The Virginia Gazette

Boston, June 7. On Saturday last, a little before Sun-set, came up a violent Gust of Wind, follow'd with Rain, from a black and threatning Cloud which hung over the Town for about Two Hours, in which Time we had very hard Thunder, and almost continual Lightning. The Lightning was observ'd to run in great Streams, and fell down several Chimneys, and on sundry Parts of the Streets, like burning Sulphur or Spirits, which upon their Fall were dispersed into small Particles, and when they were extinct, there was left a very noisome Smell. It was observed by several Persons in the Country, to run along upon the Ground in a great Blaze for a considerable Way. It struck the House of Mrs. Sherrar, in Anne-street; threw down a Quantity of Bricks from the Chimney, then ran down the Roof of the House, split the Gutter, tore off the Casing of the Window both within and without, and did some other Damage, melted the Heads of the Nails, broke the Glass, and forced its way into a small Room, where were Nine Persons, Two of whom sat close to the Window, a Man, and a Girl about 12 Years of Age, who had just left her Business in the Kitchen, and placed herself there for her better Security: The Lightning went under the Man's Chair, made Two Holes through the Floor, and melted a Spit that hung up in the Cellar; yet the Man received no Damage. The Girl, who sat close to him, much terrified, was immediately struck dead, all her Linen was on Fire in a Moment, her Body from her Face to her Feet was much scorched, her Shoes burst to Pieces, and torn from her Feet, and one of her Feet had a Hole made in the bottom of it Three other Persons were something hurt, but are now pretty well recovered. The Fire went down the Chimney into the Cellar, where was also a Fire-place, and a Woman standing by it, who was blinded and stunned for a considerable Time; but is recovered. The same Evening, Capt. Caleb Pitman, at Salem, standing with 5 other Persons in a large Entry, Was struck dead: and a Lad who stood close to him, was struck down and lay for Dead for some Time, but recovered. Two others of the Company were struck down, but received no great Hurt. And about the same Time, the Wife of Stephen Minot, Esq; on Boston Neck, was struck down by the Lightning, and something bruised: we do not hear of any other Lives lost; but are in fear we shall.