From the Richmond Dispatch, 3/9/1863, p. 1, c. 6

Damaged by Lightning. – The first storm of the season, with thunder and lightning as adjuncts, occurred early Sunday morning. The rain for several hours poured down in torrents. The flashes of lightning were almost blinding from their intensity, and the deep, reverberating roar of thunder could be heard for miles. The lightning struck the large brick smoke-stack attached to the Confederate States artillery workshop on 7th street, near the river, which was demolished for about thirty feet of its length, while a large rent was made in it to the foundation. Entering the blacksmith’s shop, it damaged the engine and tore off part of the roof and side of the shop, and spent its force in the air. Hundreds of curious people visited the artillery works yesterday to witness this exhibition of elemental power.

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