Virginius, Spontaneous Combustion

A singular instance of spontaneous combustion lately occurred at Virginius, near Harper’s Ferry. In the office of Mr. Glazer, clerk for Mr. Wernwag, was a small wooden box. This was filled with fine saw dust, & used several days, during which time not a particle of fire had been in the building. During the night Mr. Glazer was awaken by finding his room full of smoke; on examination was made, […?] vered at the bottom, [?] burst through, and [?] also consumed. The saw-dust in the upper part of the box was untouched.

This incident may account for burnings which have heretofore been unaccountable. Many instances have been known of saw mills and carpenters shops being burned, supposed to be the work of incendiaries, when perhaps, their loss was occasioned by spontaneous combustion among saw dust swept into a pile while damp. We have seen instances of intense heat created in this way, and think it would be well if the attention of those concerned should be directed to the subject. It is worthy of investigation. — Virginia F. Press.