GREAT INUNDATION AT MONTREAL, CANADA.

Colonist, Volume IV, Issue 392, 26 July 1861, Page 3

GREAT INUNDATION AT MONTREAL, CANADA.

Montreal has recently suffered a terrible calamity. The lower part of the city has been flooded by a sudden and extraordinary rise of the St. Lawrence, causing much suffering and a loss of property, greater, it is said, than that occasioned by the great fire of July, 1852.

On Sunday, the 14th of April, a little before daylight, the ice in the river broke up and commenced * shoving.' The water rose gradually all day; by the afternoon it was apparent that the ice was solidly packed below the city, and that there would be an unusual flood.

During the day Lake St. Francis broke up, and sent down an enormous amount of compact ice in large fields ; this filled the harbor, and blocked up the whole river as far as the foot of the Island of Montreal, shoving heavily on Longneuil, on Bourcherville Island, and on the shallows below. During the afternoon the water rose slowly, but after -sunset it rose with great rapidity. The condition of the large population of the lower parts of Griffin-town was pitiable. Hundreds who' had been absent from home, visiting in other parts of the city, found themselves cut off from their families, and in a melancholy state of uncertainty as to their fate.

Those in the immediate distiict who had not escaped at once were driven to the upper stories of the buildings, and in many cases the water burst up the floors of the upper stories.

Cattle and pigs were drowned in great numbers, and many persons were rescued with great difficulty from their perilous position.

At midnight the water was arrested, but towards daylight the flood increased, and before eight o'clock was at its greatest height.

From the barracks below the Bonsecoursmarket the water had risen above the revetement wall, filling the lower stories of all the warehouses on the city front, and rising as high as the level of St. Paul-street, a little east of the custom-house square. Thence eastward the laud falls gradually.

At M'Gill-street the water ran at the level of Lemoine-street; St. Antoine-street was'flooded for a long distance, and Craigstreet on both sides of the Haymarketj even the Bonaventure building, nearly on the level of Great St. James-stteet, had thtee feet of water in the cellar.

Westward the flood rolled an unbroken stream over the whole of Grffintown and the lower part of the St. Antoine Ward; in the College Garden, surrounded by high walls, the water was over ten feet deep, the inclosures forming two great reservoirs; the Lachine Railway track was several feet under water, the ties floated up, and the line useless.

Away as far as the old racecourse was one great lake; in places fifteen feet deep, with here and there an oasis of a rising ground. k> 3 The flood extended west as far as the Tanneries; south of St. Joseph-street on the river all was under water; north of that line the cellars were flooded, as they were also north of a large portion of Craig-

street.

While the greatest misery was suffered in the lower parts of Griffintown, where the inhabitants were shut up in the upper stories of the houses, the largest losses were of course iii the warehouses and stores near the canal, on Commissioners and Paulstreets, and the side streets adjoining. The Mayor and Corporation took immediate steps to succor the distress in the flooded district; it was navigated with boats, canoes, and rafts, and bread and fuel were conveyed to the poor.— Home Neivs.

(From the Southern Cross.) PROGRESS OF THE CIVIL WAR. Per favor of Captain Barron, of the Breadalbane which arrived heie on Friday evening, we have San Francisco papers to the 22nd May, from which we make the following extracts, relating to the progress ot the civil war in the United States:— St. Louis, April 28fch. General Scott said on tho 26;h that Washington was safe. 13,000 troops are now there, and 8,000 more expected. It ib said that G,OOO troops are in Richmond, Virginia, ready for service. A street battery is being erected in Yorktown, and another three miles above Richmond. 4,000 troops were at Harper's Ferry, and 3,500 more at Norfolk, on the 26th. Governor Barton, of Delaware, has called out troops to defend the Union. The people aro fleeing from Virginia into tho Free States.

The troops which left Kentucky for the Southern Confederacy, went against the wishes of the Governor.

The Washington States and Union lias suspended, the people having threatened to demolish the office if it continued to advocate the Southern Confederacy.

It is said there is a strong Union feeling in Frederickstown. Washington and Alleghany counties (Maryland), declare that they will rebel against the State if the State secedes.

Governor Letcher, of Virginia., has issued a porclamation prohibiting the exportation of flour to Northern cities.

Negroes in Maryland are rising and burning the houses of their masters; also in Louisiana.

The Southern expectation wat that news would soon be received of the capture of Washington. Our informant was told that the North should hear no more news until the treasury at Washington was in the hands of the Confederate troops, and President Lincoln and Cabinet were prisoners.

Twenty-one hundred stand of arms were taken from the St. Louis arsenal on the night of the 26th, and sent to Springfield, Illinois. A gentleman just returned from a business tour through Alabama and Miusissippi, having left Mobile on Tuesday last, reports that hundreds of •men who had gone to Pensacola to take Fort Pickensj-werc returning daily, disgusted. He is satisfied that it is impossible for the Confederate States to capture the fort. Large numbers of troops at Pensacola were sick and dying in hospitals from tbe effects of fatigue, exposure, and hunger. Our informant reports that the people in Alabama and Mississippi are almost crazy with excitement. The mob spirit was rampant everywhere, and was rendered daily more desperate in [somelocalities by threatened famine and starvation.

Dispatches from Philadelphia, dated 27th, say there is no doubt about the reaction in Baltimore; that a bold movement by the Government wul receive earnest support among the Union men, if properly conducted. General Scott, in answer to a statement of General Harper, that Virginia will never suffer an attack from her soil on the Capital, said he would be happy to have it confirmed, but would not advise the Government to desert its present course providing for its safety. C. J. Ingersoll has invited ex-Presidents Buchanah, Fillmore, Pierce, Van Buren, and Tyler, to arbitrate between the two sections. Little good is expected to come from if.

Advices from Savannah of the 27th, report several vessels awaiting privateer commissions, which were expected shortly. Recruits were pouring in to join the army at Washington.

It was reported that heavy firing was heard on Friday-, in the the direction of Fort Monroe.

The Herald correspondent has high authority that Governor Letcher notified to Mr. Lincoln that no Virginia troops will be permitted to march against Washington. The purpose is to defend the soil of Virginia from aggression by the North. He further says he will not permit the Confederate troops to attack Washington. There is disappointment among the Secessionists, in consequence of the reinforcement of Fort Pickens.

Efforts are making at Washington to have C. M. Clay and N. P. Banks appointed Major-Generals in the army.

President Lincoln has issued a proclamation ordering a blockade of the ports of Virginia, North Carolina, and other Southern States.

General Lee has ordered the release of General Harney.

Virginia announces that she has rated herself with tlie Southern Confederacy. Governor Letcher has issued a proclamation ordering the return of all vessels, and that they be restored to the owners, except the steamer J. E. Stone of Yorktown. He discountenanced all seizure, except by legal authority.

St. Louis, May 10. On May 7th the Government had advices that 30,000 Virginian troops were stationed at Fairfax Court House, Virginia, and that within two days 70,000 available men were expected to be quartered in Washington.

A gentleman arrived at Butler's Camp and informed him that a battery had been planted on the other side of Patapsco river to rake him. - General Butler has made preparations to take it. The War Department has informed the various Governors of States that it is desirable to enroll all who have not yet been enrolled, for three years instead of six months.

The people of Virginia declare that they never intended to attack Washington ; but should their soil be invaded, they will fight against the North to the bitter end, and, if- possible, they will burn Washington. The forces at the Relay House have been reinforced, and there were two thousand men there on the 27th April. On the 27th, eight companies Sappers and Miners were mustered into service in New York, also five companies, and Colonel Baker's California regiment. The Herald's correspondent of the 7th, says that the greatest activity prevails in the War and Navy Department in perfecting details of operations, and punishing traitors. The mob spirit is reported to be suppressed in Baltimore, and the loyalists are preparing to give a welcome to the U.S. troops.

There will be thirteen regiments, numbering one thousand each, raised in Baltimore, to be offered to the Government.

Fifty thousand troops will be concentrated at Washington. Tue uovernors of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigah, and Illinois, have agreed upon a plau of co-opera-tion to support the TFederal Government. Secretary Chase has ordered the stoppage at Cairo of all supplies for the rebellions States.

The Union Demonstration at Frederick, Maryland, on the 9th, was a grand affair. Honorable Reverdy Johnson made a strong Union speech : he declared that the South, if it had the right, had not the power to wage a war against the Federal Government, and that rebellion must be crushed out.

Secretary Seward declares'that the Government will use all its power to put down rebellion and to retake United States property. General Harney has written a letter to his friend Colonel O'Fallon, at St. Louis, declaring his fealty to the Union, and advising Missouri to stay in the Union, and that it is suicide if she goes out.

General Lane was despatched, some days ago, to Kansas, to raise three regiments of troops to go to Arkansas and retake the Government property ; also, to hold himself in readiness to meet whatever emergency may arise in Missouri. Three regiments of Kentucky Volunteers have offered their services to the Government. They will be commanded by Major. Anderson. It is understood that the Government has received from Minister Dallas an account of an interview with Lord Palmerston, the result of which justifies tffe assertion, that there is no indication or prospect of a recognition of the Southern Confederation by any of the foreign powers against the protest of the Administration. Mr. Preston's next dispatch from Spain, in reply to the demand for explanations relative to San Domingo, and also the recent recognition of the Southern Confederacy, is looked for with much interest.

The Government ia now considering the policy of constructing floating batteries on the Mississipi river.

A fire broke out at Washington on the Bth inst. and was put out by Ellsworth's fire Zouaves. The fire was set at several places. It is supposed to have been an attempt to burn the city.

St. Louis, May 13, a.m. The Government is still determined tn the policy of recapturing the public property, and putting down rebellion.

All important points aro being strengthened by United States' troops.

Battles are constantly expected at Harpers Ferry, Richmond, and several other places. The most important affair of the past week is the capture of Camp Jackson, at SC Louis, by United States Troops, which resulted in a fight between the troops and the mob, killing several citizens aud soldiers. Grr9 . nv. iii -auout su uous--quence. Eighteen perßon- :p. -■?' n>- ; r« MUH -i Camp Jackson aud tvn.l • j Saturday was a most -~ '. Mobs paraded the atretic; awry hour, . «d& ' death and destruction to the Germans.

At 5 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, a corps of U.S. Revenue Guards marching up Wolcott-street, towards their armory, were attacked by the mob, and three of their number killed. The soldiers wheeled and returned the fire, killing three of the mob and wounding several others. After half an hour's severe fighting the mob dispersed. Crowds paraded the streets on Saturday night with the avowed determination of destroying the* lives of our German fellow citizens. It is re ported that six Germans were killed on Franklin avenue at a late hour on Saturday night. General Harney arrived in this city on Saturday, to assume the command of the Military Department of the West. He immediately issued a proclamation calling on citizens to preserve the peace, and threatening martial law if the municipal authorities were not obeyed. General Frost and command were taken prisoners, and have been released on parol by taking oath not to fight against the U.S. Government. The Government and Legislature of Missouri were greatly excited, fearing the U.S. troops would march on Jefferson city, the capital. Bridges over the Osage River were burnt, to prevent the passage of troops. TFrom Vicksburg we learn that very great destitution prevailed, and there was danger of actual starvation if the embargo upon Northern provisions should continue for sixty days. The Cabinet is a perfect unit in determination to conduct the war to the full recognition of its rights and its authority. The war spirit at the North does not in any degree abate, but seems to intensify at the news of every action.

General Harney will protect the status of the State of Missouri if anybody can give him the authority, and he will maintain ii iv the Union if he haß to hedge it around with columbiads.

TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.

The occurrence of a tragedy in Sumter county, on the 16th ultimo, has excited much attentton. It appears that the Rev. George Andrews, pastor of a methodist church in that country, had seduced a young lady, a relative, residing at his house, and haa also brutally beaten her, and for these acts was summoned to appear at Sumter court-house on the day named for trial by the people. The Augusta Chronicle says :— 4 For these misdeeds a summons was issued for> him to appear at the court-house at Sumterville, before the people on Saturday, the 16th ult. Having heard of this, and of the parties who were to serve the summons, Messrs. M'Lendon and Lang, he proceeded to the house of the former, and took dinner with the family. After dinner they went to the workshop. Andrews asked M'Lendon for the loan of his horse to go to Adamsville, which was granted. He. had in his possession one double-barrel gun, one yauger rifle two repeaters, and two bowie knifes. '

i While the horse was being caught a conversation arose about him (Andrews) being summoned before the regulators. Whereupon Mr. Lang said,' Yes, sir, and here is the summons for you.' During this conversation M'Lendon was mending a pair of boots. Immediately af'fer Lang's anfwerAndrews levelled his gun on M'Lendon, shot him in the side, and killed hitn instantly. Turning round quickly, he levelled his g\m, to shonf T'-wy with the other, barrel. Lang knocked up the.gsui.and received the whole load in- the palm of his right hand. Lang theu picked up Andrew's - yauger to shoot him (Andrews), but could not cock it on account of his shattered hand, threw down the gun and ran. Aa he ran Andrews shct him through the wrist with a repeater. A Mr. Hyatt, in the shop at the time, picked up the yauger, ran about thirty yards, and levelled it at Andrews; but the latter was too quick, and shot Hyatt with his repeater, grazing him on the shoulder. Hyattshot,butmissed: hereupon Andrews took. after Lang, and pursued,him about two hundreds yards. Not being able to overtake him he returned to the shop, reloaded his guns, and proceeded over to Mr. Condiay's about one mil© distant.

c At Condray's gate Andrews met Dr. M'Henry, whom he told he was tired and very thirsty, and wanted a drink of water; stepping inside the yard, and seeing Mr. Condray talking to a negro boy, he observed, * I have commenced my work, and right here I intend to finish it.' Whereupon he levelled his gun and shot Condray through the bowels, who only lived about four hours. The Rev. Mr. Parker being present, seized the. murderer from behind and held him fast until M'Henry came to his assistance. As the doctor caught hold of Andrews, the latter presented his gnn to the doctor's breast, who warded it off, and the load went into the ground. * The news having been circulated in the neighborhood, a large number of citizens assembled at Condray's house. After due deliberation, he was sentenced to be hanged, and about twelve o'clock he was hanged accordingly; sixty or seventy citizens of the county signed his death warrant. There was not a dissentiant voice on the ground. The last words of this hardened wietch were, ' I am|only sorry I did not kill three or four more.'"— New York Herald.

General Cameron.—The General has been to Hawke's Bay and Wellington to inspect the places professionally. He arrived in Wellington on Wednesday afternoon in the Miranda, and inspected the troops, the barracks, magazine, &c. The same afternoon his Excellency inspected the company of Wellington Volunteers under Captain Caikeek; owing to the short notice the attendance of volunteers was not so numerous as could have been desired; tha General expressed himself satisfied with the appearance of the corps, and recommended attention to taiget practice. On Thursday Genera, , Cameron aud staff, accompanied by Colonel Mould aud others, paid a visit to lh.» Hutt district. The' General will return to Auckland in the Miranda.

Taranaki.—The followinguotice was published in & Gazette, on July 3rd, signed by the new Superintendent, Charles Brown :■—' Applicants for assistance in the shape of funds, timber, ov labor, will make their application in a form supplied from this office, in which tlie applicant will undertake that—l. The building shrill be erected within the lines, or within such extension of them as may be approved by the officer commanding H..U. troops in the province. 2. If in streets or public places in such sites aa may be pointed out by tie surveyor of the province. 3. The building bhail Oe built ia a sound, workmanlike manner, and for sanitary considerations shall be raised three clear feet off the ground. 4. Tlie Building shall be secant y for the amount advanced by Government until repaid. 5. Any compensation awarded to the applicant shall in the first instance, be applied to defraying the amount advanced, on the following scale :—5 iv family and under £80; 6in family £90; 7in family and over £100.

. Califorxian Jfinstrels. — A company, en« titled as above, "gave two performances at the Odd Fellows' Hall, this week; on the second occasion the house was a very crowded onf. The first part of the entertainment befog negro minstrelsy, after the manner of the original Ethiopia;", serenades, was very creditably px<n-u> ;-d aud appeated to be appremtfld. Tliru'i. • <■•%•: were diversified with Beh:inu.i;i.-:.;, euro';',;, c"hracter songs, &c. The e.>i>H.u>y w:'-i -,-.*•» for a again in Nelson on theu-ivuivn from Au.i.'>iand.

Government Wharf.—Messrs. N. Edwards and Co. sold the lease of the above at public auction yesterday. The competition was spirited; ultimately Mr. Winterburn, of the Port, became the purchaser foe £625 for a term of twelve months, commencing on the Ist of next month.