The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-10-09
CONFLAGRATION IN
NEW YORK


estimated at more than one million Of dollars
about one half of which is presumed TO
be covered by insurance. The principal scene
If destruction was about the lower part Of Full |
on street. where the entire block bordering on
Water, Fulton and Front streets, and on Bur
ing slip, was, with the exception of three or
our buildings, entirely consumed Besides
hese fires 10 the city, others were raging IN
Brooklyn, Jersey City, and other places in the
leig ighborhood Of \. y. at nearly the same
lime.
We copy from the Evening Post. the fol-
lowing particulars of the terrible events; omit
ting the details of individual loss, on account
Of the want OF space.
The First of these Fires, was discovered a
bout six O'Clock on Saturday evening, at house
No. Albany street. which was speedily CON
sumed The flames then spread to the adjoin-
ing buildings, Nos. and 10. which were burn
ed down before the engines arrived at the spot.
Most of the buildings were in the occupation
of poor families, who however saved the great
er portion OF the furniture they contained.
great deal Of the damage done on the occasion
into the buildings. The fire originated in
chimney which was burning in the early part
of the afternoon.
The Second Fire occurred about midnight,
in a carpenters shop No. 1877 Eldridge street,
which together with two large brick buildings
adjacent, and several small frame houses was
consumed. The buildings were occupied most
ly by families in destitute circumstances, who
owing TO the rupidty with which the flames
spread lost nearly all their furniture and small
effects.
Third Fire-While the fire companies were
still engaged in extinguishng the flames in FL
dridge street another alarm proceeded from the
lower part of the city. Before any of the fire
man could reach the place, it was found that
the whole interior of the oil store OF Gilbert and
Jessup. 19l Water street, just opposite to Hollis
large Hotel was in flames. There was fresh
breeze blowing at the time from the East, which
drove the sparks across Water street, and it
was with much difficulty IIolt's Hotel was say
ed fiom catching fire. A small engine used in
the establishment for the purpose OF washing
floors and windows was of great utility IN pre-
serving the immense building. Several of the
adjacent houses caught in different places, but
were prevented from being wholly consumed
by the unceasing oxertions of their owners In
few moments the entire square enclosed by
Water Fulton, Front streets and Burlng slip,
was one mass of flame. Many of the stores
were burned down before single particle of
their contents could be rescued and OF the
goods taken from others greater part was de-
stroyed after they had been removed to the
streets. For long time il was supposed that
the contlagration would be confined to a single
square, but it was soon ascertaued that the
ri pH he hp uip nd a
building in the square below, and that the fire
was making most rapid progress. In conse-
quence OF the extreme heat and the dense
smoke issuing from the premises, it was feared
that the spread of the flames could not be stopp-
ed. The eXertons of the fire and hose com
panies were rendered entirely useless; nor is II
possible to tell where the conhagration would
have ended had not the wind Just at that time
shifted one or two points to the eastward turn
ing the flames from the parts which were most
exposed, and dispelllng ths smoke so as 10 en-
able the hremen To work more effectively. Inc
change OF the wind, however, carried the hre III
the direction of the southeast side OF Water-st.,
where two or three houses were destroyed
when 1t was finally arrested
The whole number of buildings destroyed IS
forty-tiye, of which the greater part were used
for commercial purposes; there beng very
few dwelling houses in that portion OF the city.
The loss is estimated at more than mllhon OF
dollars. During the fire there were great
many thetts; the hats. caps, iurs baskets, crock
ery. grain, brooms, provisions and other articles
which were contained in the stores having been
distributed so profusely over the streets, and IN
such large quantities that the police was insult
fcent to protect the property. Some twenty
or thirty persons were yesterday morning
l, ,ba 6,s IN
the lower police office, charged with theft, and
about as many more underwent an examination
at the Halls OF Justice.
FIRE IN JERSEY CITY.-About an hour sub
sequeut TO the breaking out of the large fire in
this city. the general provision store Of David
Scott. at the corner OF Sussex and Hudsou-sts.,
Jersey City, with its contents, was entirely con-
sumed.
FIRE At BRooKLYS.-At half past six op
Saturday evening. a stable near the corner OF
Front and Joy streets in Brooklyn. the proper
ty OF George l.. Thatcher. was discovered to
he on fire. The flames caught in moment in
the large planning factory near by, frame bull
ding four stories high, and nearly two hundred
feet long containing great quantity of dry
wood aud plank. 1t burned like piece of tin
der; IN fifteen or twenty minutes not a vestige
Of the edfce was remaining. Mr.. Thalcher's
dwelling. brick house three stories high.
which stood on the same premises. was also
burned to the ground. lie computes his loss
altogether at about $4,000. THIS eonfagration
is said TO have been on account of the material
burned. most magnificent spectacle.
OTHER FIRrs-Whle these fires we're rag
ing. We learn that there were others in neigh
boring places more or less destructive. At
Red Hook in the early part Of the evening,
there was q dwelling house and stove shop con-
sumed: at Manhsttauville, about midnight
there were three houses destroyed, and at Fort
Lee. dwelling house. together with its con-
tents.