The inhabitants of this town were alarmed last night on the cry of fire being sounded. On rushing in the streets and looking to the east, a bright light revealed the fact that this dreaded enemy was preying on the property of some unfortunate citizen. The tolling of the Roman Catholic Church bell, the sounding of the Policemen's whistles, the hurrying to and fro of hundreds, the members of the Fire Brigade hurrying to their duty, the drummers beating the alarm, whilst the engines are being hurried to the spot by the corps and the military, all combined to make the scene one of bewilderment and anxiety Where is the fire? asks one, and the direction is contrasted with the report just given by another, the crowd pressing forward to the east, until finally they arrive at the "Madamsbjerget" (Polly Berg) where the scene before them dispels all doubts. The large two story dwelling house on estate "Thomas"(Sugar Estate) belonging to the Knight family is on fire. The scene is majestic, and as the house is fast smouldering into ashes, the light caused by the devouring flames spreads over the wide level forming this beautiful and once prosperous estate.
The long road lending to the house is thronged by hundreds and as one approaches it, nothing appears visible, save the burning rafters, which are fast falling away. The engines are hastened to the spot, and the corps, as also the women who generally take an active part in these emergencies, are present, but the building is completely devastated, within an hour after the first alarm, which was given at 9.10 p. m. On our way thither the scene becomes more distressing, and we are now about to learn the origin and sad consequences of the fire. As we force ourselves through the crowd, we perceive four men bearing a board on their heads, on which the body of a man is lying out stretched, and covered with a blanket. On enquiring, we are pained to learn that it is Mr, Richard Knight, who was severely burnt, and whose recovery is considered as almost an impossibility. We next enquire for the Misses Knight, whom we learn have since been taken to "Rapuhn," the next estate.
The origin of the fire &c., is briefly stated as follows: Mr. Richard Knight, who had been attending to some cattle, returned to the house with a kerosene lamp in his hand, and on entering one of the rooms on the lower story, proceeded to supply the lamp with oil, in doing which, it appears, he followed a dangerous mode practised by some people, of unscrewing the burner, and holding it in the left hand, while emptying the oil with the right, this caused an explosion, and immediately enveloped the unfortunate man in the flame.
With a sudden presence of mind he jumped out through one of the windows, and fell to the ground. Ms sisters being in their bedroom, and hearing the noise looked out to ascertain the cause, and heard him outside crying for help; they immediately ran out to his assistance but found him almost beyond the limited aid at their disposal. In this state they took temporary shelter in an outer room occupied by some astute labourers, where they remained for a short while until a carriage was sent for them, and in which they were taken to "Rapuhn". The burnt brother was taken to town where he died at midnight. The utmost sympathy is expressed for the unfortunate family who have lost their property, and all it contained, besides a dearly beloved brother. His burial took place this afternoon with Masonic honours, he being a member of the craft. - Ibid
(St. Croix Avis 1. juni 1878).
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