Morrison's Pensions
Fire in the Barracks
Johnstown,
26th Feb'y 1779
Sir: I have now Just got Leisure to Inform you of the most Meterial matters
of the misfortune that has befallen us at this Post. About 4 O Clock this
morning we where alarmed by the Cry of fire. We Immediately got out of
bed but before we Could get out of the room we found the Barracks where
all in flames - Our Attention then was to secure the stores which was in
the Gaol, as we had no hopes of preventing that being Consumed as the Barracks
stood adjoining, but the Officers & men Exerting themselves to the
Utmost prevented the body of the Gaol Burning with the loss of about one
half the Roof -About Twenty Yards of the Picquets were burnt but hope by
to morrow night to have them Repair'd - the Quarters for our men will be
very bad untill I can get the Gaol Repaired but shall Lose no time. The
fire took in the Lower part of the Barracks and it had got so far before
it was discovered that it was Impossible to save them. The Loss is very
Considerable Viz: 3 Horses Continental, 1 Belonging to myself, 1 to the
Commissary; 7 Muskets; 8 Bayonets; 9 Pouches; 100 Cartridges; 500 Hay;
1 Waggon & Harness; Coats; 1 Vests; 1 Breeches; 11 Shirts; 13 Shoes;
13 Stockings; 6 Hats; 3 Blankets. Since the alarm I had made a Stable of
One Room of the Barracks that I might have the horses in the Fort. Several
men at the Risque of their lives ventured to get them out but it could
not be Effected. Of the Commissaries Stores the following Articles were
lost in the hury & Confusion of moving them Viz. - 2 Barrels flour
(as the Casks where very bad); 1 Do Soft Soap; 2 Bushels Salt; 7 Hides
Burnt in the Barracks. This is the most particular account I can at present
give as I have been so Fatigued & am now so Confused I am not fit to
write which hope will Appologize any Deficiency. With all due Respect I
am,Sir, Your most Obed't humble Servt Saml Sacket, Capt Commandg
on Publick Service
The Honble General James Clinton
Express Albany
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