Article on Backstage Fire at Niblo's Garden

     “Niblo’s. – We regret to learn that the loss by the recent fire at this establishment will be heavier than was at first estimated.  Besides a large amount of private property, silver plate, &c., Mr. Wheatley loses the greater part of his extensive theatrical wardrobe, the fruits of many years’ accumulation, both here and in Philadelphia.  There can be no greater proof of the esteem in which he is held by the profession than the fact that as soon as the result of the conflagration was made known he received letters from all his brother managers, placing their wardrobes and properties at his disposal.  So far as the public are concerned, they will observe no change in the appearance or operations of the house.  The fire was scarcely extinguished before Mr. Wheatley had all his scene painters, decorators and wardrobe people at work replacing such portions of the property as were indispensable to his season.  The coolness and energy which he displayed throughout the fire contributed in no small degree to arrest its progress.  Had he been a man of weak nerves the damage occasioned by it would unquestionably have been much larger.”