Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-11-14
MR.. PARKER's ASCENSION.
To che patrons of Mr.. NJ j.. Ash:

Presenting that an account of my Erial eX-
cursaon may be satisfactory to you, particularly
ia consequence ofthe excitement manifested by
my having prolonged my voyage beyond my
most sanguine expectations, take the liberty
of laying before you as concise statement as
it is in my power to give.
During the time necessarily employed IN IN
hating the Balloon the wind blew high, and IN
rapid successive puffs from the Northwest,
which induced numbers to suppose 1t impossi-
BILE for me to succeed; but relying on the strehStn
of the Erostat, did not despair. The hour OF
four was the time specified for the ascension,
and at that time the Balloon was sufficiently in
lated, and was ready to ascend, had the wind
allowed me chance of rising; but this not be,
ing the case, thought it advisable to wait until
a later period, when as is generally obserVed,the
Northwest winds abate their violence.
At five minutes before five, P. NJ. the cord
was detached which attached me unto mother
earth, and bore away to the Southeast, look
ing down upon the metropolis of our highly-ta-
vored country and sure never man beheld
more beautiful sight than the view of Pennsyl-
vania Avenue leading, as il does, to the two
splendid houses which obstruct its way. The
grass plots and walks Of these two houses par
ticularly attracted my attention, and delighted
my senses. Upon leaving the enclosure, found
it necessary to throw out ballast: when passing
over the residence Of our venerable President,
observed him on the terrace, and waved over
him those Stars and Stripes which he has so no
bly, defended. Directly after this, parted with
my companion, the Guinea-Pig, who appeared
to leave me reluctantly, not liking, suppose, as
the first one of his kind, to try the experiment
Of floating in the air, supported by Parachute
He, however, descended in safety, and was soon
conveyed to his old quarters
AT about 5, p. M. passed Alexandra, and
could distinctly see crowds Of human beings on
tbo rhar
ed by variable winds; | was, therefore, carried
directly down the Maryland shore, between the
Potomac and PatuXent Rivers, and was occa-
sonally, on account Of their windings, some
times floating over the one and on the margin
of the o,her.
Noting that was passing over the country
with great rapidity seeing distinctly the Chesa
peake Bay and Rappahannock River, thought
! it advisable to prepare for descending, and at
| 6, P. M. landed on the farm of Mrs. Neal, near
| Leonard Town, being upwards OF sixty geo.
| graghical miles from the City of Washington,
| in straight line. Near unto the place where
descended stood three colored men. whom re-
quested to come to my assistance. They would
not come, nor could get them to speak or an
swer any questions. They appeared complete
| ly horror-struck, and ran to the house and told
| Miss Eliza A. Neal Gas she informed me) that
| the moon had fallen, and the man in the moon
| had spoken to them. She laughed at them but
being prevented by indisposition from seeing for
herself ordered them to 60 again and see what
it really might be. During this time my Balloon
was dashed about by the wind and several
times my graphing broke its hold, when the
Balloon would start, and for near mile was
dragged in this manner before could persuade
them that was bona fde mortal and no SUI
pernaturalbeing. They, however, soon became
zealously engaged, and, taking hold of the car.
they led me to an open space opposite the dwell
ling, where succeeded in discharging the gas
from the Balloon, and had it placed in safety.
Twas then invited by the Ladies to supper, oil
which partook with keen appetite. 1remain-
ed with them until next morning. when they We
ry generously rendered me conveyance to
Blackstone's Landing. But before leaving this
place, must state that the Ladies OF ST. Mary's
county were so much pleased with my visit,
that they Invested my Car by pecemeal Of all
its ornaments, and may they keep them long in
remembrance of me.
At the Landing went on hoard the steam
boat Fredericksburg, commanded by Captain
Jenkins, who received me with cordial wei
come, as did all on board. AT Z A. M. on Mon
day, arrived in Baltimore, and at half past
P M. left Baltimore for this place, where
arrived at 9 P. M. and was cordially received by
friends who were anxiously awaiting my arri-
val. l cannot express to Mrs. Neal, Miss Eliza
A. Neal, Mr.. Henry Neal, of Hilleary Farm,
and also to Capt. Jenkins and all on board his
boat, the feeling of grateful heart for their
kind, generous, and gratuitous hospitality to-
wards me; and can assure them, that so long
as remembrance rests with me they shall never
be forgotten.
To the patrons of Mr.. ASH and to the clti-
zens of the District generally in his behalf l
tender my thanks for the sympathy manifested
for him. And having been strongly solicited to
make another Ascension in the course of the
ensuing week, humbly hope that they will not
forget HUGH F. PARKER.
Indian Summer.-The weather. during the
whole of the beginning of this month"; has been
unusually mild and sof-much more so than