Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-10-12
BeHriHe Burnt,

Beilriqe Burnt
This beautiful House, which situated to the North
west of this city, and within mile OF lis skirts, des
lroved by fire on Friday night. Ii broke on, between
10 and ii o'clock The Compiler of yesterday morning
gives the following description Of this destructive
llagralion
9By1LylLLE BrRyT.-We stated in great haste in
postscript head of Saturday, that this NOZZLE edice
had fallen victim 10 the flames, Friday night. No
BILE indeed may call il; for, il Of the HOS
magnificent private buildings which our country ever
possessed lis imposing dimensions; the size and beau
ty of its rooms; the fine brickwork Of which It was
built and which solid, that liz walls do not np
pear 10 be seriously cracked fractured, By the n,en
sty Of The fire-evcry thing in it, and about IT. with IL
beautiful grounds and ts picturesque groves, contr
buted to make il ornament 10 city, and Il
the State large. But this noble building Inns fallen
prev il is apprehended, TO the evil passions of some vile
incendinry. The fire WAS first TO burst out from
the roof and when il is considered that it Of slate
the pton is, that the fatal torch deposited IN
garrett room, where il kinded and then pierced the roof
There few dnmestlcs about the house, and they
did not appear to lend any efficient aid in extIngushina
the flames removing the furniture. There was III
white person upon the premises, except lis strong mind
ed and wonderfully gifted proprieress, Mrs Mayo, the
widow Of Colonel John Mayo, and the motherln-law
of Gen Winfield Scott, and DR.. Cabel Of this city
She was asonished al the breaking out of the lire,
and so anxious 10 her most valuable papers, that
she was unable to give any ORDERS If there had
as the President and pupils of the Baptist Seminary
which is in the immediate neghborhood oil BcIlyle-
saw the fire bursting from lie roof they rushed 10 the
spot cended the stairs where Mrs Mayo was and
dercd the most active and generous services: in renov
ing the furniture and attempting TO cxnguis the fire.
But no water at hand, and not even candle could
be Immediately obtained i'll the confusion Of the scene,
to iyht them up TO the garnet
"lhc fire engines Of Richmond soon brought 10
the spot about mile from the skirts OF the city, but
water WIS be obtained except from well in the yard
Every effort 10 the honse was hopeless. We have
never witnessed more imposing spectacle Of this de-
scrip,ion: The immense building fre-the large
masses Of light which scattered in all directions,
Illuminating the groves and the lawns-the large gronP
Of people which dispersed around with the heaps
Of furniture piled up at several points, formed tont
s,sGie of tho most picturesque and striking character
But the most impressive object Of all the moral e.
feet hch was impaired Nv the presence Of the
bile lady Of the mansion, who sat in front Of the ruins.
and amid the Of furniture, without one tear
lamentations, murmur, lmpressing all who saw her
with the deepest sympathy and respect Tor one who bore
herself 50 firmly against severe and sudden Gala
NIFTY We are sorry to understand that not cent
INSURED upon the property, the whole building being
unfortunately supposed To he almost fire proof.
ssAs much mystery exists about the orig Of this
ire il is u be hoped tina, all the facts Will hc most
strictly and infinitely investigated. II there he an m
ccndlary in the case, public justice demands his eSrn
pllr: punishment The feelings Of the family and the
interests If society concur in this requIsiiinn Indeed
we have always thought, that whore great fire takes
place lis origin should lie traced without delay. We
have c-cn doubted, whether sort al inquest should
not Be held the spot by the civil authorities, as IN
case Of riurder-and that commission should at once
investigate tie facts, and prepare sort OF roees rfr
Lul-such preceding would he calculated 10 bring
the incrnary f there be ono, TO justice, rs well Us To
devise precautions 10 lrerem the occurrence Of