Edgefield Advertiser

From the Greenville Mountaineer.

Calamitous Fire,—It will be seen by the following letter, that our neighbors of Laurens Village were visited by a destructive Fire on Tuesday night last, by which a large number of buildings and a greater amount of property has been destroyed, than at any place of the same size in this State for many years. Let the citizens of Greenville and other Villages receive this melancholy intelligence as a 'solemn warning,' and cause them to be more careful in future, and better prepared to combat the devouring element.

LAURENS C. H., Aug. 28, 1844.

Mr. Editor.—Our Village has again been the scene of a sad calamity by Fire -more destructive, by far, than any we have ever had. About 9 o'clock last night (Tuesday) a Fire was discovered between two unoccupied buildings, nearly adjoining each other, in the North-west corner of the Public Square, one formerly occupied by J. P. Kennedy, as a grocery, and the other by Joseph Vance, as a Tailor's Shop and dwelling—both owned by Samuel Vance.

The buildings being of wood, and very old and dry, they burnt with the utmost rapidity, and were soon destroyed. There being no Engine in the place to assist in arresting the flames, the houses on that row all being joined, except by the narrow jail alley, scarcely an effort was made to stop it, until it reached the opposite, and South west corner of the Square, where, by the greatest possible exertions and perseverance, assisted by the calmness of the night, and a few large China trees, the store house of Samuel R. Todd, which stood across the street opposite the last house on the burnt row, was providentially saved.—All the buildings between Sam'l R. Todd, and Day's Shoe Shop—one whole row—kitchens and out houses, were totally destroyed, including Sam'l. Fleming's Store, formerly known as Fleming & Mill's Store, Samuel Barksdale's Store and dwelling, owned by Barksdale & Saxon, John S. Osborne's Tavern and Grocery, a brick house occupied by Richard Hix as a Sadler's Shop, owned by Col. Irby, and a Store house occupied by J. R. Barksdale as a Grocery, and owned by Col. Irby. The Goods, furniture and groceries were generally saved, but very much damaged. No lives were lost.

The fire is believed to be the work of an incendiary, as it originated in the inside of a house in which there has not been fire in several months. The principal sufferers are Samuel Fleming, and Samuel Barksdale.
Barksdale & Co., and John S. Osborne,

The entire loss is estimated at about $20,000, as none of the houses were insured.

"He will cling to the Pillars of the Temple of our Liberties, and if it must fall, we will Perish amidst the Ruins."