Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-02-06
From the 81. Thomas Times.
DESTRUCTION OF HALF ST. THOMAS,
RY FIRE.!

BY FIRE.!
Sr. T.oMas, Jan. 9TH, 18S2.-We have to re-
cord the most lamentable and destructive lire that
has ever devastated this island, On the night of
the slst December (old years night at half past
10, the alarm OF fire was given in the part Ut the
town called the Garden, occupied by Mr.. Ema-
nuel Gill. Those who have known ST. Thomas.
previous to the must distressing night, might feel
interested in having a detailed account OF the
destruction-but our Office with two thirds OF the
materials having been burnt we are unable to de-
vote much room to the recital. Sufficient, there
fore, TO say, that owing to many who would have
been useful in such all event being lost in the re-
VERY OF Old Years Night, and the scarcity OF
water from previous drought. the flames from
their commencement we're not met with sufficient
energy to suppress their spread. The wind too,
which was high, carried terror and devastation IN
SO many points that all opposition seemed vain
the consequence was, that about 600 to 7Oo
houses, that IS to say, dwellings, were burnt
but if the out-buildings were tn be reckOned. we
have no doubt that they would amount to 1900,
and those in the very centre Of the town, which
is the most commercial and wealthy. Tive loss
Of the property IN building, &C. has been estlmat-
ed, By good Judge, at from 9, 600, 900 to 3,OO0,
600 dollars Great exertions were made IN ma
ny Of the Sea lots, and in many cases buiidingS
were saved bv the determined and well directed
Hexertions of the owners aided by their friends.
which plainly demonstrated how easily the town
might have been saved by well directed effnrts
I've instance the lot Of Capt. Walloe, which
was saved by the conspicuous exertons of his
worthy servant Samuel Harvey. Capt. Fran
zen, and Lieut. Tuxer, Il. y. and some gallant
American seamen, (names unknown)-that OF
Messrs Souffront, Son & Co. by their very great
- = la
and some indefatigable American Captains and
Seamen-that Of Messrs. Pretto Monzanto &
Co. BY their own we'll directed efforts, aided by
Capt. Watson and many brave men, who will
excuse us for not paying the tribute OF mention
ing their names, not being acquainted with them
and many others which were snatched from
the jaws of the devouring element by the exer-
tons of the determined few, many of whom are
noticed BY our worthy Governor, in Circular
of Thanks which he issued as soon as the FIRE
was entirely subdued. which was not until two
DAYS after-in which he particularly distinguish
es HIS Honor Judge Berg, Majors Won Hoton
and Stakeman, Brand, Major Bonnelley, MIR.
T. Kiae, and the Danish and other captains and
sea,nen under his orders; Capt, Bodenhuf, r.
N. and his crew, captain Virgnard, r. N. com
mander OF his Majesty's schr. L'Hiroudelle. and
his crew, V. B. Major Near, sc. and in conclu-
sion all the inhabitants for their very orderly be-
hayiUur.
i, By this most calalnitous event thousands are
hduseless. many of whom will not have it in their
power Immediately TO rebuild. but we are happy
to say there are none furnishing. as our Cover n
ment with most Iaudable and charitable feeling
have been issuing RatiOns TO those who need sup
port. The Town. too, continues most healthy;
and we have not heard of but one death by acct
dent. We have therefore much to be thankful
for, and no doubt very few months will see ma
ny buildings going up in place OF the old ones.
when experience should direct the whole line of
Commercial street to be fire proof So extensive
were the flames that they were distinctly visible
at st. Croix. distance Of about 40 miles, audi
the manager Of one Of the north side estates, thus
expressed himself that if Fish had Jumped
out of water between there and st. Thomas, he
would have been able to see it," The flames were
likewise seem at the city Of Porto Rico distance
of - miles. whence vessel was despatched TO US
next mOrnng.
Each succeeding day will no doubt further de-
velope the losses of our good citizens.
A large subscription has been raised we under
stand of six or eight thousand dollars among the
inhabitants for the relief of the distressed. Our
fellow Coionists in ST Croix have been active in
which they merit our most hearty thanks The
Danish Captains have likewise erected Tents on
the Kings Wharf for shelter to the houseess.
The ST. Thomas Times, of the 9TH urtimo con-
tains the following remarkable interdict:-
"Notice. Although it is TO be expected from
the benev client character Of the inhabitants IN gen.
eral of this Island, that but very few would take
advantage of the distress which great part of
this community have been subjected TO by the late
awful conhagration. is nevertheless found expc-
dent to forbid the heightenng the prices of any
necessaries of life: which Order. whoever trans
crosses, will be prosecuted according to law
his Government Order is hereby made known
for the information of all concerned.
HI. Fl. BERG"
Police Office. the Sd January, 1882.
There lies in the Clerks Office of the House
of Representatives huge manuscript volume,
communicated TO Congress some DAYS ago, con.
tanning the returns of the Fifth Census or Emu