The Nevada Democrat., 1857-08-12
Perllous Balloon Ascension

One day last week, john Steiner, the we'll
known aronaut of Philadelphia, prepared to
cross Lake Erie in his balloon, aud started from
Erie at about $50 pm.
The weather was stormy, with squalls of wind
which rendered the voyage not entirely pleas
ant. The wind being in the right direction,
however, it was determined, it being his pur-
pose to sail across the lake and alight In Can
ada. n ef 1olS
He arose to the hight of about three miles,
and started off at a slow but steady rate.
The outlook was very beautiful. The lake
could be seen from one end to the other nearly,
save as clouds intercepted it occasionally from
view At one time Mr.. Steiner counted thirty
eight sail-vessels, all in sight and far below him.
The hands on board several of the vessels saw
him, and rightly apprehended that he was an
mronaut, cheared him heartily, aud he states
that their shouts could be heard by him quite
distinctly.
The wind kept blowing steadily from the
right quarter, aud the voyage promised very
successful termination. He neared the Canada
shore little below Long Point, and was grad
ually coming into shore. When about ten miles
from land, however, a commencement struck
him, which was bearing him directly down the
lake. This was quite strong one, much more
50 than the one which had propelled him safely
thus far, and he was consequently driven to-
ward Buffalo. l .r ranfrH
He was about two and half miles above the
surface of the water. Night was drawing on,
and 1t BECAME apparent that he could not, with
this current, get away from the water before
dark, and sfter nightfall it would not be safe to
come down. Seeing q propeller making her
way up the lake, he therefore resolved to de-
scend, and if possible, strike the water so as to
be rescued by the steamer.
II H. i,n1l
same time that they were deserted by its occu-
pant The American ensign was run up and
her whistle sounded. Mr.. Steiner responded by
waving small American flag from his car. He
threw out a large anchor, attached to about
thirty feet Of strong rope, for the purpose oi
making fast to the vessel if he should cross
above her before reaching the water He then
began to descend and came down rapidly.
He first struck the water about twenty-five
miles below Long Point, and three miles above
the propeller, which was bound up. In seven
minutes ne passed her about twenty rods astern,
During this time Mr.. Steiner says he thinks his
balloon bounded from the water at least twenty
times 1t would strike and then rebound, like
ball, going into the air from twenty to fifty
feet, and still rushing down the lake at railroad
speed. His anchor not catching to anything
caused this not very agreeable episode.
A boat was Immediately launched from The
propeller, which went in pursuit of him. TheJ
got hold of long rope which he had throw
out and which was attached to the balloon, anC
began to haul in. But as soon as the line wa
made taut. the balloon took the boat in TOW
with WILL The sailors pulled the oar-lock
off the boat but could not stop their move
"tug." Mr.. Steiner then abandoned the balloon
leaping into the water and swimming toward
the boat, which speedily reached him. He wa
taken on board, Hospitality entertained, an
brought to Detroit, where he arrived none tn
worse for his adventurous voyage.