Description:

Colonial Connecticut
Norwich, CT, January 28 - March 12, 1797
1797 Account of Arson and Fires in Norwich, Connecticut
MD
[FIREFIGHTING.] Account of Fires from January 28 to March 12, 1797, in Norwich, Connecticut. 1 p., 8.125" x 10". Minor edge tears; general toning; very good.

This account, possibly written by town clerk Benjamin Huntington Jr. (1736-1801), records a series of fires in the first three months of 1797 in Norwich, Connecticut. Of the eight fires recorded, two were extinguished, and at least four seemed to be the result of arson. Four involved barns, but two threatened or destroyed commercial properties—Carew & Huntington's store, and Henry Tracy's hatter's shop.

Complete Transcript
"1797 January 28th Saturday / The [house?] of Roger Griswold Esqr occupied by Capt Elisha Tracy, was fired & burnt about 6 oclock in the Evening—at that time there was but little suspicion of secret enemys.
Roger Griswold (1762-1812) served as Congressman from Connecticut (1795-1805), judge of the Connecticut Supreme Court (1807-1809), and governor of Connecticut (1811-1812).

Feb 3rd Friday} At about 6 in the Evening a Fire was discovered in the Chaise House adjoining the Store of Carew & Huntington and extinguished—this fire was kindled in the after box of a Carriage belonging to Jesse Brown
Jesse Brown (1752-1816) was a post rider for the state of Connecticut and the Continental Congress. In 1890, he developed a line of stages from Hartford to Boston that passed through Norwich, where he also operated a tavern.

Feb 4th Saturday} The Barn of Samuel Tracy Esqr was discovered to be in a lite Blaize between 8 & 9 in the Evening & soon Consumed

Monday the 6th Februy} At sun rise fire was discovered on the hay mow in the Barn of Mr Azariah Lathrop & Extinguished.
Azariah Lathrop (1728-1810) kept a tavern in Norwich.

Wednesday 8th Feb} At about 3 oClock in the after noon Mr Lynds Lathrops Barn was on fire and burnt down

Thirsday Feb 9} Henry Tracy's Hatters Shop took fire about & O Clock in the Evening & was Extinguished: it is supposed beyond all dispute, that this was done on purpose

Friday 10th of March Uriah Tracy's Barn was burnt down about 5 OClock in the after noon. This is supposed to be done designedly.
Uriah Tracy (1755-1807) was a Revolutionary War veteran, a 1778 graduate of Yale, and an attorney. He represented Connecticut in the U.S. House of Representatives (1793-1796) and U.S. Senate (1796-1807).

Sunday 12th March: Azariah Lathrops Old Barn, was burnt, between two & three oClock after noon, in time of publick worship, supposed to be done of Designe."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8.125" x 10"
  • Medium: MD

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