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[43] ORNING POST, Thursday, September 16th, 1784 LUNARDI's AERIAL EXCURSION -------------------------- To combat the prejudices of a nation, and the incredulity of mankind, especially when deterred by examples of resentment in consequence of deception or misfortune; when awed by the danger incurred in experiment, and the uncertainty of success in the project, must certainly require the greatest effort of human resolution. Whilst we are recollecting the occasion, which collected one-tenth of the inhabitants of the metropolis within the optical powers of an individual, we cannot help indulging ourselves in these eccentric reflections. The aerial voyage which has long been proposed by Mr. Lunardi, was appointed for yesterday, and perhaps the English nation never witnessed upon any occasion whatever, such a number of persons collected together, and so loftily displayed as were to be seen in the environs of Moorfields; not a plain, or an eminence, a window or a roof, a chimney or a steeple, within the view of Bedlam, but were prodigiously thronged -- About half past one o'clock, the Prince of Wales arrived in the Artillery Ground, and after receiving the salutations of the Gentlemen of the Artillery, though not a la militaire but en obeissance cap-a-pee, his Royal Highness having expressed a wish to dispense with military attentions; he viewed the apparatus of the Balloon and retired to the Armory House, which was occupied by persons who had liberaly paid the adventure for their ^[[admission;]] G2 [[end page]] [[start page]] [44] admission; we were sorry indeed to observe that such general advantages had been taken by the neighbourhood, of farming their windows, and for benefits which were due only to the novelty and spirit of the enterprize. About a quarter before two o'clock the Balloon was sufficiently filled and closed, and the gallery and other apparatus prepared to be suspended; but on Mr. Lunardi, and his intended companion, whom we understand to be Mr. Biggin, a young gentleman of fortune and enterprize, having taken their situations, and finding that the Machine was unequal to their weight, it was determined that Mr. Lunardi should ascend alone. A cannon having been fired a preparotary signal, Mr. Lunardi having embraced his friends, and all matters being adjusted, a second cannon was fired as the signal of ascension. Insensible must that heart be which did not feel itself anxious ands interested at the moment for the fate of him, who intrepidly stepped into his seat, and, Phaeton-like, seized the reins which were to guide the Chariot of the Sun. About five minutes after two o'clock, the Machine was launched; and as if dreading the course it had to run, and unwilling to proceed, after having mounted about twelve yards, it reclined to its native earth; but roused by ambition, and the spirit of philosophical researches, Mr Lunardi rebuked its fear, and gave swiftness its airy flight. He took his seat in the gallery with great composure and confidence on the Balloon's being launched; but finding himself too equally poised, he readily discharged part of his ballast, which consisted of small bags of white dry sand, and by that means relieved his weight, and caused a regular and most beautiful ascension. After he had cleared the buildings, subject to the direction of ^[[the]] [[end page]] [[start page]] [45] the easterly wind, he saluted the populace with great elegance and gallantry, by waving a blue flag, which he had taken for that purpose, and seemingly bidding them a friendly adieu. The gallery was formed of an upright four-feet square, and netted with a strong cord, about breast high, but quite open at the top. After this salutation, for the space of five minutes he dropt his flag with an air security, and having seated himself, took to his oars; but as we since learn, finding they compressed the wind too much, he disengaged one, which was taken up about Smithfield; at that time his friends were alarmed for the consequence, Steering at this moment due west, he suddenly tacked towards the north, and with little variations, according to the altitude he obtained, till he seemed by degrees to establish that direction, his progress seemed exceedingly elevated and swift, although the Balloon appeared under masterly management; we viewed this object, nevertheless distinctly for one hour and twenty minutes, with a mixture of anxiety and delight, not unallayed, however, by a friendly dread for the ultimate effect, until we were this moment relieved by the following intelligence from very good authority, viz. That Mr. Lunardi lowered himself towards the earth near Barnet, but not approving the situation, and finding he had the command of his machine, he discharged a part of his ballast, and pursued his course until he arrived over Collier's-hill, five miles beyond Ware in Hertfordshire, at twenty-five minutes past four o'clock; there he alighted and was received by the neighbourhood with testimonies of admiration; he afterwards returned to town, where no doubt, his friends, and every true lover of courage and merit will receive him with friendship and respect. His companions in this advent ^[[trous]] [[end page]] [[start page]] [46] trous voyage were a dog and cat, the latter was destroyed, and the dog was almost spent by the severity of climates thro' which they passed. Mr. Lunardi himself was, of course, affected by the change of elements, as may be readily conceived by those who are told, that \icicles were hanging on his cloaths. Such were the incidents of yesterday, and we heartily wish that the effects may be valuable to the projector; every Englishman should feel emulation to reward him; for uncertain as the good to be derived from such an excursion may be thought, yet it becomes the nobleness of our nation to encourage them. Discoveries beyond the reach of human comprehension at present, may by perseverance be accomplished. Emulation and industry are a debt which is due to posterity, and he who shrinks from innovation is not his country's friend. Encouragement is the spur to emulation, and emulation the parent frequently of excellence; let Mr.Lunardi therefore be rescued by a generous public out of the hands of a Villain, who has emphatically been described, as being industrious only in matters wherein honest men would be ashamed, but to whom Mr. Lunardi has been a dupe in his undertaking, and injured instead of being benefited by the danger he has encountered. -------------------------------------- On the Sunday immediately after my return, I had the honor of waiting on Sir James Wright, who had been politely solicitous to give me testimonies of his approbation. He had the goodness to represent to his Majesty that I wished to lay an account of my voyage at his Majesty's feet; who appointed Friday for my attendance at St. James's. ^[[on]] [[end page]]
