The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1862-03-22
The Great Flood in California.

The storm on Sunday night, the 9Th Of De.
ccmber 1861, was fearful in Sacramento
j Don't 90 to the church tonight, surely no
one will be there But twenty brave men
were there. \ noble opportunity I had to
cry, 1t is time to seek the Lord till He
come and rain righteousness upon you. Thank
God for one more Christian sermon, and for
once more safely reaching my home. How
the storm RACES as the night moves slowly on.
Is there no danger?
1t is morning, aud the rain falls in torrents
Down come the mountain foods. The lcvce
is broken and the American river is rushing
madly upon the doomed city. There it comes.
1t is within four squares of US. We spring
to bring in Il little wood for the emergency
On it comes. Strong men and beasts are
struggling above Us. The tops Of the houses
are covered with anxious gazcrs. Quick.-
Every article to the upper story of our strong
brick hired house Flour, meat, potatoes
books carpets, all. The watc, is at the door
sill In it comes! There are our neighbors
from the cottages near. No safety at home.
Strong men wade to our door up to their hips,
with wives, and daughters, and tender babes
in their arms and on their shoulders. Come
in. God be praised for one place of safety
Another company arrives in boat Our
upper rooms are full. Still the waters rise.
Two strong men bear stove into hall, and
by great exertons we gather pipe of different
kinds and set it up. Thanks to Providence.
we have plenty Of provisions, and now place
to cook.
The food increases. Boats are moving
rapidly through our streets, rescuing the help.
less. Property is OF no account. Strong
horses and mules struggle for life. We shout
to each other giving orders and encouraging
exertlon. Down sink q fne team, and wagon,
and rider. Poor man he falls to rise no
more. God pity the bercaved ones a. home |.
The water has reached the marble maptel in
our parior and still it rises We are. by the
ordering OF Providence. on one of the highest
points Of the town. The danger is greater
below. We look out and as far as the eve
can reach II is one vast sea. AT our place
(N, above Ninth) the current is frightfuI.-
/ Vigorous animals fail to stem it. and float
downward rapidly from our sight. Rats and
drlftwood bear, now man with brave heart.
strong muscles, and setting pole; now dog
and poultry. Here comes a fence, pile OF
lumber, wagon, and now more horses and
mules, and cows, with hoses Just above the
water, struggling Tor Lille. The hsl, pickets
are covered, and still tho water rises. Three
clock +. Nj. The sun shines out, and the
dancing waters send back the quivering light.
Our home is an island. Our doors float rom
their hinges. China-ware, servers, books
sacks of grain, and other effects left below
move out into the sea and take their chance
Doubtful if We ever see them again. | am
afraid to hear from the church-my library
Is IN the basement In my own mind | give
1t up Tor lost, and an irreparable loss it will
be. There is boat from below | hail il
The water is about eigh, feet decp in tho
basement OF the church. Alas. nv library
aud papers are certainly submerged. Four
O'Clock Z. M. The water is falling, and tho
sun IS still shining brightly. We hone for
relief IN few hours. but await the will Of
the Lord. Five o'clock =. NJ. The water
Is rising The sun sets amid the riches. efF,I.
genco OF golden light. A dark cloud skir,,
the eastern horizon, and the fools move fam.
fully BY. .... - '' ''"'
1t is night. The moon shines softly uno,