Washington telegraph., 1854-02-22
From the NJ 0. Crescent, 4fh inst
AWFUL COnflagrafiOn.
TEN STEAMBOATS, BURNED u

81 900, 900 WORTH OF PROPERTY LOST.
AT 15 minutes to 4 o'clock this morning
(Saturday) the deep-toned bells sounded the
alarm of fire, and in short time tremen-
dous volume of smoke and fame issued from
one Of the steamboats, moored at the levee.
On reaching the spot. few minutes after
the alarm, we asccrtained that the fire broke
out on the splendid st. Louis steamer Chas.
Belcher, which in few moments was
mass Of lurid fames-the officers of the
boat barely escaping without saving any
thing. The fire Immediately spread to the
beautiful new steamer Natchez, also to the
Liah Tuna, the Michigan, Saxon. Grand
Turk and one or two others, and barge
BY this time nearly the entire fire depart
ment were on the ground and doing good
duty but the fire made such rapid progress
their labors were Of little avail. The
wharves were groanirg under the heavy
burden they sustained from the quantity
and rapidity with which every description
Of products have been pouring in upon US
during few days past, consequent upon
rise in the upper rivers. Cotton. sugar,
western produce, etc, together with great
quantity Of way freight ready to be shipped,
were piled up to the waters edge, and to
this the flames quickly communicated. sweep
ing off everything in its mad career. About
half an hour from the first alarm great COM
motion was observable among the officers and
crews Of the crowd Of boats living wedged
in as close as they could possibly be, and
several, considering the danger ahead, got
up steam as fast as pinc-knots and rosin
would let them and pushed into The stream.
This was wise and judicious move, as by
50 doing and the wind being in shore it pre-
vented the fire spreading in the direction Of
large fleet Of them
The Charles Belcher, Capt Carlisle, ar
rived last night from Nashville, with a car
go of 500 bales of cotton, about 700 hhds.
tobacco, and large lot of pork. We are
informed that the G. b. had on her after
decks about 80 negrocs--men, women, and
children-and that owing to tic immense
load they were unable to force their way
through the engine room, to reach the shore,
and either jumped overheard and drowned
or perished in the flames. Capt Cariisle's
wife, although sick, jumped overheard from
the hurrican deck Of tie Belcher, with her
child, and was saved All the cabin pas
sengers were saved, but lost their baggage.
Some of the books, valuable letters and pa
pers were saved by the clerk.
On the Natchez at least FIVE perished,
viz: two Of the chambermaids, two Of the
deck hands and the pastry cook.
The Natchcz arrived yesterday with g.
500 bales of cotton, and there was at least
$500 bales yet to be discharged.
The Mohiean had large and valuable
cargo and was to leave this morning for the
Tennessee river.
The Crescent and Liah Tuna had nearly
discharged their loads.
The Saxon had about one-haf of her car
20 on board for St. Louis.
| The Sutana took fire bat happily it was
put oat without much damage, when she
raised steam and backed out from the
wharf
The Grand Turks stern was in flames,
but owing to the moving out of three boats
adjoining and the working of engines she
was rescued from conhagration.
We understand the fire engine No. II,
approached too near the edge Of the water
and fell in No one hurt.
Loss estimated at near million Of dol
lars.
/