The Placer herald., 1860-02-11
Awful Catastrophe in Lawrence, Massa-
chusetts---Fall Of Factory--.Several
Hundred Persons Killed and Wounded.

Mail, brings an account of terrible catas-
trophe at Lawrence, Observation-Disclosures fall
of Factory building while six or seven
hundred persons were at work within it,
many of whom were killed aud manned. A
dispatch from that place on January 10th,
says:
Zone of the most terrible catastrophes on
record occurred in this city this afternoon.
The Pembroke Mills fell with crash at
about five O'Clock, while some six or seven
hundred operatives were at work. The mills
are complete wreck Some two or three
hundred persons are supposed TO be still in
the ruins AT present it is impossible to
give anything like correct statement of the
loss of life, but from the best authority il is
believed two hundred are dead in the ruins.
Eighteen dead bodies have already been
taken out, together with some twenty NOR
tally wounded, besides some fifty in different
stages of mutalion. Mr. Chase, the Agent
of the mill, and Mr.. Howe, the Treasurer
escaped by running from the falling building
the disaster. Our reporter has just come
from the ruins, and the scenes there beggar
all description. Some two or three acres of
ground are piled up with every descrpt on
of machinery of tho fallen building. Huge
bonfres are burning to light some two or
three thousand persons who are at work, rs
it for their lives, to rescue the unfortunate
persons, many of whom are still crying and
begging to be released from ther tortures
Every lew minutes some poor wretch is drag
ged from his prison, and it is heartrending
to hear their cries as they are drawn out with
legs and arms crushed and torn.
The whole city seems in mourning. Many
are running through the streets, and others
with frantic cries are searching the ruins
Temporary hospitals have been arranged for
those rescued. Many stand by the wreck
frightened with despair. Another terrible
crash occurred by the clearing away, threat
en;ng death to all who may be alive in the
ruins.
Gangs of men with ropes are constantly
dragging out huge pieces Of the wreck which
imprison so many. Some Of the rescuers
we're killed in their humane efforts.
Surgeons are coming in from all directions,
and everything that can be done at such a
painful moment is done for the suffering
victims of the fatal calamity.
SECOND DISPATCH.
1870 y. M.-At about ten minutes to five
o'clock, this afternoon, our citizens were
warned by the cry of fire which proceeded
from the Pemberton Mills, about four ffths
of which had fallen shapeless mass without
the slightest warning to the 500 human be-
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was never considered to be as staunch as it
ought to be- It was built about seven years
ago, and then was thought sham; indeed,
before the machinery was put in, the walls
spread to such an extent, that some twenty
two tons of iron Stats were put in to save it
from falling by its own weight. From the
best information that can be gathered, the
building appeared to crunbe and fall from
the eastern corner or end 1t fell inwards
The fire department at once repaired to the
spot, but there being no fire they at once set
to work with will to remove the rubbish.
They very soon reached some rooms, so that
the dead and wounded were taken out as
fast as they could be reached. Mr.. Charles
Bachelor helped to remove some twenty
six, in various conditions, some still living.
The City Hall has been converted into a
temporary hospital for the dead and wound
ed till recognized. Mr.. Palmer was deeply
buried in the ruins all the time, and thinking
there was no prospect Of being extrcated, i,
cut his throat to end his sutierings. Still he
was taken out and lived some time. One
woman in the part of the mill still standing,
became frightened and threw herself out of
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juring herself so that she cannot recover.
The aboring force of the mill is about 060,
and it is supposed that about 700 human be
ings were actually buried in the ruins.
A woman just rescued, says there are some
twenty five more in the vicinity of her not
alive.
About half past fire was discovered. This
additional horror struck terror to the hearts
that had before been hopeful OF saving more
lives. Still the work Of removal went on.
The force pump and engines on the ground
were at once got to work aud have been pour
ing torrents on. SO that at |: 80 The fire does
not seem to gain, and hopes are entertained
that it will he STAYED.
ANOTHER DESPATCH.
LAWRENCE, Mass, llth.-A portion of
the operatives had left for supper previous to
the falling Of the building, about 600 remain
ing. The building was five stories high $50
feet long by 20 wide, with wing on the
west side As feet square, shaped like the let
ter L. 1t ran 27o0 spindles; 960 operatives
were employed.
LETTER FROM yng MAYOR or LAWRENCE.
LAWRENCE, Jan, illh.-Terrible as our
calamity has been, think it is much over
estimated as to the number killed. As near
as have been able to ascertain this morning
I fnd the dead and missing, which is equiva-
lent to dead, ll5, and 100 wounded. Some
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