Alexandria Gazette & Daily Advertiser

ANOTHER FIRE:

Petersburg, Aug. 29.

The painful duty again devolves upon us of recording the destruction of the property of our fellow citizens by fire. On Monday night, about the hour of 11, the alarm was sounded in our streets, and the flames were seen bursting out of the wooden building situated at the North East corner of Market-square. Our citizens with the greatest alacrity, repaired to the scene of conflagration, and no time was lost in extending a line to the River. But in a few minutes the fire had taken so firm a hold as to render vain the hope of extinguishing it; and to set at naught all the efforts of our Engine Companies to stay its progress, while there remained one of the adjoining buildings in its way. Two of the intermediate houses became therefore the instant objects of attack, and after their removal, which was soon effected, the flames were suppressed without difficulty. Thus, in about one hour's time, seven tenements, extending along the North side of Market square, and inhabited by retail grocers doing business in a small way, were burnt to the ground. Only the house at the west end of the row is left standing; however, none of the rear buildings are burnt.

The fire originated no one can tell exactly how, yet generally supposed in an accidental way. The whole row being of wood, and very combustible, the work of destruction was soon over; and but little time allowed the unfortunate occupants to save their effects. Some have lost considerably, and all have suffered.