Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-11-23
BALLOON ASCENSION.

U-Our Rockingham neighbors had very
grand Balloon ascension on Tuesday the Nth.
The following is the Registers account Of it.
In consequence Of heavy rains and high winds
there was TO effort made TO Start the Balloon on
saturday last. The crowd collected 20 witness
The grand affair were told 10 wait-to exercise
JOBS distinguishing charac terslic-until Tuesday
last, when, Providence permitting, the Balloon
would be sure to GO. 1t was Significantly am
nonnced In the handb.ll advertising the postpone
ment, that "old Rockingham succeeds sooner or
later, in every thing she undertakes" The assn
rance that Rockingham resolved to have the
ascension, was sufficient guaranty that il would
come off satisfactorily.
But we had no idea that it was for us to enjoy
the qualification and delight of having the grand
est, most magnificent ascension ever made in Vir-
ginia. Az about 10 o'clock on Tuesday the pro-
cess of initiation commenced, and at half past ,
o'clock, the Balloon gave signs that she was
ready for her flight Every thing having been
arranged to the satisfaction of Mr.. Crever, he
coolly took his position in his frail vessel, and
cutting the last cord that bound him to earth,
waving his cah and shouting "huzza for old
Rockingham W Went heavenward from amid the
deatening shouts and the waving hats and hand
kerchieis OF the Immense throng below.
When hrSt the ascension advertised 10
take place, we formed in our mind coniectures as
TO the appearance Mr.. -Crever and his Balloon
would present, when they were launched on their
trackless path: But whea it really occurred.-
when we were permitted To witness the grandest
and most magnificent ascension that ever took
Placs IN this country, we were well nigh over
come oy the pleasurable emotions which filled our
mind. We forgot every thing in the world but
the young adventurer and his frhil vessel. And
VIXEN he reached the height Of about 3-iths of a
$ mile, and could be distinctly waving his hat
B fu triumph and pride, were tempted 10 envy
( his perilous situation. The atmosphere was calm
and tranquil, the day was cloudless and clear,
the Balloon was well inflated, and every thinG
promised delightful voyage 10 the intrepid and
gallant Crev,r. After ascending almost perpen-
dicuarly, for nearly mile, the Balloon sailed of
In Northern direction Tor short distance, when
1t took course almost directly due East in which
direction it travelled rapidly, Swimming the clouds
like thing OF life, bearing Crever through the
trackless ether, the Peaked Mountain, and
landing him on the Blue Ridge, "A distance from
his starting point Of about 90 miles, which he
travelled in one hour!
MIR. Crever was escorted into town on We'd
nesday evening by the HaIrisonburg Band and
received from our citlzens their warmest congra-
tula,lons. Passing through our principal streets
he reuchcd Polock's Hotel, where he made few
remarks expressive OF his gratitude to his IIar,i-
sonburg and Rockinghan friends
Thus passed oil our Balloon Ascension-credi-
tabiy to those who got 1t up, and TO the extreme
qualification of all who Witnessed il. IL was a
scene which will be long remembered, and never
Observation-Disclosures Register.
The editors, in separate note for our benefit,
talk quite saucy about their success. We are
pleased to see that they are getting the better of
their modesty--They now seem to think they can
beat US, all,holow, at ''innation"! Very well
friends, that is exactly the point we wanted to
bring You to.-We make no preiension TO rival
snip with you. No more of your filings, then, if
you please, at quiet people Ed. Spec.l