[Little Rock] Arkansas True Democrat, September 29, 1860
From the Ft. Smith Herald, Sept. 22, 1860.
Fire!—Loss 113,000!!
On Thursday morning, at about 4 o’clock, our citizens were aroused by the alarm of fire. The fire originated in the post-office block—probably in the room occupied as a billiard saloon. When first entered, the room was so completely filled with smoke as to render it utterly impossible to remain but a moment. The floor was fired near the door and immediately behind the counter. Our city being destitute of a fire engine, or any organized fire department, a long time elapsed after the alarm of fire was given before a sufficient number of persons reached the ground to effectually suppress the further progress of the flames and by the time the citizens were aroused all efforts to save the block in which the fire originated were useless. The entire block occupied by A. H. Cline, druggist, the post office; J. P. Spring’s law office; Gridley’s billiard saloon; Sutton & Spring, merchants; the Fort Smith Times office; Walton & Bourne, merchants; Beaner & Foss, merchants; G. W. Sisson, daguerotype gallery; and A. M. Callahan & Co., boot and shoe dealers, was entirely consumed—as was also the City Hotel. Very fortunately, it was a still, calm morning and to this is due the preservation of the opposite block. For a long time it was in imminent danger, but well directed and persevering efforts saved it.
Some months since an effort was made to purchase one or two fire engines. Had this been done, this great destruction of property could have been avoided. One engine, with a proper supply of water, could have extinguished the fire without its spreading beyond the room in which it originated.—Experience is a dear teacher, and we trust our citizens may be able to profit by the severe lesson given them on this occasion.
That the fire was the work of an incendiary, is the prevalent opinion; and circumstances that have since transpired, go far to establish the assertion.