 However, this announcement of his demise was premature as in fact he died on 6 January 1801 after contracting a fever because of his exertions during the rescue, which had occurred during a huge fire that burned all through the night of 10 December. The fire may be that described in The Annals of Manchester: "warehouses in Hodson Square were burnt down December 10, caused damages to the extent of £ 50,000, exclusive of the buildings". On 29 December 1800 he had been awarded £ 20 per annum by the commissioners for "meritorious services".
