Fire in New Bern ~ 1808
Edenton Gazette, Thurs. Sept. 15, 1808 September 15, 1808
FIRE -- On Monday evening, the 5th inst., the inhabitants of Newbern were
alarmed with the dreadful cry of Fire! It appeared to have begun at a house on
Craven street, which being in the midst of a cluster of wooden buildings, soon
communicated to and destroyed them; and notwithstanding the greatest
exertions made by the citizens generally, in their attentions to the engines,
etc., the flames were not got under till after the explosions by gun-powder of
the adjoining buildings. The brick dwelling house of MR. ISAAC TAYLOR, was
preserved with the greatest difficulty and to its security, may be ascribed
the preservation of the whole square. During the fire a regular line was
preserved from the engines to the old country wharf for the purpose of
furnishing regular quantities of water. The Citizens generally were stationed
at their posts; some, however, were observed quite indifferent to the
distresses of others, and manifesting no disposition to join in any effort for
the security of the town, or the preservation of property within their reach.
The following houses with nearly all the property contained in them were
destroyed:
One belonging to MR. THOMAS MARSHAL, occupied as a store by MRS. ELIZABETH
COLE. One owned by CAPT. RICHARD FISHER, occupied as a dwelling house. One
owned by B. C. GILLESPIE, occupied by MRS. BALL, as a shop. Two owned by F. X.
MARTIN, one back and one front, occupied as dwelling houses by HARDWICK and
NOBLES. One owned by MR. JOSHUA SCOTT, occupied as a dwelling-house and
hatter's shop. One owned by MR. PIGOTT, occupied as a dwelling house.
MAJOR GEORGE ELLIS, a very worthy character, died next morning, of a wound
received in blowing up one of the houses, deemed necessary to arrest the
progress of the devouring flames.
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