Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-11-29

urbanity Maclaine, whose criticisms OF
Shakespeare would, if they were published
give him fame and rank in the republic
of letters; Boyd, who, without preten-
| sions to wit or humor, possessed the rare
art of telling a story with spirit and grace
and whose elegiac numbers afforded &
striking contrast to the vivid brilliancy o.
the scenes in which he figured Moore
endowed with versatile talents and posses
sed of extensive information-as wit, al
ways prompt in reply, as an orator, al
ways daring the mercy of chance ) Howe
whose imagination fascinated, whose re
parte overpowered, and whose conversation
was enlivened by strains of exquisite rail
lery. Wit and humour and music an6
poetry, were drawn into action in socia
and conyivial intercourse, and displayed
all their charms among the festive deitles,
and heightened the glow of delight" Such
was the character of society, III and around
Wilmington during it's early history, il
those "good OLD days." the like Of which
we fear we shall never see again. We pro
pose to give sketches of scenes, and some
peculiarities of character exhibited in those
days of our town, long before railroads were
thought of, or tiltareens invented a; when
every man attended strictly to his own bu-
siness, and meddled not with his neigh
boris, and when ollr ladies, God bless
them, allowed nature full scope for devel-
opment, and required more of the modern
appliances of art to embelish their charms.
Burning of Changers Hotel, at Goldsboro'.
We regret to learn, by private telegram
Friday morning, that the large and COM
modious building known as Changers Ho-
tel at Goldsboro, was totally destroyed by
fire Oh last Friday night. We have heard
no further particulars. The loss is evil
IDENTITY very heavy. We think the Hotel
was owned by a company of several gentle
IN.
Since writing the above we have received
the full particulars through an extra issued
by the Goldsboro' Ne,rs.
AWFUL. COMMUNICATIONS.
Granser's Hotel in Iiuins-Rain of Fire
Flakes Extraordinary efforts saved the
Town from the fiery elements.
This morning at four O'Clock, the Granger Ho-
tel was discovered to be on fire; the alarm bells
were runG, and our citizens promptly rushed to
the scene
The fire was first discovered rushing from the
top of the building, at every point of the house,
which is conclusive evidence that it was the work
of all incendary, and that the plan was we'll con-
ceived
All efforts to save the furniture i'll the upper
rooms proved fruitless, and it all fell prey to
the devouring elements.
On the lower floors, much of the furniture was
saved but III a damaged condition.
The fire extended its ravages on the street run
ming West, and destroyed all the buildings con-
tiguOus to the Hotel.
The long row of buildings, running North from
the Hotel, occupied as barber shop, and in
which the Post-ottice was kept, also destroy
cd, and the flames were only arrested by tearing
down the double house used as Guard House.
The magnificent storehOuse Of j. il. II j. C..
Privett South of the Granger Hotel, only
saved by extraordinary exertlons and at times,
it was IL ought that it must burn.
The Rail Road Shed was in imminent danger,
and barely escaped destruction.
The flakes of fire assembled and iloatcd defiant
w. threatening the whole block ofbuildinns south
of the scene of disaster Oh West Centre street.
Nearly every house top was manned and still, it
seemed at one time that some eight or ten build
lngS would catch ire.
The residence Of the Junior partner of the Daily
News twice on fire, GOODNESS and prompt &C
ton saved it. The fire flakes made grand but
appalling sight the whole elements appeared as
shooting stars, and the live Goals fell upon the
dry roofs the hearts Of our citizens sckened
We cannot discriminate III our praise Of the
many who worked, men never worked before, i'll
suhduing the elements.
The clerk of the Granger House informed us
that there had been no fire i'll the upper part of
the house yesterday, and it is firmly believed that
the disaster the work OF a suspicious looking
stranger who stopped at the Hotel yesterday, and
left on the three O'clock train this morning.
After the fire got fully under way, plundeling
commenced well dressed white man
bearing off box and on being pursued, let it fall
and departed. The box proved to lie of
Changers fine liquor.
a negro, also, was pursued, and only dropped
his stolen goods after being admonished by pis-
toll shot.
Mr.. Granger lost two gold watches. They were
gtolen in the excitement.
Maj. Grant, post mastsr, saved the letters
and mail matter and his entire stock of Jewelry.
The Hotel buildings were insured, but for what
amount We do not know. The property very
valuable, and had just undergone extensive re-
pairs.