Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1858-01-27
BURNING OF THE BRANCH BANK OF TEN

BURNING OF IHh BRANCH BANK OF IEN-
MESSED AT sHELBTFILLE.
We are indebted 70 COL Jonzsoz for the follow
ing letter. giving me full particulars Of the aesrus
ton Of the Branch Bank Of Tennessee at that place
on the night Of the 22d inst
SHELBYvILLE, Tenn. Jan. IS, 1858
c. JOHNSON, Esq, Prs't Bank Of Tennessee.
Dear Sir: The banking house Of the Branch Bank
Of Tennessee, at this place, was destroyed By fire
on the 22d inst. The fire was discovered at 81
o'clock, A. NJ All the money, notes. and bills be-
longing to the bank is SAFE and on hand, as before
the FIRE.
I regret to inform you that all the books and pa
pers containing the accounts were lost in the de-
structon, except the general ledger and ournal-the
latter only used for few months psst-these two
books saved in damaged condition.
We will be at considerable trouble in asosrtaining
the correct amount Of the individual deposit &C.
count. We apprehend that little, if any, loss viii
be sustained on that account The forwarding bill
book is safe as well as all the receipts for eoee-
tons by attorneys. Of course, we viii be neeessa-
rily compelled to purchase an entire new set of
books and bank fixtures.
As a temporary location for the Bank, our direc-
tors (present thought it best to secure two eOnve
nient rooms, adjoining the old bank in the building
occupied and owned by the undersigned which To-.
cation is convenient and will answer very we'll The
business and affairs Of the bank will 60 on without
interruption, as heretofore.
So far as an opinion goes, it is thought by those
most conyersant with the Circumstances Of the fire,
that it must have been the work Of an ineendiary,
as the clerk Of the bank examined each room after
10 o'clock the night before the FIRE, and from state
ments of some who had occasion to pass the bank at
about o'clock, 30 minutes before the fire was dis
covered, no light was visible in the bank, If the
fire had been smouldering during the night, or for
some time, the reflection of the same could have
been observed through a large window, over the
principal door, not covered with blinds. We have
other circumstances that lead to think that the
mischief was perpetrated by some evil disposed
person or persons.
My own house and goods we're saved by the great
exertions and daring of a few nOble-hearted men,
who did all in their power to the effects The
goods were much injured by removal, &c.
The lot on which the bank stood is about go feet
front, running 22O feet back half Of which only is
necessary for convenient house for banking pur.
poses If it is determined to rebuild which think
ought to be done, the brick saved and the sale Of
the useless part of the lot viii 60 far towards de-
fraying the expenses of building safe house for
the future use of the bank. The former building
was, in my opinion, too large.
We expect to be able to discount paper, to rea-
sonable amount, so as to relieve much posi-
bic the wants Of the community. Situated We
now are, it viii require a great amount Of labor
and care to bring every account right and in cor
rect working order.
Suffer me to repeat, that It affords me great sat
sfaecn, as well as our cashier and clerk, with the
directors here to state to you, and through you to
the public, that with the small loss and inoOnye-
nienee above stated all else is safe and secure and
that the State cannot be injured to the extent of
one dollar, aside from what is stated above.
lam, very respectfully, your Ob't serv't,
RoB'T MATHEWS, Pres't.