The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-01-03
GREAT FIRE IN WASHINGTON-Loss $780,.

900.
Yesterday morning fire broke out in Washing
ton city, which, before it was subdued, destroyed
large amount of property. The Star of yesterday
evening says:
About three O'Clock this morning. fire broke out
in the building owned by Mr. W. II. Philip, and
occupied as a grocery store by Mr. Henry c. Pur-
dy, south side of Pennsylvania avenue, between
Four and-a-half and Sixth streets, which spread
very rapidly, soon communicating with adjoining
buildings on either side, and destroying nearly
hundred thousand dollars worth of property. The
leading cause of the fire proving so destructive
may be stated in the fact that on yesterday the Po
tomac water shut off from the avenue, from
Eighth street west to the Navy Yard, by order of
the Government, leaving all that section of the city
in no condition to suppress a conhagraton. When
discovered, the fire had communicated through
several stories OF Purdys building, aud in a short
time made its way into the house of Mr. G. Emery,
which occupied principally by Sir. E. u. Ste
yer, plumber and gas filter. This house soon
wrapped in flames; and the adjoining house on the
east, owned by the estate Of Raphael Ssmmes, was
next fired and destroyed. This house was occupied
as grocery store and dwelling, by Mr.. William G..
Harper, and was wholly destroyed, together with
the entire stock and furniture Of the occupant
The flames rapidly spread to the house, own
ed by Mr.. John NJ Young, coachmaker, and occu-
pied by him coach factory; nearly all his stock
of carriages, lumber, unfinished work, materials
of all kinds, and tools, were destroyed, together
with the entire building. The building, our
reaueTS are aware was formerly J1e AQelpnl inca
tire. The fire had made such headway now, that
although the water had been turned into the mains
efforts of the fremen could avail to stop it. The
house owned by Murray d Semmes and occupied
by that firm in the grocery trade, was entirely de-
stroyed, though the major part of the stock was
saved, in a damaged condition. Adjoining the
coach factory of blr. John NJ. Young, the coach
factory of Mr.. Thomas Young was slightly dam
aged the stock was not removed nor damaged
Adjoining Harper's store the west, the building
owned by Mr.. John P. Ingle and occupied by Mr.
John F. Bridget, coachmaker, was considerably
damaged. Mr.. B. saved large portion of his
stock of carriages and materials.
| The drill armory of the W ashington Light Iu-
fantry situated in the fifth story of Phillips
building, and all their effects consisting of uni
forms, accoutrements, flags, valuable paintings,
| furniture, cases, ETC., were destroyed. Their
private loss is $500 to 5000, independent of the
Government property, which consisted of 26O sets
| of equipments complete, and 40 drill muskets.
The Company lose 120 new knapsacks, "a pictures,
ESQ to 300 volumes OF books, Is 20 full uniforms
l company flag, and other articles, the value oi
which cannot be accurately ascertained. The bat
TALON tent equipage had been removed to the Ma
tonal Armory. The insurance policy on the effects
in their armory, had only expired few days.
Mr.. John NJ. Young suffers the greatest loss, his
house and stock being valued at S3O,OOO, on which
he had no insurance.