Quarto (ca. 27x 20cm or 10x8 in ). 2 pp. Brown ink on lined yellowish watermarked wove paper with the printed letterhead of “Chief Quartermaster’s Office, Department of the Columbia.” Fold marks, tiny tear, one minor stain, but overall a very good letter, written in a legible hand.

A historically important letter about the Portland Riverfront Fire of 1872. “The most disastrous fire which has, without expectation, ever taken place in the history of Portland, occurred yesterday. The fire originated in the back part of a Chinese wash house, and is supposed to have been caused by the boiling of some pitch.” (Morning Oregonian. 23 December 1872. P. 3) Engulfing all buildings on the river side, the fire destroyed between 15-25 buildings, displacing businesses and residents, with an estimated cost of $413,665 in damages.

Dated 23 December 1872, the letter was written by one of the survivors of the fire almost immediately after the accident and signed to Asher Marks (ca. 1835; Poland -1899; Oregon) in Roseburg, Oregon. The addressee was a well-known merchant and the owner of Roseburg’s pioneer merchandising firm S. Marks and Company. In the text, the author offers a firsthand account of the “largest fire Portland has ever had,” talking about a near-city-sweeping inferno and the miraculous survival of the firemen. The letter writer also complains about his personal loss of uninsured goods worth ca. $200, his financial difficulties, and the “perfectly horrible, nasty weather,” adding “I had rather be in Roseburg in its worst weather than in Portland today.” Overall, a historically important original letter documenting one of the most disastrous fires in Oregon’s history.

The text of the letter:

“Dear Marks

We had a little sensation here yesterday in the shape of the largest fire Portland has ever had. I tell you I thought at one time the fire would het the best of the firemen and sweep the city, and I believe it would have done so but for a timely shower of rain. I lost too the tune of about $200 on goods I had stored at McCormick’s, and I can hardly afford to lose even that amount now as I have heavy engagements to meet 1st January, and I have not even the benefits of insurance.

Well its all in a life time. Some persons always will get burned out, and I suppose I have to take my turn. It makes me feel a little blue however. Today we are a having a fall of snow and sleet is about the depth of 6 inches already. Perfectly horrible, nasty weather, and worse walking. I think I had rather be in Roseburg in its worst weather than in Portland today.

Remember me to all

Yours very truly”