Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1865-03-22
From the Savannah Herald Feb. 1st. \,
From Savannah.


Great Coyaagration-A Nagasins Destroyed-
Terrible Explosion of Shells and Oartridges-
Several Blocks Burned-Loss ofLDs
Last evening at q little before II o'clock, CON-
menced the greatest eonagration that has occurred
in this city since 1920 To the usual horrors of an
extensive fire were added the dangers of terrific
so q S e Il aHs 81
artillery.
ORIGIN OF THE FIRE.
The fire was evidently an incendiary one, and
was set in stable IN the rear of the building
known as the Granite Hall, formerly used by the
enemy as naval magazine, at the corner of West
Broad and Zubly streets.
TIE FIRST ATTEMPTS TO ExrINGUIsH TIE FLAMES.
The alarm was promptly sounded, and the fire
companies repaired Immediately to the spot. Sew.
eral officers, who arrived in fortunate tme either
officially or accidentally, at once comprehending
the danger, organized the bystanders into force
for the removal of shell and other ammunition from
the building, before the fire should reach it. A
strong wind was blowing and the flames spread
very rapidly. Troops were called out. as guard,
and PATROL, to assist in the removal of the con-
tents Of the building and to aid in working the en-
gines. Lieut. COL Burke, Provost Marshal, and
Capt G. G. Casey, Chief Fireman, worked together
most efficiently, the former assigning troops to aid
in working the engines and the latter superintend-
ing the working.
A large. number of shells were removed and
every effort was made to stay the progress of the
fsmes but in vain.
Before midnight the ammunition was reached,
and then commenced series Of terrific explosions
TIE SCENE AT NIGHT.
The roar and crashing of the exploding shells
swoke many sleeper from his quiet repose Peo-
.pe rushed from their houses half dressed, and ran
to and fro 10 phrenzied excitement.
In the Pulaski House there was q rich scene of
excitement Some ran down stairs almost breath
less, fully convinced that the rebels were upon u.s.
and that fierce siege was going on. Indeed the
explosion of the shells would deceive war.tried
veteran for they rushed forth in continued success
sion, as if fred from well sustained battery.
The excitement was considerably allayed when
the real nature of the firing was ascertained =
But a new fear now occurred, the sparks of fire
rising from the burning house were borne by a
strong northern wind threatening to set the whole
town on fire ); besides the pieces of shells flying
around, rendering it unsafe to 60 out
Between twelve and one the scene was sadly
savagey grand. The flames from the burning piles
of buildings had spread in one lurid sheet over the
city, with black cloud of smoke like funeral
pail lowering over them. Every moment kissing,
shrieking shells would mount in the air. dashng
their hurtling fragments around
To add to the panoramic beauty of this sublime
scene, she'll struck the side of the reservoir, and
Jet de teu sprang forth, rivaling in beauty any
fountain, and looking in the fiery glare like show
er Of molten silver.
About this time ventured toward the scene
of ruin and conAagration, and the scene it present
ed was heart rending in the extreme. Women and
children were rushing around in panic-stricken
confusion some striving to little of their ef
fects, others wildly escaping the flying missiles
With death staring them in the face, the fire com.
panies were on the spot actively striving to subdue
the devouring elements. What made the moral
courage they displayed the greater, . report got
currency that several barrels of powder were in
the building contiguous, towards which the fire
was rapidly advancing.
We saw few dead and some wounded men ly.
ing ON the street. and being carried away. Women
and children were huddled in groups under shelter
of walls aud houses, trembling both with cold and
fear.
In the confusion families we're separated, and it
was painful to see mothers rushing back through
the flames and flying missiles, seeking their child.
rem, and when found, frantically embracing them,
and bearing them from the living flames.
We have seen towns sacked, we have seen many.
battle feld, but SO fearfuly grand and appalling
sight we have scarcely ever Witnessed
About two o'clock most of the shells had explo.
ded, and citizens and soldiers were collecting to
reuder all the assistance they could. All night
they were busily engaged, trying to stay the de.
vouring elements, and rsscuing those in the burn
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