The Virginia Gazette

The distress of the very numerous and brilliant company in Richmond gardens, on Sunday evening, occasioned by the sudden and long continued heavy rain, was beyond description. Beaus and belles, of all ranks and degrees, were every thing but drowned. They were driven or shelter under the trees in all parts of the gardens, until the weight of the storm on the overcharged branches forced them from their coverts; when they were obliged to make off, in the most miserable plight that can be imagined. Some were bewildered, and kept so late in the gardens that they could not get out in time; and were confined there, wet to the skin, all night, while their carriages waited for them in vain without. The condition of the Ladies in particular was truly pitiable, and it is feared that the consequence will be fatal to many. The Prince of Mecklenburg, the Spanish Ambassador and his Lady, with many other persons of rank and distinction, shared in the general misfortune. The inns at Richmond, Kew, &c. were so crowded that ten guineas were refused for a bed, and several persons of condition were obliged to lie all night upon straw. In short, the confusion and distress can only be conceived by those who had the pain of beholding or sharing in it.