Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1834-10-23
From the fredericksburg .irena, Oct. Ia.
BALLOON ASCENSION.

The great topic of conversation for
the last week IN our community was
the promised ascension of Mr.. Parker
on Saturday last. The day came, and
finer one, for the purpose, could not
have been desired. The gates of the
enclosure were opened about I O'Clock.
and even at that early hour a consider
able number of persons repaired TO the
spot. BY half past four, an assembiage
oil our citIZens-as numerous and re-
spectacle as any we ever witnessed
here on any occasion of similar charac-
ter-werc present, and waiting the
promised qualification. The number of
those without was perhaps still greater.
Ii had been announced that the ascen-
sion was to take place at half past four;
but, in consequence of some mistake as
to the hour of commencing the genera
ton OF the gas, and perhaps of the acid
used being of rather inferior quality. if
was found that the Balloon could not
be filled by that hour. The audience
bore the postponement with great pa
tience, but when the sun was near its
setting, the idea became prevalent that
there was TO be a disappointment, and
some persons retired. Mr.. Parker made
brief address, explanatory of the
cause of the delay, and assured the
spectators that there should be no fai-
lure.
Accordingly, little afler sunset, Mr..
Parker took his seat in the Car. and
the balloon having gained sufficient as
censIve power was held, for minute
or two, above the heads of the audience.
when the cord being cut, il shot up
ward with great rapidity. Its course
was nearly northwardly, and there be-
ing little air stirring, the Balloon was
for some time Immediately over the
town. Though the spectators were. by
this time nearly enveloped in the shades
OF night, the Balloon had attained an
elevation which intercepted the rays
OF the sun, its Illuminated side resem-
bling a star. Indeed il was, at length.
difficult to distinguish il from the lumi-
mares among which IT seemed 90 hold
its way. The effect Of the spectacle
was indescribably grand. We question
whether an ascension by daylight could
have been more imposing.
The neither darkness at last entirely
Obscured the Balloon from the sight of
the spectators, though Mr.. Parker him
self was enjoying in full perfection the
rays Of the sun,-to him yet above the
horizon. The reader may imagine what
magnificent spectacle was thus pre-
sented. Having no inducement 10 pro-
long his Aerial voyage. Mr.. Parker
made arrangements TO descend and.
seeing a cart and horse IN the road. a.
lighted, with safety in the vicinity. ON
the farm of Mr.. Limbrick. about FIVE
miles from Town. His Balloon was
conveyed TO Falmouth, and he, himself.
arrived at the Farmers Hotel, about
I ! o'clock.
Thus had been made IN a most beau
tiiul manner, the first ascension South
Of the Potomoc. We never witnessed
more universal and high qualification.
Every one seemed delighted with the
cOmp0sure and presence Of mind Of the
Aeronaut. and all the thrilling accesso-
nes Of the ascension.
Mr.. PARKER wa about two hours in
the AR, and the greatest elevation be-
attained, he suppOses. was about two
miles. He was at one time immedi-
ately over the Potomac though be- de-
scendcd not FAR from the Rappahan-
mock He saw both nvers at once, re-
lccicd IN the ligh, Of The Moon.