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Ashburton Herald, Volume I, Issue 238, 4 January 1879, Page 2

Sheridan and the fire at Drury Lane Theatre. —The first great blow to his fortunes, and indeed the beginning of the end, was the destruction of Drury Lane by fire on the 24th February, 1802. There was no performance that night. Sheridan was at the House when the ne\vs was brought him. Out of respect for so distinguished a member, a motion for adjournment was made, but he opposed it, saying that, “ whatever might be the extent of the private calamity, he hoped that it would not interfere with the business of the country,” and with the fortitude of a stoic he remained at his post. Such is the account given by Kelley, the acting manager, who was present at the fire, and it is much more credible than the popular story which represents him coolly in a tavern close by drinking wine, while his property was being consumed, and answering those who expostulated with him with, “ A man may surely be allowed to take a glass of wine by his own fireside.” His loss by this terrible catastrophe was estimated to be £150,000. Yet his own troubles did not absorb his pity for others. He knew the principal actors could easily procure other engagements; but then there were the inferior ones and the servants of the .house. “Elect yourselves into a committee,” he said, “but keep in your re--membrance even the poor sweepers of the stage, who -with their children wrist starve if not protected by your fostering care.” — “ Gentleman’s Magazine.”