SHEFFIELD, AUG. 14.
MR. BROWN'S BALLOON.
HIS ASCENT ON TUESDAY.
The circumstances connected with
the late
beautiful ascent of Mr. Brown, have been detailed to us by that
enterprising
aeronaut in the following terms :--
"Having
formed a
determination of ascending from the town of Sheffield, on the 10th of
August,
every preparation for inflation was made, which went forward
comparatively
we1l. The balloon was fully inflated
at twelve o'clock, but having been respectfully requested not to ascend
till
about three or four o'clock, I, of course, complied with their wishes.
The
weather continuing favourable, at three o'clock
I commenced attaching the car. The
requisites being supplied, and the balloon being liberated, I s1owly
ascended,
carrying with me only three of four bags of ballast.
Perceiving that the balloon was descending over the lower
part
of the town, I was under the necessity of throwing out two of the
bags, which
effected a rapid ascent, and in ten minutes I lost sight of all
terrestrial objects.
The highest altitude I attained was about 2,166 yards, the barometer
standing
at 23. 10, and the thermometer at 48.
At this time, I was completely drenched in a snow shower, which
continued a few minutes. I now drank
the good health of a11 absent friends, especially those who had
rendered me
such prompt assistance. Here I was
presented with a beautiful view of a flowing mass of clouds, resembling
mountains of snow. Shortly after, I
distinctly heard the report of musketry, at the elevation of 4000
feet from
the earth. The balloon took a E. S. E.
direction. On arriving in the
neighbourhood
of Tickhill, I was much
gratified to behold people running from their houses in all directions
after
the balloon; I spoke through my trumpet, but was too far off to be
heard. I now began to descend very
rapidly, owing
to the density or the atmosphere; and having only one bag of ballast
left, and
being determined not to part with it, I pulled off my boots to throw
out; but,
luckily, the balloon rose in a very surprising manner, which rendered
it
unnecessary, at that time, to part with any thing.
I then passed through several layers of dense clouds, when it
began to rain. A favourable place for my
descent not
presenting itself, I was obliged to continue my voyage, till at length
I
arrived in the neighbourhood of Axholme, near
Westwood Side, where I alighted in safety, in a rye field, the property
of Mr.
Pearson. The first person who came to
my assistance appeared rather frightened, but his fears having
subsided, he
used every exertion in his power to assist me.
When I had got the balloon packed up, and was about starting, several
gentlemen, who had followed me from Tickhill, on horseback, came up,
and kindly
offered me their assistance. They had
been obliged to leave their horses behind, in consequence of their
being unable
to travel any further. Having got all
ready, and having proceeded a short distance with the luggage, I was
joined by
some peasants, who requested that they might carry the apparatus;
whilst
others, with different kinds of musical instruments, escorted me to the
hamlet
of Axholme, where I met with very kind treatment from John Belk, Esq.
and many
other gentlemen of respectability.
Having procured a proper conveyance, I proceeded on my way to Bawtry,
where the bells were ringing a merry peal.
From there I proceeded to Sheffield, in a chaise and four. On
entering the town, which was about two
o'clock in the morning, I was welcomed by my worthy townsmen with loud
cheers,
who took the horses from the carriage and drew me into the town, the
band
accompanying, playing many delightful tunes."