An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

In the same year (in the latter end of May) Samuel Ruggles of Rocksborough in New England, going with a loaden Cart, was struck with Lightning. He did not hear the Thunder-clap, but was by the force of the Lightning ere he was aware, carried over his Cattle about ten foot distance from them. Attempting to rise up he found that he was not able to stand upon his right Leg, for his ⟨p. 79⟩right foot was become limber, and would bend any way, feeling as if it had no bone in it, nevertheless, he made a shift with the use of one leg to get to his Cattle (being an Horse and two Oxen) which were all killed by the Lightning. He endeavoured to take off the Yoke from the neck of one of the Oxen, but then he perceived that his thumb and two fingers in one hand were stupefied that he could not stir them; they looked like cold clay, the blood clear gone out of that part of his hand. But by rubbing his wounded leg and hand, blood and life came into them again. As he came home pulling off his Stocking, he found that on the inside of his right Leg (which smarted much) the hair was quite burnt off, and it looked red. Just over his Ankle his Stocking was singed on the inside, but not on the outside, and there were near upon twenty marks about as big as pins heads, which the Lightning had left thereon. Likewise the Shoe on his left foot, was by the Lightning struck off his foot, and carried above two Rods from him. On the upper leather at the heel of the Shoe, there were five holes burnt through it, bigger than those which are made with Duck Shoe. As for the Beasts that were slain, the hair upon their skins was singed, so that one might ⟨p. 80⟩perceive that the Lightning had run winding and turning strangely upon their bodies, le• ving little marks no bigger then Corns […] Gun-powder behind it. There was in the Cart a Chest which the Lightning pier•• through, as also through a quire of Paper and twelve Napkins, melting some pewter dish that were under them.

In the same year (in the latter end of May) Samuel Ruggles of Rocksborough in NewEngland, going with a loaden Cart, was struck with Lightning. He did not hear the Thunder-clap, but was by the force of the Lightning e're he was aware, carried over his Cattle about ten foot distance from them. Attempting to rise up he found that he was not able to stand upon his right Leg, for his