A shattered retort lay on the stone floor; a quantity of combustibles, nearly consumed, with various half-burnt books and papers, were sending up an expiring flame, and filling the chamber with stifling smoke.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
Mysteriously in the deep dusk a huge heap of combustibles had been piled up on the wet grass, and one by one the two classes began to gather.
"Rose of Dutcher's Coolly"
Hamlin Garland
The Americans, expecting this attack, had filled them with combustibles for the purpose; and directing against them one or two guns, loaded with red-hot shot, in an instant set them on fire.
"The Campaigns of the British Army at Washington and New Orleans 1814-1815"
G. R. Gleig