Gazette Of The United States

The brig Charleton, Capt. Garman, from this port, is arrived at Charleston. On the 5th inst. in the evening, there arose a heavy squall, attended with rain, and severe lightning and thunder—during which the foremast of the brig was struck by the lightning, and very much shivered—passing from thence it killed a horse on deck, belonging to the Hon. W. Smith, and splintered the mainmast, melting a brass plate round it—thence descending into the cabin, it went in at a man who was sitting under the companion and knocked down Mr. W. P. Young, who lay a considerable time deprived of his senses, and was very much scorched and otherwise hurt. The mate and several hands who were on deck, were all knocked down and remained lifeless for some time. The shock was so great that the brig was stopped in her way, and every person on board thrown into the greatest consternation.