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[[start left-hand column]] [[clipping 1 of 3]] NDON CHRONICLE ^[[May 12, 1785 - handwritten in ink]] The heroism of our fair countrywoman, the science of our English Philosopher, the dexterity and experience of [[underlined]]LUNARDI,[[/underlined]] together with the magnificence and immensity of his Balloon, and the grand and beautiful apparatus, with the instruments for useful experiments, are likely to afford us, to-morrow, the greatest scope for admiration and surprise. It will seem like another world rising peopled out of chaos. Every circumstance, indeed, seems to favour the most sublime and extravagant ideas, the ground appropriated for the purpose being spacious, and capable of containing sixty thousand people without inconvenience to each other; the regulations established are commodious and secure. Myriads of people countenanced by ROYALTY, and a train of courtiers in full splendour, will most richly enhance the general delight, and inspire the bold fugitives with celestial sensations. The confusion attending the chemical process will be avoided, by completing the inflation of the Balloon at an early hour; it will then be suffered to float in the air at a little distance from the earth till twelve o'clock, when the travellers mean to take their seats, and manoeuvre over the ground till near one, displaying their experimental management, in gratification to the spectators below; at one o'clock a general salute will commence by firing off cannon, and other displays of gallantry, in compliment to the business of the day. The travellers, we understand, have arranged their plan so as to promise some useful information to the Public from their experiments. The direction and government of the Balloon is to be under the management of Mr. LUNARDI; Mr. BIGGIN is to apply himself to PHILOSOPHICAL EXPERIMENTS, and THE LADY, who possesses a liberal and well-informed mind, proposes to make such observations on the general appearances, with reflections on their effects, as may not be uninteresting in the relation of them to her fair countrywomen on her return. The Public may therefore expect from their excursion, more real information than has hitherto been derived from aerial expeditions, especially as all the parties mean to travel as far as the Balloon will carry them, either by night, or by day; and hope if the wind permits, to land on some foreign shore. The ludicrous report of Mr. LUNARDI's having been confined in the King's Bench prison, and obtaining a day rule for the purpose of making an aerial excursion in his Balloon, reflects no great credit on the sagacity of the Marshall, unless, indeed, he meant the uncommon compliment to that enterprising genius, of risking the payment of his supposed debts, especially as the object of the ensuing voyage puts it out of his own power to answer for the certainty of his return, as he has publicly declared by his advertisements, that he means to attempt a passage over the ocean to the Continent, in company with his heroic companions, if the wind will favour their attempts. The fact however is, upon particular enquiry, that Mr. Lunardi, has never been within the walls of the King's Bench, or any other prison, upon any occasion whatever, nor was he acquinted even with its situation, before it was described to him within these few days, on being jocularly informed of these flying reports. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 2 of 3]] LUNARDI'S AERIAL EXPEDITION. May 12 Mr. Lunardi having completed his process, according to his promise to the public, this day, at a little past one, ascended from the Artillery Ground. From the heat of the atmosphere, the air was not sufficiently bouyant to suspend the balloon, so as to admit of its carrying the lady who was to have attended the adventurous Italian. Mrs. Sage, the first female candidate, was found to have more gravity than what belonged to a wise name. Other ladies instantly began to dispute the palm for volatility, but none were deemed sufficient flighty. Mr. Biggin was also among the candidates, but could not be accommodated. Mr. Lunardi, thus circumstanced, determined to ascend alone. He rose slowly, amidst the acclamations of a numerous concourse of genteel spectators; but his assistants, not attending properly to his instructions, detained him by a rope; at length, he spiritedly cut the string, and pulling off his blue coat, put on his city regimentals, and proceeded in a westerly direction, rather inclining to the northward. The balloon formed a most beautiful spectacle, but being unfortunately overcharged with vapor, descended about twenty minutes after is arose, in the garden belonging to the Adam and Eve tea-house, in Tottenham-Court-road. He was immediately surrounded by great numbers of the populace, and though he proposed re-ascending, they were not to be dissuaded from bearing him in triumph on their shoulders. The balloon being torn in the fall, the body of the vapor which arose from it, formed a black cloud, which was not dispersed for some time. Mr. Lunardi expressed great concern that he had disappointed the public in not being able to make a considerable tour. It is said, that he will make another attempt, as soon as his balloon, which is lodged in the Pantheon, can be repaired. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 3 of 3]] ^[[1785 - handwritten in ink]]AEROSTATION. ^[[13 May - handwritten in ink]] Signor Lunardi having completed his process, according to his promise to the public, yesterday at a little past one ascended from the Artillery Ground. From the heat of the atmosphere, the air was not sufficiently buoyant to suspend the balloon, so as to admit of its carrying the lady ho was to have attended the adventurous Italian. Mrs. Sage, the first female candidate, was found to have more gravity than what belonged to a wise name. Other ladies instantly began to dispute the palm for volatility, but none were deemed sufficiently flighty. Mr. Biggin was also among the candidates, but could not be accommodated. Mr. Lunardi, thus circumstanced, determined to ascend alone. He rose slowly, amidst the acclamations of a numerous concourse of genteel spectators; but his assistants not attending properly to his instructions, detained him by a rope; at length he spiritedly cut the string, and pulling off his blue coat, put on his city regimentals, and preceded in a westerly direction, rather inclining to the northward. The balloon formed the most beautiful spectacle. but being unfortunately overcharged with vapor, descended about twenty minutes after it arose, in the garden belonging to the Adam and Eve tea-house, in Tottenham-Court-road. He was immediately surrounded by great numbers of the populace, and though he proposed re-ascending, they were not to be dissuaded from bearing him in triumph on their shoulders. The balloon being torn in the fall, the body of vapor that arose from it, formed a black cloud, which was not dispersed for some time. Mr. Lunardi expressed great concern that he had disappointed the public in not being able to make a considerable tour. It is said, that he will make another attempt, as soon as his balloon, which is lodged in the Pantheon, can be repaired. [[end clipping]] [[start centre column]] [[start clipping 1 of 9]] ^[[May 14 1785 - handwritten in ink]] Yesterday Mr. Lunardi ascended with his balloon from the artillery ground, amidst a prodigious concourse of spectators, many of whom were of the genteelest sort. He went up alone: and the balloon taking a direction nearly over Gray's Inn, was seen from every part of the metropolis. In less than half an hour, the shew was over; for the balloon burst, and down came Lunardi, balloon and all, near the Adam and Eve gardens in Tottenham-court-road. The balloon was afterwards taken to the Pantheon. The men were a good deal exasperated, and Lunardi, not without some hazard, escaped from their fury. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 2 of 9]] ^[[ May 14, 1785 - handwritten in ink]] Mr. Lunardi presents his most respectful duty to the public, humbly solicits a suspension of any unfavorable idea from any disappointment they might have met with yesterday, in the ascension if his balloon, till he has an opportunity of laying before them the true and unavoidable cause. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 3 of 9]] Lunardi proposes re-ascending from Bedford-square, in a few days - The little contemptible Gallic Adventurer, triumphs in the fall of his rival.- Lundardi, however, is too well in the favor of the people of England to suffer from his spleen ^[[16 May 1785 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 4 of 9]] Lunardi's receipts amounted to 547l. on the day of ascension, besides a considerable sum the day before; his expenses in all were reckoned at about 500l. ^[[ May 17 1785 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 5 of 9]] MR. LUNARDI's whole time, since last FRIDAY has been employed in collecting together all the MATERIALS necessary to make another Experiment, which, he makes no doubt, will take place in the course of a few days, as a compensation for the inadvertent disappointment which happened on Friday last. THIS DAY, TO-MORROW, and SATURDAY only, the BALLOON will be exhibited at the PANTHEON, in the exact manner in which Mr. Lunardi ASCENDED from the ARTILLERY GROUND. ADMITTANCE ONE SHILLING. The Doors will be open from Nine in the Morning till Dark. ^[[May 19 - 1785 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 6 of 9]] The spirited Lunardi, although he did not tower so near to Heaven, as on his former excursion, yet as he descended in the garden of Adam and Eve, he may be said to have reached Paradise! As there is no intention to commemorate the invention of balloons, by annual festival, a correspondent begs to recommend Ascension-Day as most proper for that purpose. ^[[May 1785 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 7 of 9]] Those who express their disapprobation at Lunardi's making so quick a descent from his aerial excursion, should recollect that although he did not go quite to Paradise, he reached Adam and Eve's Garden, where he alighted upon a tree, we cannot say whether the tree of knowledge or not, but we hope it was, as he as sen to fall foul of it. ^[[May 1785 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 8 of 9]] ^[[1785 - handwritten in ink]] June 23-25. THE LO LUNARDI's proposed Ascension into the Atmosphere, accompanied by and English Gentleman and Lady. MR. LUNARDI most respectfully informs his Friends, and the Public in general, that he proposes to ascend into the atmosphere on Wednesday next, precisely at One o'clock, accompanied by an English Lady and Gentleman, in the identical Balloon, with the ornamental gallery, and numerous instruments for observation, which were exhibited formerly at the Pantheon, and which mysteriously failed in their intended experiments at the Artillery Ground on Friday the 13th of May last. However mortifying that failure has been to his ambition, however severely injurious it may have proved to his reputation, he hopes now to convince the world, that his principles and his science will justify every profession that he has made. Unwilling to consign again his fame and fortune to another, he has contrived a new apparatus for filling his Balloon, and resolves to direct and superintend the process himself; he hopes that the mode, as it is entirely new, will be equally expeditious and effectual. The intended experiment has been inevitably protracted much beyond his wishes, owing to the impossibility of procuring a sufficient quantity of iron filings, as well as to the difficulty of procuring a commodious place to ascend from. The first reason may appear paradoxical; but the fact is well known, that no sooner was the intended gratuitous experiment announced, than emissaries were employed by his competitors to engross the whole materials in the metropolis that were necessary for his purpose. This obstacle he has now obviated by collecting from different parts of the country sufficient iron fillings for his purpose, and Mr. Arnold has politely accommodated him with his inclosed and commodious ground in St. George's fields to ascend from, on terms with he presumes will be thought liberal, viz. the distribution of a certain number of Tickets in such manner as Mr. Arnold shall think proper; but the inclosed ground, as well as the circuitous, to be devoted principally to the Public in general GRATIS, Mr. Lunardi hereby disclaiming any pecuniary advantage whatever to himself from the proposed exhibition. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 9 of 9]] This day is published, price 1s. A New Edition revised and corrected by the Writer, who is sorry to have observed several Errors appear in the first Edition, owing to the hurry of the Press, and from her not having had an opportunity of revising the proof sheets before they were printed. A LETTER, addressed to a FEMALE FRIEND. By Mrs. SAGE, The first English Female AERIAL TRAVELLER; Describing the general Appearance and Effects of her Expedition with Mr. LUNARDI's BALLOON; which ascended from St. George's Fields, on Wedenesday, 29th June, 1785, Accompanied by GEORGE BIGGIN, ESQ. London: Printed for the Writer, and sold by J. BELL, British Library, Strand. - OF whom may be had, The PORTRAIT of Mrs. SAGE, finely engraved by BURKE, after an Original Miniature Picture by SHELLY, corresponding in size and manner with the Portrait of Mr. LUNARDY, which was engraved by BARTOLOZZI, and may be had as above, price 2s. 6d. each, fine impressions. [[end clipping]] [[start right-hand column]] [[start clipping 1 of 6]] In order that every individual, whether admitted within the inclosed ground by free tickets, or excluded from the impossibility of a too crowded admission, Mr. Lunardi has ordered that a stage shall be erected within the center ground, on which the Balloon and Apparatus shall be exposed seven feet high, or sufficiently lofty for every person in any part of St. George's fields to be perfectly and completely gratified. Confident in his own integrity, and fully persuaded that his experiments will be successful, he ventures to hope for the patronage and protection of the Public. It being impossible for Mr. Lunardi to recollect the addresses of every friend whom he most particularly wishes to oblige, he recommends, that such persons as intend to honor him with their attendance on the day of his ascension, will send their directions to him immediately, at No. 6, in Poland-street, specifying the number of Tickets they wish to have, and they may depend on receiving them by the penny post on Monday or Tuesday next. ------------ LIVERPOOL AND LANCASTER. Many fallacious reports having been circulated through the country in consequence of Mr. Lunardi's passing through Lancaster and Liverpool, he think it necessary to caution the Public against any improper conclusions: he never proposed nor entertained any idea of ascending from the above places previous to his having fulfilled his engagements to the Public in London. He flatters himself a very few days will restore him to the utmost plenitude of public favour; immediately after which he intends to visit Liverpool and Lancaster, agreeable to his promise already made, and to ascend with his balloon from each of those places. The liberal and friendly terms on which he has been invited thither, impress him with the warmed sentiments of gratitude. In return, therefore, he will be content and satisfied with indemnification for the expenses of his journey, and the costs of filling his balloon: whatever he may receive more than sufficient for those purposes, he will cheerfully appropriate to such charitable purposes as the Magistrates at each place shall recommend. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 2 of 6]] PANTHEON THIS, and a Few Days next Week, the Pantheon will be opened, in the exact state as at the last Masquerade, representing the Grand Saloon of the Doge of Venice decorated and ornamented in the most elegant taste. The Balloon will likewise be suspended, with the gallery and apparatus as they are now replaced. ^[[June 11, 1785- handwritten in ink ]] Admittance ONE SHILLING. The Doors will be open from Nine in the Morning till dark. N.B. Mr. Lunardi takes the earliest opportunity of informing the Nobility, Gentry, and public in general, that he has obtained a secure place for the convenience of his speedy experimental Ascent, as Mr. Arnold, with that liberality and generosity, which [[confirms?]] a British Sailor, and an English Gentleman, has presented him with the full liberty of the Royal George Rotunda, in St. George's Fields. In a few days, when Mr. Lunardi has completed his preparations, the day of his ascension, and other particulars, shall be specified in all the [[? Prints]]. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 3 of 6]] Lunardi's next journey to the clouds is to be performed gratis. Regardless of all dangers, the Chevalier fairly adventures Neck for No thing! ^[[June 27, 1785- handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 4 of 6]] ^[[1785 - handwritten in ink]] BALLOON INTELLIGENCE. ^[[29 June - handwritten in ink ]] In consequence of the advertisements for Lunardi's Third Ascent in his Balloon, from the Rotunda in St. George's Fields, a great number of people assembled very early yesterday morning ^ to the spot, and before eleven there was scarcely any possibility of getting up to the place. -About a quarter past one, the Balloon being sufficiently inflated, Mr. Lunardi, Mr. Biggin, and Mrs. Sage got into the car, but after several attempts it was found incapable of ascending with the whole of them; Mr. Biggin having been disappointed twice before, and they Lady once, Mr. Lunardi resigned his pretensions in their favor, and the cords being cut on his quitting the car, they ascended, in a slow majestic manner amidst the reiterated acclamations of the populace; the balloon, on its first rising, took a Westerly direction, but soon after changed its course to a North West, and went to a considerable height ; it is conjectured to have descended some where about Harrow, but we could not learn the exact spot for a certainty. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 5 of 6]] LUNARDI'S ASCENSION from ARNOLD's ROTUNDA, near the OBELISK, ST. GEORGE's FIELDS, THIS DAY. ^[[June 29 - 1785 - handwritten in ink]] MR LUNARDI respectfully informs his Friends, and the Public, that he proposes to ascend into the Atmosphere [[underlined]]This Day[[/underlined]], at [[underlined]]One o'clock[[/underlined]], accompanied by an English Lady and Gentleman, in the identical Balloon, with the ornamental Gallery, and instruments for observation, exhibited at the Pantheon, and which failed in the experiments at the Artillery Ground on the 13th of May. Mr. Lunardi, aware of the impossibility of admitting the multitude who might be expected to apply for admission within the enclosed ground on the day of ascension, although it is the wish of his heart, to gratify every individual inclined to honor his experiments with their presence, he concluded that the best means of preventing any offence whatever, would be to desire publicly such persons as wished to be accomodated with free Tickets, to send him their directions, in order that the Tickets might be sent to them. Having fulfilled these propositions, he flatters himself that no person will take offence, should the enclosed ground not be capacious enough to admit more than the number of tickets already issued, especially as he has contrived a stage on which his Balloon and apparatus will be raised above the pailing, sufficiently lofty for every person in the fields to be gratified with a view. With these endeavours to give satisfaction, and with the warmest sentiments of gratitude, Mr. Lunardi presumes once more to appear before the public: Confident in his integrity, and fully persuaded that his experiment will be successful, he hopes for the patronage and protection of the public. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 6 of 6]] ^[[June 30 1785 - handwritten in ink]] Tuesday Mr. Lunardi made his gratuitous experiment in St. George's Fields. His process for filling the balloon was ingenious, and in three hours it was as much inflated as with prudence it could be. The original defects in the mechanism of the globe however, viz. its improper shape and heavy weight, still rendered it incapable of raising three people. - The canopy, oars, seats, instruments, and in short every thing but the indispensable ballast were thrown out, and still it was insufficient. Mr. Lunardi was therefore obliged to quit the car, and the globe then rose to a considerable height with [[underlined]]Mrs. Sage and Mr. Biggins[[/underlined]]- Both the Lady and Gentleman were perfectly composed, and manifested the firmest intrepidity in their enterprize. The balloon first took a western direction, but rising into another current it crossed the Thames, and went north-west. It continued in sight a long time, and furnished a beautiful spectacle. [[end clipping]] [[end page]] [[29 - handwritten in pencil at bottom of page]]
