Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1820-03-25
oNEAr..Loss.

Richmond, March GO.
On Monday night about 3o'clock, the cry
of Fire was raised. and the alarm bell began
to sound. A brilliant blaze was soon re-
fected from every elevated point in this city.
The immense warehouse on Cary-st built
by Mr.. Thomas H. Harris. and lately pur-
chased by Mr.. Joseph Marx, was discovered
70 be in flames, This house was immedi.
atey opposite to the auction store Of Messrs.
iydoncure, Robinson and Peasants.
The circumstances of this case are some
what curious in themselves. 1t was large
brick building, and had been especially built
to be fire proof--the rooms supported un ar
ches, which separated them from each other.
All these precautions however were defeat
ed vast quantity of produce had been
stored in it one article, for instance, not
less than 5000 barrels of -four. The pres
sure was too much on the second floor and
about O'Clock Oh Monday night, the first
alarm was given. The clerk of Mr.. Pen
deton who slept in the house, and who es-
capped from the window The house not
falling Immediately. he had time to enter,
and take off many OF the books of the bust
ness.
1t is said that second crash was heard
but it was not till within short time before
8 that the floor fell, with some of its contigu-
Gus wall and burst out the front of the House.
1t is supposed that the fire in the CRATE in
the counting room was scattered about the
floor, and communicated with some bundled
hay which was stored in the house. The
conhagration was soon sounded throughout
the city, but ii was irresistible in its ravages.
The house was completely destroyed
as well the front part oft, as the back, which
was separated by thick wall, and was in
tended for tobacco factory. by Mr.. Harris.
Besides the -four, considerable quantity
o. produce was consumed, also sugar and tar
in the cellar.
1t was tenanted by Messrs. James Fisher
and son, merchants by Mr.. w. G. Pendle-
ton, commission merchant; and by Mr. Bell
and Mr.. Rowlett, who had also counting
rooms.
Most OF the articles that were burnt being
on consignment, it is supposed the loss will
fall principally on the owner, in the country.
The loss is estimated from 80 to 10000
dollars. Some say that no destruction of a..
ny single house of business in the city could
have been more serious.
The house itself was insured. tits really
a painful sight to see the was o, goods, par
tlcularly of -four. Poor persons, and people
OF colour, were permitted to save what they
could, of burnt, smoked and smouIdering
flour from the barrels as they lay crushed to-
gether almost in one promscuous pile-some
parts OF the ruins were still in flames last
night.
The three fire companies were prompt
and active in the discharge of their duty
They deserve the thanks OF the CITY. A
forcing Engine was fixed on the margin of
the basin, which was near the scene of de.
struction, and this engine, by means of hose,
conveyed the water with great ease in the
two dlscharg!ng engines. Three other large
buildings were near, besides those on the q.
ther side of Cary street but partly owing
to the exertions of the engines. to the low
wind aud the wetroofs, they escaped.