New Hampshire Statesman And Concord Register

LAFAYETTE THEATRE DESTROYED.

The New-York papers contain the particulars of a destructive fire in that city, which broke out about three o'clock on Friday morning, the 10th inst. in the progress of which the Lafayette Theatre was burnt down. We select the most interesting particulars from the papers:

'The fire broke out in a back building situated a short distance to the northward of the Lafayette Theatre, which in a few minutes was completely enveloped in flames, presenting one of the most awfully sublime scenes ever witnessed. In less than an hour after the Theatre caught it was razed to the ground, with the exception of a small portion of the front wall. The flames extended to the buildings on Laurens street, north of the Theatre, several of which were entirely destroyed, and also to three wooden buildings on Thompson street, which were injured. The row of four story brick buildings on Canal street, extending from Laurens to Thompson streets, nine in number, were all more or less injured, and the three brick dwelling houses on the west side of Thompson street, opposite the rear of the Theatre, were several times on fire, and were with difficulty preserved. We understand that the Theatre belonged to Henry Yates, Esq. and that there was no insurance on the property, the offices having declined to renew the policy, after the destruction of the Bowery Theatre.'

'We never witnessed a more brilliant fire scene than was presented by this conflagration. Every ray was reflected back from the clouds, and the atmosphere so filled with light, that the finest print could be read with ease at the distance of half a mile.'

'The Lafayette Theatre, 200 feet in length, extended the entire distance from Laurens to Thompson streets. The destruction was so complete, that only two small sections of the wall remain, and those reduced to half their original height. All the scenery, furniture, &c. we understand, was destroyed, with the exception of two or three boxes clothing, which were removed in the early progress of the flames. The original cost of the Theatre is said to have been $100,000; though it is probable the loss to Mr Yates is a much less sum. There was no insurance, and we are told that none could be obtained.'

The Commercial Advertiser says—'The Theatre is said to have cost Mr Sandford $100,000; but as the value of a thing is what it will bring in the market, it ought not to be estimated over $50,000. It was mortgaged to Henry Yates, Esq. and no insurance could be effected on it. Estimating the loss of the Theatre at $50,000, the entire loss of property may be set down at $75,000.'

'One of the boarders of Mrs Burr was unwell, and determined to remain in bed unless the house was in danger; and when informed that the fire had communicated to the house, he had barely time to put on a few clothes, and meeting on the second floor two ladies of the family, he caught hold of one on each arm, and before he reached the foot of the stairs, the flame had burnt through the window on the first flight, and in a few minutes the stairs were enveloped in flames.'

The fire originated in a stable attached to the Theatre; but under what circumstances, is not precisely known. It was not completely subdued till 6 o'clock; and several engines remained on the ground till 10 or 11 o'clock. This is the third Theatre in the United States which has been destroyed by fire within a year; the others being the Bowery Theatre, and the Theatre at Mobile.—Bost. Pal.