Beaufort Republican. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1871-1873, 1871-10-12

Beaufort S. q.
Oct, 9Th, 1871.
Dear Meteor;
In my last letter from this place, l men
toned the excitement which prevailed, on
account of the threatened tidal wave OF
the sixth inst. r am now able to tell you
of the actual result in this neighborhood.
AS far back as Monday last, the timid
ones began to move from here. TO what
was considered place of safety, and most
of them. gathered together at station
called Ysmassee, on the Savannah and
Charleston Rail Road, distant about twen-
ty-five miles from here. Most of the land
hereabouts, being less than twenty feet
above high-water mark, was very properly
considered unsafe, and while some trusted
to temporary habitations or huts, built
where four tail pine trees afforded an OPP
portunity to fasten boards together, into
the semblance of cabin, the majority
fed beyond the reach Of the tide, sad q
few bolder spirits constructed RATS, in
hopes that they might ride out the flood,
if food there was to be.
L being well provided for, as told you
IN my last letter, resolved to brave the
danger in this City, and the result, though
unforeseen by me, proved, that 1 saved
myself from unnecessary travel.
Fair eyes were closed in this usually
sleepy Town, on the night of the fifth
inst, and yet nothing more strange was
observed, until just before day on Friday,
when as the flood tide commenced to
come in, q hoarse murmur was heard from
afar, like the surf beating on distant
shore in high gale, and the tide came
up with a rapidity unusual here, 1 was
told.
"AhI then they was hurrying to and
fron-tAnd there was mounting in hot
haste''-Such panic among those who
had ridiculed Agssiz' prediction ensuedi
as to battle description.
But your correspondent and a chosen
few, remained firm, and as daylight became
manifest, we perceived what appeared
like solid wall of water approaching the
devoted Town, and nothing but the
strongest faith in the ability of the au-
therities to control the torrent, prevent
ed my acceptance of a proffered seat in
fast mule team that was about to try q
race for life with the surging tide. 49,.
Awful was the moment, agonizing the
suspense, to the small group that gazed
enquiringly from the end of the steam
boat pier, towards the advancing wave.
Had we, not leaned on broken weed in
trusting our lives to the civic dignitaries?
While hope and fear urged us from one
opinion to another, behold the watery
wall paused in its course, and stop
ped south of line, running from niger
head marsh to a point Immediately in
front of the Court House, and the happy
news was soon bought US that on the
other side of the town the devouring ele-
ment had been stayed by line running
form Sand point to Ladies Island ferry
landing.
So Jared it well with US, thanks to the
ceaseless exertions of the City Fathers,
but alas! at point beyond their reach the
damage done by the flood was terrible.
AS rode over to-day, what used to be
called the shell road, the damaging effects
of the tidal wave were but too manifest.
Where only two days ago there had
been only few bushes, vines and fallen
trees to impede the impetuous traveller,
there now lay across the road sturdy oaks
intermingled with fragments of overturn-
ed cabins and household utensils. What
seemed worse than all, was the entire de-
struction of a recently complete triumph
of engineering skill called the Salt Water
Bridge. 1t will be trial, vast trial to
the finances of the County to replace this
noble structure.
But were to attempt to depict the ag-
ony of the inhabitants at this intrusion of
water into their domestic affairs, should
never have done. Thoroughly convinced
that they will shun that element mere
than ever before, will now close prorais-
ing to tell you in my next of the progress
made in building that great National
work the Port Royal Rail Road.
SALIX.