New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1860-07-24
Texas Intelligence.
The Matagorda Gazette of the 18th says:

The Matagorda Gazette of the 18th says:
The drought still continues its rayagessupon the
growing crops, and the picture of despair that
shadows the faces of those whose cotton is rapidly
departing, is anything but inviting. A few weeks
ago the corn crop received its doom, but hopes
were still cherished the cotton continued to pros
per in the drest places; and as cotton is the prin-
eipal and all important staple, no very great loss
was anticipated until within very short time.
Now it is aseertained that not more than half
crop can be realized from the most favored places,
il seasons could be had Immediately. But should
the drought continue, the crop will be almost en-
tirely cut OIL
In the Austin Intelligencer of the 18th we find
the following statement of an extraordinary fire
epidemic prevailing recently in Texas:
Since we issued our extra, containing intelli-
gence of o terrible fire at Dallas, news has been
received in confirmation of it, and giving the par
tieulars Of many other fires in Northern Texas,
which have destroyed vast amounts of property
and beggared many families. By letters, and by
an extra from the McKinny Messenger, we have
information which leaves no doubt of there being
an organized band of villains in the country, who
have regularly laid their plans of arson and rob-
berV, and by a preconcerted and simultaneous eff
fort attempt to put their diabolical plans into
execution.
On Sunday, the Sth instant about o'clock P.
NJ, the fire commenced in Dallas, and in less than
two hours every building on the western and
northern sides of the square, and abont onehalf 0t
those on the eastern side, were entirely consumed.
Epery store in the town, both hotels, the printing
office, and many very valuable buildings were
burnt to the ground The loss is estimated at
s4o0, 900, on which there was only about $4,000
| insurance.
same hour, the storehouse-2I Mr. Dapfe, at ~
donia, was destroyed by fire. together with nate,
rial for building, etc. The loss is estimated
at S25 900.
On the same day and hour the store of Jas M.
Smoot, at Pilot Point Denton county, was bnrnt
| aIl together with some S2QUB IN money, making q
| loss of Sl0,0 900.
At the same time the stores of ]. M. Smoot, o
| Jacobs, and of Benge q Turner, with their heavy
/ stocks of merchandise, were consumed. The los
/ exceeds sl00 900.
/ On the same day and hour the town Of Milford
/ in Ellis county, is reported to have been burnt.
/ Another fire also occurred at Black Jack Grove
/ by which the large store of Mr.. Cate was des
| troyed. The loss of Mr.. Cate is estimated q
/ 900.
By the Messenger va also learn tfat the larg
steam Touring mill ais Millwood, il Collin county
was destroyed by lire. The less, is stated
| $4,000.
/ The dwellings of ]. j. Eakins and Silas Leonard
about one and a half miles froa Dallas, we've col
sumed by fire with every thing in them.
At about the same time th9t the town OF dana
was fred frs broke out in Waxahatohie, whic
was fortunately discovered and eAtingushea DC
fore much damage was done. IL,
And here We may also remark thai the same aay
and about the same hour, a fire was dlscoFere
back of the rooms of the lntellgeneer, in the rea
= of the Swenson building, which was iortuhatel
nut out before it had succeeded beyond charm
a the door and sills ofthe building, We tno9gns y.
little of this last fire at the tine but since learnn
of the others, it really looks as saongn eele gl
L have been something further meant py II than WI
IS first supposed. ,,.,..
the facts presented, who can doubt OF the fact tn
s. there is regular organized band of heil-hannd
r who have secretly plotted the destruction OF pr
= perty and of life? Who can they be, and VIII
!. motive can they hayeg
The Marshall Republican draws the followi
n melancholy picture of the effects of the heat a
1t droath;
The drouth still continues, For weeks the til