midnight
Hats were indiscriminately smashed over the brows of their wearers , coats were torn off their backs , and watches and purses violently wrested from their owners . In many cases there was no attempt at secrecy , men were knocked down and plundered with all the coolness and deliberation , with which we commonly pursue our lawful calling . By degrees the perseverance and heroism of the firemen were rewarded . The fire began to succumb to the copious floods with which it was deluged , and , towards midnight , there was a perceptible diminution in the violence of the flames . There were , however , several temporary outbursts from time to time , which called for the utmost watchfulness and promptitude on the part of the Brigade . During one of these a block of private dwellings nearest to the conflagration was set on fire . So intent was every one on the _ great _ fire that this incidental one was not observed until it had gained considerable headway .