Richmond Enquirer

FIRE IN PETERSBURG

We sincerely sympathise with our Brother of the Petersburg Constellation in the loss he has sustained. The following is a private letter addressed to the Editor of the Enquirer—but it is written in so fine and manly a spirit it speaks so much for the buoyant character of its author under such trying circumstances—that we must take the liberty of laying it before the public—No wonder such a man should succeed in his political career—and should so nobly carry the cause which carries him:

Extract of a letter to the Editors, from the Editor of the Petersburg Constellation, dated

"SUNDAY

"I am all at sixes and sevens—not burnt up, but burnt out, by an unexpected fire last night. My property of every description broken and scattered to the four winds of the Heavens, and not a farthing insured. However, it might have been much worse. The dwelling house I occupy, my Coffee-House and all its stock, my Printing Office and all the materials, were within an ace of the flames, and, for a long time in imminent danger. A providential change of the wind, at a most critical moment, alone saved the hard and bitter earnings of years. As it is, I am much damaged. But, never mind, "Richmond will soon be himself again!" My brother, the Rev. J. Haines, who a few hours previous had arrived from the mountains, and myself, fought the fire until himself and all my friends thought it would be vain to attempt to stay their progress—and the fiery element was raging within six or eight feet of my premises. We then commenced moving household furniture, printing materials, &c. &c; and the way they are scattered and broken, "is nothing to nobody!" The "Constellation" will, however, appear on Tuesday, as usual, as well as we can get it out, under the circumstances. The fire commenced in a square of wooden buildings, stables, &c. in the rear of Bank street, where I reside, and I have no doubt was the work of an incendiary. The place, the time, all was admirably chosen for havoc. I suppose the actual damage done may be covered by 8 or 10 thousand dollars. The number of buildings destroyed, of every description, may amount to 12 or 15."

Mr. Haines in a subsequent Note says, that he "estimated the damage by fire, yesterday; too high—the buildings were generally old."