The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

Extract of a Letter from Hartford, May 26.

Last Tuesday we received the joyful News of the Repeal of the Stamp-Act, the General Assembly then sitting, they appointed Friday last for a Day of General Rejoicing, and gave two Barrels of Powder to the young Gentlemen of the Town, to prepare a Set of Fire works; none understanding their Preparation but Mr. William Gardiner, and Col. Talcott's Son, they undertook and had prepared near 200 Rockets in the Brick School House here, in which was also about 60 wt. of dry Powder, &c. The two Companies of Militia being ordered to be raised, and a Barrel Powder given them at the School House, the Soldiers in filling their Horns at the Door scattered much of it, which some Children around gathering and making a Train, put Fire to, which ran under the Door of the School-house and communicated to the Barrel of Powder within, and in an Instant blew up the whole House: in the Chamber of which was Mr. Gardiner, and 28 other young Gentlemen, three died in a few Hours; every other much hurt, many compound Fractures: although 200 Men were immediately assisting, it was half an Hour before we could remove the Rubbish to get out the distressed.--Several who were outside of the House were considerably hurt. Many were so much burnt and disfigured that their Relatives did not know them. In short the Scene of Joy was immediately changed to the most gloomy ever known in this Place.
We are not able to give the Names of all who were dangerously wounded.--It is said, those who died, were, one Knowles, about 26 years of age, one Lord about 12, both of Hartford, one Jones about 19, of Weathersfield. Mr. William Gardiner, the young Gentleman mentioned above, who served his Time here, had both his Legs broke: Dr. Ledyard both Thighs broke; James Tyler, Goldsmith his Collar bone broke, with many others to whom it will prove mortal.