The Alexandria Herald

FIRE.
On Friday afternoon last, the large bark mill, at the tanyard of Mess. Ezra Kinzey & Co. was destroyed by fire, together with a very large quantity of dry bark, &c. which were stored therein. The fire, one of the owners of the property requested us to state, occurred from the carelessness of a colored boy in using a segar in the mill, and about which he had been before cautioned. Principal loss in the mill—estimated at about $2,500 or $3,000. Several of the buildings in the vicinity caught fire at different times, but were saved by the use of the engines, which had very promptly arrived at the fire, although it was on the extreme suburbs of the town. It being found impossible to extinguish the flames arising from the immense quantity of dry bark in the mill, it was thought best to allow it to burn up; the flame, which continued all night, rendered the whole town as light as the most clear moonlight. Mr. John Gird, while assisting in dragging an engine was knocked down senseless, for a few moments, and otherwise much injured by it, as were several others who were also assisting. One or two narrowly escaped with their lives.