The Columbian

Great Conflagration in Sonora.
LOSS $300,000.

Thursday Morning, Oct 4, 1853.

We have to record another terrible conflagration. About half-past three o'clock this morning the cry of fire was heard. A candle had been carelessly left upon a stand in the rear of Labatoure's building, between the two arroyos, which set fire to some curtains. A man saw it in time to stop the fire; but in spite of his earnest entreaty, no one would render any assistance in furnishing water. He begged of certain parties in an adjoining gambling saloon to leave their game and help save the town. But they were too much absorbed in their game. If any one needs evidence of the evil of gambling, this fire furnished sufficient to satisfy all doubts. The game was of more importance than the salvation of the city, and the fire was left to do its work. It spread by rods and not by feet, for the buildings were of wood or canvas.

Thanks to Messrs. Lane & Green and a hundred others, working on the south side, and to the Sonora Hook and Ladder Company, and the Sonora Hose Company, working on the north side, the fire was stopped on both sides, while it was burning with the greatest fury. The force pump in the City Hotel was put to work by hands that did not tire, and played upon all the adjoining buildings. It was by this and the active exertions of numerous friends, that the fire was stopped on the south at the City Hotel, opposite to our office, and at Mr. Lane's new building near adjoining to our office. The heat was so intense that the hands of the printers were blistered in carrying out the cases of type. But the pump kept up a continual stream upon the roof and sides of our building, which in addition to a few pailfuls of water dashed upon the rear, saved us.

On the north, the fire was stopped at Jackson street by the Hook and Ladder Company, in connection with the Hose company. The livery stable of Cooper & McCarthy is thoroughly scorched, but every effort was made to save it, and we are happy to state with ultimate success. A building was torn down on the opposite side of Washington street, next door but one south of the Sonora Drug Store. The hose from the Water Works was here brought to play upon the flames, and by judicious and energetic work the fire was arrested. The adjoining building was completely on fire, but was saved by the Hose Company.

The new Court House, Placer Hotel, Jail, and Empire Livery Stable, are all saved. Also the fire-proof building of Wolf & Brothers, which was saved with all its valuable contents, while all around it was burned.

The handsome adobe fire-proof building formerly occupied by Mr. Hammond was destroyed except the bare walls. The iron doors in the rear had been simply pushed to without being fastened, and the intense heat from the adjoining building warped them open. Had they been properly closed, there is no doubt the building would have stood the fiery ordeal.

Adams & Co., and Wells, Fargo & Co., have both lost their buildings, but their vaults stand, and their books and treasure are all safe.

The loss of property is estimated at $300,000. We are pained to record, in addition, the loss of human life. E. B. Lundy, a Canadian by birth, and late from Placer county, was sleeping in the rear of Holden's Saloon, and was burned. The remains were identified by a pistol which had been loaned to him by a friend. He was often called Jim Lundy, in consequence of having a brother of that name, for whom he was frequently taken.

LATER.—It is said the fire originated from a stove-pipe filled with soot, which was carelessly thrust through the covering of the back kitchen. It was heard roaring by a person in the next house, and the noise was so great he mistook it for the rumbling of the stage coach. In about ten minutes afterwards the cry of fire was heard. It then spread so rapidly that persons living in the vicinity of where the fire commenced had scarcely time to escape.—Sonora Herald Extra.