The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1825-07-25
DOME 8 E.sEG.

MIX. NDBERi SUMO 1Eiil al Wy ALL.
NEw-YoRK, July l2.-On Saturday af-
ternoon, a little after seven O'clock, Mr..
f.. Robertson OF Paris, made an ascent in
IA balloon from the Interior of Castle Car
den before an immslse concourse oil spec
taturs.
About three O'Clock the apparatus was
nearly ready for filing the balloon with
hydrogen gass. More than dozen casks
were ranged in the form If IA circle, with
tin pipes leading into tub in the centre,
in which was immersed cask of similar
form t, the first Iron filings bring placed
in the casks, aud the usual mixture of five
parts OF Mater, and one of sulphurc acid
bciog thrown into them, decomposition,
accompanied with considerable eiieryes-
cence, was then occasioned. Tie oxygen
gas remained combined with the iron,
while The h, drogen gas escaped through
the pipes TO The centre, and thence in Il pu-
rifed state into tho balloon. The casks to
the right were FIRST put in lequisilion, and
as the gas was wanted, they continued pro-
dueinS it by the same process from the
circle. 1t takes considerable time 10 ill a
body Of any magnitude with this species
Of gas, in consequence of tie small proper
ton OF ii which is contained in water. In
a hundred parts Of water there are eighty
FIVE ofoxygen which must continue with
the iron filings, and only about fifteen parts
Of the hydrogen with which the balloon is
filed. The process, however, nfdecompo-
sing the water and procuring the gas, was
so new to many of those spectators in the
interior Of the garden that they continued
for the space Of several hours with great
patience to itness the gradual completion
,.f In, a > Al t.1
loon exhibited the appearance of a young
elephant, as one of the spectators faneiful-
~ remarked, with his proboscis, aud quiz
rrns about on the piece of canvass on.
which it was placed, as if it were inst be-
ginning to become instinct with life. 1t
gradually grew in IFS dimensions, AID by
foni O'clock, the net work to which is
suspended the car of the Eronaut was
thrown over il, to prevent it from ascend
ing in the atmosphere. This net work
ended in about IA dozen small cords, at
which were as many young men and boys
stationed for the purpose of holding it
down. They were evidently pleased with
their Office, as who would not BIZ pleased to
be admitted within the ring of science, aud
there prevent the thing, almost alive, from
starting away to the upper sky
During the four hours occupied IN filling
the balloon, the company crowded into
the garden in one continual stream. The
greater proportion were females, who ex-
hibited in their countenances every synp-
tom of satisfaction. The iroat part OF the
upper terrace Was soon crow ded, and the
lower range of circular seats filled up with
gteat crlerjty. 1t has been said, that by
thu hour at which the balloon assembled,
the garden contained within its ample bO-
som abAnt five thousand persons OF more.
Towards seven o'cloek the carriage of
Gen. Lafayette and suite made its appear
ance at the outskirts of the crowd on the
battery. A shout Of gratitude was then
raised, and was prolonged til it reachrd
the very centre of the garden. The cariA-
ges made their way slowly to the gate of
the castle, on which the venerable man
dismounrd and walked along the draw
bridge to the inner entrance. Near the
bridge he stopped for few minutes, and
| bowed 50 the crowd on either side, who
| immediately commenced their raptures 10
a deafenins peal. On entering the garden,
he was received with the same oyermhrlm
ing welcome, and while lac proceeded to
the canopy prepared for his reception, the
| air rang with the shouts of the mingled
| thousands who filed the place.
As soon as Lafayette WAS seated, Mr..
| Robertson FASTENED the process of filing
| the balloon. The acids and the water
| were thrown into the casks the gas pour
ed forth in constant Jets and escaped into
the reservoir, and the balloon rose up
and poised itself on the circumamhent
air. The nronaut then appeared dress
ed in species of French Uniform, aud
a chapeau decorated with lace. In
few minutes preparations were made to
attach the car to the cords, and TO PLACE
there the two flags which ne was to carry
to the upper regions with him. This was
soon accomplished. and in about half an
hour after seven O'Clock, the entcrplisne
traveller of the air assembled the car, and
announced that all was ready for his de-
.partnre Standing 10 the ear, he then sail.
ed round the interior of the gatdrn, and
approached the canopy under which Gen |
La FayettR stnud, made "A respectful bow
10 the veteran hero, and gave him 10 mn
derstand his readiness for departure. All
this moment every eye IN the garden was .
inienily directed to one spot, and The inter
est now excited was astonishing, The
word was accordingly given, and the AFRO.
nant assembled from the eastern side of the
garden, IN He most majestic and imposing