The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1871-10-24
For the BEersrBR.
A Letter Of Fret
FROM 1.-THE VEST

Hcnt, IL IL verify 80. Fires arc 0evaStat-
ing the forests and prairies in Michigan.
Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota to fear
ful extent, owing to the severe and pro-
tracted drouth which has continued since
August.
We left Chelsea, Thursday, Oct. 5th,
for Chicago, and all day long the marks
and ravages Of the drouth we're every
way apparent, and portion of the track
passed through dense smoke and burning
grass and timber.
Yesterday we saw gentleman who
gave us a sad at count Of the fires now
raging in Minnesota. Tho fire took in
the prairie on the Red River, and famed
by high wind which prevailed at the
time, spread with frightful rap:dity.
No person except those who have lived
upon the immense prairies of the west
can form any idea what fearful, and
awe inspiring, terrific sight it is, to see
the fire fiend let loose to run riot over
hundreds of miles of territory, covered
only with fuel to feed the insatate mons
. ter, which travels with the speed of the
wind, devouring everything in its course.
Such a sight is vouchsafed to but a few.
and those who have seen it once can nev-
er recall the terrific scene without shud-
der.
Any attempt to describe the grandeur
of such n sight is futile Starting at first
from a small beginning, the flames grad
ualy spread out, gathering force with ev-
cry gust Of wind, constantly widening
their course, until with mad, riotous fu-
ry, they leap and plunge in every direc-
tion. licking up everything in their march,
like very demon Of destruction, until
they remind the awe inspired beholder of
that scene which the children of Israel
beheld when they were led by a'pillar of
cloud BY day." and "pillar of fire by
night"
At such time everything living,
whether man or beast. fees in terror, for
it is worse than useless to contend with
the fiery monster whose breath "burneth
like an oven"
Such scene, continued my informant,
tho residents of my state, west Of the
big Woods" along the line of the St.
Paul d Pacific Railroad, have witnessed
during the past few days. From small
beginning somewhere near the western
boundary of the state, the fire spread un-
til it reached the "Big Woods" l50 miles
fron the point Of starting.
In striking the woods, it was not stay
ed in it, course. but the flames seizing up
on the day unlcrhru>h and from thence
to the tall trees Of the forest, it extended
its line for distance of lj miles in the
heavy timber until it reached Smith
Lake."
When once fairly under headway in
the timber the scene is described as grand
beyond the power of pen or pencil to pic
!, ture. Roaring cracking, with sound
that could be heard for miles, the flames
tore their way, leaving behind them
blackened, smoking, desolate waste, to
make their onward and destructive march.
Everything in their course was utterly
destroyed. The grain and hay stacks,
the cornfelds, fences, and 10 some instan-
ces the rude homes and scanty house,
hold goods of the settlers, all fell prey
to the insatiate monster. The terror
stricken people fed, leaving their worldly
possessions behind, glad to escape with
their lives.
Our informant gave us many instances
of utter loss and ruin. A Swede came
in to seek aid from friends. Everything
he had in the world was destroyed, in
Guiding a team of horses, yoke Of oxen,
three cows, grain, farm implements, &c.
He and his family had narrow escape
with their lives.
A man was seen driving flock Of
some l5O sheep. AT last accounts, nei.
ther man or sheep had been heard from.
The man may have escaped, but the sheep
undoubtedly had their mutton cooked"
A Mr.. eager was returning from Fort
Abercrombie with five fine horses The
flames overlook him, and seeing his on
ly safety lay in facing them, he headed
his horses for the wall of fire, and dash
ed through, burning his overcoat from
his back. and injuring his horses to such
an extent that they are almost worthless.
Fortunately the rider escaped with few
burns He was an old hand on the prai-
ries and holding his breath, swallowed no
fame.
While our pen is dipped in fire, and is
sketching the ravages Of the fire 6eud, We
would state that last evening this city
(Chicago) was visited by two destruc.
tive fires in the west part of the city, at
which we were present. Acres of dwell
ling houses and shops were laid in ashes
including one extensive lumber yard.
The insurance companies suffer heavily.
Numerous families lost everything and
are houseless. One woman, sad to re-
late, was burned to death.
The amount of property consumed by
the fires raging throughout the west is
immense. and their fiery recital has
prompted our muse to the following words
Of
SYMPATHY.
The sympathislng tear that's she'd
Upon fellow sufferers head,
Can never be lost.
1t shall receive hundred fold
In lands, or goods, or current gold.
Invoiced at cost
Then let our tears of pity flow,
To cheer the sons Of want and woe
Who sigh for aid,
Extend warm and helping hand,
To all who grieve throughout our land
OF every grade.
The houseless poor in sorrows weeds,
Whose burning story strongly pleads
In loud appeal
Should cause our hearts with love 10 glow
And eyes and purse to overflow,
With generous veal