The Sun.
London, England, 1842-08-22 00:00:00

MR. GREEN'S ACCOUNT.

On leaving the earth the balloon took a north-east
direction, passing over the north end of the bay and
the White Horse. Our view of Weymouth and the
sea at this period was grand, and imposing beyond
lescription ; but at an elevation of about 3,000 feet
we lost sight of the earth by entering the clouds ; in a
few minutes we enjoyed the pure light and heat of
the sun. The gas now began rapidly to expand, and
we soon attained our greatest elevation near two
miles, where we met with a current from the north-
west, and as this was fast carrying us to sea, we
descended through the clouds. Our course now varied
to the east by north, and at 2,000 feet from the earth
the wind became more westerly. The country over
which we were sailing being mountainous, and un-
favourable for landing, we lowered the guide-line, by
the aid of which we continued our course at an eleva-
tion within 500 feet of the earth, until near the river
in the vale of Piddle, where we effected a landing
near Bere Regis, six miles north of Wareham. A
strong wind prevailed at the earth ; and had not the
grapnel performed its office in arresting the progress
of the balloon, we must have encountered great diffi-
culty, in consequence of the alarm and astonishment
of the peasantry near us, who ran in every direction
but towards us. After remaining at anchor some
time, and the balloon, by the escape of gas, having
ceased its, to them terrific motion, we at length pre-
vailed on some of the distant gazers to approach us,
and we then found them most ready and willing to
render every assistance. Shortly after our descent we
received an invitation from the Rev. R. Waldy, which
we accepted; and, having been refreshed with excellent
wine, and entertained with a sumptuous dinner, he
furnished us with a carriage to Wareham where we ob •
tained a fly, but could not reach Dorchester till near
one o'clock, having to wait the return of horses from
Weymouth to Wareham. At our greatest elevation
we had a most extensive view of the sea and promi-
nent lands. In the east, St. Alban's-head and the
Isle of Wight : in the north-west the whole line of
the Devonshire coast; and Portland Bill in the south.
On the upper surface of the clouds we observed the
same beautiful phenomena which I have often seen—
viz., the reflection of the shadow of the balloon, encir-
cled with a double halo of the most brilliant prismatic
colours. In conclusion, I must here beg to acknow-
ledge with grateful feelings the very kind and marked
attention evinced towards me by-the worshipful the
Mayor, Mr. Charles Bridge, also the kind expressions
of approbation passed on Inc by the Steward of the
races, Mr. Thomas Grahame, as well as to Mr. Bow-
man, chief engineer to the gas works, for the able as-
sistance he rendered me, and most heartily do I wish
prosperity to the inhabitants of the beautiful town of
Weymouth.
CAPTAIN CURRIE'S ACCOUNT.
Having heard that Mr. Green was about to make
an ascent from Weymouth with the Albion balloon,
there not being sufficient gas for the monster of Nas-
sau, I came down for the purpose, if possible, of ac-
companying him, and, likewise, revisiting the scenes
of my youth, having been quartered at Radipole bar-
racks, the year after Waterloo, with the 23d Light
Dragoons, appointed there shortly after as Lancers.
Having made
.numerous ascents in all sorts of
weather, I am capable of judging of the different ap-
pearances on leaving the earth ; but never did I
behold so magnificent and splendid a view as on the
ascent from this place : the glorious bay, not sur-