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On Wednesday Sir James Wright took me to court. The drawing-room was very crouded, it being the Anniversary of the King's Coronation. I was surrounded with the ministers of state, and the nobility, when the Prince of Wales entered the drawing-room, my person was pointed out to him by one of the secretaries of state, on which he said in the lively and familiar manner which is peculiar to him, 'O Mr. Lunardi, I am very glad to see you alive." As a proof of the attention of this amiable prince, I must let you know he did me the honour to send his Equerry to say, he observed at my ascension, I had not a watch describing seconds of time, as I was under a necessity of borrowing one from Mr. Aubert, who has since honoured me with his friendly attention, and that his Royal Highness has ordered his watch-maker to take my directions for such a one as might be useful to me another time. On mentioning this circumstance to Prince Caramanico, he immediately said, I might want such a watch before that which was ordered by the Prince of Wales could be ready; and taking out his own, presented it to me in the kindest manner imaginable.

The rumour that I had sunk a considerable sum of money by the adventure was soon circulated, and subscriptions have been opened in several parts of London for my advantage, but with what effect I must not yet presume to judge.

But you will wonder, perhaps, that I should think it necessary on this occasion to become an author. Spurious accounts, and misrepresentations of my excursion, have been published by booksellers of some consideration here. They have been reprehended freely and perhaps severely by my publisher; who is very warm and zealous for my interest; and who suggested to me the plan of revising and publishing my letters to you, as necessary to the reputation of my un
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dertaking; and likely to my conducive to my advantage. He is a man of spirit and judgment in his profession, whose name is already familiar to you and all the world, by his compleat and beautiful edition of the English poets. I have yielded to his advice, and entertain the fullest confidence that under his direction--my enterprize will not be dishonoured. He is now soliciting the attention of the public towards a new edition of Shakspere's works, which, by the elegance of the specimen he has produced, promises to render an author, whose genius is here deemed only short of inspiration, celebrated in all parts of the world, not exempting those where his native language is not understood. Permit me, as a mark of gratitude, to recommend that work, in its infant state, to your protection and encouragement. I have taken the liberty of entering your name as a subscriber, and hope soon to have the pleasure of adding many more by your means.

Most of my time is now taken up with the exhibition of the Balloon, and indeed of myself, for the principal curiosity is to see me, at the Pantheon, which is one of the largest and most splendid rooms in Europe. It is difficult to imagine any thing more pleasing than the solicitude which multitudes of beautiful women express concerning dangers that are past, and the heroism of others who wish to accompany me in my second tour. I receive the compliments and congratulations of two or three thousand persons in a day. You must not wonder if I conceive an opinion of my own consequence and become vain. I have been made an honorary member of the Artillery Company, in whose uniform I accompanied Sir James Wright this morning, to lay before his Majesty a short account of my Excursion.

I was received in the most gracious manner. The King took my account; talked to me about five minutes on 
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the subject of Aerostation; permitted the usual honour of kissing his hand; and I took my leave.

I have led you, my dear friend, through my apprehensions, difficulties and anxieties, to the completion of almost all my wishes respecting the first attempt I made to place myself on the records of fame.

It has been no small assistance to me that I have ever wished not to dishonour your care, advice and friendship; and it heightens every gratification that I can always subjoin,

I am, your sincere and affectionate friend,
VINCENT LUNARDI.


Having wrote several letters, while on my excursion in the atmosphere: I had several inducements to employ myself in that manner. It proved the astonishing evenness and smoothness of the motion; and, by throwing down any information of myself, there was a chance of its falling into the hands of my friends, and relieving their anxiety concerning my safety, and the state of my spirits and mind.

I threw down several to the same effect with the following; one of which was very obligingly conveyed to me by---Carimajor, Esq; who found it, not very far from the mile stone on Northaw Common, while out a shooting. I have collated my own copies written with a pencil; and the following letter is inserted, as an additional proof of the felicity with which I performed the whole voyage
ADDRESSED
To any person or persons who may pick up this letter.

My Dear Friend or Friends.
The anxiety which my acquaintance shewed at my departure, makes it necessary to assure them, that my situation is, at this moment, the happiest of my life.
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The relief of my mind, and the accomplishment of my purpose, which I now see is practicable in all respects, concur with the temperature of the air, and the magnificence of prospect, to sooth and gratify my mind with the highest delight. The thermometer is at 50[degrees]; and I will keep myself in this station till three o'clock, I shall then ascend higher, to try the effect of a different aerial climate, as well as to put my oar to a fair trial.

I beg the person or persons who may take up this letter, to take notice of the time and place, and to convey either the letter or the contents of it to my kind friend and patron, Prince Caramanico, No. 56, in New Bond Street; to Sir Joseph Banks, Soho-Square, or to Doctor Fordyce, Essex-Street, to whom I have many and great obligations, and who may have the goodness to be concerned, if they should soon learn I am cheerful and well.

I am particularly anxious, that the earliest information of me should be given to George Biggin, Esq. Essex Street, the loss of whose company is the only abatement of my present joy; but I hope for that pleasure another time.

My desire to convey some news of me is from an opinion, that my descent may not be effected immediately, or within the distance of forty or fifty miles. In that case I might not be able to convey them any letter or message in time to save them uneasiness on my account. It is now exactly three o'clock, the air has a mildness and sweetness I never experienced, and the view before me is heavenly. Happy England! I see reasons to hail thy peculiar felicity!

Farewell,
VINCENT LUNARDI.

APPENDIX.