Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1867-01-17
TERRIBLE CATAsTROPHE.
OF THE WILLIAMSBURG JAu-FEARFUl
LOSS OF LIFE

BURNING OF THE WILLIAMSBURG JAH-FEARFUL
LOSS OF LIFE.
We are called upon to record one of the most
horrhying and melancholy accidents which has ey-
er occurred within the limits of this State. Though
an accident which no caution or foresight could
avoid, it will send thrill of horror throughout the
whole country. On the evening of the 7t6 instant,
between the hours of 8 and P. NJ, the occupant
Of the jail heard, very suddenly, a rumbing noise
in the upper stories of the jail as if the iron CRATES
were being shaken, and Immediately followed the
cry Of fire; he rushed from his room to ascertain
whether the jail was on fire or not and after walk
ing around the jail he observed little smoke, is-
suing from one of the windows on the third floor
his next object was to open the prison door and ex-
tinguish it, but remembering that Mr. Barineau,
whowas the jaior, and who was living several hun
dred yards from the JAIL had the keys in his posses
sion, he 1.-THE occupant of the jail) Immediately dis
patched messenger for him. Mr. Barineau accom-
panied by the Sheriff, were soon at the jail in the
meantime, however, numbers Of persons had COL
lected. The fire, apparently, at this time had not
made as rapid progress as was shown in few min
utes, although dense smoke was issuing from
every window. The Sheriff, with the assistance of
nearly all the citizens of the village, and the gari-
rson at this place, Immediately took the most ac-
tive measures to save, possible, the unfortunate
inmates. The door on the basement was opened,
but the dense and sufocating smoke prevented any
one from rescuing those who occupied the third
story. As last resort, strenuous efforts were then
made with the assistance of ladders, to remove the
grating from one Of the windows, which proved in
efectual. At this time the cries and screams of
the suffering inmates were heart-rending. The
jail was In flames and twenty-five human beings
were being burnt to death without any possible re-
lief Human agency could effect nothing every
a{Sn do ta IL L
suggested, but all to no purpose the devouring
flames soon consumed them, and in the charred
ruins is only to be seen the ghastly spectacle of
bones Horrible as the accident may be, and as
much as it may be regretted q consolation follows
Of having done our duty to the best of our abilities:
and that accident is confined to no place or order of
With us rests the duty, but the
result with God.
At the time the jail caught fire there were in il
twenty three prisoners. Twenty-Five negroes were
confined in the upper cells on the third floor, among
whom were three women. On the second story
Robert d. Finn, q white man, was confined on
bail process: MI. NJ. F. Mcbride, by great daring,
rushed to Mr.. Films room, which was the first one
at the head of the stairway, and unlocked the door
he thereby making his escape. Mr.. Mcbride de.
serves the highest credit but in his ATTEMPT to save
the prisoner he came nigh losing his own life he
fell twice by suocation before he reached the foot
of the staircase.
Where every one done so well it would be wrong
to make invidious distinctions but we cannot with
hold our need Of praise Of the superhuman efforts
of Lieutenant Ross, private William Green (who
mounted ladder at the most perilous crisis and
assembled to a window on the third story) Sheriff
Matthews, MIR. Beck, Joe and VIM. Biakely (col-
ored), who particularly excited our commentator.
As to the origin Of this fire we can only conjec-
tpre: Whether g it t, was accidental or designed by
cape, is one Of those mysteries that will remain un-
explained A jury of inquest is now sitting for the
investigation Of the whole matter, but up to the
time Of going to press they have not rendered their
verdict-Kagstree STAR