The Constitutional [Alexandria, LA], September 1, 1860
On Thursday night about 10 o’clock a fire broke out in or near the store kept by a Mr. Davis, situated on the corner, in the rear of the Rapides Hotel, commonly called “Tucks Row,” the whole of which was burnt. The loss we suppose is about $4,000.
It was by the greatest exertion of the firemen and citizens that the Rapides Hotel was saved as also the residence of Mrs. Bogan both buildings being closely connected with the row of buildings which were burnt. The latter building was saved by the use of buckets alone. It was no doubt the work of an incendiary.
We have no doubt that this is the continuation of that damnable plot which was concocted and has laid in ruins a number of towns in the State of Texas.
Our citizens should be on the alert and every suspicious character who arrives here should be made to leave forthwith. A strict watch should be kept every night for there is no telling what a night “may bring forth.” We shall have more to say upon this subject next week.