Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

Philadelphia, March 10.
CONFLAGRATION OF THE MASONIC HALL.
Between eight and ten o'clock yesterday evening, one of the most splendid ornaments of our city, the Masonic Hall, situated on the north side of Chestnut street, between Seventh and Eighth streets, was wholly destroyed by fire.
About 8 o'clock the alarm was given, that the house was enveloped in smoke, and the usual prompt assistance of our Engine and Hose Companies, was not wanting, to check the progress of the devouring element, but in vain—the Rooms being stuccoed, and the Fire having caught from the bursting of a Chimney, it seemed impossible to render any assistance, more especially as the falling of the stucco work endangered the lives of those who attempted it.
In this way the fire almost imperceptibly progressed until it reached the roof, when the citizens of Philadelphia and its vicinity were presented with one of those sublime, but awful spectacles, which seem almost inseparable from human calamity.
About half past 9, the steeple fell in, and happily did no damage to any person or the surrounding buildings, which were preserved through the perseverance and indefatigable exertions of the Citizens, who laboured incessantly without being appalled at the danger which menaced them.
Daily Advertiser.