The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-02-17

SUPPOSED PLOT OF RRBRL IN0RNDIARIRs.
On the evening Of the 9th January q
/ disastrous fire occurred at Savannah. de-
stroying considerable property, but With
out loss of life; and on the morning of the
18th another broke out, destroying two
squares in the Third district. Several
buildings were torn down to prevent the
spreading of the flames, as the wind was
blowing strong from the east, .,,. .., .,o'
" Lieut. T. j. Spencer, depot ordnance
officer, reports that key of powder was
found at the side, of the arsenal, at the
corner of York and Walker. streets, un-
doubtedly to blow up the city, as it con-
tanned over. thirty tons of powder. The
key was placed in the shadow of a tree to
avoid discovery, with the top taken ont.
A single spark would have carried out his
design. 1t is thought to be the work of
rebel incendiaries. s....... .,,.t.....
The Savannah Republican, of January
% give the following particulars
AS we go to press ono of the most
fearful catastrophes that has ever occur
red in this section of our country is in
progress. at liz O'Clock the alarm of fire
was again sounded from the steeple of the
Exchange for the Third district. The
firemen were soon on the spot, and found
a small row of wooden buildings in flames.
The wind was blowing strong easterly
gale, and the fire spread with fearful ra-
pidity, utterly battling all attempts on the
part OF the soldiers and the firemen to stay
its progress, ~
"Several small buildings were torn down
In order to prevent the spreading of the
flames, and, if possible, save the dreadful
dangers consequent upon the burning of
the old rebel navy magazine, which was
known to be stored with a large amount of
heavy rebel ammunition and consider
able amount of powder As the heavens
grew red with the fiery element, the air
was filled with sparks resembling golden
shower
"In very short time the news spread
like wildfre through the city that the
magazine was on fire, with fifty tons of
powder and several hundred shells stored
therein This report alarmed and horrif-
ed every one 10 the city, ard created a
great panic throughout the entire city
limits, extending even through the camps.
AuouSohuS VI POOpiC dIOo0 lrOtu LQ6lr OeuS
and began to make preparations for their
safety. which could only be bad in fleeing
beyond the range of bursting shells and
crumbling walls. irrs,s
"In half an hour the worst fears were
confirmed by the explosion of the first
she'll, which burst and sent IT'S fragments
Kissing through the air. In less than FIVE
minutes fearful series of explosions took
place, resembling furious bOmbardment,
followed by terrific flashes as fast as the
powder ignited We have reports that
lives have been lost, but owing to the dire
confusion it is utterly impossible to give
any accounts or reliable statements.
"We have authentic information that
one soldier was quite severely wounded
and colored boy killed. Doubtless there
are many casualties resulting from this aw-
full disaster. Dozens of poor families have
been rendered houseless by the fire, and
owing to the freezing state Of the atmo-
sphere their sufferings must be intense"