This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.
{Transcriber note - identification of italics not required - please see instructions} [[start left-hand column]] [[start clipping 1 of 5]] We understand that Mr. SADLER, the celebrated aëronaut, is now at Cheltenham, and intends ascending from that place in the course of a week or two. He has unquestionably with him one of the largest balloons in the world, by which he proposes crossing St. George's Channel from Ireland, very shortly, and which, we are informed, is capable of carrying 72 persons. ^[[July 1813 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 2 of 5]] The ascent of Mr. Sadler in his balloon, from Cheltenham, is fixed for the 6th of September. He intends to dispatch, when a mile from the earth, a parachute, to show his improvement on that invention. ^[[Aug. 28. 1813 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 3 of 5]] MR. SADLER'S BALLOON. ^[[Sept. 10. 1813 - handwritten in ink]] Cheltenham, September 8. This celebrated Æronaut has for some time past been exhibiting, at Cheltenham, the grand Balloon with which he some time back ascended from Dublin, for the purpose of crossing the St. George's Channel to Liverpool, but at length descended in the sea, without being enabled to pass over, as he had intended. Various times had been mentioned as fixed on for an ascent from Cheltenham. Monday, the 6th of September, was at length determined on by Mr. Sadler, and the Gentlemen who had formed a Committee at this fashionable resort, for aiding him with their patronage, and the place appointed was the New Railway Wharf, near the turnpike, on the Gloucester Road, which contains an area of nearly two acres, surrounded by a high stone wall, and admirably calculated for the reception of the numerous company who might be desirous of being present, and round the part appropriated to the filling of the Balloon were erected seats capable of containing a thousand persons; the tickets for which were distributed at half a guinea each, and five shillings each to such as might choose to enter the area without partaking of a seat. For a week before the day appointed, every chaise, carriage, and horse, for near thirty miles round the country were engaged, and not a bed was left unengaged. The morning of Monday, the 6th, proved, unfortunately, extremely wet and stormy, but before ten o'clock the town of Cheltenham was filled with carriages of every description, loaded with passengers, and the throng of horsemen and pedestrians filled the streets. Every inn and lodging in the place was completely inundated, and thousands were obliged to remain in the streets to abide the peltings of the pitiless storm. At ten, Mr. Sadler informed the Public, by handbills, that the ascension was postponed to Friday, on account of the badness of the weather, which produced so much murmuring and apprehension of mischief, that shortly afterwards it was announced that he would ascend on the following day, at one o'clock. Much of the disappointed company returned home, not being able to procure beds, or even a dinner; and many who remained, passed the night in postchaises and other carriages, while others thought themselves fortunate to procure beds at a guinea each. On Tuesday, the day proving more favourable, but showery, the process of filling the Balloon commenced, attended by an immense concourse of people, though by no means so numerous as on the preceding day. The Balloon, however, was not filled with gas so soon as expected, and in fact was not sufficiently inflated for taking up Mr. Sadler, sen.; accordingly, at half past four, his son, a youth of eighteen, entered the car, and shortly afterwards ascended, amid the acclamations of the spectators, which were calculated, at least, at twenty thousand. He winged his aerial flight with awful grandeur over Clusen Cloud-hill, taking an east north-east direction, and in forty-five minutes disappeared in the clouds. After being lost, and again restored to the sight of the gazing multitude at intervals by the passing clouds, it appears he descended in safety near Chipping Norton, about thirty miles from hence, and has this day, about three o'clock, returned to Cheltenham, making his triumphal entry, with his Balloon and Car, in a carriage drawn by four horses, and escorted by a band of music, welcomed by the warm congratulations of the Public. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 4 of 5]] On Tuesday last, the son of Mr. Sadler, the celebrated auronaut, a youth of 16 years of age, ascended in his father's balloon, at Cheltenham, in the presence of an immense concourse of spectators; and, after a pleasant voyage of one hour and five minutes, landed safe in a field, a short distance from Chipping Norton. ^[[Sept. 10. 1813 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 5 of 5]] CHIPPING NORTON, SEPT. 7. - Sadler is just arrived at Chadlington, about half past six o'clock this evening, about three miles from Chipping Norton, and had a post-chaise and four from the White Hart, to convey him to Oxford. He ascended from Cheltenham about five o'clock in the afternoon of Tuesday, and arrived at the above place about half past six, as I observed before. I have only time to write this scrawl, as the mail is just setting out. The messenger that came for the chaise states, that Sadler and the balloon alighted all safe and well. ^[[Sept. 9. 1813 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[end column]] [[start centre column]] [[start clipping 1 of 3]] MR. SADLER'S ASCENSION AT NOTTINGHAM. ^[[1813 - handwritten in ink]] Nottingham, Nov. 2. The vast population of this town, and the great number of visitants that flocked in, from the distance of one to twenty miles, were yesterday gratified with one of the most graceful and majestic sights which the eye ever beheld, or the imagination can conceive. According to promise, Mr. SADLER caused a flag to be hoisted on the top of St. Mary's lofty tower, early in the forenoon, as a signal of his ascension on that day; and, about eleven o'clock he began to inflate his balloon, which was ready for ascension at a quarter before three; which, being somewhat later than had been proposed, caused almost every heart to palpitate with the fear of disappointment, particulartly when the late failure at Derby was fresh in every one's recollection. The day was unusually fine, considering the season of the year, until about a quarter past two, when a smart shower fell; but without having the effect of driving any one from the ground: - it ceased - the wind fell - the face of Heaven presented an almost cloudless aspect - the balloon rose in a state of majesty, which filled every beholder with astonishment and silent admiration; Mr. SADLER waving his hat and flag as he passed over the crowd, with the most graceful composure. The balloon took a south-eastern direction, and, owing to the favourable state of the weather, it remained in sight forty-six minutes; the longest time which any balloon ever remained in sight from the time of its ascension. After about an hour's voyage the venerable aeronaut descended, about four miles from Stamford, where Lord LONSDALE was out with his hounds, without sustaining the smallest accident. - A Lady furnished him with a coach, which carried him to Grantham, where he slept; and arrived, with a postchaise-and-four, with his car upon it, at twelve o'clock this day, in this town, where he was greeted with the acclamation of thousands, that were anxiously waiting his return. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 2 of 3]] MR. SADLER. - This celebrated äeronaut, whose hazardous attempt to cross the Irish Channel in his balloon, excited so much attention during the last summer, and whose sufferings in that perilous adventure created such universal commiseration, quitted town yesterday, on his way to Dublin, to redeem the pledge which he gave to the inhabitants of that hospitable city, of once more endeavouring to effect that hitherto unequalled äerial journey. It is understood that he will again ascend from the lawn of Mr. C. Beresford's house, near Dublin, from whence he took his former departure. It may be recollected, that both the balloon and car used in his last ascent, were totally destroyed. During the winter and present spring, he has been industriously employed in repairing this loss, and in preparing a new and splendid vehicle, which, in point of size and elegance, exceeds any thing that has hitherto been exhibited. The car is of a truly classic description; and in shape, colour, and decorations, is appropriate to the country from whence our veteran is to commence his lofty career. Mr. S. has but lately recovered from a serious indisposition, and we learn that some of his friends expressed a wish that he should defer his voyage to another period. He was determined, however, to keep faith with his Hibernian friends, and with his son and daughter, has repaired to their friendly shores. ^[[1813 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 3 of 3]] When SADLER ascended with Mr. WYNDHAM, some years ago, from Moulsey Hurst, the balloon took its course towards the North Foreland, and the daring æronaut was anxious to proceed, having provisions for two months. Mr. WYNDHAM vehemently opposed the proposition, and insisted on the machine being lowered. The adventurers were fast approaching the ocean, and SADLER insisted on Mr. WYNDHAM putting on a life-preserver of his own invention. A generous conflict now ensued, there being only one; but SADLER'S importunity at length prevailed, on the assurance that he himself was a dexterous swimmer. The balloon, however, descended on terra firma, and it was a long time ere Mr. WYNDHAM discovered that SADLER, so far from being as expert in the water as in the air, had never in his life ventured out of his depth. ^[[28 June 1814 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[end column]] [[start right-hand column]] [[start clipping 1 of 3]] The sublime ascension of SADLER'S BALLOON will take place from the Gardens of Burlington House, on Friday next, as advertised in all the newspapers, and it may be expected to afford the most magnificent and gratifying spectacle that was ever presented to the eye of man, in celebration of the hapgiest æra of our days. The scientific and intrepid Enterpriser has been sanctioned in his present project by several illustrious characters, whose wisdom and humanity have taken every necessary precaution to prevent the mischief usually attendant on the naturally eager curiosity of the public, by providing a spacious and commodious plot of ground for the preparations and ascension, properly protected and rendered admissable only to the number of persons it will conveniently hold, without depriving the public at large from contemplating so magnificent a scene, which, it may be presumed, will be worthy of the glorious occasion of celebrating the deliverance of Europe, established by the magnaminous perseverance of the British nation. It is calculated that the ground of ascension is spacious enough to contain six thousand persons, but tickets of admission will be issued only for three thousand. The surrounding and adjacent premises and country will afford a perfect view of its rise and progress. The descent may probably be witnessed within the environs of Paris, should the wind blow North East by North, and in that case it would, no doubt, be hailed as the harbinger of a solid peace between the two countries. ^[[July s? 10. 1814 - handwritten in ink]] [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 2 of 3]] SADLER'S BALLOON. ^[[July 15. 1814 - handwritten in ink]] Yesterday afforded one of those exhibitions which is equally calculated to gratify all orders of society. The beauty, the majestic motion, and the spirit of adventure, connected with a balloon, naturally attract the multitude, while men of science may not unworthily admire the skill and science which prepare this singular machine for the command of an element that seems of all others the most incontrollable. Burlington-house was the spot appointed for its display, and the balloon was to have ascended at one o'clock. A considerable number of persons of rank were present about that time, and it was rapidly inflated by means of silk tubes, connected with the brass conductors of the gas vessels. As it swelled, its shape and size became more descernible, and it assumed the form of a pear. The dark and dusky hue of the day prevented the full display which sunshine would have given, and even more decoration might not have been unsuitable; but it was handsomely painted with figures of the cardinal virtues in compartments of columns, the upper part striped with pale orange, and the lower resembling clouds. The vats from which the gas issued were of a large size, probably ten feet high, unremittingly pouring out a stream of vapour in a state which required the constant effusion of cold water to keep the conductors from violent heating. The company, who had by this time increased, were in the course of their inspection interrupted by slight showers, which drove them under the porticos. The Duke of Devonshire at length ordered the doors of Burlington-house to be thrown open for the Ladies of his acquaintance, and the windows were quickly filled. Some inconvenience took place in the court from anxiety to see the process of filling the balloon as it drew towards its close, and a scaffold, carelessly constructed, gave way, with from twenty to thirty persons upon it. However, as it was but a few feet from the ground, this catastrophe produced nothing beyond a general laugh at the sufferers, who were thus suddenly thrown from the best into the worst situation of the assemblage. It now approached three o'clock, and the impatience of the cognoscenti was only to be satisfied by its being announced that the ascent only waited for Duke of York's presence, who was expected, and as it was rumoured, with the Duke of Wellington. At three the filling was completed, and the balloon removed from the angle of the court where the operation was performed to the centre. All the preparations for the transit were now made; grapnels, provisions, flannel wrappers, sand-bags, and mathematical instruments, were crowded together in the bottom of the car, and Mr. Sadler and his son got in. The car itself was a slight contruction of cork and wicker-work, painted with the Royal arms, and with British flags at the ends. The pressure now drew back, and the signal was made for loosening the last cord, which connected them with this nether world. At a quarter past three, the balloon rose, amid shouts from the court, and the immense multitude without, who now for the first time had a view of it. It rose slowly, moving towards the east; it seemed to rest upon the bosom of the air; there was not a breath of wind, and even the loud and tumultuous cry of popular surprise was subdued in the strong curiosity that followed a motion of such calm and stately grandeur. A slight shower fell; a cloud seemed to darken round it; and in a moment after, it was lost to the thousands of eyes that strained after its flight from the streets, and walls, and roofs, throughout the whole extent of London. Exhibitions of this nature can scarcely be lucrative, from the feeble interest attached to all of them that takes place before the balloon rises, and the facility of enjoying all that occurs after it has quitted the ground. The range of Piccadilly, and every house which commanded the court of Burlington-house, were crowded with those who contributed nothing to the emolument of the artist; and when it once towered above the walls, its display was beyond all limit or retraint. There is yet too much ingenuity and perseverance in the person who has undertaken these hazardous experiments, not to make it desirable that his profit should be some recompense for his danger. [[end clipping]] [[start clipping 3 of 3]] Yesterday, Mr. SADLER obtained permission from the Duke of DEVONSHIRE to reascend from Burlington House again on Friday next, when, we understand, a young lady is expected to ascend with [[end clipping]] [[end column]] ^[[169 - handwritten note in pencil in the bottom right of the page]] [[end page]]