Transcription
Hollis Hall 5 July 1768
Honoured Parents
I have many things to write unto you, but as my Eyes are dim & time short, I can but just give a Sketch of Affairs, which will apologize for the Business of the [illegible]
About 4 o’Clock last Saturday P.M. a thunder Shower arose here, from it, beginning to [[illegible]] the Lightning to be very Severe, when the Cloud got about over us [illegible] Ward observed the Cloud to be but about 400 [illegible] from the Grounds, he as well satisfied that it would strike & told French that if the Points were metted he expected to be destroyed , therefore placed himself in the middle of the Room. The Severity of the Lightning encreased as ye Cloud approached, about 4,35 a flash began to as ye North east Corner of Hollis with ye Chimney proceeded round the College on the upper Streak of Lead, & where the Lead was discontinued it made a little Breach in the wall, and did most Damage at each Corner, it went in a Straight Direction from the North East Corner to the East Entry Door & tore the Window as it went it being [illegible] by the [[?]] in the Windows, the East Entry Door it tore considerably, then the Iron Bar of ye west great Door attacked it across the great Entry by my Door where it left a visible Mark it tore several other Places, in short it was [illegible] & struck every thing in this College so much a Study Hinge, all in this College but one or two were [illegible] very much.
Honoured Parents
PS, I have this Day past for the Table you informed me you had bought, but have not seen it, Should be glad you would send a green Cloth suitable
Your dutiful Son
Sam Phillips
Box 1 Folder 21
Phillips Family Papers
Phillips Academy Archives & Special Collections