A few mo-
ments after, the falling in of the roof car
ned with it the burning but still erect re-
mains Of the cupaIo.
The heat was intense, and The roofs,
doors, and window frames, and other wood
work, of every building near, was either
burning, bistering, or sending up wreaths
of steamy moisture. Many of the ada.
i oont bouaaa t,oeo IN &C.. ~. L.,. A.. Ill