“A fire was kindled in the old dining room,” he stated, “and the chimney caught on fire, which not being observed immediately, and the wind being from the North west, the fire was communicated to the roof. The flame however had not spread very far before it was discovered by Squire and Charles and the alarm given. Cousin Sarah at this moment was in the house having just returned from a short ride and Andrew was in the field, but a short distance from the House, The fire was soon discovered by Wm. Donelson hands who were working near at hand, by A. J. Donelson work men and hands, as well as by your own hands. They were all on the ground before the roof fell in, etc. Mr Rife by his own exertions succeeded in getting on the dining Room roof and extinguishing the flames, etc. Others were employed in getting out the furniture, etc., which was nearly all saved, except some bedsteads up stairs.... Cousin Sarah acted with firmness and gave every necessary direction to save the furniture, and Her and Andrew though much Hurt, I am happy to add bear the misfortune with fortitude. [Illustration: Parlors at the Hermitage] [Illustration: Below: The Front Hall Showing the stairway and the historic Telemachus wall paper.] “_The walls of the House being originally well built are not much damaged._ The workmen Austin, Rife, etc say there will be no difficulty in rebuilding, etc. Some of the petition walls and arches over the windows, and some other repairing of the walls all of which Mr. Austin can furnish brick to do by deferring the building of some of Maj Donelson back buildings.... Andrew requested me to say to you that he would move to the Baldwin place, and will start 3 or 4 whip saws tomorrow, and will get ready to cover it immediately, which is entirely practicable....” Col. Armstrong, after his promised visit, wrote: “The dineing room Wing is but Little injured and I view it this way that you have now the Stone and Brick-work of your House done, and one Wing Compleate, and that 2500$ will Compleate the main house and the other office Wing. The Kitchen and out Houses are all safe.” Like most estimates, Col. Armstrong’s proved to be far lower than the final cost. The first estimate made by Joseph Rieff and William C. Hume amounted to $3,950. Added to this was $239 “for Extra work done upon change of Plan;” $186, “for work done on West wing and New Kitchen finding everything;” and $750 “for the full length two story Porch added finding every thing;” making a grand total of $5,125. Among the interesting items included in the first estimate were: “1 Circular stair case 2 storys high, $260; first story of front poarch with 6 collums etc, $256; second story of ditto, $75; one back Portico, $40....” (Complete details of the rebuilding are found in Bassett’s _Correspondence of Andrew Jackson_, Vol. V.)