Wilmington daily gazette., 1873-01-08
rhe death. Daring aI1 DOnaIason.

'f4fH NtfH..ASf & 80
The MAN WHO PRoPosEs TO CRoss THE OCEAN
ft.t.s,,4tr ~ A, BALLOON.
Prof Donaldsonha has been interviewed by re-
porsSt porte. is' ftdps flS Flh 9s following
Donaldson's first ascension f,sas made in Read
ing last August and since then he has visited the
clouds twenty-four times in various parts of the
South and West. He has lost several balloons;
been bruised, scratched, and injured in many
ways, has boon dropped into the Atlantic and
ducked in Lake Michigan; has been thrown
against chimneys and landed in trees; has been
lost, given up as dead and found again; has put
on his citizens dress while two and half miles
high; has buTsted and cut his balloon over mile
from earth; has performed on the trapeze, for the
benefit or an eagle, a mile above the Clouds and
has won the distinction of being the most reck-
less and daring performing 9ronaut in the known
world. He was well pleased on meeting the Ea-
gle representative and entered into conversation
very readily. After giving the detailed accounts
OF his performances above mentioned, the report
er inqniredii 47
"What is the most daring thing you do, Pro-
fessor?"
Donaldson replied: "Wcll to my mind, have
done nothing daring or reckless little trick
which Is amusing, and which intend to do will
bedope In this manner; InlFays so up Without
basket on the bare trapeze bar In the act
where fall backward and catch myself by the
toes will have the bar arranged so that II breaks
as fall, allowing me to tumble some twelve feet
toward the earth, when shall be caught by a
rope. also have it to break and catch myself
with my right hand. This VIM be done when
am half mile high, and it will be we'll calculated
to amtse the people"
Reporter. What would you call reckless per-
formingp
Donaldson. should like to anchor two balloons
in the air about q half mile high, and walk a
rope attached to both Of them. That might be
called reckless by nervous people. However,
dislike the business of frightening people. 1
shall hereafter pay more attention to scientific
balooninR. +' '..f
II. How about your proposed ocean trip
ID. shall cross the Atlantic Ocean by balloon
next summer, If l can satisfactorily arrange
things by that time. l am positive 1t can be
done, and l am determined to do it. During my
limited experience as an Rronaut l have asce +
tanned many things that render it conclusive to
my mlnd that the voyage can be successfully ac-
comphshed. l shall construct three balloons,
have them joined together, with boat, ballast pro-
visions, and all the necessary requirements, and
thus equipped, shall start in cain season and
perform the journey In about two days and
half. 4 shalImAke voyage first, however, from
st. Leuis ID Boston.
r. How 40 yOn navigate the air
y. That is one of the discoveries of nronRut-
ing. 1t is an established fact that at a certain
altitude, say two and half miles, there is cur
rent OF wind blowing from west TO eass / shall
ascend to that current, and with it travel the
Z,oOO miles IN about two days and a half
Z. Butts thera not q possibility of failurep
d. None that 1 can discover. 1shall feel above
the ocean as always feel above the land just as
secure as feel at this moment sitting IN this
chair. OF cou1e shall have q basket attached
to the balloon on the ocean voyage.
r. How high have you been, PrOfessOr2
d. My barometer has indicated over three
miles. ascend and perform on the bar in my
performing clothes, and when out of sight, above
the clouds, put my citizens clothes on while
standing on the bar.
r. What is the ocean trip to cost /?
ID. About $4,000. i-ii ffiFf'If
After giving the reporter graphic description
OF the many phenomena to be witnessed above
the clouds, the lights and shadows, the true
causes Of rain and hail, and many other interest
ing sabjeots detailed account of which the
crowded state Of our columns will not admit. the
interview closed. The @ronaut is in excellent
health, and the reporter left the Professor as
sured him that the Eagle, before long, could finish
the balance Qf this aEtiep BY recording the
ocsaR voyage successfUlly accomplished.