The New Hampshire Gazette

FIRE AT THE CAPITOL

About 12 o'clock on Thursday night, Vincent, the sergeant of the guard on duty at the Capitol, being apprised of an unusual light in the apartment of the Library of Congress, alarmed the Librarian, who instantly came to the spot. and, on opening the doors, perceived a part of the gallery, (of wood,) which runs round the apartment, to be on fire. He immediately removed the books in the alcove adjoining; and the alarm being spread, the citizens promptly assembled. An engine and hose were brought, and by the very active exertions of the firemen, aided by a number of Members of Congress, who vied with one another in their exertions to save the Library, the flames were extinguished in less than an hour.

Very few of the Books, and those of little value, are consumed. Some others, of course, are injured by the wet, and by a hasty removal; but the loss is trifling, to what might have been expected. The ceiling of the Saloon is partly destroyed, and one of the alcoves of this beautiful apartment. It is believed that the fire originated from a candle, left in the gallery, by a gentleman who was reading there till a late hour, and which, being up stairs, was not noticed when the library was closed. The unusual light was discovered by Mr. Everett, of the House of Representatives, who was returning to his lodgings from an evening party, and who indicated it to the Guard. Among the Members earliest roused, and most active, were Mr. Houston, Mr. Webster, Mr. Dwight and Mr. Wickliffe. Mr. Ward, of New-York, narrowly escaped great injury from the falling of the plaister. Few of the citizens were roused, and the members of Congress are entitled to much of the credit of having saved the Library and all the perishable part of the building.

National Intelligencer of Dec. 24.