The Fairfield herald. [volume] (Winnsboro, S.C.) 1849-1876, 1872-02-21
The Feats OF Tight Rope Performer and
Magician ut q Height OF Three Hun.
drcd Feet In the Air.

drcd Feet In the Air.
One Of the most extraordinary and
almost incredible exhibitions Of hn.
man intrepidity and daring was lust
Monday, the lith inst, witnessed by
the citizens Of this place. 1t seemed
to me to equal if not surpass in
thrilling and painful interest any
thing ever attempted by Sam Patch
or Blondin in their widest efforts.
An individual named Donaldson--a
tight.rope walker and "magician," as
he styles himself-who had on the
previous Wednesday made balloon
ascension in tho ordinary way Che
first balloon ascent Of any kind he
had ever made IN his life), repeated
his performance on Monday last, but
this time with no bnsket attached to
his balloon-nothing whatever, in
fact, but q common trapeze. Upon
this he seated himself with the great
est cooluess aud composure, aud went
floating away into space, to the aston
ishment Of the large crowd which
had gathered to see him, but few
cheers greeting him, as the spectators
seemed spell bound with fear aud MP.
prehension. Aftor ascending to n
considerable distance he commenced
throwing out number of circulars
which he had attached to little hoop
below the balloon, aud which in the
clear atmosphere appeared like
twinkling stars surrounding the bal.
loon, producing most novel and
pleasing effect. But this was moth.
ing to what followed. At the height
of some three hundred feet he COM
.nenced balancing himself on his
back on the bar of the trapez., and
going through other fearful evolutions.
He then deliberately slid from the
bar head downwards, and, catching
himself by the feet, remained suspen-
ded for several seconds in that awful
position ! The appalling sight was
one never to be forgotten by those
who witnessed it. a thrill aud low
nurmur of horror passed through the
immense multitude, who were looking
on with intensest interest, and
many hurried away from the sight
giddy and faint. The daring @ro-
naut, however, went through his evo-
lutions successfully, and, regaiuiug
his seat, went soaring rapidly and
steadily upwards. When at the
height Of three quarters of milo he
had the astounding nerve to repeat
his performance, which, at SO great a
distance, could only be clearly visible
by the aid of glasses. What made
this ascent all the more hazardous is
that the balloon is very small one,
carrying but little ballast, and with
nothing but light anchor attached
to the hoop.
am glad to say that the eronaut
completed his voyage safely, although
he once or twice seemed to be in con-
siderable danger. The trapcze struck
the roof Of Henry Connard's residence
on 18th street, when Mr.. Donaldson
made IL sk;lful leap from the trapezo
and prevented collision. The bal
LOON then ascended aud came down
again on tho other side Of the road in
field, and was about striking the
top ola tree, when Mr. Donaldson
turned somersault on the trapezo
rope and prevented the bar from
catching in the tree. There is some
talk of our having repetition Of this
painful exhibition during our fair
next week, if the authorities do not
Interfere to prevent it. 1t really seems
to mo that they should, and that it is
also tho duty of tho leading press of
the country to denounce such reok-
less and unnecessary risk of human
life for the nero qualification of NOR.
bid excitement.-R Reading, Berks Co.,
Pa. Gorresnondcnce of The Mem York