[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, September 29, 1860
We have heard it rumored for a few days past, and now have it confirmed by a gentleman just returned from New Orleans, that the town of Minden, La., was entirely destroyed by fire a few nights ago. It undoubtedly was the work of an incendiary—or rather a number of incendiaries, as the place was fired, it is said, in some fifteen or twenty places at the same time, making it impossible for the citizens to arrest the progress of the flames until every house was consumed. We learn that there was a large lot of goods burnt after being removed into the street. Surely these are dangerous times, when a man dare not leave his own door—in a civilized country, too—without coming in contact with fire, and nine times out of ten falling a victim to the knife of the assassin. Our citizens should keep a sharp look out at all times, for it is drawing nearer and nearer to us, and our turn may come next. Let us arrest and hang all stragglers who may come into our midst and cannot give strictly a correct account of themselves. A few examples might do some good.—Hamburg [Ark.] Reporter.