Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-12-24
The Hon. c. C. CAMBRrLENe,
Cha. Com. of Ways and Means
COLrEorOR's OFFICE, half past 9 o'clocl

/
Nc70 York, December Ia, 1885.
DEAR SIR;-Last night, between eight and nine
o'clock, fire broke out the Merchants Exchange
and is still raging vioenty although the
have got it under control BY this disastrous visitation
between four and FIVE hundred buildings have been de-
sroyed, and goods and other effects, TO the of
from fifteen to twenty millions of dollars This calami-
ty falls principally upon the heavy importing merchants
and they must unques onaLly become greatly embar-
rassed, and many oil them ruined.
! The bonds of these individuals must be dishonored
Gil business is suspended, and our city, from being the
seat OF prosperity and wealth, within twenty hours
| IS now the abode of and dependency. 1t was
thought at first that the bonds which should not be paid
owing TO the CONSERVATION and confusion which prevail
at present, might be held subject your decision upon
the matter; but, upon mature reflection have de-
termlned that cannOt III any way or under any cir
cumstances, devate from the course laid down by the
law. Consequently shall hand them over TO the Dis
trct Attorney usual, trusting and believing that Con.
gress will forthwith take some action on the subject Of
this heavy calamity.
The Merchants Exchange and Post Office being de-
stroyed, have caused temporary accommodations TO be
erected in the Inspector rooms attached to this Office
for the accommodation Of the latter until better can be
procured elsewhere. The effects Of The Post Office were
all saved from injury.
This office was in the greatest danger for long time
one-half Of the city But did remove an ar
tcle but was prepared to every thing had it been
necessary.
am, dear sir, with the greatest respect,
Your obedent servant
SAMUEL SWARTWOUT, Collector.
Seeretoryef The Treasury, Washington, D. C.
From tie seeretary Of tic Treasury to tie Collector at
Neto York.
TREAsUR9 DEPARTMENT, 10Th Dec, 1895
Dear Sir: Your letter Of the 18th instant, communi-
eating the disastrous intelligence concerning the late
fire in The city of New York, has been received
hardly need assure you that under this great caai-
~, Your citizens shall have extended to them from this
Department. every indulgence which their misiortuncs
require and which the lave aud official duty will permit
to render
therefore approve your course in furnishing tempo.
rary accommodations for the Post Office and have sane
toned the proposals Of the Marshal 10 tender also for
the same purpose the Of the tie City Hall
now occupied by the United States Courts
In esPectto delay in the collection Of bonds or to r.
missions or reductions Of duties in certain cases they
both deserve yCry favorable consid cation But as YOU
remark concerning your power about the former il
may be added as to my power about BOTH that the acts Of
Congress now give me control over the subject do
NO doubt however, that the subject viii hc lskeo
up by Congress Monday, and some expression Of M
views soon given, and in Tie meantime, do not hest
tate Co believe that you and the District Atorpev you'd
be sustained and justified IT, in The exercise Of sonnd
discretion under this affecting emergency YOU did moi
press the collection Of bonds ia all cases. where the pub
nc Secuiy would not be impaired by short delay, and
where the parties are 10 situation which would proba
bly, cause Congress 10 extend TO them some relief
With muck sympathy and rcgafd 4 am your obedient
servant, LEVI WOODBURY.
20 Socrc0yyof tie Ire0surv
SANUEL SwARrwoUr. Esq.
p s. The Solicitor Of The Treasury viii be reooesled
TO write to similar effect oday TO the District Aftor
neYln regard 10 the bonds.
The Secretary Of the Treasury having transmitted 10
the Commilee Of Waysand Means letter from the Col.
ector 81 the port Of New York giving account Of the
ao disastrous conagraon at that place, end represent,
ing the entire suspension Of credit and prostitution of
trade, the Committee respectfully submit The following
report
Deeply sympathising with the immediate and several
sufferers BY great national calamity the Committee Of
Ways and Means lost time IN considering the contop
ncoion Of The Secretary Of the Treasury The disaster
IS OF an unparalleled character, and it, conse0ueucee
must he ie by every interest and every quarter Of the