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[[start left-hand column]] [[start clipping 1 of 4]] Extract of a Letter from Liverpool, July 21. ^[[1785 - handwritten in ink]] "Yesterday morning being the time appointed for Mr. Lunardi's ascension into the atmosphere, a prodigious concourse of people assembled near the fort, but rain, accompanied with thunder, coming on, their hopes had nearly vanished; towards one o'clock the weather cleared up, but the wind was uncommonly variable, shifting instantaneously to almost all points of the compass; however, Mr. Lunardi determined to run all hazard rather than disappoint the public; he therefore gave notice, that he would positively ascend at five o'clock in the afternoon. "Soon after two a gun was fired, as a signal that he had begun to fill the balloon. There was very little company in the fort to observe the process. Soon after five the populace began to shew signs of impatience, upon which another gun was fired, as a signal that the balloon was inflated. Mr. Lunardi then got into the gallery, changed his dress, and took in ballast, &c, but upon trying the rising power, the weight was found too great; he immediately threw out his two boxes of ballast, but still the balloon was deficient in levity; he therefore flung down his pistols, his speaking trumpet, and even his cork-jacket. About six the last gun was fired, and he rose nearly in a perpendicular direction. For a moment silence took place, but this immediately gave way to loud and repeated bursts of applause. Again all was still, and he saluted the spectators, waving his hat; the balloon then appeared to take a N.W. direction, but soon changed to the opposite; but this was presently changed by a second alteration in its course, which was nearly N. He descended about 20 minutes after seven o'clock in a field of wheat at Simmonswood, about 12 miles distance, and arrived at Liverpool late in the evening. To keep himself suspended in the air, he had thrown away his hat, coat, and waistcoat, which circumstance occasioned him to suffer a good deal from the cold." [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 2 of 4]] ^[[noted along right side margin: July 1785 - handwritten in ink]] The reputation of Mr. LUNARDI, which was very high with the public in general, was, for a little while, eclipsed by the envy and malice of his enemies, who endeavoured to tarnish his glory, and to transfer his merit to a French rival. French arts had some effect to defeat the purposes of Mr. Lunardi, and to injure his character; but he soon prevailed, and his rival having taken French leave, left him, once more, master of the field. The late ascension of his balloon fully re-established his reputation, and this young aerial traveller seems, as much as ever, a favourite with the public, as appears by the expressions of all ranks of people, and by the number that still resort to the Pantheon to see his balloon. To a generous public he has been grateful, by contributing largely to the relief of the distressed, which is the generous purpose of his journey to Liverpool. Such repeated acts of humanity denote a liberal mind, worthy of the distinguished patronage which Mr. Lunardi has received. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 3 of 4]] PANTHEON. Mr. LUNARDI's GRAND BALLOON, and NEW EXHIBITION of the MECHANICAL BIRD. By the special Desire of numerous Friends, Ladies in particular, who wish for a Grand Promenade, the Pantheon will open This Day, for the first time of exhibiting this most ingenious and curious part of mechanism from nine o'clock till dark, and during which interval the Promenade will be continued. That Mr. Lunardi has ever been anxious and assiduous to please a public to whom he is so greatly bound in gratitude, will be fully testified by the exposal of this truly capital mechanical work, which being suspended to the balloon, instead of the gallery, and keeping in continal motion, its wings must, with the grandeur of the balloon, and the beauty of the Pantheon, attract the attention of every person, and of the curious in particular, while the spectacle will render the Promenade, especially to the Ladies, one of the most amusing and splendid yet seen in this kingdom. Admittance only One Shilling. ^[[Aug. 1, 1785 - handwritten in ink]] This and every Day, the Pantheon will be open as usual. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 4 of 4]] Extract of a letter from Liverpool, dated [[underline]] Aug. [[/underline]] 3. 1785 [[year handwritten in ink in left margin]] "Yesterday, Tuesday, being the day announced for Mr. Lunardi's second flight from this place, the town was filled with strangers; so numerous was the company, that the different inns and taverns could not accommodate them with refreshments or lodging. many parties, &c. to the amount of five hundred, in the evening, went to Cheshire, where ever house of entertainment was crowded.- The incredulity which prevailed when Mr. L. ascended last from hence, being annihilated, he was much followed as before deserted; every one seemed satisfied with his past conduct, and proved their warm wishes for his welfare, by a generous subscription, and eager attention.- The wind was exceeding boisterous, and blew directly contrary to the aeronaut's anticipation, which obliged him to postpone his ascension to this day. I sincerely believe that Liverpool never assembled so many persons together on any occasion, at one time.- The wind was still at the same point, opposing the grand motive of his ascension. However, his determination was to persevere, but the company present, and his friends, advised him to defer it till to-morrow, or Monday, when he will positively ascend, and after which you shall positively hear from me." [[end clipping]] [[start centre column]] [[start clipping 1 of 3 Extract of a letter from Liverpool, Aug. 11. "After many cruel disappointments, Mr. Lunardi performed his second ascension on Turiday last; a high wind had prevented him on Monday, and some ill-natured wretches,who take a delight in insulting the unfortunate, endeavoured to propagate several unjust and scandalous reports. Anxious to vindicate himself, he determined, at all events, to ascend on Tuesday; and hurrying to the Fort, resolved to wait there till he could fulfil his engagements with the public. About twelve o'clock on Tuesday he began to fill the balloon, and luckily, the wind soon began to abate. The process was carried on with the greatest regularity, and about three o'clock, he gave the signal that the balloon was full, and began to prepare for his voyage. Unfortunately he was persuaded to ascend from the centre of the fort, and stepping into the boat desired his two active friends, Mr. W. Earle, and Mr. Niffen, to carry him from the N. W. side to the middle of the area; but no sooner was the balloon unsheltered, than the people, who saw it roll about, imagining the danger to be great crouded furiously about him, to prevent his ascension; and, deaf to all his entreaties, broke the ropes, burst two holes in the balloon, and tore the netting almost to pieces! at this moment he threw himself down in the boat, and casting up his eyes to Heaven, exclaimed, O! Dio! then drawing his hanger, threatened to cut every hand that laid hold on the hoop. This had the desired effect; he was immediately librated, and ascended in an instant with the rapidity of a sky rocket! a thousand screams of terror were sent forth at once, when the spectators beheld him in the air, with the air, with the torn netting and ropes, fluttering in the wind, and the boat so frightfully inclined as to cause the most dreadful apprehensions for his being thrown out; but he was seen fastening the strings, and soon after saluted, by waving his flag. He continued in fight only four minutes, and then was lost behind a thick cloud, from which he soon emerged, and was seen as intervals, for near half an hour. His height appeared to be very great, and direction almost south. "There was a letter received from his yesterday afternoon, informing his friends that he descended near Tarporley, in Cheshire, after being dragged a considerable way." ^[[1785 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 2 of 3]] Extract of a letter from Liverpool, dated August 12. "When Lunardi, on his late excursion, was at his greatest altitude, he wrote the following card, and dropped it from the clouds, which was afterwards found by Capt. Kent: ^[[1785 - handwritten in ink]] "A CARD from the SKIES.--Mr. Lunardi, soaring in the etherial regions, presents his best compliments to his terrestrial friends, and begs leave to inform them, that, fired by emulation and the love of glory, and delighted with the scenes upon which he now looks down, he will enlarge his Balloon, and make an aerial voyage from Liverpool to the Isle of Man, provided the Ladies and Gentlemen will raise a subscription sufficient to defray the expences of such a journey (one hundred and fifty pounds) before Friday next, and cause vessels to be stationed, at certain distances, between the two places.- He is certain from his courage and knowledge, that he shall not fail in the experiment. However hazardous such an undertaking may be, yet there is a glory attending it which makes Mr. Lunardi anxious to pursue it : therefore, if the inhabitants of Liverpool have the smallest degree of attachment to him, they will enable him to prosecute his favourite scheme, and again gratify their curiosity. He neither wishes nor hopes for any pecuniary advantage from such a project; but if he can accomplish it, and merely defray the expences, he will be satisfied with the pleasure it must afford to his dear friends on earth, of whom, with sincere affection, he thus takes his leave, till he again returns from the wide trackless space, where he now offers up his prayers for their happiness.' "He descended a little after five o'clock, in a long field, near Tarporley, in Cheshire, which is about forty-two miles from Liverpool; from thence he was dragged over hedges and trees for a great way, at last he secured his Balloon at a small village, between Tarporley and Beeston. As he passed through the different towns on coming back, the people expressed their satisfaction by huzzaing, and ordering the bells to be rung, in honour of the aeronaut. When he arrived at Liverpool, many thousands came to meet him, and carried him in triumph through the town, where he was received with repeated acclamations of joy." [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 3 of 3]] Extract of a letter from Chester, August 23. 1785 "Mr. Lunardi having appointed Monday last for his aerial excursion from this city, a prodigious concourse of people collected together. About two o'clock he began to fill the balloon; the process commenced pretty well, but as the iron which he had was very rusty, and could not generate inflammable air quickly, he was supplied with 500 lb. of clean iron, which he prepared to put into the casks, but from opening one of them, the gas rose so fast, that the men all ran away, and the cooper was so terrified that he dropt the piece of wood, which closed the port-hole, into the tub; Mr. Lunardi seeing the materials escaping threw himself upon the cask, and to fetch back the port square thrust his arm into the boiling mixture; but his efforts were vain, and a small cask having the head exploded, obliged him to stop the process of half the apparatus, and work with the other half, which he exerted himself to do; but his hands being terribly burnt by the vitriol, and growing worse, and extremely painful, he sent for his servant, who ascended, and behaved extremely well. "The balloon rose majestically, and went in a horizontal direction about seven miles, when we saw it descend perpendicularly, there being very little wind. The servant came to Chester about nine o'clock with the balloon, and after having secured it to the Shire-Hall, was carried through the town on the shoulders of the populace." [[end clipping]] [[start right-hand column]] [[start clipping 1 of 4]] Lunardi is expected this week in Scotland,, he has not yet obtained permission to ascend from that place, as the Provost is inclined to think that it will never be rendered of any utility, and only tend to promote idleness.- However, we hear, that he is strongly supported by Lord Galloway, and Lord Dunmore; and that his intention is to ascend from Edinburgh and Glasgow. ^[[Sept-9. 1785 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 2 of 4]] Extract of a Letter from Edinburgh, Oct. 5. 1785 "This being the day appointed for Mr. Lunardi's ascending in his balloon from the garden of Heriot's Hospital, the process of filling the balloon began about twelve o'clock, and was continued without any accident or interruption till about half past two, when it appeared compleatly inflated. The car was then affixed, and Mr. Lunardi having taken his seat, and his apparatus, ballast, &c. properly adjusted, the balloon was carried into the middle of the garden, and precisely at ten minutes before three o'clock Mr. Lunardi gave the signal, and he ascended in a N.N.E. direction, in the most grand and magnificent manner. Immediately on its rising, Mr. Lunardi, who stood up in the car, took off his hat, and bowed to the spectators, who returned it with repeated acclamations. At a greater elevation he waved his flag, and went over the city at a great height, directly across the Frith. When about half way over he descended pretty low, and then discharging some of his ballast, he rose rapidly and disappeared. It is supposed, by the course of the balloon, that he will alight about Cupar, in Fife, or somewhere near it." [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 3 of 4]] Lunardi has been successful in Edinburgh beyond his most sanguine expectation. The subscription some time ago ammounted to three hundred guineas, and he exhibits his balloon in the Parliament House, which is likewise profitable. For his success he is indebted to the indefatigable exertions of a brother Philosopher belonging to the ancient society of Cadies, well known by the name of Lord North, and this amply consoles him for the contempt of the literati, who have unaccountably turned their backs on this most sublime of philosophers. ^[[Oct 6. 1785 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 4 of 4]] ^[[1785 - handwritten in ink]] Extract from a Letter from Mense of Ceres, Oct. 6. "Yesterday afternoon, the sky being clear, and a gentle breeze blowing from S.S.W. whilst I was overlooking the stacking of some corns in my barn yard, a boy who was standing by me, took notice of what he though to be a hawk soaring at a very great and uncommon height. After looking attentively at the object, which appeared due south from me, and evidently higher than some thin clouds which were floating near it, I was convinced it was no bird. At this time, which was about five minutes before four o'clock, it had the appearance of a globe or ball of six inches diameter, and seemed suspended without motion: This was owing to its surprising and almost incredible degree of elevation, and to its moving directly towards me. As I knew Mr. Lunardi was to ascend at Edinburgh on Wednesday the 5th instant, and as the wind blew directly from Edinburgh, towards Ceres, I was persuaded that the object which presented itself to view was Mr. Lunardi's balloon. I then called upon my neighbours and acquaintance to come and see the aerial traveller; they thought me in joke, but, upon my assuring them that I was serious, they came out and saw the object which I pointed out to them, but could not bring themselves to believe it was Mr. Lunardi. Whilst we gazed, the intervening clouds two or three times intercepted our view; and, as the balloon came out from behind the clouds, the rays of the sun, reflected from the west side of it, gave it the appearance of the moon seen by day light, five or six days after the change. About ten minutes after four the balloon began to descend, and got below the clouds; it now assumed an oblong figure, and appeared much larger: The basket and flag also became visible. Multitudes now got sight of it, and the whole country was alarmed: As it now drew near the earth, and sailed along with a kind of awful grandeur and majesty, the sight gave much pleasure to such as knew what it was, but terribly alarmed such as were unacquainted with the nature of this celestial vehicle, if I may use the phrase. About 20 minutes after four Mr. Lunardi cast out his anchor, and the balloon rested near the coal town of Callinge, on the estate of the Hon. John Hope, a mile east from Ceres, and between two and three miles south east of Cupar in Fife. Mr. Robert Christie, Feuer of Callinge, happened to be near the place, and he immediately came up to him, enquired after his safety, and assisted him in getting out of the basket, and in securing the balloon. A vast multitude from every quarter soon assembled, and gazed with astonishment at the daring adventurer." [[end clipping]] [[end page]] [[30 - handwritten in pencil at bottom of page]]
