Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1847-01-28

| Between ten and eleven o'clock, last Thurs.
day night bowling alley at the foot of Haver-
hill-street was discovered to be on fire. The
alarm which was first given was weak and IN
efficent-the south end bells hardly responded
to the call, and before the enginemen were upon
the ground, the fire was SO Tar ahead as to put
all exertion at defiance.
II The wind blew perfect hurricane, the cold
was intense, and in the direct range of the fiery
air was row of wooden mechanic shops-mar-
BILE manufactures, and other mechanical works,
all composed of wood, and upon which the fire
spread over as upon sheet of oil or turpentine.
Northward and eastward the fire spread,
gloomily and regularly. Beverly-street and
Medford-street were melted down in its flames.
Haymarket Square was filled with the flying
inhabitants of the burning district, fleeing with
their few of their household goods from the de-
structon which was behind them. The air
was filed with burning flakes OF fire proceeding
from the combustible materials within its range
and with the strong wind and intense cold, il
appeared impossible to tell where the destroying
element should be stayed
Soon after two O'clock the fire had extended
along the left side of Charlestown-street, and
the fremen were combating the flames with
most intrepid courage, and with perfect GER
tainty that the confagration could not cross the
street.
A vas, amount of properly has been destroyed
and the loss falls upon those who in losing little
lose all
Some are made houseless and homeless
Others have seen their small fortunes sink be-
fore their eyes, and an immense deal OF fpersonal
suffering will flow from the result of this unlor-
tunate calamity.
II The fire burned over a large space of what is
known as the "new land, leaving nothing but a
Il chimr ey or two Standing within its range, con-
suming the earnings, dimming the hopes, and
destroying the little all of large number OF
people. The flames were prevented from cross
ling Haverhill-st. on the south, though wooden
building upon the southern side took fire from
heat, and was apparently hopelessly on fire al
an early part of the conflagration, by the intre-
pd exertions of the eDginemen who, wedged in
Il between two flames, turned their streams upon
/ the southern side, and saved the immense wood
yards and other combustible materials there
which, il they had become ignited, would have
seriously menaced the large depot establish
menls Of the Maine Railroad. Over the space
where the fire travelled, there was little chance
| with hurricane of wind lending assistance tC
its ravageS, for the fremen To make point Al
which it might be stayed, The fre.proof stable
of Mr.. Boynton, upon Charlestown street, pre-
senied place where the destruction might be
stayed, and there, partly protected from the in
tense heat by the temporary shield of plank ol
a fugitive door, they made final and a success
| iul stand. The brick walls and iron window
shutters Of this excellent structure turned bach
the fire, but its cracked slates and smoky cover
| ing showed how severely il had been deal
| with
II A note from Mr.. Leonard, the proprietor o
the bowling alleys, on Ilaverhil street, states
that the fire dld not commence upon his premi
seS, but that a carpenters shop was first burn
down. Nearly all the buildings destroyed wer,
Of wood, mostly workshops and stables, thougl
| families were rendered houseless. On most o
the buildings and stock there was but little in
/ surance.
II Two Oft the fremen were seriously injured. =
II A young man by the name Of Wildes,a membe
Of Engine Company No 5, was badly injured b.