The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

BRIDGE-TOWN, (Barbados) Dec. 27.

On Saturday Evening last, between the Hours of 8 and 10 o'Clock, a Fire broke out in a Store situated to the Windward of the Dwelling-House of Mr. Paul Bradford and Co. the Flames communicated themselves to the said Dwelling-House, from thence to the Buildings of Gedney Clarke, Esq; and took their Course all the Way to the Stepping-Stones Wharff. On the other Hand, altho' the Wind was high, and blew from the North-East, it took its Course up one Side of the Green, carrying before it every Building from John Hall, Esq: to that of Mr. Duncan, near the Church, including, in the Destruction, the House tenanted by Irenaeus Moe, Esq; To mention the exact Number of Buildings destroyed by this Fire is impossible at present, but according to Computation, upwards of 40 principal Dwelling-Houses, besides Stores, have fallen a Sacrifice to the Flames. To what Means this unhappy Accident was owing, is very uncertain; but such is now our miserable Situation, that those very Stores which providentially escaped the late dreadful Conflagration, and whose humane Owners contributed so much to the Relief of the poor Sufferers thereby, are now destroyed, and with them almost every Lumber Yard in Town. In short, Words can but faintly convey an Idea of the Distress of the Inhabitants, whose Lamentations pierced the Air, and must have drawn forth Pity from the most obdurate.

Extract of a Letter from Barbados, Dec. 31.

We cannot tell the exact Number of Houses and Stores that are burnt, but we imagine at least One Hundred are destroyed; a large Share of which were fine large Houses. The People here seemed infatuated; for notwithstanding many great Fires have happened here within ten Years, yet they had no Conveniences for extinguishing the Fire, nor even Buckets or Pails were to be had, to bring Water to put it out. The Fire gradually went to the Windward, and burnt all the Houses, till there were no more left; and we really think not a Hogshead of Water was thrown on it. Not a Fire Engine in Order; for if only one good Engine could have been got, not one Half of the Houses would have been consumed. It continued burning till Day-light in the Morning of the 28th. People seem to be resolved on forming Fire-Companies, and some of the principal Men here, have met on the Occasion; and they have requested us to send to you for Copies of your Fire Company Articles, in order that they may conform to them as much as possible.