>From Jackson's Oxford Journal, Saturday, September 9, 1837; Issue 4402. ABINGDON, Sept. 6. On Monday afternoon, about five o'clock, the inhabitants of Sutton Courtney were alarmed by fire issuing from a cottage, in the possession of a labouring man, named QUARTERMAN . The fire continued to rage until it had completely demolished that and an adjoining cottage, inhabited by W. HICKMAN . On the intelligence reaching this town, post horses were attached to two powerful fire engines, and started for Sutton with the utmost speed. A curious circumstance occurred to impede the progress of one of the engines; the men wishing to go the nearest way to the scene of devastation had to pass between posts, erected for the purpose of preventing vehicles going that way and thus escaping the toll gate of the turnpike road. Having succeeded thus far, they again mounted the engine, which ( having no shafts or pole attached by which it might be guided ) became unmanageable, and was plunged, together with the whole of its attendants, into the gentle waters of Old Father Thames, where they lay sprawling for some considerable time ! We are happy, however, to state that, with the exception of a dislocated shoulder, all the party escaped injury, otherwise than a sound ducking. We understand the property belonged to Mr. R. LESTER , of Culham, and was insured.