The weekly union record., 1865-12-30
LETTER FROM THE CAPITAL.
SACRAMENTO CrrY, Dec. 23d. 1865.

SACRAMENTO CITY, Dec. 23d, 1865.
FRIEND WAGsrAFF Since my last letter,
things have changed; the Senatorial contest
has culminated-come to focus. l came
here on purpose to have a look at the place,
and take observations of the grand political
mill where they grind out United States Sen
ators, and see how the thing was done. The
Orleans Hotel was the great headquarters for
all political aspirants-the buttonhoed and the
buttonholee- and, of an evening there. it
sounded very much like horsehy in a show
wiudow-continuaily on the buzz. First, Mr..
Lows friends were confident of success then
Sargent stock went up almost to paying divi-
dends-not quite if there was 8 dividend
declared, didn't see it and, finally, a caucus
was called of the Union party, and the Hon.
Cornelius Cole was elected in caucus on The
first ballot-the supporters of Mr.. Low all
going for Mr.. Cole. Your delegation, am
told, were evenly dlvided-Ewer and Smith
for Sargent, and F. NJ. Smith and Mr.. Tden
for Cole. Thus endeth the first lesson. Oh,
Politics Politics thou art, indeed, stagDant
pool, very like the Slough of Despond as
described in the Pilgrims Progressively
more so.
TRIP TO THE BAY.
On arriving at San Francisco, went out to
Hayes Park to see grand balloon ascension
by the celebrated Bailey, on a single bar trapez
and going through the regular feats as per
formed on a trapez, when suspended in midair,
half mile or more from Mother Earth. I'll
not attempt to describe the preliminary exer-
cises-such as standing on each others heads
three deep, holding up large cannon CD his
shoulders that took four meu to lift it there,
holding it until it was loaded and fired off
twice, etc, etc.-but commence, at once, the
description of the grand balloon ascension, as
this is the great feature, by describing the
imitation of the balloon, as it is all very inter.
esting to a person who has never had an
opportunity of seeing an ascension of this kind.
First and foremost in the programme, an
immense balloon made of glazed muslin is
brought forth and spread out upon the ground
and over pile of straw a rope is attached to
the top of two poles, each hundred feet high,
but, before being raised up tight between the
poles. the rope runs through large iron ring
at the top of the balloon, so as to suspend it
for the purpose Of filing the pile of straw is
then set on fire, and, as the heat ana smoke
generates, the balloon commences slowly TO fill
they keep adding more straw to the blaze
inside, and the monster canvas keeps swelling
out more and more. Now, while the balloon
is filing up, | must tell you that the weather
was bitter cold. They had sheep fastened to
parachute, to let drop when the balloon was
at its hight; there were about 1000 people
present of all colors, shades, and mustaches
quite o strong breeze was blowing, and felt
as though the daring aeronaut would be, when
once in the air, waited over into the Bay. The
balloon was now full, the wind made the canvas
flap 10 the air, the monster sack swayed to and
NV oHd NV i'hs a. 'iSS tpt VI 'uC buiiOoh cilu
along on the tight rope that held it up to its
place, making 3 screeehiDg noise as though it
was ready aud eager for the fight like war
horse chatting the bit at the sound of the
trumpet All was now ready, the balloon was
full, the trapez was fastened across the bottom
the weather was very cold, and it was nearly
night; everybody was looking with anxious
eyes for the appearance of Mr.. Bailey. He
comes - "he comes :" is whispered through
the anxious crowd, dressed in gorgeous array
He mounts 4 stand for the purpose of making
few brief remarks, something to this effect
Ladies and gentlemen, in consequence of the
high winds, and the lateness of the hour, it will
be impossible for me to make an ascension this
afternoon" The balloon sunk down like
pancake, the smoke and heated air being
allowed to escape. The crowd uamosed the
ranch de Hayes Park in double quick My
friend and myself arrived in the city by the
cars in a semifrozen condition, we'll satisfied
with seeing the balloon ascension. How do
you like the picture? Is it overdrawn? 4
was sold.
EXCURSION TO COIFAX.
An invitation was extended to the members
of the Legislature to take a ride 90 the cars of
the Central Pacific road up to Colfax. They
accepted the nvitaton-of course they did
they always do. The morning and the appointed
hour (half-past Dine) came, and with them
came about five loads of Honorabes, and
among them quite number of ladies. Your
humble servant was also there-d chii amang
them tGksn' notes. We started and passed. in
their regular order, Quincy, Newcastle, Auburn,
Clipper Gap, and then arrived at ColfaX about
half past twelve o'clock. The grade, after We
commenced TO ascend, was from los to lis feet
to the mile. They are working now about
1900 men, last summer. they worked $500.
On arriving at ColfaS, We were informed by
Mr.. CFocker, Superintendent, that lunch had