The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-07-06
THE GREAT FIRE In NEW YORK.
CanHagrRtiOn ON the East RIver-De-
structtOR of the New Haven Steamb oat
Depot - The Steamer ." Baltimore"
Burned 10 the Waters Edge - Loss
Nearly 100000 Four Persons Sc
yereIy Burned, Etc.

The most disastrous confagration that has
visited our city since the destruction of the
Academy OF Music, occurred yesterday morning
at the freight and passenger depot of the New
Haven Steamboat Company, located at Piers rs
and 26 East river, resulting in the total demoll-
tion of the depot and offices, with valuable
quantities OF freight etc. large steamer, the
Baltimore, lying at the wharf, was also de-
stroyed. The total loss will not fall short of half
million of dollars, most of which is not injured.
The fire was discovered shortly after o'clock
yesterday morning, by private watchman
George Evans among some goods in that per-
ton OF the depot fronting on South street. at
the foot Of Peck's slip, and when first seen could
apparently have been eXtinguished with few
pals of water; but the flames spread with such
fearful rapdity that in very few moments the
entire front portion of the shed was on fire.
Solomon Jackson, onesof the coored men in
the employ of the company, ran to the pier to
attach hose to the hydrant, and in the attempt
was compelled to fight his way out through the
flames, and in doing so was very seriously
burned He was conveyed to the New York
Hospital, where he now lies in a critical con-
dltion.
In the meantime the alarm had been sounded
on the fire bells, and was promptly responded to
by the tremen. Several large and powerful
steamers we're set at work, and the supply OF
Croton helng all that could be desired, immense
volumes OF water were launched against the
burning buildings, but apparently without effect.
The flames spread with increasing velocity along
the whole length of the pier, devouring all in
their way Soon the freight of the Bridgeport
line Of steamers took fire, and it was then feared
that all the shipping lying at the adjoining piers
would fall an easy prey to the general destruc
ton. Fortunately several tugboats promptly
got up steam, and several steamers and vessels
lying adjacent were towed into the stream. The
steamer Baltimore, OF the Bridgeport line, took
flames, and In this condition floated out into the
| stream, and was finally scuttled when off Gov
elnor's Island, where she now lies a total wreck.
The scene presented at this juncture was of
| terrible magnifeence. All the sheds and build
| ings on the pier were burning fercely, and vast
| volumes of fire rose high in the air. illumining
| the heavens with lurid glare for a great dis
| tance, while masses of burning material filed
| the air. The heat was so intense, and the smoke
| so dense, that it was with great difficulty, and
| al their peril that the fremen could approac b
near enough to the burning mass to render their
efforts effective; and Notwithstanding their
utmost eXertions, under direction OF Chief
| Engineer Kngsland, it was not until the entire
| structure and contents were consumed that the
| flames could be subdued.
During yesterday the piers on which the
| flames had exercised such fearful sway pre-
| sented desoate appearance. Nothing but the
supporting posts were left standing to mark
the spot Where the immense freight depot had
stood. The pier was strewed with the debris
| of the confagration. The freight on the pier at
the time of the fire consisted of two full cargoes
| OF assorted goods OF all kinds. Dry goods,
| cloths, hardware of all descriptions, rifles,
| knives and forks, two pianos, pals, all mixed
| up in an almost undistinguishable mass. This
| freight, which was valued at between three and
| four thousand dollars was consigned to hume
rous parties in this city from all parts of Con
necticut. Owing to the boats manifest being
burned up in the office on the dock, no list OF the
goods or consignees can be obtained for several
days. But little of the stock is insured, and
the agents of the Company claim that they are
not liable for tue loss, which will therefore tal
chiefly on the consignees.
A coal barge at the end of the dock and an
immense pile OF coal, also took fire and burnt
obstnately for some hours. Quite quantity o
the coal was thus consumed, ard the barge
considerably damaged. Captain Benjamin Long
his vile Catherine, and his brother Charles
were asleep on the barge at the time. Theil
escape by the pier was entirely cut Off and
they were rescued cue from their perilous stua
had been considerably burned about the head
neck, and arms
The buildings, sheds, etc. on the piers be
longed to the New Haven Steamboat COMPANY
Those DESTROYED were valued at ten Thousand
dollars. The Company is said to be insured fol
twenty thousand dollars in the Internationa
Insurance Company; but owing to the absenc,
OF Captain Peck, the general agent Of the lin,