The native American., 1839-10-19
AWFTL CONFEDERATION,

FROM THE MOBILE ADVERTISER EXTRA, OF OCTOBER s.
Eieoen Squares destroyed by Fire!
We have only time this morning, before going
to press, 10 announce the occurrence Of the most
awful and destructive fire which ever before oc-
Cured in our unfortunate and ill-sarred city Last
might, at ahont eight o'clock, when the wind was
blowing almost gale from the Southeast, the fire
broke out in an old wooden building in the rear
Of the house on the souheast-corner Of Dauphin
and Conception streets, owned by Mr.. Pinto.
The adjoining buildings being all of wood, the
fire was soon communicated to them, and in a
few minutes crossed Conception street. Here it
had full sweep--the buildings being very COM
pact, and all Of wood, and the wind southeast
the fire swept over the two squares west Of Con-
ception, from Cont, on the south, to ST. Francis
on the north, with uneXampled and terrific rapid
uy. Proceeding west, it crossed St. Joachim
street-then Jackson; here it extended one square
further north TO ST. Michael street, and them three
solid squares abreast all in one grand terrific flame,
it swept onward to Claiborne street, and crossed
it sweeping every thing to Franklin. Here, at
about twelve o'clock, the wind fortunately abaed;
in consequence Of which, and the blowing up Of
several buildings on the west side Of Franklin
street, the progress Of the devouring element was
stayed, not, however, until six or eight buildings,
on the west side Of Franklin had been destroyed.
The dwelling of Duke Goodman, Esq, on the
corner of Dauphn and franklin was blown up.
Thus all the buildings on the north side Of Con-
Ii, from Conception TO Franklin, a distance of
four squares-all on both sides of Dauphin, to the
same extent-on both sides of st. Francis. to the
same extent, with the exception Of three build
ings on each side at the corner of Conception
all the buildings on the south side Of St. Michael
from Jackson to Franklin-al on the cross streets
of Conception, ST. Joachim, Jackson, Claiborne,
and probably twenty TO thirty buildings besides,
in the vicinity within the limits described above,
it is supposed, about FIVE HUN
DRIED BUILDINGS, have suddenly been re-
duced to ashes ! By this awful calamity, proba-
bly, two hundred families are turned into the
streets, many of whom are poor and penniless,
and will depend entirely on public charity for
place to rest their heads, and for bread to appease
their hunger. The flames extended with such
rapidity that but little property could be saved,
and many, very many, have lost their all. We
are unable this morning to descend to particulars
1t is impossible 10 convey an idea Of the distress
produced. The removal of the sick and the con-
sequent exposure, excitement, and alarm, we fear
will, in many instances, be productive Of fatal
results
The origin Of the fire is attributed to incendi- |
aries and we understand that two persons were
seized on suspicion, and lodged in jail. Can it
be possible there can be found in human shape
such base fiendish monsters Mobile seems in
deed doomed city. Have we not drank deep
enough of the bitter cup Of adversely and afflic-
ton? When and where will our calamtes end
Alas Heaven only knows.