| From the Augusta Constitutionalist |
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| January 14, 1865 |
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| Further Concerning the Flood |
| In the necessary hurry and
confusion attendant upon the preparation of our article yesterday
relative to the flood, we were unable to give even a faint idea of the
extent of the disaster. The most casual observer, however, cannot walk
about our streets without being deeply impressed with the might of the
turbulent tide that, during Wednesday, surged through the city. Upon
every side are the marks of devastation. Fences are gone from about
dwellings -- handsome yards have the shrubbery uprooted -- lamp posts
are turned topsy-turvy -- trees thrown down -- frame tenements washed
from their foundations -- whole streets rendered impossible gullies --
crossings washed away -- lumber, outhouses, etc., piled in promiscuous
heaps -- all indicative of the immense force of the current. |
| The South Carolina Railroad
Bridge remains intact, and has suffered no perceptible damage. The
track through Hamburg has, however, been greatly injured. For a
distance of several hundred yards the iron and cross ties were lifted
from the trestle work and moved in an entirety to the low grounds
adjoining. Embankments have also given way, and the only access to the
trains is by a circuitous route through the mud and water that still
surrounds Hamburg. It will be some days before repairs can be
effected, and the regular trains reach the city. |
| Hamburg yesterday presented
the spectacle of a complete wreck. But one house -- the corner brick
opposite Hammond & Lock's cotton shed -- escaped the invasion of
the watery foe. Fences and outbuildings were all gone, and an especial
spite seems to have been manifested toward the temples of Cloacina,
which we saw scattered about in odorous profusion. Hundreds of poor
families suffered greatly from the loss of furniture and provisions;
and we were pleased to hear that their more fortunate neighbors were
doing all that was possible to alleviate their wants. |
| Along the canal upon this side
of the river there is nothing but ruin. All of the bridges were swept
away -- the beams were broken -- boats floated off. |
| The Georgia Railroad has been
a great loser -- the track, bridges, and culverts having been
seriously damaged. Trains now come to within a short distance of the
Factory, at which point travelers and express freights are received
and discharged. |
| Last evening the Savannah was
within its banks, flowing with a steady yet strong current, and
unconscious of the great mischief of which it had been the author. The
mark at the wagon bridge indicates twenty-five feet above high water
mark, showing a fall of twelve feet since the flood commenced to
recede. |
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