Bristol news. [volume] (Bristol, Va. & Tenn.) 1867-189?, 1874-05-19
And SustainS a Loss Of 81 500,
Licked Up by the Flames,

While the ex>President was seated
in the wholesale clothing house OF
Bolivar II. Cooke & Co., with some
friends this after ooa, the improve
ments which have just been made on
the court house was remarked by Mr..
John p. White, suggested that it
would hardly BE complete until the
walls were penCiled
Looking casually up at the building
which had Leen allowed to 60 to wreck
so long a time, Mr.. Johnson said
that it was unlike the former one
which had been Surmountcd with a
:apola, Speaking Of the previous
co;rt, house reminded him that he
heppened to be Iere when it was
burned in 1855. Though living III
East Tennessee, he had often since
1885, come down and stopped at
Nashville, and he must confess that
he had an admiration for the place
and its people. On the night OF the
fire he put up at the Nashville Inn.
then the brag caravansera of the city.
He was much fatisued when he re-
tired, ard consequently slept very
soundly. Sumo time in the night he
was aroused by the incessant ringing
O" tie fre-Ie end good deal of
connection on the Public Square.
He got up leisurely, not thinking
the fire was so near at hand, put on
his pantaionns and coat and looked
out of the window. He soon realized
his situation. Smoke had commence
ed finding It's way into his apart
ment.
Taking up his trunk, he cast it out
of the window. II fell on the side
walk with a sort of crushing sound
anG went to pieces. He now dis
covered that he had left out a shirt
which he contemplated putting into
his trunk, but which subsequently
served him a good purpose. The
| fire had originated in house FILED
with mosquito bars, IN the rear Of
the hotel, and the spread of the
flames was so rapid that it was al
the guests could do to make theil
| way down to the Public Square
Great volumes of smoke came il
fitful gusts along the passage ways
and persons in the front portion o
the house were necessarily compelled
to pass through fire, which lappec
about the head of the stairway il
tie fiiqst savage and relentless man
nsr lie Had, as he thought, alread.
delayed his egress too long, and wa
somewhat startled to see woman il
deshabille, running about In the hal
wringing her hands and giViiig ven
to heartrending screams. lie Rat
! been holding the shirt which he hat
| failed to pack in his trunk, up to hi
i face to prevent suifocation, intending
to make his way out aC the frs
opportunity that offered, when sh'
came up beseeching him mos
pitcously to save her from the fire
| She proved to be a lady from Ruther
| ford County, with whom lie had al
acquaintance. She had become Sc
much disconnected that size mus
have persisted had she found no one
to lead her out. Her husband hao
already escorted his children to
place of safety, probably intending
returning, but being prevented b,
smoke and fire which had fairly ia
ken hold of the house. Mr.. johnson
| told her that if she would follow hin
he would try to get her out OF tn
dilemma. With this she seized him
and he carried her through the hr
and smoke upon his back, restoring
her to her husband and children
What seemed strange to him. va
that her husband lad never though
fit to thank him for saving his wifi
from the flames. l did not occur +
him that he had left his vest i!nde
his pillow until he had feaehed tb
ground. He had never been, no
has ever since been in the habit o
putting his vest or money under hi
piIl6e. ard this fact might accom-
| sof5ewhat.for his neglect to bring
away lie. had 81 500 in his YES
pocket All went. to ashes together
Hay!ng thus been deprived of hi
n,oEey, ,he borrowed Some from Dir
JOLT p. White tie only money h
had even borrowed. in Nashville.
SIT. White said that he femembere
that though. Whitley had refused t
take any interest for the loan OF tn
money, Mr.. johnson had forced hir
, to receive it, insisting that no ma
should be deprived of what rightfuii
belonged to him.