The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser

NEW-YORK. September 21.

CONFLAGRATION!

Yesterday morning at about 1 o'clock, this city was alarmed by the cry of fire. The fire-men and citizens, on this occasion, with their usual alacrity flew to stem the progress of that devouring element and to save the lives and property of their brethren and friends. The block of buildings between the Jews'-Alley and Duke-street, bounded on the North by Mill-street, and some buildings adjoining the custom-house, were the devoted objects, consisting of 11 houses, 4 stores, 3 stables, and 1 bake-house.

Several tenanting families of labourers lost their furniture, &c. particularly Mr. James Paxton, a carpenter, being next to the bake house, where the fire broke out; when he awaked from sleep he was so surrounded with liquid flame that he was obliged to cut a passage through the fence for his astonished wife and family, and before his return from escorting them out of danger, his dwelling was in flames, with all he possessed, leaving him an object of commiseration and the charitable assistance of his fellow-citizens.

The fire proceeded from the bake house, and before proper assistance could be given, that building and adjoining houses were all in a blaze, which continuing to rage and spread, baffled the utmost exertions of thousands of well equipped citizens who were constantly plying their engines and fire-hooks.

The horror of this fire exceeds any thing of the kind experienced in this city since the war. The loss cannot be exactly estimated but may be supposed to exceed twenty thousand pounds.

The fate of the elegant buildings in Great Dock Street, Hanover Square, Smith and Princess Streets, as well as the custom house, which was preserved by great exertions, was suspended for an awful period; but, what exertions can exceed those of the fire-men and citizens of New-York. their efforts, with guided judgment, stopped the raging progress, and happily no lives were lost.

The scene, ensemble, was majestically awful! Its duration was from one to six o'clock, and it is not probable the heat and smoke from the ruins will cease in several days. The loss of our fellow citizens extorts a sympathy, and the distresses of some individuals, on this occasion, demand the public contribution.

The following is a list of houses burned down by the fire yesterday morning.

A house of the widow Levy, in Duke-street, and a back store in Mill-street.

A house of Capt. Hugh Stocker in Duke-street, and a back store in Mill-street.

A house of Mr. Tinney in Duke-street, and a back dwelling house in Mill-street.

A house of Mr. Rodgers in Duke-street, and a back Store in Mill-street.

A house of R. and J. Suydam in Duke-street, and a back store in Mill street.

A house of John Henry in Duke-street, and a back store in Mill-street.

A house of R. Pinto in Duke-street, and a back store in Mill-street.

The house of the Rev. Mr. Seixes; the house of the widow Miller, and the coach-house and stables of Mr. Goelet in Mill-street--Mr. Goelet's horses perished in the stables.

The custom house, which was on fire several times, was saved only by the greatest exertions of a number of very active citizens.

The wind being very high, great quantities of coal and burning shingles were carried over the city to a great distance, occasioning much distress and anxiety, from an apprehension that the town would take fire in another quarter.

Several houses and stores adjoining the burnt buildings are much injured; and very considerable losses have been sustained by this disaster.

Two children were rescued from the flames of a house in Duke street by means of a pole and basket; they were asleep in the third story of the house, and were not awakened: so that their escape was on fire.