The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-26
DISASTROUS CONFLAGRATION-B G
OF THE ST CHARLES THEATRE AND
SURROUNDING RIIII DINGS


At about six o'clock last evening of those mis-
cradle novels in the of Poydras street. and i'm
mediateiy adjoining the ST. Charles theatre, was dis
covered to be fire, the which instantly connected
to the cabinet furniture and coffin manuactory owned
by Madame Quirk and Son. From thence, and be-
fore measures could be taken to stay the flames they
communicated with wonderful rapdity to the stage
and scenic department of the theatre and igntng
the highly combustibe materials connected there
with, rendered the immediate destruction of this
magnificent establishment inevitable. There was
fresh breeze at the time, and more rapidly than the
eye could follow did the element rush on from pit to
dome, and from one department of that vast theatre
to another until it was all alike, a lurid flame. OF
the few persons within at the time the greater part
fled to save their lives, while attempted in vain
to portions Of the excellent wardrobe belonging
to the company.
The flames then rushed on, and destroyed the old
billiard room, some time since occupied by the late
Mr.. Bennett, and the very beautiful Arcade buildings
from which, however, much property was saved.
The new billiard room, and Major Boards auction
mart in the old Camp street theatre were much dam
aged by the falling of portion of the st. Charles
walls, and smoke and water Their contents, with
the exception of the tables, and some billiard balls
which thieves took care of, saved uninjured
On ST Charles street, the building occupied by
Mr.. Murphy, a coffee house and ten pin alley and
by MIR. Jobson as book depository, was likewise
destroyed The establishment of Mr.. Irwin although
at several times in great danger saved-the con-
tents previously removed.
1t was magnificent, but very melancholy spec
tacle to see that extensive pile of buildings wrapped
in flames; and gloomy one to the citizen accustom-
ed to look on the old and familiar objects almost
portion OF his house and his being, to the satua-
ry which crowned the building, as if in reality the
presiding deities of mimic world, slowly moulder
away, and toterng if to take long, lingering
look" at the crescent, drop into the abyss beneath.
Long after the roof had fallen in, and the flames
bad commenced operations upon the heavy timbers in
no of
us with at is true the chandeliers gomez" We
looked at the man moment, and he appearing serious
in his demand, could not help laughing in his face
as we said Certainly" at the bare idea that any per-
son should Tor moment suppose an article of such
material and ponderous could under such circum-
stances be saved. 1t was magnificent specimen Of
art, and from the Crescent City learn that its d.
mansions were, in height IL feet, and in circumfe-
renee sc; that it weighed 200 lbs. and $40 O0O
The wsole of the valuable wardrobe was entirely
consumed, and many of the principal actors who pro-
vide their own, were also great losers. Messrs
Browne, Barrett and Cowe have lost all the dresses
wigs, and different DISCUSSES which for years have
almost deluded ourselves into the belief part of
the men. Some mode of remunerating the loosers by
this calamity to the best of our ability, must be set
foot forthwith. We should say that over 300 ndi-
viduals have been cast out Of employ, through this
fire.
In connection with this event we have to record the
death of Mr. Spanier, member of No. g. killed by the
falling of the walls.
A Mr.. Nugent, was also badly hurt and is in
the hospital.
Messrs. Robert Fellows and John Saunders were
also severely injured.
Mr.. Caldwells loss must be very heavy. As
CARDS the insurance effected the buildings no in
formation could be elected from head quarters but
we informed on good authority, that $40 600 of in
effected in this city and 1000 in Lon
don. Of the Theatre and Arcade buildings the orr
glnal cost of erection about $450,OOO. Mr..
Murphy insured at the Fireman's Office for $l7,-
$40, and Madame Qurk for $s5 600. The scenery,
properties and wardrobe of the theatre must have
been worth over $4,000 The bulk ofthe property was
owned by the Gas Bank
heavier in these times of commercial and financial
peril. Those interested must possess more OF the
tabled powers of the PhnnIx than we think they do
if their property emerges very speedily from the ashes