FIRE AT HAMMERSMITH.-Yest...
FIRE AT HA d sME tStrITH.-Yesterdayimorning, between the hours of four and five o'clock, the hamlet of lairmmersmith was thrown into confusion in consequence of an alarming fire breaking out on the premises of Ir. Cooper, a baker and flour factor, in King street, near the Windsor Castle Tavern. The flaies were first dis. covered biirsing through theshop shutters The family were in bed in the attics, and were warned of their perilous situation just in time to escape with their lives, by getting out of the back-windows. The parish engines of Hammersmith andl Fulhanm were prompt in their attendoace, but their puny efforts, and a smaU supply of water, had but very little efecton the devouring element, which now raged with alarming fury. Fortunately, the ditterent engines from town came down withl post-horses, and a more plentiful supply of water being obtained, their combined efforts soon damnpaed the flamres, and their ravagcs were prevented from spreading to the adjoining houses. By seven o clock the premises of lUr. Cooper were reduced to a heap of ruins, and the whole of his stock and furnituse were buried under- neath. The loas sustained Is estimated at a considerable sum, but MNlr. Cooper is said to be insured, The origin of the fire was not as. certained. O(n Wednesday last a young genitleman in Lombard. street, undertook, tbr a wager of a dozen of wine, &c., to run from the Post-office to the Angel, at Islington, in thirteen miuiates, whicl he performed in eleven minutes and fifty seconds, being one minute and ten seconds within tbe given time. George II. being afflicted with a violent paiu in his thumb, which baffled all the applications of the faculty, resolved to send for the noted De. Joshua Ward, who was at that time in high vogue with the public, on account of the real or supposed virtues of bis pill and drop. Previous to his being admittedin the Royal pre. sence, Ward ascertained the nature of the complaint4 and prepared himself with a particular nostrum, which hekept concealed in the hollow of his hand. When he was introduced, he requestea per- misAion to examine the affected part, which the King complying with, Ward gave hins so sudden a wrench, that His l%fajesty, who was naturaly passionate, cursed hitn for a rascal, and kicked -him on the shias. Tne Dector bore all this very patiently, and, when he found the King a little cool, respectfully asked him to move his thumb, which he easily did, and to his great joy and surprise, found that the pain was entirely gone. llis Alajesty was so transported at his relief, that he called WVard his i:sculapius, and insisted on knowink what he could do for hihn. Ward repined that be was sufE- cier lyremiunerated by the plea3ure of serving Hisl Mjacaty; but that he had a nenhewt unprovided for, any avour con erredupon w ,hom heshould. jolsider asa bestowed ulpon himself. The I(iing presented to the Doctor a handsome carriage and hormes, anil after,- wards gave tin ensigocy in the Guaras to his nepher, the la.e Gene- ral faasel, the mfln who aftkrwards narrowly escaped haniging, for shooting a bail5fF' who went to arrest hinm. .: