The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-07-08
PFRILs OF THE BALLOON.

ANOTHER ACCOUNT OF DoNALDSoN's LAST
TRIP-A NARROW ESCAPE-THE RESCUE
FROM LAKE ONTARIO.
The Sentinel has already given one &C.
count of Donaldson's last ascension, and
the narrow escape of the whole party from
drowning. Here is the report furnished his
paper by the representative of the Toronto
Leader. who was of the party: From the
sscens sion, $50 o'clock W ednesday afternoon,
the balloon was driven in an easterly direc-
ton, and when in the vicinity of Scarboro
was driven some miles out over the lake.
Donaldson comprehended tie situation, and
aiv:sed the 2 engers at they might
count upon a night over the lake, not seek
ing to disguise the difficulties and danger
which were apparent to his experienced
mind. A variation of the wind carried them
within mile of the town of Whitley,
and hopes were entertained of making
landing there, but these expectations were
speedily dissipated by another shift, which
c lrried the balloon far out over the waters,
30 that both shores were in view.
Then, in the words of the reporter,
the wind again veered round, and they
neared the north shore. soon arriving within
about five miles of land, probably in the
neighborhood of Coburg. Then the balloon,
which had not been properly inflated for a
long voyage-sli those on board expecting
only to be absent for few hours-bsgan to
descend, and at 5:45 the drag rope touched
the water. The descent now became much
more rapid, and second after second the
water appeared with greater distinctness.
Bag after bag OF sand was thrown out, and
excitement became most intense, and at the
same time most interesting, to those who
were being carried through the air. The
basket began to oscillate in the most violent
manner, and, by the explanation of the pro-
lessor, they found that this was caused by
the motion of the waves in the lake below.
No perceptible difference was to be discov-
cred in the downward motion of the bal
loon. In nalf a minute from the time the
rocking of the basket was first observed,
THE CARwAs SUBMERGED
to the extent of about 2 feet. At the same
time the balloon kept the most perfect equi-
librium. There was then no longer hesitation
about getting rid of the sand, aud all vas
thrown out with the exception of a few bags
which were reserved in the event of a still
greater emergency. Far out into the lake
they we're still driven and very soon the OPP
posite shore was as near that which had
been left; in fact. from appearances, rather
nearer. Donaldson requested all to keep a
sharp lookout for any vessel that might be
passing, and az length their hopes were
raised Dy coming in sight of a schooner
about o'clock, but those on board prOba-
bly, did not understand the shouts from
the luckless occupants OF the basket, and
she sailed away Into the mist without seek
ing TO render any assistance. From this
time for mile after mile the balloon travelled
toward the head of the lake, and the only
hope was that favorable wind might rise
and carry them to some friendly
shore. Nothing bur disappointments
took place. Several vessels were
| sighted, but all Of them without the limit
to which the human voice could reach.
About II o'clock the balloon again CON-
menced to descend, and soon reached about
forty ieet off the water. Every hing grad
ually went overheard. Prof. Donaldson
| giving the word, when the various articles
were TO be thrown out. The anchor went
out first; then the anchor rope; then went a
| portion of the drag rope, some so feet in
| length. This tightening of the balloon was
of some avail for the time being, but 1t soon
began to near the water again. Then over
coats and every available article went over
the side. Still they descended, and at about
12:15 touched the water. From this time
up to the rescue the basket was submerged
more or less, the occupants sometimes sit
ting on the edge and at other times holding
on to the ropes. They were at the mercy OF
the wind and waves, and from this time all
hopes of being saved were sbanoned. For
tunately the wind subsidized, and, being
within a few miles of Point Petre light
house, hope began to revive and
FAINT EXPECTATIONS OF SAFETY
were entertained, yet no help came. Al
this time the balloon had been driven in by
conflicting currents to within about four
miles of the shore. At this stage it may be
. said that Point Petre was the last chance
that the balloopists had of reaching land
! until arriving at the far end of the lake
some seventy miles distant. The wind again
y rose in most uncertain gusts. At one tiEle
the balloon was out far, and the next mo-
ment was near enough to shore tosttempt
risk of abandoning the balloon for the water
in the hopes of swimming to land. About
l O'Clock, however, a small schooner was dis
: covered ct a distance of about a mile and 8
half. Prof. Donaldson's strong voice sue
the grateful words, "we will try and beIT
you" finally came back to the imperilec
! yoysgers. Tack after tack was made by the