Putnam patriot., 1913-09-05
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was getting up 1 heard pistol shots across the street. 1 do not know for what they were signaling so early in the morning unless from distress and fear, for when 1 went into the hall, l found the whole sky and all the water brilliantly lighted. 1 could hear the roar of the fire and see the flames. The danger to houses in this part of the town seemed imminent. At dawn how ever the fire died down and, on looking from the west windows, we could see the river wall. We were thus happily saved from the two great dangers that had threatened us. A heavy wind was blowing and the snow began to whirl through the air. We went to the third floor where we knocked up wood that had been stored there. We then converted gas grate with andirons into an open fire place. Here we started a roaring fire to cook our breakfast. The boats began to run early carrying families from their homes. All day heavily ladened boats have passed our corner with women and men and children all crouched down together. The strong wind and snow makes the rescue work difficult. What splendid bravery and careless ness of self these men in the boats are exhibiting. All day they have rowed, regardless of the cold and the wet snow.
 Later.
 Late Thursday afternoon we were taken from our home by the militia which arrived during the day. No one was permitted to stay in the flooded district. By the greatest good fortune we were met al the rescue station by the same man who had found home for my family. When 1 arrived and they heard my voice, all the strain Of the three days expressed itself Joy opens the emotions, grief represses. They all looked gray and drawn. But We are comfortably housed and, like every one else, we are taking the situ- ation philosophically and cheerfully. Our suffering did not compare with that of most of those who were res. cued. Many lived in trees, in the ga- bles of houses, on roofs for three days and nights, with children and in- valids, without food or water, with a cold bleak wind blowing and in im- minent danger. Men who have spent their lives accommodating a little pro- perty are without home or business. On Friday gave out food from the improvised eommiSSary. Men with sunken eyes and haggard faces came for loaf of bread. They with their families had been in the rain all night and had just been rescued from peri lous positions. A man at my side said "gou must not give so much bread to one family" And the man in the bread line answered, "Anything you say. We will take what you will give us. Everywhere we see patient acceptance of this disaster. The peo- pie on the hills have proved them. selves great in courage and wisdom and generosity. This experience has leveled the rich and poor and made friends of all of us. Everyone looks up cheerfully. This to me is heart breaking though 1 realize that there is no real tragedy except loss of one's spiritual strength. With this as a re- serve no one is poor. We are greater in mind and soul and poorer in ma terial things than we have ever been before We hear no complaints, no la menting. Business men are hurrying to make over their ruined affairs. At present the city's problem is its mud. We are buried in tons Of sticky mud. have calculated that in our house alone we have one hundred tons. In