Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-04-08
MEMPHIS, TENN: THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 8, 1875.

from the effects of the flames. Robert
Stanard. Esq, saved from the flames a
Miss Craig, to whom he is to be shortly
united. The rescue was desperately
perilous. Her sister, who was with her,
persisted. Perhaps there never was so
great a change in any city in the world
as Richmond experienced. Thursday
morning was ushered into existence with
resplendent calmness unexampled
before at this season Of the year. Never
did the sun dawn on so many
smiling, cheerful faces in Rich
mond as on that day Cheerful
gaiety dispensed its pleasureabie inAu-
ence over every part Of the city; deep
interest was felt in the play for that even
ing. 1t was a new Galhc play, trans.
lated by gentleman of Richmond. The
afterpiece was the Bleeding Nun (Agnes,
or the Bleeding Nun R, A. B aud
this the last week of performances The
house was full--nay, passing full The
play passed off to the entire satisfaction
of the audience, and the after-piece had
progressed to the second act. Mr.. Vest,
whose comic powers have long amused
the people of Richmond, was on the
stage-general glee and hilarity had
thrown the house into wild ecstasy. In
a minute the scene is changed Robert
son bursts on the stage aud in horrible
voice announces fire. The sad sequel
will not attempt to describes its misery
| can feel, but never can portray. Suf-
fee, therefore, to say that wild despair
and precipitate alarm apparently trans
fixed hundreds to the floor. Some thus
situated met furious death unconscious
of his approach others were borne life
less and hurled lifeless from the windows.
Two minutes had not elapsed ere the
theater vas filled with smoke and flames,
the candles extinguished and one-fourth
of the persons who had gone to the play
were on fire. Imagine to yourself the
situation OF Sodom and Gomorrah when
the vengeance of heaven visited them in
a torrent of fire. Behold the Sicliau
Isles blotted from existence by terrific
earthquakes-see the lava of Altna and
Mount Vesuvius swallowing up whole
cities --aud then, even then, you will
have but faint idea of the wild horror
that rived in twain the hearts of those
who beheld this scene. Each individual
who beheld it felt as if every being was
snatched from existence save himself,
who was deprived Of the pleasure of fol-
lowing his friend. The flames. as if sent
from the lower regions, reversed the or.
der OF nature, and instead Of ascending,
we're with violent velocity forced from
the roof into the pit and boxes, and ap-
peared to creep on the earth in furious
pursuit of prey. There were some pres
ent who had beheld the destruction of
thousands in battle, and seen cities swal-
lowed up unmoved, that bowed in hum.
ble submission to this frightful spectre
or handmade to fate. Who could remain
collected when he beheld at least FIVE
thousand persons in tears and frantic
with despair surrounding the funeral
pile of so many friends and relatives2
1t may be truly said the flames ieasted
on beauty, age, infancy, worth, honor
and beauty. Oh, how estimable, fate,
was thine Offering to heaven May its
incense reach the throng of the most
High, and there be received as propiti-
alton OF those who remain.
THE day succeeding this eventful
night bears ample testimony to the rev.
erential honor paid the dead; not car
riage Of any description was seen on
the streets, and every door, even down
to the meanest hovel, was shut. The
several departments Of government
closed their functions; and all festivity
is prescribed by the Common Hall for
four months.
Scarce two weeks have passed since
the carnage on the Wabash was sue.
ceeded Immediately by several alarming
evidences of earthquakes in the South.
Then this fatal fire, preceded by several
horrid murders and accideats in the
neighborhood. Doctor Henderson few
days SINCE stabbed mortally Mr.. Robert
son, aud two men have been found dead
near Richmond. These are awful fore
bodings of heavens vengeance. May it
be averted have made two narrow
escapes lately-one from the tumbing
of coal pit; the other a fall from my
horse.
Il am, with sentiments Of high esteem,
your most obedient servant,
A S WOODBRIDGE.
Hon. James Pleasants, Washing
ton"