A fire broke out about half-past three o'clock this morning
upon the premises of Mr. James Smith, corn-merchant and granary-keeper, Upper Thames Street ; which has proved destructive to a large amount of pro- perty, and threatened still greater devastation, from the close contiguity of Mr. Smith's premises to the granary of Messrs. West and Co. on the east, and those of Messrs. Cuthbert and Archer, the wax and tallow chandlers of Paternoster Row and Bishopsgate, on the north. The Fire Brigade and the powerful floating engines were soon in full play ; and there was an abundant supply of water both from the river and the streets. To do any thing, hove ever, beyond preventing the extension of the fire to other warehouses, was altogether futile, for the immense gra- nary soon became one mass of flame. The building was seven stories high, and was one of the most prominent on the bank of the river in that neighbourhOod. The fire continued to burn with unchecked fury for nearly two hours. The only thing of the slightest consequence saved were Mr. Smith's books, which it was of the highest importance to him should be rescued ; and a fit eman, with great promptitude, got to the counting-house from a boat on the river, and having broken open the door, got them safe out witlitut suffering by his laudable temerity. Mr. Smith was insured in the Sun Fire-office ; and nearly the whole lose, which is said to amount to upwards of 20.0001., falls upon that establish- ment. The calamity is said to have originated in the flues being over- heated.
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