We have the painful duty to perform, says the Lafayette Standard (extra) of the 27th  ult., of recording the most destructive and devastating fire that has ever been witnessed in Lafayette.  The entire block of buildings on the north side of Main, between Ohio and Wabash sts. with the exceptions of those occupied by Webster's book store, Otis & Co.'s grocery, the Mammoth store, and Meeker & Co.'s, is in ashes.

The fire originated about 12 o'clock last night, in the stables of the American House, the flames immediately extending to the hotel, and thence spreading almost over the entire block.  There was quite a number of horses in the stables, six of which were burned to death.  But an inconsiderable amount of goods were consumed, though in the confused efforts to protect them from the devouring element, thousands of dollars worth were destroyed.  There is little doubt but that it was the work of an incendiary.  The entire loss is variously estimated at from ten to twenty thousand dollars.  Insurance $2,000 on the furniture of the American House.

*note: Ohio Street was renamed 3rd Street.