The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-06-08
Letter from Kentucky.
EwIsBrRG, n.y., May %, 1860.
10 the Editor of the CaledOniQn.

EwIsBrRG, Ky, May %, 1860.
To the Editor of the Calcdonian.
Madison County, Ky. in common with a
large district of adjacent and surrounding
territory, has just been visited by destruct-
i've and violent tornado. Unlike all other
hurricanes that have marked the history of
the West, this was not circumscribed in its
latitude, nor soon exhausted in its progress.
SO far as yet heard from, it swept scope Of
country several hundred miles in extent in
every direction. The Cincinnati papers are
full of reports of immense damage done to
life, limb and property, in that city and else
where. The river men appear to have been
extensive sufferers. Numbcrless coal boats
we're engulphed in the boiling Ohio, and ali
the hands, in many cases, carried down with
out moments warning. For particulars
see any of our western papers.
design merely to give brief outline of
The injury done in this County, every inch OF
which was swept by the bosom of destruc
zion. The beautifully wooded bluegrass
pastures, so prevalent here, present indeed d
mournful aspect, not only to their proprie-
tors, but to every one who delights in beau
iful rural scenery. In some localities scarce
ly tree is left standing in others the NOR,
sturdy alone have escaped the windgod's fu
ry. On one patch of six acres of heavil.
tinbered woodland but two or three trees
are left unscathed. have noticed hickoriss
q feet in diameter actually twisted and spli
into shreds for thirty feet from the ground ;
.lso ash trees of the same size uprooted, as
we'll as l5-inch loeusts, standing solitary.
with roots remarkably tough and deeply SET
in the ground. This will give some idea of
the momentum of the tornado.
The Reformed Church, brick building Of
80 by so feet, near this village, was complete
~ demolished. The wind struck its northern
end, bursting it in, and then carried the root
across the turnpike into neighboring field.
The damage to this church is estimated at
$4,000.
In Naysvile not less than three churches
were unrooted, one Of its market-houses raz-
ed to the ground, and numberless dwellings
and business houses wholly or partially de-
stroyed.
At Mayslick not less than $4,000 damage
was done the buildings of the village. The
roof Of large block fell upon smaller
house, crushing it in and severely injuring d
number of its inmates.
In every direction hear of cattle and hor-
ses being killed by the falling timber in the
pastures. In some parts of the county the
tornado was accompanied with hail as large
as hens eggs. The hemp, wheat, and barley
of such localities art completely ruined. All
the loose fencing OF the county was swept a
way, the rails flying in the air like light
winged feathers. There's no telling the a.
mount Of loss sustained by this county alone.
| hear many farmers estimate their loss a.
high as $4,000 Many poor persons cab
in has no roof loft but the blue sky above. .
Contributions are being made for their bene-
tit, as well as for the repair of the shattered
churches. The event will form an epoch in
the history of the county, to be thought of
by those who experienced it with many a
shudder, and referred to by the posteritv as
a dire and unprecedented calamity.
The weather generally this spring has been
warm and rainy. and the crops present a for
ward and pleasing appearance. Whea, il.
headed and viii be ready for the ,pa,cntl
reaper in three weeks.
IT. politics we are not asleep. The movements
Of the politicians are watched with good
deal of interest by all classes of partisans.-
The bust-up at Charleston has caused no a.
larm to any one-save 4 few of the more ul-
ira Locotocos. Many of the Democrats pre-
fer Bell to Douglas, should they be the sole
candidates for southern support. The nom;-
nation of Bell and Everett was received here
with great satisfaction. The State is certain
for them so is Tennessee-to carry the sub
ject no farther
Abe Lincoln, although to the Kentuek ma
nor born" will receive sorry support in his
native State. 1t is my opinion that the rira
roce mode of voting, prevalent throughout
the South, tends to muzz!e many man in
the free expression Of his sentiments. Ra,h-
er than incur the odium and persecution con-
upon failing 10 support the "pe-
,ular institution" many man reslects to
vote at all, and joins in his voice with the
popular throng. But there is no likelihood
Of change in the system, at least for long
years to come. Md.
The Cattle Disease.
The dpSfru rfiOn Of caftlo hr ,louro ,,,o,,