Hannibal journal and western union. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1851-1852, 1851-09-25


true As for myself, ain prepared to ex-
press no opinion, but continually ask myself the
question, "What may not Art and Science az
compfish ?'5
oi'have had an adventure of the most marvel
Gus character, So much, indeed, do the details
| am about to make surpass the bounds. of appa-
rent truth and reason, that | feel we'll aware
that hazard my claims to yeracity by making
public my wonderful revelations. But when
remember how rapid5is the advance of Science
in the present day-how at one moment we are
obliged to acknowledge, as substantial fact
what, but shortly before, we regarded as the
Fwlldest fiction, | am encouraged to proceed with
the plain, unvarnished statement. Without fur
Their preface or apology, venture upon the mar
rative, in the confident hope that whilst those
heavy spirits which admit no truths but those
that penetrate through the avenues of dull sense
alone, frown upon me with cold incredulitv, or
pspeer with contempt, my discoveries will be
hailed with enthusiasm by the more ardent inves-
tlgators into the arcana Of Nature 90
To this latter class myself profess to belong.
and have always taken much pleasure in such
Investigation and experiment In September
iaSt, was much occupied with the idea of aeri-
al navigation, and stimulated by the efforts of
others, in Great Britain and elsewhereSdevoted
much time to improvements on the balloon Thus
on the morning Of the 18th Of September, made
an ascent which mosto unexpectedly led TO the
surprising results alluded to. Nv balloon was
made Of light but very Substantial materials, and
contrlved from size and construction for the car
rage ofoconsiderable weight. 1t was also de-
signed for convenience should | be so fortunate
as to ind myself able to regulate its motions and
make long flights, On this particular occasion,
having, as i supposed, brought my improve
ments to state Of perfection, made pfepara-
ton for considerable aerial voyage, providing
myself with some cold ham. and boiled tongue,
some crackers, jug or wdteF7 tnfe "a
Madeira and few Of the morning panerssthese
last less FOR my own use than for the efatifca-
ton OF those among whom | might chance to de-
scend@ Thus accoutred and provided COM
I.itted myself to the balloon, and ioosing nv
hold upon the earth, without accident soon oh.
tanned what the sailors call good ofing and
plenty OF sea room. My vessel Being we'll tilled
mounted rapidly and left the beautiful earth.
rich with the hues Of autumn, and olorionsIy
lighted by the morning sun, far below. At Ibis
moment, Joyful, with anticipated success, and
Stimulated by the rapid flight and beautiful
view, my emotions were of the most sublime
character Desiring to check The rapid ascent.
| drew upon the cord attached to valve DESIGN
eu TO let out some portion of the gas when nee
eSsary The cord imperfectly secured, gave
way THIS astounding accident left me entire
~ without recourse. My balloon was like =
VeSsei driven by the tempest and destitute of =
ruadef' what revulsion of feeling: Triumph
gave way to terrOr-hope to despair Nv hal
loon, IKE the wild steed of Mazeppa, rushed
nauly on. The earth, either from failing ,scnsc
d increasing distance, was fading from NV
'ight' Inc alr seemed too thin for the mr.
poses OF life; my breast heaved with the eiTort
d respiration; the ensanguined froth Aew from
ny mouth with every effort, and my heart strove
o force Its way from its casement-tbe cold
Was intense and increasing; a hydra-headed
'oa'h seemed to stare me in the face. Every
moment looked for the balloon to explode n
ne alLsnuated atmosphere, but still it did not
would have thrown myself to the earth n %
ape my torments, but could not make the nee
ssSary effort. AT length the balloon seemed 70 {
ose It's upward way; as we'll as could indge I
= : was pealen about by counter currents like n
mp III the horse ATTITUDES. After some fine
'uMe'er, 1t seemed to feel a more steady inn
'ulsg I' anu sailed or to the eastward with n
s'oaL MOTION MY respiration became now
relieved, and my mind some,yba, (
aimed Extremity of danger, or rather tbe
loPeiessnesS of my condition, produced desne-
~e resignation. The cold continued. anA I,
imposed should gradually become frozen
nc wlne' one bottle of which | applied TO NV
Ps' was partly congealed. The balloon nca;1
hanged its course, beginning to ascend viii +"
raduSlly increasing rapidity, taking the direc1
ION OF the moon family visible in the heaven,