The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-08-26
Our New Bedford Correspondence.

New BEDFORD, Mass, August "a, 1859.
Extensive Confagration at New Bedford-Property to The
amount Of Half Milton Destroyed, dc.
Seldom, ever, has the city OF New Bedford witnessed
such crowd that assembled here. The American
Institute Of instruction commenced its thiresh ANNUAL
meeting here yesterday and has thus far
and its papers and discussions able and spirited
To day the Eighth regiment of Washington Grays from
New York. arrived here and were received by the New
Bedford City Guard
In addition to these attractions there TO have been
grand balloon ascension this afternoon by Mr.. King OF
Philadelphia; but just before the hour for cutting the
ropes the balloon burs much to the damage of the zero
naut and greatly to the disappointment Of the gazing
crowds, who had assembled from all parts of the country
within thirty and City miles around.
But much more expensive entertainment and one not
previously advertised, took place.
An extensive conaagralon commenced OF twelve O'Clock
at noon and continued with great fury for some three
or four hours The fire originated in Hathawsys planning
mill and cash factory in North Water street. and spread
rapidly before strong e@terly wind, consuming Six
dwelling houses two large cooper shops for the manuac
ture Of whale oil casks, and large oil she'd containing
ID estimated some 900 to 5000 barrels Of whale and
sperm on, besides blacksmith shop, vessels, &C. As
neat OF the lire came in contact with casks they
exploded IN rapid succession, with reports resembling
resrms Besides the OIL alarge quantity Of bomb lances
IAN instrument charged with powder in capturing
whales by shooting into them, and which explodes after
has pierced the body OF the sh) stored In Que of
the buildings. When these began TO explode il caused
general scattering among the crowd Of Spectators but
could not learn that any one injured by them Two
houses blown up on Second street TO arrest The
names which were rapidly extending toward the main
street Of the city At one Of the explosions several mem
aremenwere badly though not fatally, injured by the
Fragments The buildings were all Of wood, and very
valuable.
As the casks Of oil exploded the oil ran in stream SO.
veral inches deep down 10 the Dock burning o. flowed
and setting fire to everything in its course.
continued to burn on the surface of the water setting
fire TO the dock and shipping One whale SHIP the John
and Edward, owned by Messers Wilcox Richmond, was
burned 10 the waters edge, and another ID on fire. Steam
tugs engaged in towing the shipping from the wharf
Very little, II any, Of the property was insured. The
conagraton the largest that visited this city, and
the entire less ID varousy stated at from $3.50 900 10
$4,000. The streets oiled with oil casks furniture,
&C, and great excitement prevails The Ore companies
worked manfuly and bravely, but the combustble ma
teras invited the flames, and almost bafed their most
@aSous labors at controlling the destructive element
me burning oil sent up immense columns Of dense,
o,ssk smoke, rolling away above the leapng flames,
aodins grandeur to the ierrinc scene.