The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a Letter from Bath, Jan. 10.

A few Hours after the terrible Claps of Thunder and Lightning last Thursday Morning, which was severely felt about this City, a most uncommon, and almost incredible Gust of Wind happen'd in the Parish of Walcot in this City, by whose Power the Parish Church received such a prodigious Shock that it is now render'd unfit for the Service of God. The Lead that cover'd the Roof on one Side is roll'd up from the Eves to the Top, almost like a Roll of Parchment, and the Sides of the Church are oblig'd to be supported, lest they should fall. As there is an utter Necessity for pulling it down, it's expected the Contributions towards rebuilding this ancient Edifice will be very chearful and liberal. What is altogether as surprizing, it came in the manner of a Whirlwind, confin'd to a small Compass; for only particular Places were damag'd.

A House near the Church-yard had its Fore-Door, Back-Door, and Cellar-Door violently burst open; and near to it, a large Rick of Corn was heaved clear off its Supporters, and carry'd a small Distance, without being overturn'd.

The Roads being render'd impassable by the falling of so much Rain, occasion'd fresh Butter to rise in this City to 18 and 20 d. a Pound: But the covetous neighbouring Farmers, who thought to take Advantage of the Scarcity, brought a deal of Butter to Market several Ounces under Weight; many Parcels of which were seized by Order of the Magistrates, whose chief Care is that no Imposition of any kind shall be suffered to be committed on the Strangers that frequent the City.