The Brazos bottom suffered a large share of damage at the hands of the hurricane, and was swept for fully 100 miles of its length, everything being turned topsy-turvy by the high winds, and much destruction resulting to crops as well as farmhouse property. The winds were accompanied by a heavy rainfall, which served to add to the horror of midnight. The telegraph and telephone companies have large forces of men trying to rig up wires to Galveston. The storm seems to have swept all the tableland clear of everything on it, razing houses to the ground and tearing up trees by the roots. It also swept into the mountain gorges and there inflicted the worst damage, and considerable loss of life was reported from that section. From Southwest Texas and points along the Gulf to the city of Galveston the reports were alarming. A number of parties summering at various points along the coast were not heard from. The cotton was nearly ruined, as the storm swept the cotton-belt.
CHAPTER III.
Incidents of the Awful Hurricane—Unparalleled Atrocities by Lawless Hordes—Earnest Appeals for Help.
On September 11th, the Mayor of Galveston forwarded the following address to the people of the United States:
“It is my opinion, based on personal information, that 5000 people have lost their lives here. Approximately one-third of the residence portion of the city has been swept away.
“There are several thousand people who are homeless and destitute. How many, there is no way of finding out. Arrangements are now being made to have the women and children sent to Houston and other places, but the means of transportation are limited. Thousands are still to be cared for here. We appeal to you for immediate aid.
“WALTER C. JONES.”
On the same date the following statement of conditions at Galveston and appeal for aid was issued by the local relief committee:
“A conservative estimate of the loss of life is that it will reach at least 5,000, and at least that number of families are shelterless and wholly destitute. The entire remainder of the population is suffering in a greater or less degree. Not a single church, school or charitable institution, of which Galveston had so many, is left intact. Not a building escaped damage, and half the whole number were entirely obliterated. There is immediate need for food, clothing and household goods of all kinds. If nearby cities will open asylums for women and children, the situation will be greatly relieved. Coast cities should send us water, as well as provisions, including kerosene, oil, gasoline and candles.
“W. C. Jones, mayor; M. Lasker, president Island City Saving Bank; J. D. Skinner, president Cotton Exchange; C. H. McMaster, for Chamber of Commerce; R. G. Lowe, manager Galveston News; Clarence Owsley, manager Galveston Tribune.”
The white cotton screw men’s organization held a meeting and tendered their services, that of 500 able bodied men, to the public committee to clear the streets of debris. Big forces went to work, and the situation was much improved so far as the passage of vessels was concerned. The city was patrolled by regular soldiers and citizen soldiery. No one was allowed on the streets without a pass. Several negroes were shot for not halting when ordered.