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[[page 10 of "Balloon. An Authentic Account of The Aerial Voyage of Messrs. Sadler and Clayfield..." 2nd ed.]]

10

  At ten minutes past four o'clock, being desirous of nearing the coast, threw out everything that could be parted with, including a great-coat, a valuable barometer and thermometer, a speaking-trumpet, the grapling iron,--and even part of the interior covering the Car,--in the hope of reaching the main land about Barnstaple; but, owing to the exhaustion of the gas, the Balloon would not rise sufficiently to clear the high cliffs of Watermouth, near Combe-Martin. 

  The balloon still descending, met with a new current of air from the land which impelled it again towards the open channel; when seeing no prospect, but of contending with the sea, the Life Preservers were secured by the Aeronauts. A few minutes afterwards, the Car, with violent agitation, came in contact with the waves, about four miles from the shore. 

  At this critical moment, their perilous situation was described, from the Clifts of Lymouth, by Mr. Russcombe Poole, of Bridgewater, Mr. Sanford, of Ninehead, the Rev. Mr. Rowe, and some other Gentlemen, whose zealous and well-directed efforts, did them great credit. A well manned boat was immediately dispatched to their assistance, which when first discovered by the Aeronauts, was considered to be a bird floating on the