116 New Brunswick Tornado. 



Presently the dense column was dissipated, and we could then 

 distinctly observe the whirling motion of the wind by the dust, 

 fragments of timber, &c., which were carried upward in its course. 

 Onward it swept with incalculable velocity, until another dark 

 and well defined cone was again formed, which remained sta- 

 tionary for an instant, and then again gave place to the eruptive ap- 

 pearance and whirling movement before mentioned. Thus it 

 passed, distinctly visible, along the northern bank of the Raritan, 

 approaching in its course to within a mile of the boat. At this 

 point the whirling character* was very apparent, and may be 

 represented thus, 



The alternations already described, continued, although much 

 less distinctly characterized, until the whole faded from our view. 



On approaching New Brunswick, we witnessed the devastation 

 which the tornado had occasioned ; but it was in this city alone 

 that its mighty power was fully exhibited. 



From inquiries since made there can be no doubt, that the 

 cone above described was formed about six or seven miles west 

 of New Brunswick, and that it remained stationary for some min- 

 utes. But when the second movement took place a dense cloud 

 overshadowed the city. Several intelligent persons have informed 

 me that slight, though distinct, explosions were heard. The heat 

 of the air became oppressive, and volumes of smoke and even 

 flame, were thought to be issuing forth and rolling over in various 

 directions. Indeed, so general was this impression, that the 

 alarm bells were rung and the firemen hastened to their engines ; 

 but while all eyes were directed to the black and terrible column 

 which was approaching apparently towards the head of Albany 

 street, no one could fix upon the exact spot to which effort should 

 be directed. This state of uncertainty, however, did not long 

 continue, for soon a tremendous wind rushed through the city, 

 and in an instant after, the dense column, which had been an ob- 

 ject of so much wonder and dread, stood on the opposite bank of 

 the river, as it were, rallying for another desolating march. 



* The direction of these whirls was the same as the hands of a watch; or from 

 the west round by the north, east, south and west. 



