Arkansas intelligencer., 1844-06-01
Di.lrue.iue fire at Nev orleans-Immenss Con-

Disruetipe. fire at Nev Orleans-Inmemse Con-
fagration-2O0 houses burnt.
We IRE indebted to the polite officers of tho Ev.
cline, for files from New Orleans up to the 20th
ult. From the Picayune of that date we clip the
following:
The most destructive fire that ever occurred in
this city, took place on Saturday last. About
twenty minutes before one O'Clock. P. M. the car.
penters shop of Mr.. F. d. tlott, situated in IRENE
street, between Canal and Jackson streets was dis.
covered to be on fire, gentle breeze was blowing
at the time, and in less than ten minutes after the
alarm was given, the flames spread to the adJoin-
ing houses on other side; the fremen, to their
praise be it said, were early on the spot; but in
spite of their almost super-humane exertions, the
conhagraton could not be checked. House after
house caught, until the entire square was on
hre, and then the vicinity presented scene Of
ruin and destruction, that we solemnly hope may
never be our lot to witness, nor describe again.
|: must be recoected that at this period Of the sad
catastrophe, the sun being at its meridian, poured
down scofching rays upon those who struggled in
vain to oppose the devastating element; showers
of hot cinders and clouds Of dust and smoke blow
directly in the faces Of the fremen, who in many
instances from being nearly suffocated, were
obliged to desst for time, and remove their en-.
gines further off. Added to this combination of
difficulties, little no water was to be had . and
the small quantity that directed 10 the burn
ing element was like poring bucket full of wa
ter MO the hot and lurid crater of Hecn. The
only water that could be obtained was dra wn from
the cutters, the plugs from the different hydrants
in the immediate vicinity being permitted to run
from the first breaking out of the fire.
In this state of things it was impossible to nr.
rest the confagralion for a single moment, and
thousands of our citizens might be standing on the
pavements with folded arms and countenances be-
tokening how much sympathy thoy felt for the
unfortunate sufferers, yet still unable to assist them
in the slightest degree. 1t made the blood freeze
in the heart when mothers, with young infants in
their arms rushed from their burning dwellings,
and sought refuge, God only knows where! Here
might be seen disconsoate women with their babes,
standing beside the backened ruins Of their once
humble, though happy homes; there hard work.
ing bronzed- featured man who had lost the earn.
ing Of months of hard labor and toll; and again,
shrieking and frightened children. wandering in
The Streets in search Of their parents! The streets
were literally filled with furniture Of every de.
scription-beds, bedding, groceries. dry goods,
valuable books, &C., &C., were thrown heller,
sketer, here and there. Such, however. was the
heat of the air, aided by the smoke that proceeded
from the burning tenements. that persons who
were removing their affects were, in some cases
obliged to drop whatever articles they were con-
veying, and seek shelter from the pursuing ele.
ments
We are sorry that we have to record the death
of child aged about6 years. Its mother, in her
haste to save her younges! darling, rushed with ii
in her arms to place Of safety, and before she
could return, the roof Of her dwelling had fallen
in and buried tho poor innocent in the smoking