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The Times, Wednesday, September 20, 1850, Page 3

The destruction of Port Royal.

(Further particulars.)

Kingston, (Jamaica), July 15.

Two seamen, belonging to the Carnation brig, of 18 guns, were killed; a seaman belonging to La Decouverte brigantine, had his skull split open by the falling of the, and dropped dead on the spot, Rear Admiral Douglas standing near him at the moment; a negro man was killed by the falling of a wall, and two children are stated to have been burnt. Several individuals are wounded -- among them, a seaman of La Decouverte, and one of the Royal Artillery, dreadfully, besides many Negroes. A vast number of unfortunate individuals walked from Port Royal along the pallisadoes, for this city, about 50 of whom reached Fort Nugent yesterday morning in a most deplorable state; while many, completely exhausted, were compelled to lie down on the road, without a drop of water to allay their thirst, and we fear some may perish, if vehicles are not sent to convey them to town; indeed, the scene of desolation and misery that this dreadful fire has occasioned, is truly melancholy, and can only be imagined by those who have witnessed it. Shocking to relate, during this horrible scene of desolation, and while the unfortunate sufferers were in the utmost despair, a number of ruffians (we must call them so), destitute of all feeling and principal, proceeded to plunder the trifling property that individuals were able to snatch from the conflagration: a few of these depradators luckily have been taken and lodged in the guardhouse of this city, and some of the goods recovered; several have escaped, but we sincerely hope due search will be made for them, and if apprehended that they, and those in custody, if their barbarous crime can be brought home to them, may meet a punishment suitable to their merciless conduct. We understand that two engines, which were dispatched from this city with great promptitude, one from the ordinance wharf, the other from the courthouse, were of great service; several other engines were forwarded to the wherry wharf, but from want of boats to convey them, could not be sent off.

We rejoice to observe that measures are in progress for affording some relief to the unfortunate sufferers. A meeting of the inhabitants of this city, called by his honour the Mayor, took place at the courthouse at 10 o'clock this porno, when a subscription list was opened, and we have no doubt that the amount of it, when closed, will be marked by that liberality which so distressing an appeal to our feelings requires. The harmony, independent, and union sonic lodges had advertised for full meetings of their members, the first tomorrow evening, at the latter two on Monday, for the same purpose; and the appeal to the people of colour, noticing that the subscription list is opened at Mr John lodges warehouse, in Harbour Street, is also made public. We are likewise informed that an attracting performance, the sole benefit of the unfortunate people who have suffered, is to be got up at the theatre in this city.

July 22.

A very excellent and affecting discourse was delivered by the Rev. Mr Mann in the church of this city on Sunday forenoon from the second chapter of Job and the 10th verse "what I shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not received evil?" In which he strenuously exhorted the unfortunate sufferers by the late dreadful conflagration to bear their calamity with resignation, and drew a touching picture of their situation, which excited strong sympathy, whilst he called on the humanity of his congregation to alleviate their distress, by contributing each his might to a charity so becoming a Christian. A fire broke out to gain at Port Royal on Monday night, occasioned by the carelessness of a negro with a lighted candle, in the out offices of one of the houses which fortunately escaped the late conflagration but being early discovered; it was soon happily extinguished by the exertions of the neighbours.

On Tuesday, George Brown, a free Blackman, was brought up and underwent a long examination before the sitting magistrates, on a charge of being concerned in plundering at Port Royal, during the fire in that town, on Thursday se'n night. Several witnesses were examined, whose depositions were taken, and after investigation, which lasted till about two o'clock, he was remanded to the guardhouse. There are several others in custody, charged with the same offence, who are to undergo examination.

In consequence of a number of improper characters appearing in Port Royal since the late conflagration, for the purpose, it is supposed, of plundering, application was made on Tuesday, by the magistrates, to the commanding officer of the Royal Artillery, for assistance in apprehending them, when Captain Petley, in the absence of Colonel Smith, immediately ordered out a body of that corps for the purpose. A range of small buildings, near the Artillery Hospital, were afterwards searched, when several articles were found and taken to the guardhouse, to remain until they can be identified by the owners. Notice was also given that all slaves, found in the town without tickets, will be apprehended and sent to Kingston for confinement. Patrols paraded the streets during the greater part of the day to preserve order, and, we are happy to say, in consequence of the above measures, a horde of vagabonds have quitted that ill-fated town, who had gone thither, no doubt, to rob the unfortunate inhabitants of what little they had saved from the flames.

We are happy to observe that the subscription for the sufferers by fire at Port Royal promises to be of such an amount is to afford them considerable relief.