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Source: Richmond Enquirer - Va
Dated: Oct. 28, 1823
NEW LONDON, (Connecticut) Oct. 13 - A cloud from the Northwest, and another from the Southwest, met over this city between 6 and 7 o'clock, on Monday evening last; when commenced a most violent tempest of lightning, wind, hail and rain - wind s. W.
     The sloop Experiment, Capt. Henry Taber from New Bedford, bound to New York, put in her for a Harb++, and had just came to anchor by her chain cable, when the lightning struck her topmast and descended her mast to the dock when it passed to the water by her cable, which was secured round her mast.  A piece was split from her topmast, another fourteen feet long from the mast near the top, and another thick piece five feet long from the opposite side of the mast, about 20 feet from the deck - no injury below deck.
     The Capt. and four men were on deck, one standing near the tiller, and rest forward, all were struck down, evidently senseless for a few moments, as they did not hear the thunder which accompanied the stroke.  They soon recovered.  The Capt. had his foot upon the chain cable, at the instant, but though struck down, experience no lasting injury. - All are well.  There were twelve or fifteen passengers on board, most of them in the cabin, who sustained no injury, but state the report accompanying the lightning was louder than the heaviest cannon - The mast is repairing, and being fished it is supposed will carry her to New York.
     After the Sloop was struck, amidst this w__ of elements, a barn owned by Capt. John Way, containing a quantity of hay, was struck by the lightning - The blaze in a few minutes, was so great, as to give general notice of the spot; and the most active citizens assembled with alacrity(sp).  The Engines were also there with the greatest dispatch.  It being impossible to save the building, it was pulled down, and the fire subdued.  Thanks are due to Lieut. G__es, who immediately on observing the fire, ordered a party of soldiers to our assistance; who were among the _____ in extinguishing the fire. - There were also, present, a number of the citizens of Groton and Waterford, who are ever ready to reciprocate exertion on similar occasions.
     But first of all, we are indebted to a gracious interposition? of Divine Providence, for the preservation of all.  Bank-street, and probably the greater past of the city.  The barn burnt, stood twelve feet __another, large and full of hay, which very nearly adjoined other buildings, contiguous to which is a rope-walk, containing a quantity of hemp.  At the time the fire was issuing from every part of the building, when the intense heat rendered it impossible for the firemen to sustain themselves near it, and flakes of fire were falling on houses forty rods distant - at this decisive moment, the glaring lightning, the loud peals of thunder, and the furious wind were stayed.  A perfect calm succeeded, the clouds were dissipated, and the moon gave her light.  It was the hand of the Diety.
 
 
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