The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMSBURG, July 30.

Last Monday morning, early, a fire broke out in the stable of Doctor William Carter, at the foot of his lot in Palace street, which consumed it and a couple of horses; with some grain, &c. The fire had got to such a height before it was discovered that Mr. Carter, in attempting to save his horses, ran a great risk of his life, by the fire blazing out soon after he had opened the door, which made it difficult for him to gain it again, and occasioned his being very much burnt. It is not known how the fire happened. Fortunately there was little or no air stirring, which in all probability saved the adjoining houses. Although this city has been particularly fortunate in not being often visited with fires, yet the devastation lately made by that outrageous element in other places (particularly Barbados) ought to make the inhabitants very careful, lest such a woeful accident should one day befall us. And we cannot help thinking but that if there was a set of watchmen for this place, it would tend much to the safety, as well as peace of mind, of the inhabitants, not only for prevention of fires, but robberies likewise. If such a scheme was once set on foot by our Magistrates, we dare say there is not a man of any property in the place but would gladly contribute, according to his possessions, to the support of so useful an institution.