Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-02-27
DestruetivS fife.

Destrustivs Fire.
We Received the following statement Of
most disastrous FIRE, in time for our last
issue, out no name having accompanied it,
we declined its publication. We have
since learned, however, from the friend
who was kind enough to communicate
the intelligence, that it is but too true:
On the night Of the 14th inst, between
| 10 and o'clock, the inhabitants of New
port, Augusta County, Va, were aroused
from their slumbers. to witness the conAa-
grafton of le dwelling-house, store-house
and lumbef.house, belonging to Mr.. VIM.
Brubeck Of that place When the fire
was first discovered the entire dwelling
house. which was large. new and nearly
completed-being intended for a tavern
was wholly enveloped in flames. 1t being
a frame house, was consumed v cry fast
The store and lumber house-also frame
standing near soon caught and were in
stantly in flames. Burning fragments from
the building were scattered in every d.
rection. The heat was so intense as to
render it almost impossible to save build
ings nearest. 1t was only through the
intrepid and fearless action Of the few per-
sons present that the buildings of the Tan
merry belonging to Mr.. VIM. O. Lowman
were saved. They at first attempted to
save the store-house, &C., OF Mr.. VIM.
Brubeck, but 6pding their efforts vain
like bold and daring soldiers they Tough:
the raging enemy tearlessly, only giving
way when it was impossible for human
effort 10 resist the devouring element
then every nerve was strained to save the
Tannery Of VIM. o. Lowman. They
knocked hole IN the roof and covered
the entire building next the burning with
wet hides, and by keeping these contin-
ually wet the Tannery was saved. Bold
y they worked like men who feel that
their neighbours interest ought to be their
own. To such exertions the highest
gratitude is due, and for these no enconi.
UNI is too great.
The buildings Of Mr.. Vim. Brubeck
were set on fire by some blackhearted in
cendlary, for whom the punishment Of
death is too good. Even hell with all its
terrors, seems but poorly common surate
with the crime committed. It is supposed
that the dwelling house was set on fire in
several places at once. MIR. Bru5ecks
loss is estimated at $3000,-cerlainly not
less, as he had good many goods in his
storeho0se, and all OF his books and papers
were consumed IN the building.
The carpenters tools belonging to Mr..
VIM. Campbell, were all consumed. The
loss falls heavily on Mr.. G., as he is lily
able to bear It.
Hot pursuit is being made of the william
who perpetrated the incendiar:sm, and
hopes are entertained Of his arrest.
ASorHER.-In passing through the ell.
terprising little town Of Waynesboro' on
last Monday, we were shown where an
attempt had been made to fire the large
Merchant Mill Of Jno. ]. Bell. The fir.
was communicated to the bulld;n~ ,tram.1
near the entrance door, bv means If shaw.
'ngs placed betwesa the weather boadinp
a'.o some ssrrels that were On the plat
form. Fortunately, the fire had not made
much Roadway, before it was discovered
Ii it had not been noticed as soon as it
was, the entire building and contents must
have been consumed. The mill contain
ed wheat and flour, equal to II or 1900
barrels.
This attempt was also the prompting Of
some black-hearted incendiary. Waynes-
bore and vacinity have sorely suffered this
winter, from such cha racters, and it is TO
be hoped. the depraved wretch who could
do such deed, will speedily be brought to
justice.