The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser

Just as our paper was going to press, about half past 2 o'clock this afternoon, the citizens were alarmed by the cry of fire from the State Prison; it was first discovered on the roof of the left wing, or men's apartment, and notwithstanding every exertion, the whole roof of that apartment was in a very short time in flames.

The promptness and activity of the inhabitants were perhaps on no occasion more conspicuous, as well in affording every assistance in the safe keeping of the prisoners, during the fire, as in preventing the progress of the flames; and providentially the wind bearing a course off the main building, no further damage than the destruction of the roof of the left wing was sustained, and no escape effected. The prevailing opinion is, that the fire took place by accident.