Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-01-22
FIRST EDITION.
300 H. M
THE ICE GORGE AT PORT DEPOSIT.

DEPosIr-THE LOWER PAKr OF THE TOWN IN
UNDATED THE INHABITANTS FLEEING FOR
sAFETY-N INCIDENTS OF THE oREAg FLOOD.
Especial Correspondence Of the Commercially
PoRr DEposIT, Nd, Jan. 10Th, 1873
To-day has been one Of extreme excitement in
this town, in consequence of the rapid rise of
the river and the fearful crashing OF the ice
brought down with the food from above. The
water at this moment, half past 3'oclock, p. M
is across the street in many places. flowing in
strong and rapid current compelling the inhab-
tants OF the lower side, or next the river to ee
from their dwellings aud seek shelter from the
rurhing torrent on the hillside.
Although il il Sunday, and the church bells
rang as usual, the attendance on divine service
was and is now very small necessity compelling
the people to be on guard constantly that they
may secure what property they can IN case the
water rises much higher.
The water has reached the platform OF the
Depot and the employees are engaged in trans
porting by means OF boats and wagons, freight
to higher and more secure places. The railroad
IL entirely submerged the whole length OF tho
town. and doubtless when the flood subsidies,
will be found very materially injured-so much
80 az to prevent for some time, travel. At one
place along tho line, the ice and debris are piled
upon tho track twenty or thirty feet deep,
and the trestle-work Is torn away for distance
Of several hundred yards. Huge lumber piles
are freely floating about upon the wharves,
together with ice and drift wood, are promiscu-
ouAly blocking up the water channels, az we'll AZ
tho avenues TO the business parts OF the town.
From Mount Ararat the view Ii sublime be-
yond description. 10 the South, Watson's Is
land and the boom piers, with the broad fields
of unbroken ice form the breast work, together
with the grand II Il. bridge, between Havre de
Grace and Port Deposit, which, presenting Its
beautiful tresHellated brOadsde to the rushing
torrent seems to defy its power; whilst from
the North on comes the rushing river, with its
surging freight to add its volume to the rapidly
increasing blockade.
Half-past four, p. NJ The wateris still rising.
Messages from the north warn lis Of our danger,
and some, reluctant ito give up the ship, as it
we're, are now making for the hillside. Hats,
without number. are fleeing before the merciless
tide, only to meet almost as sure death at the
hands of both men and boys. who are sporting
in their destruction. Hall. drowned porkers from
their styes along tho river, occupy secure places
upon the verandahs of their owners with seeming
gratitude depicted upon their faces for deliver
ance.
Twenty minutes to seven o'clock p, M'-The
gorge up Watson's island Is still intact and the
ice is unbToken some distance below. The night
is dark and freezing cold. The water is still rising
and Overlooking the high granite pavement, III
many places, compelling the excited populace
TO take tho steep hill to pass. Many who bad
hoped that the gorge would break before night
and the flood subside, are, with blanched cheeks,
hurrying hither and thither, saving what they
can, and calling for help; whilst the growing OF
chickens, the mewing of cats, tho squealing OF
pigs and the bowling of dogs indicate that the
worst is not yet come.
As yet no accidents have occurred save to
one lad who nearly lost his life by falling into
cellar filed with water.
Ten O'Clock. p. M.-The flood seems to have
its highest M & a nant and the se oT seebe I
current and danger one would be reminded OF
the beautiful city Of Vonice, with it's canals and
gondolas. Boats are passing and repassng la
81 T.F lUNWN
ings, whose pale cheeks indicate the terrible
danger to which they are exposed.
A sleeping infant brought of safely upon
small raft by one OF our fellow townsmon, is
worthy Of special note and admiration.
Yours truly,
Lnter-Tho vater still Ri-inR md the DAM
ger more Alarming.
[Fr m the same Correspondent
Port Deposit, Jan. 20.
Since my last, 10 o'clock last night, the water
has been steadily rising, and at tins hour (lz Nj
| has attained fearful height. The street inun-
| dated the whole length of the town, and water
is standing ten feet Ia the dwellings on the low
| or side.
The ice is still gorged on the Island. Above
| it has made a move. and is sweeping everything
| in its course. Telegraph wires are broken and
the poles arc swept oil. message Just recelV-
| ed reports that the water ID backed to ColumDla
/ from McOalls Ferry.
| The people are more alhIuieu tiihl o'oi AZ tHs
4 prospect from above. Several houses nave beeI
carried away and persons on the upper side OF
| the sire 4 are leaving for the hill-slde crash
| and lumber pile after lumber pile 80 by FEAR
| are entertained for the bridge, and we are look
| ing every moment for its destruction. Ihe lafb'
| warehouses; arc in great danger, and the large
sash factory is already damaged. The streets arr
full of boats and lumber Of every description
and things look fearful in the extreme.
| In the midst OF this fearful destruction, on'
| can hardly refrain from smiling at some OF the
| SCENES Women performing household duties
| are suddenly compelled to leave on and leap III
| to the arms OF the sturdy boatmen TO be con
| yeyed TO safe quarters. -
One o'clock Z. M.-The water lis steadily IN
| creHaing, and il now about to invade the F"s
| Office 1t is showing and the whole scene pre-
sents a grave aspect. 1t is especially worthy q
| remark-the benevolence Of those who are with
| out the danger towards those who suddenly ar
| compelled 10 ilee their home and its comforli
| Tho houses on the upper ride are full to oVei
| flowing, and still they come. The people froI
the country line the hills The whole scene
| one of the widest confusion. CONTRIBUTOR
The Intest---The Flood Abnting, but the IC
GOrge UGenIRius.
Passengers who came mp on the morning tral
: from Baltimore, to day, report that the water
receding from Port Deposit, and that the alar
is sub4iding. Tho river is yet gorged with IL
about Watson's Island but no immediate dang
| is apprehended. The p, W. & B. II. Il. bridt
is safe and sound, and Che river is free from iC
| both above and below it.
/ -