This photograph gives some indication of the magnitude of the destruction of the Great Fire. The following contemporary report exhibits a stoic view of the event:
Saint John was built on the sloping sides of a rocky promontory which makes the city of necessity present a picturesque appearance. The eye used to catch tier after tier of houses built closely together so as to completely cover it except here and there where the verdure of a square showed that a few breathing places had been left for the people. This now all lies in blackened ruin, a ghastly sight, the result of the great conflagration of June 20th, last, rendering 13,000 people homeless, causing great loss of life. Destroying 1,612 buildings, the greater part of the city is gone along with its magnificent churches, hotels, theatres, schools, public buildings and private mansions, and last but not least, the "Old Bell Tower" which stood in King Square sounded long and faithfully its note of warning, and as it swayed before it crashed to earth three last bad notes were heard by those who witnessed the spectacle. That same loyalty and heroism which founded and built a city will again rebuild.
