UNCLE SAM'S FARM. 177 



truly terrible ; the rain poured in perfect torrents ; it 

 was preceded by a hurricane whirlwind, which tore 

 up trees by the roots and did considerable damage to 

 houses, &c. While the storm was at its height, be- 

 tween 10 and 11 o'clock, the lightning struck a barn 

 and dwelling house, both of which were consumed, 

 although the Firemen exerted themselves to put it out. 

 The storm lasted till one o'clock. Steamboats on the 

 river ran ashore and waited until the storm was over, 

 afraid to proceed on their voyage. No one living at 

 Springfield had ever seen the like before. The light- 

 ning was incessant, and circled the whole heavens. 

 The whole concave of the firmament appeared one 

 mass of fire, in one place appearing as " sheet light- 

 ning," and in another place assuming the zig-zag 

 form — appearing in both forms at once. It was not 

 a flash and then a pause, but a continuous unceasing 

 fire over the entire heavens for three hours. It was 

 like as if the world was on fire, and the end of all 

 things at hand. The Rev. Mr. Conklin, Congregational 

 minister, and myself, paced the room in the greatest 

 anxiety. Every one was solemnly impressed with the 

 awful grandeur of the scene. The lightning appeared 

 blue, white, and red. 



