The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-10-14

ACCOUNT OF THE BALLOON ASCENSION
have received from DIR. Morrill, the following ac-
which many no doubt, xious to learn 1t Is par
ticularly interesting inasmuch great fears were
entertained for his safety
severed the rope that connected my aerial car and
vessel with the earth at fifty minutes before five
O'Clock, p M and assembled moderately IT being MI.
most calm) towards the south My progress in
passing over the city was very slow, and in con-
sequence the usual magnificent view Of the Eronauts
was prolonged. Indeed, for several minutes after
pared Lot to be the east progression forward of the
balloon. The principal streets, buildings and parks
could be accurately traced out and were all seen at
one view from the Battery to the upper part of the
city, and from the North to the East The sur
rounding etiAs md villages, many mas Il. tho eeun-
try, were also visible at the same moment
As arose higher and passed over the western ex-
tremity OF Long Island, appeared to be taking an
easterly course; afterwards struck current that
moved me slowly towards the Jersey shore had now
attained my greatest altitude off Rockaway 20 miles
from New York. and formed the project crossing the
fifteen miles. The view, at this time though distant
was intensely interesting; Long Island through its
whole extent, appeared to be four or five miles long,
the broad expanse Of ocean was before me, and tire
cities and country had become very diminutive in
appearance.
that height for some time, and it
determined to approach the earth therefore
opened the valve and allowed sufficient quantity of
gas to escape to secure a descending motion | had
descended less than halfa mile, when to my astonsh-
ment found that my course was no longer towards
Atlantic
Ocean ] discharged ballast and again assembled, in
hopes of ndinga current that would again carry me
towards the shore; but to no purpose.
My position was now critical one, but thought my
chances of safety were In favor Of dropping into the
water and running the risk Of being picked up. As
my right, facing the oceanD and a schooner up to-
As was being rapidly carried out to sea, thought
6t to descend as fast as possible when struck the
water q little after sunset in standing posture,
went down up to my arms. A flaw Of wind, at the
same moment carried the balloon almost to the water
turning the car on it's side, and completely immersng
me in water. When the balloon again righted itself
stood knee deep and more in the water, and although
both my anchors were out was carried away before
the wind at the rate Of about ten knots hour
was, at first, in hopes that might be seen by
vessel which would to my assistance but as the
curtains Of night shrouded everything in darkness,
and nothing was to be seen but the distant Sandy
Hook and Light Ship, began to despair. At every
flaw Of wind the balloon carried over on Its side,
immersing me in water, and letting out gas found
myself gradually sinking into the water when it be-
other and then to cut away the cloth lining Of the car
and everything that could be spared
had been in the water more than an hour and
half and il came up under my arms; the balloon
totterd and threatened to fall altogether its side
was completely chilled through, and had said my
prayers for nearly sthe last time, when thought
he the distant nd of Upon listening again
confident that had been.s seen, and that assist
ance was near, though l coula see nothing through
1t that had been observed by the Captain of
the Light Ship and Mr. Roberts, pilot board TO
INTO water, Wneu Dcat, containing
and the mate, Mr George w. Rich, despatched to
my assistance They rowed some ten miles before they
we're enabled to coue up with me, and much credit is
due to Mr.. Rich and these fer their humane and
strenuous efol is In saving from n watery grave
was raised cut Of the water and taken aboard the boat
when we directed our course towards the ship, where
we arrived about . O'Clock. | received by the
gentenanly and hospita5le Captain, Mr. Barttng, on
board the ship, where my clothes were changed, and
partook OF his bountiful and well known hospitality
Till next morning when left with the pilot Mr.. Ro-
berts who conducted me- after changing into several
boats in safety to the cty where arrived on Thurs
day evening
wish thus publicly to express my obligations and
thanks to these geatlemen who, from Sc and
humane feelings alone, rescued me from my pezilous
situation.
My canvass was badly torn by the outsiders and my
balloon is UGH Injured; but shall eadeavor to RENE
dy thsse difficulties and make my last nsion from
this city about Wednesday of next week.
Respectfully, G. MORRILL,.
Nsw YoRK, Oct. IL 154S.