Gazette Of The United States

LONDON, September 10-14.

PARTICULARS OF THE LATE FIRE AT MADRID.

This dreadful fire, that has been burning upwards of ten days, has nearly destroyed in Place Mayor, one of the handsomest squares of the capital, and the most filled with tradesmen's shops third part of first row of houses of an adjacent street, upwards of 80 in all, have already fallen a prey to the flames; which the public prayers, many soldiers and workmen, with a small engine, and several squirts, have not been able to extinguish. The fire began at midnight: forthwith the miraculous image of St. Roch was uncovered and brought, in procession, to the square, but the conflagration, notwithstanding the presence of the Saint, and the fervent prayers of the multitude, did not rage with less violence. The holy sacrament succeeded but with as little success; the Duke of Medina Sidonia substituted the sacred image of our Saviour, belonging to the Capuchin's convent in his hotel. These successive pious efforts lasted more than six hours, during which time it was visible that the workmen preferred prayers to exertions. The Dominicans have been reproached with having refused to bring forth our lady of Atocha, a Madonna, who never fails of success. The fire, it is said, was owing to a private gentleman's devotion, who kept, night and day, many lighted tapers before the shrine of a wonderful image.