The Virginia Gazette

Extract of a letter from Mr. Dunlap Adams, merchant, of Trenton, to his friend in New York. Feb. 2

"About two o'clock in the morning of last Thursday I awoke, hearing the crackling noise of fire: I desired my wife to arise, or that I thought the house in flames! I ran to the store door in the hall, from whence the noise proceeded, and on opening it, the smoke and flames issued out in a torrent; passing up the stair-case, it prevented my ascending to the relief of the rest of my family: I then made all the noise in my power to awake them, which succeeded, but the smoke and flames prevented their descending. Providence inspired them with presence of mind and courage to retreat to the back window. My second daughter jumped down, with her younger sister in her arms, who, with the rest of the children, a young lad, and servant girl, all escaped unhurt. Thanks be to God for opening my eyes at the instant he did! In a few minutes after, we must all have awoke in eternity! I can scarce muster spirits to write to my brothers, but request you will do it, and inform them that I saved neither book, paper, nor any thing, except one bed, and a few trifles. The inhabitants came to our assistance as quick as they could, with fire engines, &c. but the flames spread so rapidly, they could not be stopped till the following houses were destroyed, viz. Micajah How's, Esq; Mr. Cummins's, Mrs. Mercelles's, Mr. Job Moore's, and a stable belonging to William Morris, Esq."