Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-01-23
From the National Intelligence.
LETTER FROM A TRAVELLER.

LETTER FROM A TRAVELLER.
WASHINGTON CITY, JAN. 10, 1927
Gentlemen: | came here yesterday morning,
aGer cold ride Of nearly seventy miles from
the mountains, and had not got fairly thawed
and rested before the alarm Of fire at Alexan-
dria, was given.
II is more than thirty years since was ap'
proachirg Washington, in boa, coming down
the Potomac, on Sunday morning, when we
discovered Georgetown in flames. Several
houses on High-street were burnt; and Sun
day or two afterwards another fire broke ont
and did considerable damage. Washington
Civ was then in its infancy--the Presidents
House and the Capitol were building, the Sic
Buildings were erected: no tavern thai re-
member-but there was grog shop, In shed
not far from the Presidents House.
And | Witnessed in Washington, scene oil
confusion and dismay, in August 1914, when
the enemy was approaching-such scene as
never wish to see again; and saw the fames
of the Capitol ascending 10 Heaven.
The conAagration at Washington was scene
Of National, as well as Of private distress, but
the private distress was soon at all end, and the
nation did not long feel the loss OF its Capitol.
1t has risen more splendid from its ashes; and
the lesson learned in August 1914, will be use
ful TO posterity
But the scene at Alexandria yesterday, vas
one OF private distress only; and, from the mo-
ment that the sad ttdings first arrived until 1t
lille puSs 81 p7se sas
Both Houses Of Congress adjourned, and the
citizens Hocked in crowds 10 the unfortunate
scene Of destruction.
Georgetown sent on her engines and her men
Washington was there in strength; and by
the uncommon zeal and exer,ions Of both towns,
the fire which threatened destruction to the
whole town, and to the shipping in port, was
provldentially arrested in its progress, after
consuming perhaps about fifty hoGses, and a
large amount Of property.
l scarcely knew or cared what l was doing
or saying for some time afterwards, and tried
10 write letter to friend, but had to stop
short, and could not rest satisfied, fatigued as
was, until l went down 10 the spot 1t is true
could not have helped them much, bu. was
anxious to see with my own eyes, what had
happened, and shall long remember Alexan-
dra and yesterday.
And yet there was Joy, as we'll as sincere.
heartfelt sorrow, experienced curing the visit.
Joy to behsld so many brave and gallant men
rushing in thousands 10 save their neighbors.
War may come again, and let it come-but
Washington will never again fall before an in
vading foe. The very fremen Of Georgetown,
Washington, and Alexandria, will repcl any
future attack. The old, the young, the invalid
as well as the healthy, were all active; and then
there was SO much real gratitude felt and ex.
pressed by the citizens Of the devoted town,
that 1t was almost worth fire to see so much
generous feeling on one hand, and so many
kind and thankful looks and expressions on
the other. Every house was thrown open; ey-
cry table was free, every hear, was warm, and
lovely woman was first in showing what she
felt. "Do, pray, sit down, sir" said beauti.
full blaek-eyed maid to me, do sit down and
eat it.e," and bring all in that are with you.
VI have not done you any SERVICE" was my
rePly-"O, never mind, never mind--you came
to see it you could help US, and that's as good;
and we are all so glad: come, drink som s1hing."
did partake Of their refreshment, and hearti.
ly; and shall not soon forget the kindness of
the Alexandrian maid; but shall remember
her for more than her kindness or her beauty.
She had feeling heart, & her eountenance which
al my hrst entrance, was covered with Joy, was
soon clouded with sorrow. ave are safe" said
she-bul there's the Miss W's-their fine brick
house is gone, & they are orphans" Orphans"
said I---"Yes, Sir; orphans, and God know.
what they will do" could not speak: but
thought that even relief would come down
from the mountains. "Orphans!-thev shaN
not suffer-" "And there's Mr--,oo. has los,
all he was worth, about eighteen thou sand dol.
lars; and there's Mr.. and Mrs. and Miss
all, alas! poor crealures!" and tears began to
roll down her blooming cheeks, and nv ewes
were not quite dry.
Ia few remarks Of our correspondent, here
seem to be too entirely political for the com
pany they are found ia: We therefore omi,
them. ~