The building was greatly damaged and the goods they rescued were nearly ruined.

Now we were thrown out of business, and the firm was dissolved.
With the assistance of W.S.Bishop, a lawyer, we made out the amount of damage, which was readily paid by the agent for the insurance company.
When the Fourth of July came round again, the temperance men resolved on having another demonstration, and as before, I was requested to supply the dinner, which I did, after the same manner as the year previous.
Having been thrown out of business by the fire, I began to examine my pecuniary matters, and found that I was some three or four hundred dollars in debt, which I had no means of paying.

True, I had met with a great misfortune, but I felt that to be an honest man I must meet all obligations, whether legally bound to do so or not; yet it was beyond my power at that time, and I finally concluded to leave the city, and try to better my condition by some other business, or at least to clear myself from debt..