Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-11-08
Mr.. MOrrill's account of his last Balloon Ascen.
sion ut New York.

sion III New York.
description of few of the principal events of
my aerial tour may not be altopeiher uninteresting
to the public besides, the publication will serve to
re'assure my friends at distance in regard to nv
personal safety.
severed the rope that connected nv erial car
and vessel with the earth at so minutes before five
O'Clock T. NJ. and assembled moderately Git being
almost calm) towards the southwest. NV pro-
gress IN passing over the city was very slow and
IN consequence the usual view Of the Aeron aut was
prolonged. Indeed, for several minutes after had
arisen 10 tho distance of about halfa mile there ap-
pearef not to be the least progress forward OF the
b!iloon. The principal streets, buildings and parks
could be accurately traced out and were all seen at
one Siew from the Battery to the upper par, of the
Guy, ana from the North III the East Rivers The
surrounding city and villages many miles in the
country were also visible at the same moment.
AS rose higher and passed over the western ex-
'remity OF Long Island, appeared to be taking an
easteIiy course: afterwards struck a current that
moved me slowly towards the Jersey shore had
now attained my greatest altitude, off Rockaway.
~ miles from New York, and formed the project
OF crossing the sea TO Sandy Hook or Souam Beach
distance of about 10 miles. The view at this
tline, though distant, intensely interesting :;
Long Island through its whole extent appeared
TO DO four or five miles long the broad expanse of
ocean was before me, and the cities and country
had become very diminutive in appearance.
considering that should not be able TO land
from that height for some time and as it was near
sun sci, determined to approach nearer the earth;
therefore opened the valve and allowed sufficient
Iuah''y OF gas 10 escape to a descending mo-
lion. had descended less than half a.mle when
10 my astonlshment, found that my course was no
longer towards Sandy Hook, but directly towards
the broad Atlantic Ocean. discharged BALLAST and
again assembled in hopes of finding a current that
would again carry me towards the shore but TO no
purpose.
My position was critical one, but ,bouobt NV
chances of safety were in favor of dropping into the
water, and running the risk of being picked up-
AS came down saw the Light Ship about five
miles to my right. (tacing the ocean, and schoon
or up towards the harbor
was being rapidly carried out to sea. Ithouobt
III 10 descend as fast as possible when struck the
wafer little after INSET in standing posture 7
went down up to my arms. A flaw of wind at the
same moment, carried the balloon almost TO the wa
Ter, turning the car on lis side and completely i'm
mersing ME in water When the balloon again A.
righted ITSELF stood knee deep and more in wa
Ter, and although both my anchors were out, was
carried away before the wind at the rate of abopt
ten knots an hour.
was, at first, in hopes that might be seen by
some vessel which would come to my assistance :
out as the curtains Of night shrouded everything in
darkness, and nothing was to be seen but the dis
tant Sandy Hook and Light Ship, began TO de-
SPAR AT every flaw Of wind the balloon was ear
RED over on its side, immersing me in water. and
letting out gas found myself gradually sinking
into the water, when it became necessary TO let nv
anchors go one after the other, and then to cut a.
way the cloth lining Of the car and everything that
could be spared.
had been in the water more than an hour and
a half, and 1t now came up under nv arms: the
balloon totiered, and threatened TO fall altogether
on Its slde was completely chilled through, and
had said my prayers for nearly the last time when
| thought heard the distant sound of oars. Upon
listening again, was confident had been seen.
and mat assistance was near, though could sse
nothing through the darkness
II seems that had been observed by the CAPTAIN
OF the light Ship and Mr.. Roberts, pilot on board
to drop INTO the water, when boat containing four
men and the mate, Mr.. George w. Rich, was de-
spatched TO my assistance. They rowed some fen
miles before they were enabled to come I'D with me
and much credit is due to Mr.. Rich and these men
or their humane and strenuous efforts i'm sayiDo me
from watery grave. ! was raised out Of the wa
ter and taken aboard the boat, when we directed
our course towards the ship, where we arrived a.
bout y o'clock. l was received by the gentleman
y and hospitable Captain, MIR. Bartling, on board
the ship, where my clothes were changed. and
PartOok OF his bountiful and well known hospitality
TIL next morning when left with the pilot, Mr.
Roberts, who conducted me, after changing into
several boats, in safety to the city, where arrived
this (Ihursday) evening
wish thus publicly to express my obligations
and thanks to these gentlemen, who from generous
and humane feelings alone, rescued me from my
perilous situation.
My canvass was badly torn by the outsiders. and
my balloon is much injured but shall endeayor
10 remedy these difficulties, and make my last as
cension from this city about "Wednesday of next
week G.. MORRILL,
New York, Oct. IL, 1913.