The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1871-10-14

hair and names burn of, then the skin
become parboiled. and at last they lay
down amidst the blazing chips and rub
bish wallowing in the throes of death:
We sickened at the sight aud fastened
away, for our own salvation was none
too certain. Arriving
AT THE COURT HOUSE
we pushed through the multitude, and
many obtained a place in the towers
Here We had an extended vision OF the
devastation. The night was hideous
with scenes and sounds more internal
than human. Below US in the square
among the crowd we recognize a man
who has often preached :ntidel sermons,
or rather Trades from the steps, and
frequently was stopped by the police on
account of the great disturbance he
melted. Now he was wringing his
hands as if in agony. and wailiDg and
shouting, Where is God now! Where
is God now! Show US the angels !?
&c. This he continued until an officer
collared and thrust him into the base
ment, where his rawlings were less audi
ble. But, great God what a view we
had. Acres and blocks in the western
division were PROSTATE. glowerlng,
smoking, and cleaning with nearly con-
sumed force, while pillars Of flame and
clouds OF smoke marched along like
monster gnomes or tire-fend hosts
making fiercy war and destruction to
the doomed city. Over all was canopy
Of clnders Of brilliant hues, floating,
whirlng and fiekering like aerial
"Will-o the-wisps." A tremendous wind
was blowing at the time, and seemed
to shift in all directions. The crowd
could be seen in the streets huddled
together stupefed with fear, gazing Ike
demented ones upon the awful pan
Drama. The lurid glare gave every
thing crimson hue, and the moving
figures in the avenues seemed like imps
OF birthstone Horses were terrified,
and snorted and neighed as they were
tremblingly forced to 60. The cries Of
children and parents seeking each other
in vain were more than heartrending.
Very few Of the rongher classes were in
toxicated, and even these seemed awed
into decorum. On, and on. with re-
markable speed came.
THE FLAMING PROCESSION.
1t leaped the river and strided on with
unopposei fury. The multitude now
began to leave. All the hotels had been
empiiei and flight was imperative.
Just now occurred q scene that froze
our very marrow with horror. At the
intersection Of Randolph and Market
streets, was large building, (Callem >
used for offices. The jantor resided on
the fourth story with his family, con-
sisting OF a wife and four children. By
some means they were unable to escape.
by fire, they assembled TO
the roof The babe was in the mothers
arms, and another child, a little boy,
chung to her skirts. Two girls were
clasped in the arms Of the father.
Their shouts were but family heard
over the howl Of the winds and the roar
OF the flames At last the heat be-
came so intense that the woman was
overcome and fell to the roof. The
father wildly threw out his hands and
writhed and tell by his wfe's
side. That was all OF that holocaust
tragedy. We sickened at the horrid
sight, and hurried down the street,
which was now pretty well deserted |
Then along the banks Of the lake we
wandered, more like dead than living
men. We heard and saw mourning
aud agony and suffering that all the
books in the world could not hold the
account Of We were comfortably fixed
in life one week ago; now we are pen
niless. We have no doubt that ircPr-
diaries did part OF the work, and for
robbery and ravage. The shoes and
clothing Of the parties attested the
severity OF the oriea through which
they had passed.