21 October 1853
Fri. 21st . Raining. Quite a destructive fire occurred this morning —laying a whole square in ashes. A great deal of property might have been saved had there been a sufficient supply of water. The city is sadly has shown a sad lack of enterprise in neglecting to erect suitable water works: all there is to depend on in cases of fire is a few cisterns. This is behind the age—Reading writing and walking—so passed this day away—