Year: 1877

OONTA TAAIf1A llON.
JEssUP & M0oRHs PAPER MILL


DESTROYED-LOsS ABOUT $780,


600. ls lert


About twenty minutes to four O'Clock,
yesterday afternoon, it was discovered that
Jessup g. Moore's paper mill, on the Bran
dywine, just outside Of the city limits, was
on fire. It was discovered on the old
machinery room roof, by VIA. Black, John
McCaffarty and boy named Clough, who
Immediately gave the alarm. The fire spread
so rapidly, that Notwithstanding every
stream of water in the building was in
stantly directed upon 1t, 1t entirely consum-
ed all of the mill save the western wing
which was fire proof and also the new
machinery room, which contained the most
valuable set Of paper machinery in the
country. The fire was terrific in its charac-
ter, and absolutely uncomfortable. The
steam whistle was blown so violently and
continuously for aid, that the steam was
exhausted. Officer Bernhardt, who was on
duty at Eleventh and Madison, heard the
whistle, and judging It to be the paper mill,
gave the alarm at the Water Witch engine
house. An alarm was struck, aud the vari-
ous companies promptly responded.


Never in the history of the Fire Depart
ment, had our fireman to contend with
f'ercer con6agration, and never did men
more brayely combat the fiery king. The
fire originated It is supposed from some
DEL ris Of fuse, from blast of rocks,
which had been fired off about twenty min
utees before; when the firemen reached the
mill the entire old part was one roaring
gulf of flame. Their efforts were immedi-
ately directed to save the western wing Of
the building. They we're successful in so
doing, as by persistently playing upon the
door which connected it with the old build
ing the fire was kept In check, and did not
pass the limit where the fremen attacked
1t.


About o'clock the danger to the new
mill was over, but the frmen remained at
their posts to watch the dying fire fiend. 1t
was still smoulderiDg at II o'clock last
night.


This was by far the greatest fire there
has been in Wilmington or its vicinity for
great many years, and the amount of loss
is appalling; and it is a matter Of regret
that the insurance will not cover the loss.
The herald man was informed that nego-
tiations were on foot yesterday morning to
increase the insurance.


Mr.. Moore, member of the firm, had
left short time before to go to Philadel-
phia, and was stopped at Chester by tele-
gram; and returned to the scene of the fire.
He was dazed at the extent of the calami-
ty, and his first exclamation was, chow in
the name ofwonder did the place take fire."
1t is singular fact, THAT in consequence of
the danger to the mill from the fire across
the Brandywine, about three months ago,
when Mr.. Riddles large barn was burned,
upon which occasion sparks fell upon the
roof of the paper mill, that can iron roof
had been ordered, and part of the material
was on the ground, and would have been on


o few weeks, thus effectually protect
ing the mill from danger. The concern
was receiving new and improved machinery
and running full time, which makes the
the disaster the greater, as great number
of men, women, and children will lose their
employment. 1t was said out on the banks
that the firm are determined to rebuild the
mill at once.


The insurance upon the property destroy
ed amounts to about $l25,O0O-and the
risks are in about forty different Compa-
nies. The agents of the Insurance Compa-
nies were speedily upon the ground, and
manifested much interest in the matter.
Some one who put the suction power on
the Delaware Engine, placed It wrong end
foremost, and 1t would not work; there was
some amusement and disappointment, but
1t was fixed up, and the Delaware boys were
all right.


The Delaware and Friendship were order
ed by the Chief Engineer to stay on for
night duty. Too much praise cannot be
given to the energy and intelligent action of
The Chief Engineer and his Assistant, and
The bravery and devotion of the flremen was
beyond all praise. We are indebted to Mr.