Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-01-28

Co ship chambers, l63 South street, between Dover
and Roosevelt streets. The latter very destruc-
tive, on account of the inAammable nature OF the
stock and destroyed the building and its contents
The fire communicated to the hardware store OF John
Gilmartin, No. 1872 South street, which was Quilted
before the flames could be subdaed and also to the
cupsa of the large and valuable tea store ba by the
late T. H. Smith. No. I64 South street. occupied by
the firm Of H. II. Smith & Co. Part of this building
was occupied as public store and was filled with
valuable stock of teas, India goods, liquors, &c,
most of which was saved. This building was con-
siderea fire proof, and would not have caught fire,
had it not been for the wooden cupola on the top OF
il. The emil loss by this fire was under $50, coo
and considerable part was covered by insurance
In Front street, three story brick building, oc-
cupied by J. N. NfcNiesh provision dealer, was
destroyed 1t was No. Is, and within three doors of
Broad street. Most of the goods were saved. Mr.
McNiesh was partly insured. The roof Of the ad
joining house, occupied by Mrs Middleton
dwelling, was crushed in by the falling Of the gable
end Of the brick store, and the inmates came
being crushed with it, The building was also some
what injured by fire All the furniture was saved,
tits little singular that these two fires should
have brokon out simultaneously at the very moment
all the remen preparing for their annual ball
The consequence that the engines and hose carts
were mostly dragged to the fire by long string of
noisy rowdy boys, ssaplocks, and roundrimmers,
with few fremen, and the probability is that there
was great deal Of Plundering going on. This un-
toward event pretty much broke up the arrange.
ments for the ball, which this year must be con-
sidered failure. 1t badly arranged, poorly at
tended, and went of spiritless. At one time, the
skipping at the India wharf was in great danger.
THE LATE STEPHEN PRIcE.-The anecdotes,
stories, and curious incidents connected with the
life of Stephen Price numerous beyond belief;
but no enc Of them illustrates the peculiar traits Of
his character so strknsly the affair OF his bro
Their Ben amin's duel and death. Benjamin Price
was grocer at Rhinebeck, ard was considered the
flower of the flock. He at the theatre one even
ing with very beautiful woman, when British
officer, in ad joining box, took the liberty furn-
ing round and staring her full in the face She
planned to Ben. Price and on a repetition OF the Of
fence, he turned round and seized the nose of the
British officer full between his finger and thumb, and
wrung il most effectively. The officer left his box,
and soon afterwards a knock was heard at the door
Of Ben Prices box; Ben opened the door, and there
stood Dir. Green, the officer in question. He asked
Ben what he meant by his behaviour, at the
time remark pg that he did not to insult the
lady by what he did. ooh very well,' said Ben,
4" neither did mean to insult you by what did"
Upon this, they shook hands and swore Tiers;
and in short time afterwards, Mr.. Green went to
Canada to join his regiment.
The facts OF this affair, however, reached Canada
almost as soon as Mr.. Green did, and, of course it
bruitei about amongst the officers Of his mess
One of them had pique against Green, and he
ed it TO be brought under the notice of his brother
officers. Oac of them, Capt. Wilson, insisted that
Green shnnli he Mt IN unless he Wei
back directly, and fought Ben. Price. Green there
fore Immediately set to work and practised for two
hours every day, until he could hit dollar at ten
PAGES nine times out Of ten. He then came to New
York, and challenged Ben. Price; they fought at Ho
boken, and Ben. killed the first fire. The Sc
conds of; Green toek the small boat he crossed
the river in, BEARDED vessel in the bay, just about
TO sail for England. and went thther on board OF her
Poor Ben was found lying dead at Hoboksn, with
piece of paper attached to his breast on which these
words were inscribed: "Ths is BENJAMIN Price,
boarding in vesey street, New York; take care Of
him" Ben's body was brought to the city quietly,
and he vas buried in New York.
Some years afterwards, Capt Wilson, Of the Bril-
fish army, mentioned above, arrived in this city from
England, on his way to Canada, and put up at the
Washington hotel Oae day at dinner, the converse.
ton turned the death Of Zen Price, and the man
ner thereof. Capt. w. remarked that he was mainly
instrumental in bringing about that duel and detailed
the circumstances connected Herewith This state.
ment was carried Immediately TO Steve Price, who
was lying i'll Of the govt at home. His friends say
that he thenceforth implicitly obeyed the instruc.
lions Of his physician, obtained thereby short
saon of his govt, and enabled 10 hvbble out of
DOORS his lower extremities ssddled in flannel His
first course was direct to W ashington Hall, and his
fret inquiry was Is Capt Wilson withnl'' " lie
is SIR" said the waiter "Shsw me to his room"
said Steve; and he shown accordingly. lie
hobbled up stairs with great difficulty, cursing at
intervals his govt and the captain with equal vehe
nense and last enters the captains room, his feet
cased in moccasias, and his hand grasping stick
The captain rose TO receive him. care you Captain
wilson" said Steve. "That is my name" said the
gallant captain. Then, sir, my name Is Steve
Price; you see, sir, can scarcely pat one foot be
fore the other; / an afflicted with the govt Ny
object here is TO insult you Shall have TO knock
you down. or will you consider what have said
sufficient insult, aud act accordingly" "No, sir"
replied the captain, smiling, al shall consider what
you have said sufficient and shall act accordingly.
You shall hear from soon"
According ly in due time there came amessage from
the Captain to Steve Price Time, place and weapons
we're app5nted; and early one morning, soon alter,
a barge left the Navy Yard, in which were seated
face TO face. Steve Price, Capt Wilson and two Sc
coads. They all landed on Bedlow's Island; the
principals took their positions, and Captain Wilson
fell dead at the first Ere. The Captain was buried