The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser

Providence,
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28.

FIRE.

Wednesday morning last, about ten o'clock, this town was alarmed by the cry of Fire! which commenced in the loft of a large brick store belonging to Mr. John Corlis, on his upper wharf. The citizens assembled with their usual alacrity, but we find blowing fresh at N. W. their utmost exertions were not sufficient to preserve the store, or prevent a spread of the destructive element, which soon communicated to the adjacent buildings. The fire continued to rage with unabating fury till half past two, P.M. and threatened devastation to the whole south part of the town ; but happily the wind abated, and veered more westerly, which gave an opportunity to check the further progress of the devouring flames. Alas! they had so progressed, and the following houses, stores, &c. were destroyed viz.

The store of Mr. Corlis, in which the fire began.
2 stores adjoining, the property of Messrs. Samuel G. Arnold and Company.
The large and elegant house of Thomas L. Haley, Esq; with his two stores and out-houses.
A brick house, stores, &c. the property of the late Col. Nightingale; occupied by Capt. Moses Lippitt.
The very large and commodious store occupied by John Innes Clark, Esq; and Messrs. Greene and Barker.
A house, stores, &c. occupied by Col. Jeremiah Olney.
A house and store belonging to Messrs. Moses Eddy and Brothers.
Capt. Daniel Bucklin's house.

On the East side of the street :
The house and store of Capt. Joseph Peck.
An ancient house occupied by Miss Ann Power.
A small house, the property of Capt. Nicholas Power.
The late Mrs. Pull's house, bake-house, &c.
Two houses and shops, the property of Mr. William Harding.
The house and shop of Mr. Charles W. Tillinghast.
A house belonging to Mrs. Rebecca Williams.
Several small dwelling-houses, and other buildings, were pulled down, or blown up, to stop the progress of the fire. A large quantity of valuable goods, of various kinds, were also destroyed. The whole loss sustained may perhaps be estimated at 300,000 dollars--and in no other part of the town, within a like compass, could such a destruction of property have taken place. Thirty-seven buildings were destroyed, viz. 16 dwelling-houses, 10 stores, and 11 out-houses.

The dwelling-house of Mr. Corlis was several times on fire, but was saved by persevering exertion.

Some houses, remote from the immediate scene of conflagration, took fire from the flaming shingles which lodged upon them, but were saved by timely attention.; among these was a house near India-Point, more than half a mile distant. The town of Providence, previous to this distressing calamity, had been remarkably preserved from fire, insomuch that the circumstance was sometimes a subject of conversation: the evil which was long feared, has however at length befallen us--and it behoves every one to guard, so far as human means can avail, against a repetition of so dreadful a scene.-It has not been ascertained in what manner the fire originated. A strong military patrol was on duty the two succeeding nights, to prevent depredations on property which had been saved from the destroying element.

Much credit is due to our brethren of the adjacent towns, many of whom generously came to our assistance, and were highly useful.