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New York History, April 1963

The point upon which I landed and the course I took to reach it proved my salvation in this case, as all about was swamp into which the wind would have carried me, where bushes rising through the water prevented any possibility of swimming, wading, walking, or boating-- a locality seldom disturbed by anything except the sullen wash of Lake Ontario, whose length beyond the marsh extended
150 miles further on my course.  The gentlemen who assisted me after my descent told me ghastly tales about the skeletons of wanderers in this region, occasionally found when water subsided during dry seasons.

Carlotta's simple description of her descent makes it seem indeed too easy.  When one considers that she had to estimate and control with great care the proper proportions of the three velocities: wind-drift, rate of fall, and amount of sidewise glide, and make them all come out even at just one point, it can be seen that her skill was truly remarkable.

But even exciting experiences like this were all in the day's work, and after landing, she would customarily deflate her balloon, pack it up, find some willing farmer nearby (and they always seemed most willing), who would hitch up his wagon and drive her back to town.  There she would join her manager-husband, and they would load bag and baggage on the evening train, and start for the town where her next ascension was scheduled, frequently on the very next day.

To understand the success of this unusual husband and wife team, we must get acquainted with the other half.  Carl E. Myers was not only her business manager, but also balloon maker, gas generator operator, ground crew, and master of ceremonies.

Carl was born in the Town of German Flats, Herkimer County, on March 8, 1842.* His parents, Abram and Ann (Cristman) Myers were both descendants of industrious

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*There is a long account of Charles (or Carl) Edgar Myers in The History of Herkimer County, New York, edited by George A. Hardin (Syracuse, N.Y., 1893), 501-506.

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