The Virginia Gazette

June 27. About One o'Clock this Morning a most terrible Fire broke out in Lincoln's-Inn New-Square, which in a short Time entirely consumed No. 10 and 11. The Rage of the Flames defeated the Assistance of what little Water could be got, which was extremely scarce.

The Gentlemen whose Chambers fell in this dreadful Scene, are, R. Wilbraham, Esq; the Hon. Edward Harley, Esq; the Hon. Charles York, Esq; E. Hoskyns, Esq; Cholmley, Esq; Edmund Sawyer, Esq; Masters in Chancery, and Amell, Esq; all in No. 10. Mr. Yorke and Mr. Hoskyns, who lay up one Pair of Stairs, were both asleep, and escaped in their Breeches and Shirts only; at the most imminent Hazard of their Lives. All the Papers, Books, Plate, Furniture, and Wearing-Apparel of the above Gentlemen were destroyed, and not an Article saved.

The Gentlemen in the next Stair-case (No. 11) viz. John Sharpe, Esq; Solicitor to the Treasury, Edward Booth, Esq. Mr. Ambler, Mr. Fazakerly, Mr. Fellers, and Mr. Wilmot, had just Time to save most Things of Consequence from the Flames.

There are various Reports of its Beginning; but 'tis generally believed it begun either in Mr. Powell's Chambers, under those of R. Wilbraham, Esq; or in Mr. Wilbraham's. However it happened, the many private Persons whose most material Properties were lodged in the Hands of the above Gentlemen of Eminence, render it impossible to make any Computation of the irreparable Loss and Difficulties that many Families must necessarily be involved in.

It is remarkable, that when the Fire was first discovered, the greatest Part of the Watchmen were drunk and asleep; and what adds to this Calamity, the Wife of Mr. Brathfield, an Upholder in Carey-Street, hearing that her Husband had left his Bed to assist the Sufferers, found Means to hang herself in his Absence.