embers if they
had candles at their windows and to collect Fines from such of them as
had not."

The light begins to break--at the first hint of fire the Company member
must, at the fastest possible speed, put lighted candles in the front
windows of his dwelling. This was Alexandria's first alarm system! The
member then dashed for four yards of material in an oznaburg bag, two
leather fire buckets (they each weighed as much as a saddle) and a
wicker basket and, without stopping, he raced to the fire, where he
either pumped water, formed spectators in ranks for passing buckets,
removed goods from burning houses in his bag or basket, climbed ladders
or pulled down adjoining houses when necessary; and last but not least
watched to "prevent evil minded persons from plundering sufferers." The
only tranquil occupation was that of the "sentinels" who kept watch over
goods removed from the conflagration wherever such goods were deposited.

What a spectacular sight a fire in Alexandria presented when one
remembers the elegant dress of the day; short clothes, elaborate jackets
or vests, ruffled linen, full skirted coats, perukes, queues braided and
beribboned, powdered heads in three-cornered hats, silken and white
hose, buckled shoes; and that fires generally occurred in winter upon
the coldest days and in the worst weather, often at night, and that
these firemen were the elite of the town, the serious, responsible
merchants, doctors, masters, ship captains and owners.

There was some reward now and then for their efforts. At the April
meeting in 1777, the "Succeeding Clerk is desired to warn the Company to
meet next month at the _Ball Room_ and to Desire the Treasurer to
purchase Ten Gallons of Spirits, and one Loaf of Sugar Candles etc. The
Clerk to have the Ball Room cleaned and put in order." Alas, the members
were either not warned or invited for only six showed up. The next month
was worse, again no warning and only four came. The clerk was ordered to
warn again and provide what spirit, sugar and candles may be necessary
for the next meeting and "that the same be held in the Town House." The
clerk was reimbursed "one pound Two Shillings for white washing and
cleaning the Ball Room."

On February 22, 1779, a resolution was passed to fine the clerk refusing
or neglecting his duty forty-two shillings, and absent members three
shillings. There was a fine called the "Moreover Fine," which was
increased from five shillings t