The Sun. — 1829-07-25 (London, England)

DESTRUCIION OF MR. GREEN'S BAL. LOON.  We stated in our last paper, upon the authority of Mr. Green himself, that his balloon was thoroughly repaired, and that, from the arrangements he had made at the Gas-works, he would be enabled to ascend within a few minutes of the appointed time. The crowd was, in consequence, so great by about three o'clock, that it was with difficulty admission could be gained to the gasyard. About five o'clock the car was attached to the balloon, the fastenings were loosened, and every one was in momentary expectation of beholding the promised ascent. It was soon ascertained, however, that the balloon did not contain a sufficient quantity of gas to sustain the car, to say nothing of " the celebrated eronaut!" In answer to a question from a gentleman present, Mr. Green said he thought he should be enabled to procure enough gas within three hours, and that he would then ascend. This was announced to the company, who, notwithstanding they had already been kept two hours beyond the appointed time, appeared willing to grant every indulgence to the xronaut. The greater portion immediately left the yard, but by seven o'clock it was again filled. The balloon in appearance was now less inflated than it was two hours previously ; there is no doubt but that there had been a great escape of gas ; and it was evident there would be no ascent. Murmurs of discontent became general, and threats of " ducking" Green were publicly made. Mr. Pickering (Green's partner) becoming alarmed for the fate of the balloon, was about, we have been informed, to free it, and allow it to ascend alone, risking the chance of afterwards recovering it. A stone, or a piece of coke, was at this moment thrown against it, making a large hole. This was the signal for fifty more being thrown, and the balloon was in an instant on the ground. The scene which followed is beyond description. A general rush was made—hundreds of knives were at work, and in a minute or two the immense machine, containing, we understand, 1,500 yards of silk, was cut to pieces ; after which the populace tore the pieces from each other, and by eight o'clock scarcely a shred or a particle was left in the yard. Immense cheers, which might be heard at a considerable disance, succeeded this scene of demolition. Now for Green ! now for Green !" resounded from one end of the yard to the other. A simultaneous rush was made towards the house of Mr. Goldney, the superintendant of the gas works, where it was thought Green was secreted. With a promptitude which reflects on him infinite credit, Mr. Thomas Estcourt, one of the county Magistrates, fixed himself at the door of the house, and was soon surrounded by a number of respectable gentlemen, to whose united activity the preservation of the house and works may be attributed. Had Green been discovered, in all probability murder would have been the result. It will be a Jong time indeed before it will be safe for him to exhibit himself in any part of Wilts. Pairing the scene we hare above alluded to, Mr. Green, with his wife and Mr. Pickering, were secreted in a dark hole under the condenser. They made their escape about eleven o'clock in the night.—Devizes Gazette.