The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1837-10-21

sed determined it should not be for the
want of an importunate appeal, if did not
availmyself ofthe opportunity to grntify
my own desires, and convince my friends
that my intentions were sincere, though
doubtful my success. This opportunity did
not occur until Thursday last, which day
Mr.. Michel had appointed for an ascension.
The day was fair, the atmosphere scarcely
moved by breeze, and but few Heecy
clouds checkered the face of the sky The
balloon wastpartfy inflated, when l reques-
ted Mr.. Michel TO allow me TO take his
place; he was increduous-I assured him |
was in earnest, and after much solicitation
he consented to leave the point to the deci-
sion of the assemblage. The dissentient
voices (if any were lost in the shouts of as
sent, and the car being attached, prepar-
ed for the voyage.
At about twenty minutes before O'Clock,
the cord was severed; and the balloon arose
TO the height of about 100 feet Elated
with the novelty of my situation, failed
10 perceive that | was descending, till on
level with the top of the Medical College,
when l attempted to cast out ballast, but
too late to avoid coming to the earth, and
the car presently rested on cloathes line,
in lot adjacent to the enclosure whence
departed. | now. deprived myself of the
barometer and thermometer, and duanti-
ty of Ballast, retaining but twenty-five
pounds for the emergencies of the expedi-
ton; and desiring the gentlemen to release
the car, the balloon moderately assembled,
and was borne in direction almost central
over the city.
At height of about 1000 feet, attempt
ed to liberate pigeon, which had so far
been my compGgnon DIR royage, but the
poor bird seemed reluctant to part company;
it perched on the hoop, and gazed with
apparent CONSERVATION into the abyss be-
low. took it again in my hands and cast
it into the air 1t fell like 3 stone, and
have since been informed by those who
perceived it, that the bird appeared to have
lost its self possession till within one 300
or 400 feet of the earth, when it made use
of its wings to some purpose; for to keep
out of such scrape in future, it has not
been seen at its old quarters since.
Twas now alone beyond the reach of the
world, its praises or rebuke, and | deter
mined to "see what was to be seen."
Casting out more ballast, the balloon rose
rapidly, and presently encountered cur
rent of air, which carried me over Federal
Hill, and now reclining upon the edge of
the car enjoyed in no ordinary degree the
pleasure of that inimitable scene, sketched
in skiTluI mi nature below, yet gorgeously
sublime in the magnitude of its excess.
The city had dwindled into Lilliputian
dFmentions, and the ampitheatre which
had lately left seemed to occupy at least
fve square feet. ! could perceive that it
was deserted; turning 10 look from the 9TH
er side, in an instant film came over my
eyes; rubbed them, but to no purpose; |
could see nothing but the car and its con-
tents, and hear nothing but the rustling of
the balloon as it seemed to struggle with
some invisible antagonist in upper air. A
moments reflection taught me that ! was
enveloped in cloud, from the feathery edge
of which emerged just as became aware
of my situation, and again that picture oI
the iair and lovely earth, from which had
isolated myself, burst upon my view, beau.
tful in its indistinct minuteness, 1000 fee
below the point from which Igazed. now
felt the breeze increase, and as l still rose
it became more southerly, and crossed the
basin, passing over Fort McHenry to thu
Lazaretto, continueing that course for abou
fifteen miles, unconcous of an incident no
worth recording, when a slight kissing il
the air made me start to my feet; it increa
sed' and scarcely had / secured the end o
the valve cord in the wicker of the car
when flaw Of wind struck the balloon
and its motion became rotary, the car ca
reering rather more rhan was pleasant in