Oroville daily Butte record., 1857-08-17
Oruuille Dailg Butte Retura.

PERILoUs BALLOON ASCENSION Joh,
! Steiner, the we'll known mronaut of Philade.
phia, prepared to cross Lake Erie in his bai.
loon, and started from Erie at about $50 !,
NJ The weather was stormy, with SQUALLS
of wind, which rendered the voyage not en-
tirely pleasant. The wind being in the
right direction, however, it was determined,
it being his purpose, to sail across the Lake
and alight in Canada
He arose to the height of about three miles
aud started off at slow but steady rate
The outlook was very beautiful The lake
could be seen from one end to the othes
nearly, save as clouds intercepted it occa-
sionally from view. At one time Mr.. Stein
er counted thiry- eight sail vessels. oil in
sight, and far below him The hands on
board several of the vessels saw him, and
rightly experimenting that he was an aro-
naut, cheered him heartily, and he states
that their shouts could be heard by him dis.
tinctly.
The wind kept blowing steadily from the
right quarter. and the voyage promised u
very successful termination lie neared the
Canada shore little below Long Point, and
was gradually coming into shore. When
about ten miles from land. however, couD.
ter current struck him, which was bearing
lirectly down the lake. This was quite
strong one, much more so than the one
which had propelled him safely thus far.
and he was consequently driven toward Buf.
falo.
He was about two and n half miles above
The surface of the water. Night was draw.
ing on, and it becsme apparent that he could
not, with this current get away from the
water before dark. and after nightfall it
would no; be safe to come down. Seeing
propeller making her way up the lake, he
therefore, resolved TO descend, and, if posi-
BILE, strike the water so as to be rescued by
the steamer.
Her officers discovered the balloon about
The same time that they were deserted by
ip and her whistle sounded. Mr. steiner
rcsponded by waving small American flag
from his car. lie threw out a large anchor
attached to about thiry feet of strong rope.
or the purpose Of making fast to the vessel
f he should cross above her before reaching
he water. lie then began to descend. and
came down rapidly.
He first struck the water about twenty-five
niles below Long Point. and three milel
above the propeller, which was bound up
In seven minutes he passed her about twenty
rods astcrn During this time MIR. Steiner
stys he thinks iis balloon bounded from tho
water at least twenty times II would strike
and then rebound, like IA ball, going into the
,r from twenty to fifty feet, and still rush.
ing down the lake at railroad speed His
anchor not catching to anything caused this
not very agreeable episode.
\ boat was Immediately launched from
the propeller, which went in pursuit of him,
They got hold of a long rope which they had
thrown out, and which was attached 10 the
balloon. and began to haul in But as soon
as rs the limo was made taut, the balloon
took the boat in tow with will The sail
ors pulled the oar lock oft the boat, but
could not stop their novel tug Mr. Stem
er then abandoned the balloon, leapng into
| the water and swimming towards the poas'
which speedily reached him. lie was TAX.
en- on board, hospitality entertained' ana
brought to Detroit, where he arrived none
worse for his adventurous voyage.