Phenix Gazette

Terrible Explosion—The Messager des Chambres of December 5, contains the following extract from a report to the Minister of Marine, by Rear Admiral Rosamel, commanding a division in the squadron of the Levant:

On board the Trident, Navarin Roads, Nov. 19, 1829.

Sir,—I hasten to acquaint your Excellency with a horrible event, which has plunged into mourning our army in the Morea. A dreadful storm broke out last night, at half-past eleven, over Navarin. The lightning fell upon the citadel, and setting fire to the powder magazine, blew it up, with all the walls and buildings in the enclosure. The jury extended to a great distance beyond, principally in the town, where not one of the wretched huts which compose it remains habitable. Above 100 artillerymen who were lodged in the citadel, have been victims of the disaster. As far as we have hitherto discovered, 17 are killed and 78 are wounded, among which is an officer of artillery and nine men missing, who are supposed to be buried in the ruins.

The commotion was so violent that every vessel thought itself struck by the lightning, and an examination was made, both within and without, to ascertain the fact. Soon afterwards, being informed of the misfortune, I went on shore with 500 men, drafted from the different ships, and a great number of torches, &c. It will be difficult to form an idea of the dreadful scene which we witnessed. The darkness of the night rendered our task extremely difficult. It was even dangerous, because many thousand bombs and grenades had been scattered by the explosion and covered the ground still loaded and, before our arrival, fires had been kindled in the midst of them, to afford light. Happily a heavy rain had spoiled the matches. One, however, caught fire and burnt, but did not explode. Order was immediately given to put out all the fires, and keep only the torches.