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Letter to Editor
July 12, 1813
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
A Richmond citizen rebuts 'Civis'' concerns over a new city fire ordinance, claiming it won't deter aid, as evidenced by a recent fire on the sloop Orange where no fire wardens or engines responded despite burning through the night.
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FOR THE ARGUS.
Mr. Pleasants,
I some time ago observed a communication in your paper signed 'Civis,' who appeared to be displeased with an Ordinance which had lately been ordained by the Common Council of this City purporting to be intended to provide against accidents by fire. The writer appeared to be alarmed at the extraordinary stretch of power assumed by that body in appointing a certain number of fire wardens whose duty it is to direct the operations in extinguishing the fire whenever one occurs within the city or its vicinity. He therein states that it would have this effect on the citizens, that they would not repair to a fire when one happens.—I am sure that Mr. Civis could not have believed at the time he was writing that this ordinance could have the tendency to deter the fire warden and also the fire companies with their engines from attending those scenes of devastation.
But I can assure both him and you, Mr. Pleasants, that a fire broke out of the sloop Orange, lying at the port of Richmond, on Thursday night last, about one o'clock, and although she continued to burn until after sunrise, with a high wind, among a number of shipping and contiguous to Ricketts warehouse (partly covered with wood) neither a fire warden, nor a fire engine were seen at the place. I must therefore conclude that the good citizens need not be deterred from attending fires in future, as they need not fear the engines or the displeasure of the fire wardens.
A CITIZEN.
July 11.
Mr. Pleasants,
I some time ago observed a communication in your paper signed 'Civis,' who appeared to be displeased with an Ordinance which had lately been ordained by the Common Council of this City purporting to be intended to provide against accidents by fire. The writer appeared to be alarmed at the extraordinary stretch of power assumed by that body in appointing a certain number of fire wardens whose duty it is to direct the operations in extinguishing the fire whenever one occurs within the city or its vicinity. He therein states that it would have this effect on the citizens, that they would not repair to a fire when one happens.—I am sure that Mr. Civis could not have believed at the time he was writing that this ordinance could have the tendency to deter the fire warden and also the fire companies with their engines from attending those scenes of devastation.
But I can assure both him and you, Mr. Pleasants, that a fire broke out of the sloop Orange, lying at the port of Richmond, on Thursday night last, about one o'clock, and although she continued to burn until after sunrise, with a high wind, among a number of shipping and contiguous to Ricketts warehouse (partly covered with wood) neither a fire warden, nor a fire engine were seen at the place. I must therefore conclude that the good citizens need not be deterred from attending fires in future, as they need not fear the engines or the displeasure of the fire wardens.
A CITIZEN.
July 11.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Informative
Political
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Infrastructure
Social Issues
What keywords are associated?
Fire Ordinance
Richmond Fire
Fire Wardens
Sloop Orange
Citizen Response
Common Council
What entities or persons were involved?
A Citizen.
Mr. Pleasants,
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Citizen.
Recipient
Mr. Pleasants,
Main Argument
the new fire ordinance will not deter citizens from attending fires, as demonstrated by the recent unassisted burning of the sloop orange, where no fire wardens or engines appeared despite the risk to surrounding ships and warehouse.
Notable Details
Response To 'Civis'' Letter Criticizing The Ordinance
Fire On Sloop Orange At Richmond Port, Thursday Night Last, About 1 O'clock, Burned Until After Sunrise With High Wind
Near Ricketts Warehouse, Partly Wood Covered
No Fire Warden Or Engine Present