Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

STORM TO THE SOUTHWARD

It is with concern we find the apprehensions expressed in our last too fatally confirmed by subsequent information. At Savannah, at George-Town, and along the whole coast of South-Carolina and Georgia, the hurricane has extended itself with the most destructive violence. From arrivals since the gale, it appears that it has not been confined to the coast, or within the Gulph stream. To the eastward of the Gulph it was felt with equal fury; and the effects are yet unknown, and perhaps never will be fully ascertained. It is stated that the tide rose at Savannah from ten to twelve feet above the usual spring tides; an incontestible evidence of the force of the wind. The damage occasioned by the tide will not fall short, in extent, to that occasioned by the wind.

The following is a summary of the damage at Savannah.

On Shore--Publick Buildings, two churches the steeple of one blown down to the foundation, the other, one side broken in; the Exchange, partly unroofed and otherwise damaged. Houses blown down or swept away by the tide 11, houses unroofed 4, houses partially damaged 22. Besides those, scarce one near the wharves but what suffered injury from the water which found its way to them.

In the Port. Vessels damaged. Sunk 1 Ship Dismasted 1 Ship, 2 Schooners. Upset 2 Ships, Schooner. Driven on Shore, 9 Ships, 2 Schooners, 4 Brigs, 2 Sloops, with the Revenue Cutter Thomas Jefferson, on the wharf occupied by Hunter & Minnis's new store, her mainmast gone, her stern broken out and her rudder unshipped. L'Amitie, French national Corvette, high on Mr. M'Credie's wharf.

The following is an account of the Storm at George-Town.

Georgetown, (S.C.) Sept. 12.

On Saturday last we experienced a severe Tornado, which for violence and duration, exceeded any within the remembrance of the oldest inhabitants of this place. It commenced between three and four A.M. with the wind at N.E. and blew from thence with increasing fury until twelve at night, when the wind shifted to S.S.E. but abated very little before the night following. The rain descended in torrents, with little intermission, the chief part of the time. The tide rose suddenly to a height hitherto unparalleled, covering several parts of the Bay in such a manner as to render it impassable, unless in boats, or other vehicles. Several stores on the wharves, as well as those at some distance from them, had two and three feet water therein; in consequence of which, great quantities of corn, salt, &c. were destroyed.

The schooner Perseverance, from this port for Charleston, belonging to Thomas Shubrick, Esq. of the latter place, was blown ashore on South Island; the people were saved, but it is feared the vessel will be entirely lost. Two negroes, attempting to cross Sampit river in a canoe, were overset, and fortunately saved themselves by swimming. Two others, in a similar attempt, were drowned.

Several merchants and others here, have suffered very much; the injury the planters have sustained, is incalculable. Many crops of rice, ready to be gathered, are partly lost; and the destruction of banks, trunks, &c. is very considerable.

Great apprehensions were entertained for the safety of the persons residing at North Inlet. The dwelling houses of Messrs. Alliston, Thurston and Crofts, were blown down; kitchens and out-houses swept away by the impetuosity of the tide; but, although the situation of the inhabitants was truly distressing, and their lives in most imminent danger, we are happy to state that none were lost.

The water in our streets was quite brackish, and sea turtle, terrapins, &c. were driven up to the town, one of which was caught by a negro fellow, in a new brick store on the bay.

CHARLESTON, Sept. 14.

A gentleman who was at Georgetown since the gale, informs, that it is the opinion of several experienced planters there, that rice, equal in quantity to ten thousand barrels, has been destroyed in that neighbourhood by the late gale and high tides.