ts of
stone work belonging to the balustrades and ornamental parts of the
building being covered over with ice, the difficulty of walking over
the ruins was very great, and the chief magistrate fell more than
once, receiving sundry bumps. The lofty chimnies standing appeared
to be in such a dangerous condition, that they were hauled down with
ropes, to prevent their falling on the people below. The iron chests
belonging to the Royal Exchange Assurance Company could be distinctly
seen, from the area, inserted in the walls. Ladders were raised, and
they were opened, when it was discovered that their contents,
consisting of deeds and other papers connected with the Company and
their insurances, were uninjured. This afforded much satisfaction to
the directors. Another iron safe, belonging to Mr. Hathway, whose
office, under the tower, was consumed, which was also in a recess in
the wall, was opened at the same time, and a considerable sum in
francs and bank-notes was taken out.

"The walls of the west wing of the building, which seemed to bulge
outward, were shored up in the afternoon, and they are not, now,
likely to fall. Cornhill presented a most desolate appearance, the
shops, from Finch Lane to the termination of the street near the
Mansion House, were all closed, and the place presented a deserted
and desolated appearance; which, contrasted with the bustle hitherto
observed during business hours, and the sight of the ruins, forced
very unpleasant reflections on the mind. Barriers were placed at the
Mansion House end of Cornhill, and across that part of the street
between Finch and Birchin Lanes, and no person was allowed to pass
except the firemen and persons on business. All the avenues leading
to Cornhill were also blocked up in like manner; and, at each
barrier, police officers and ward constables were placed to prevent
people passing. Various schemes were devised, by numerous
individuals, to pass these barriers, and sums were, occasionally,
offered to the police to be allowed to visit the ruins, but without
effect. The City police kept the thieves away by their presence and
activity, and the conduct of the people was, yesterday, very quiet,
forming a contrast with the disorder got up by the swell mob on
Thursday last. Those who viewed the ruins at a distance appeared