Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-03-13
MOST AWFUL CoNrLAGRarIoN,

NoRFoIk, March 9.--It has become our painful
task To record another most destructive visitation of
our unfortunate town by fire, which broke this NOR
nihg at half past one o'clock in small shed of a bull
ding south side of Nam street few PAGES East OF
S"urcn street occupied wheelvrigbt shop bv Mr.
La balance. The building was in blaze before il
discovered, and the tenants of large frame house
oe'une''S 10 The heirs of David Patterson forming the
o. corner OF Main and Church sis. were not arpri-
u vi lne'r uanger until the flames had coinDu
-, uou was the rap'dity of their progress ing TO
the uyhess VI The weather. and strong Snuii Easier
| ly wind " -'''ei-
The buildings on the north side OF Main st. imme
ui2'ey opposite he fire also very combus,ibIe.
the exertons of the Fire ompanies succeeded in re
serving them. But il hey ond the power nj nm, nc
TO describe the scene which presented itself wien
the flames had risen To their height in the second bu
ding Tue WIND seemed TO have increased in violence
whnled the sparks and flakes Of Ere to an immense
distance, descending like drifting snow which literally
covering the shiuIed roofs of the houses TO eewarj
seemed to defy all human power them from con
nagralion Several times Of the most com
husble of them Gre but often extinpui,lieti ov
the active exerons of our hardy firemen At length
1T was perceived that fake had lodged the ample
aud elevated roo! OF Christ Church (abou $50 yards 10
lecward of the fire. and kindled into n blaze Tire
hose ef one of the Fire Companies was immediately
sent to eXtnguish it, but aiasi late. The fire had
penetrated into the vacancy between the vaultod cell
ing and the ridge pole and there was no means of as
cent within the churcthe stream of water could not
reach ii from without, and before ladder of sufficient
length could be obtained the fire bat, spread the Whole
length OF the roof and burst forth in terrific grandeur
The buildings between Main street and the church.
within the parallels of Church and Fen Church stress
were now considered out of danger; but those beyond
the church within the parallel, il appear ed TO be
beyond all human power to The elegant nanEi-
on OF Waiter Heron, esq half mile at least from
the original seat of the fire, had caught about the same
time aud in the same manner the church: believing
ms premises IN no danger, Mr. Heron had gone To
render assistance TO those who were immediately threa
tened with danger, as had all the people belonging TO
ms extensive rope walk; and we are informed that
there was not male person the lot regret to
add mat ms house was burnt TO the ground, and but
very little of its valuable furniture saved
Tire dwelling house and Office belonging TO b. Pol
lard, esq. the N sie Of the church. we're in few
minutes enyeieped In flames which heightened by the
violence OF the wind, Knocked every eXerton 10 check
their progress. The mex sbuildings which caught re
we're the EancasieIian school house in the rear
fronting on Fen Church street and Mrs. Bramble's
dwelling IAN elevated wood house, on the n. and be
yoDd these TIE fire swept every building TO the larpe
East side Church street. SIDE including all those
on Mariners street.
The sight awful and heart rending beyond des-
crption. II not regular progressive fire. fit had
been, ie companies would soon have checked IFS
progress but houses remote from the body of the fire.
well those near, ignite.by the falling fakes
and brands, and many ) in detached situa-
tiens on fire at the moment.
We have not time 10 give any ,irng like probab'e
estimate OF the amount o. property deStIo. ed, or tie
names OF the individual sufferers. Between forty ard
fifty families have been rendered ouseess and the loss
c;nnot be much short of $4,000. The church Tin
ciuning IFS elegant organ) insured for 900 in
the Mutual Assurance Office, and we understand that
most Of the houses of any considerable va ue were also
Insured The fire might have been accidental but
there is too much cause TO apprehend that ii was tia
work o! The a!li2s incchdiary. - Herald.