Year: 1876

Dear Democrat: No doubt there are
many of your readers who never saw q
large fire in the city. Even when a
burning building stands by itself, as is
usually the case when dwelling, barn,
or other building burns in the country or
in a village. the occasion is exciting
enough. aud calls forth the energies OF
the whole community to assist in subdu-
ing the flames: out when o ire gains a
good start in the midst of a block OF
large warehouses in the heart Of 4 great
city, it presents 4 spectacle. which once
seen, is not to be forgotten in years. A
few evenings since had an opportunity
of Witnessing orc of the largest fires
which has visited New York lor long
time.


1t was just after dinner and had
ensconced myself comfortably in my
armchair, prepared with my evening
papers and a modicum OF tobacco, TO
pass the evening in my usual lazy style.
Soon We heard fire engine dash down
the street anu turn the corner, making
noise enough "to wake the dead" l
threw open the blind, and the whole sky
was lit up with a glare that threw
strong light upon every high building
even halt mile or more away from the
fire. Frank (my chum)jumPed for his
boots. and was no. slow in following
suit, for we saw at a glance that 1t w9s
going to be fire worth going TO. Having
donned boots, coats, and hats, we started
out, or as Frank expressed it, in his
usually forcible and unique style, we
"belched forth" Following the direction
of the light we soon arrived at the scene
of the conhagration. which proved to be
the block bounded by Canal and Grand,
Broadway and Crosby Streets. The
scene which met our eyes as we turned
the corner and came in view OF the hre,
was one which beggars description.
An immense five story warehouse near
the centre of the block and fronting on
Broadway was one mass of fire. Flames
burst from every window and from
the roof and, towering high above the
surrounding buildings seemed to lap
them with tongues of flame, and with
every puff of the light breeze threatened
to leap Broadway and seize upon the
great warehouses opposite. This daGger
was averted by the efforts OF the Fire
men, who kept streams OF water cOntin'
ually pouring upon the front OF the
building. Even with this protection the
plate glass windows tumbled into bits,
and even iron pillars and ornaments
writhed and twisted like living thugs
under the intense heat. Yet the street
directly in front OF this building was me
space which the Firemen occupied in
fighting the flames. These fellows
displayed a great deal of bravery aud
even daring, and one could not Out
admire their GOODNESS and bravery, while
wondering how it was possible Tor a
human being 10 exist for minute IN
places where they worked with the ut
most GOODNESS. Two doors below the
place where the fire broke out was a
high building which would afford an
excellent vantage ground from which to
direct their streams upon the fire, except
that the intense heat seemed TO
render it uutenable. Notwithstanding
this the roof was soon occupied by
number OF brave fellows who
soon had several streams laid on,
which they directed alternately upon
the flames and upon each other. There
they were only twenty i've feet from the
roaring furnace which compassed them
on two sides, lying fiat upon their face:
when a gust of wind swept the flames
towards them, and up again the mex
moment fighting with redoubled exer
lions, while the very building upon