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ruined area. Soldiers were sent out to warn the people to move southwards towards the parks and open spaces. Large numbers went to the Commons and the glacis [sloping banks] of the Citadel. The magazines were on each side of one thoroughfare along which the injured were being taken to the hospitals. These two magazines were emptied, or rendered harmless, by working parties from the Dock Yard.

The difficulties of providing shelter, food, clothing, for those rendered homeless, were very great, but various public buildings, such as theatres, were utilized at once. Some found shelter for the night with friends or relatives, many others were taken in by strangers.

It may be said that twenty thousand people were made destitute by the explosion, and as no building was weather tight, and relief was not yet organised, their sufferings were severe.

[Handwriting- ??
In ?? a fire occurred in
Boston destroying 400 buildings and doing damage extent[?] of £100 000 - Halifax in cash ? asked ??]



MG 1 oal 2124 number 283c