ELDORADO 171 



in every building by the hook and ladder boys was 

 deemed the signal for the arrest and staying of the 

 riames on this line. In vain, however ; the wind here- 

 tofore blowing towards the levee, increased to a gale 

 and changed to the north, thus turning the fire broad- 

 side on, and in five minutes it had spread to "M" street. 

 That portion of the cit}- was built in 1849 entirely of 

 wood and was as combustible as powder. At this 

 time W. R. McCall & Co.'s building caught on the 

 roof, sealing the fate of all to the levee, the entire 

 length of the city ; the flames extended, soon wrap- 

 ping the Orleans hotel. The building all around were 

 blown up with the rapidity of magic, carts standing- 

 ready with 25-pound kegs of powder each. The 

 "Union" ofifice next fell ; the proprietors saving two 

 presses, type and paper sufficient for a few days' sup- 

 ply. The families on the line below K street were 

 busy removing their valuables and furniture when 

 the flames crossed the brick barrier and swept with re- 

 morseless fury down and across, licking with its forked 

 tongue from street to alley, apparently shriveling the 

 wooden buildings with a single breath. The inmates of 

 the hospital, seventy in number, were taken in season 

 to the levee, and from thence to a suitable house by 

 Drs. Briarly and Williams. The city market filled 

 with hay and the hospital were the last on the line of 

 the fire ; the citizens effectually stopped its further 

 progress. The number of lives ascertained to be lost 

 were six, while many were seriously injured and are 

 under the care of physicians, on board steamers, some 

 of whom may die. Every assistance possible was prof- 

 fered By the captains and agents of the steamers, whose 

 vessels were soon crowded with females." 



