Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi Hurricane, Sept 1860 - Pascagoula

The Daily Picayune
Wednesday morning, September 19, 1860

The Gale at Pascagoula
We have received from passengers, arrived yesterday, some further particulars concerning the effects of the late storm at East Pascagoula; they are as fearful as those that have reached up from other points on the lake.

The storm was first felt at East Pascagoula toward 12 o’clock Friday night, and lasted until Saturday night at 10 o’clock, making 22 hours of suffering for the greater number of the inhabitants. The wind blew with increased fury and the water in the bay rose to an uncommon height, dashing furiously over the sandy beach and flooding the whole town.

The action of the waves broke up the beach for a distance of three miles and undermined the foundations of the buildings fronting on the bay. Some six or eight tumbled down, the inmates having barely time to escape. Among the persons whose property was destroyed, we learn the names of Messrs. Blanc, Maurice (lost several houses that were rented out) and Spehrmberg. The latter gentleman and his family experienced the most cruel sufferings; they had to wade through the water a distance of two miles and a half, Mr. Spehrmberg carrying two of his children on his back. Mrs. S. was enceinte, and upon reaching a place of safety she was delivered of a dead child. She was still lying in the most critical condition yesterday. Mr. Anton, in the employ of Government as keeper of the barracks, was very near losing his life. His house, a new building not quite finished, was washed away. A carpenter, name unknown, who was in the house at the time, is missing, and was undoubtedly crushed beneath the ruins.

Mr. Fisher, keeper of the lighthouse on Round Island, lost everything. His house and contents were washed away, and he remained with his family on the island, without food or shelter, until Monday, when they were rescued. The Government buildings are all gone.

The wharf at Pascagoula is entirely destroyed, and the whole beach from Bayou Caussot to Capt. Grant’s residence, is broken up. For several miles in the interior, the cattle were swept off and drowned. At Mr. Auld’s place, on the bayou, known as the Ducayet property, the cattle suffered considerably, and a large number were found dead.

During this fearful gale, the water rose three feet higher than it was ever known in any storm since the great disaster in 1819.

It is estimated that $40,000 would scarcely cover the loss suffered in this dreadful calamity. Not only have persons of means lost heavily, but families in reduced circumstances have been left destitute of even the common necessities of life. Subscriptions have been raised in Pascagoula by many who generously forget their own disasters to see only the greater suffering of their poor neighbors. It is hoped that some of the generous citizens of New Orelans [sic] will do something to relieve the pressing wants of these poor people. Mr. Krebs, postmaster at East Pascagoula, is authorized to receive subscriptions.