Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1864-02-03

| in their retreat over the necessary appen
dages to Fire Engine and coming IN con-
tact with the hard material used in our
streetsin the days ofpeace. Had they re-
mained one hour longer at the brakes, L
have no doubt but the services of the Coro-
ner would have been called into requisition,
and what the verdict would have been We
can only conjecture-probably "fear or
some other unavoidable cause" So much
for our Reserve Firemen. / would ask
"E." for information where were the Re-
serves, our invaluable assistants, on the
night of the 14th of January in Charlestn ?
Ours being strictly on Municipal duty, l
will leave the action Of the Reserves, OIL
GERS, &c. on the memorable night of the
24th of December last, to the report of the
military authorities-I attach no censure
whatever, toyour correspondent, knowing
he was not present himself, consequently
his remarks have been prompted from hear
say evidence only; but think it better for
all concerned to omit all such information,
until properly verified. Now as the duties
of Fire Department are, in a manner, un-
known to many of the residents in the in.
terror, I would state that, unlike the re-
serves, they are not an institution organized
for six months, three years or the war; but
intended to be perpetual. We hold our
selves inreadiness at all times to answer
any call that may be made upon US, to SUBJ
due fire from any aud every cause-irre:
speotive Of any demand for wages, rations,
&c, The Department has, also, rendered
signal service since the commencement OF
the war, in alleviating the safferings Of such
of our brave troops as have been wounded
in and near our city. Our Charters call for
80 to 100 men to each company. Not
more than a sufficient number to manage
successfully, a conaagration of any dura-
ton. Since the commencement ofthe war,
our Legislature, in its wisdom, reduced the
number to 40 men each. This gives us an
aggregate of 440 men. Now. as matter
of course, fremen, like all other human
beings, are subject to the vicissitudes Of
health, and consequently reducing the mum:
ber .third-too small number, one
nights experience will clearly show. If
we should, at any time, require any assis:
tance, I trust we can always obtain it from
among our own citizens. If the powers
that be should at any time deem the duty a
necessity, I caa assure you We will unanim-
,ously change our field of operations. Rela.
tive to your correspondents desire that the
six months men should be returned to their
homes, can safely say that he is not alone.
We will join in that wish,: and trust they
may never again have to submit to the ne.
cessity of repairing to our city as State
organization" By the bye, if Sc" should
at any time in his intercourse with Colonel
Williams regiment, come across miniature
cut Of an engine that rested quietly from
the date of the great fire, in 1861, to few
months since, in the carriage warehouse,
corner Meeting and Wentworth streets, l
would willingly give reward for its Tecov.
cry, as it was highly priced by my company.
I think our worthy chief proprietor of said
Warehouse can also give him, "a few com.
missions.
In conclusion, Messrs. Editors, allow me
to apologize for encroacbing so much on
your columns, and to indulge the hope that
"E," in his future correspondence, will
write nothing disparagingy Of such useful
and honorable organization, and one, the
merits of which,, he has been cognizant
with since his early days, !. e. the Fire De-
partment of Charleston. e.
EDWARD T. SWEEGAN,
President Etna +. E. Co., Charleston.
YoRKv1LLE, January 2S, 1864.