Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1843-03-31

land through Hamburgh were not so large by "a 0O(
sacks last year, the year previously, which can only
be accounted !or by the increased consumption at home
Since the invasion by the French, no calamity has
beiaen Hamburgh of character vitality affecting
10 its general welfare, the great fire which occur
red in May. About one-fourth of the value of the
whole property of the city was destroyed. Even now
It is melancholy to gaze upon the spot where the de
vouring element ragged, and to hear the descriptions
Of the conlagra,ion from those who spectators
The pecunary losses regarded nothing, com
pared with the destruction of The Senate House, the
Church Of Saint Nicholas, the Church of Saint
Peter, and other tme-honored ediccs. After the
first day, when the fire assumed most terrific
aspect, the Senators declared that their session
should be without adjournment until it was extin
gnished For three days and nights they remain
ed firm in their purpose, but the devourng flames
spread with such rapidity, and such awful mojesty,
that they al last reached this ancient building; and II
mad been previously determined that if il had to fall
il should fall by explosion, of arresiIng
their further progress. sufficient quantity of pow
der had been provided and placed in the cellar, the
match ready TO accomplish the destructive work,
the Senate notified 10 withdraw. One after one,
apparently regardless of their own lives, they slowly
rose from their seats-seals which had been occupied
by Of them for nearly three years-and by
their predecessors for centuries AS they looked
upon the old Ciock, which had faithfully counted
the time for them for years. and for their ancestors Tor
ages, effort was made TO save il us menento OF
the interior OF that dear old Chamber but al this mo-
men the last they had for retreat, the citizens rushed
in and bore them safely from the DANGER which, it was
feared, 1t was too late 10 escape In another instant,
this Anticipated and venerated building in ruins
and, in lis downfall, there was termination TO the
most disastrous fire ever recorded.
The Church Of Saint Peters erected in l139
Generation, alter generation had worshipped tue
"Hirb and Mighty one" within its sacred walls. IL
was endeared TO the citizens by thousand ties Its
associations were of holy character When they
beheld it developed in smoke, and The fire bursting
through the roof, they were perfectly terror stricken
They had fondy trusted, that amid the wreck of ind
vdua property, this sanctuary would remain unscathed
Its hell which had been the summons to so many
righteous assembages, olled faithfully hour after hour
from the time the first sparks discovered, was now
soon to be silenced forever. The flames speedily
assembled TO the SKIES which, from It's immense heigh
three hundred and sixty feet, presented the appearance
of mass Of red hot iron reaching to the Heavens
The sound of the bell became fainter and IA inter, as
if expiring from its own exertions. 1t seemed TO speak
partng-a farewell language, as s heat increased
lis like those of the dying swan-the last
were the sweetest. It's death struggle will never cease
to be remembered in Hamburger Every eye has n tear
in it when mention is made Of the bell of Saint Peter
Church. The Saint Nicholas also prey to the
ruthless enemy. This a similar building to Saint
Pauls in London, and one of the most costly IN hu
rope.
The burnt district will be re built, and the private
residences greatly improved, but the progress will be
slow. Donations have been made 10 the sufferers IN
every quarter of the Globe which proves that there IS
much goodness, whateve evils we may complain oil
in the breast of poor humanity. The contributions
amount to 600 900 marks--Banco (Sl 366,OU0) Slhe
Bank was destroyed bu, its payments were not stop
ped for day. Only insurance Company failed TO
meet its liabilities promptly. The burning of Moscow
Napoleon says, "was the most awful-the most sublime
spectacle the world beheld-yel am confident II
was destitute of the melancholy GRANDEUR which char
acter the conhagration of Humburgh