242 Mr. M. Dunn on the Explosion ofHarraton Colliery. 



another unexpected explosion took place, which killed Defty and two of 

 his companions, for it now turned out that fire must all along have 

 existed at the dams. 



November SO, — At 2 a. m., having raised a considerable party, we 

 penetrated to the fatal spot, and succeeded in recovering all the bodies 

 but one, some of whom were very little burnt. 



December 1. — The body of the absent boy. Peel, was found this 

 morning. In consequence of the deranged state of the waste between 

 the pits, it was found impossible to penetrate through the after-damp^ 

 with which it was filled, to examine the dams, nor ascertain the state of 

 matters about the working pit, in the stables of which were 22 horses. 

 The smoke of the upcast pit seemed to portend the existence of fire, it 

 was, therefore, judged imprudent to risk lives in any further attempt, 

 but to scaffold over both pits as the only safe mode of extinguishing 

 the fire. 



December 5. — The scaffolds were accordingly completed, with a co- 

 vering of clay 6 feet thick, that in the working pit being furnished with 

 a wooden box fitted up with a moveable lid, for the purpose of easing 

 the pressure, and ascertaining from time to time, the state of the air 

 and smoke. 



January 19, 1809. — More than six weeks having elapsed since the 

 closing of the shafts, the re-opening commenced this day by easing the 

 box at the upcast pit. The air seemed much compressed, was at a high 

 temperature, and rankly putrid, from the dead bodies of the horses. 

 Both scaffolds were opened during the day, and suffered to remain so 

 until 



January 21. — Little or no change being perceptible at the upcast pit, 

 it was determined to examine the state of matters underground by de- 

 scending the downcast pit and travelling through the workings. On 

 reaching the neighbourhood of the dams, considerable intimidation was 

 felt lest any fire should yet exist, and which was not a little heightened 

 by a recollection of the dreadful scene which had so short a time before 

 taken place. 



The dams, however, were found quite safe, but some of the timbers 



