Viewing page 231 of 323

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

[[Black and white image - man and hot air balloon trying to keep afloat in the the ocean - small drawings of balloons, parachutes outside frame of main image]]

Engraved by [[illegible]] & [[illegible]] by [[Thurston?]]  [[illegible]]

MAJOR MONY'S PERILOUS SITUATION
When he fell into the Sea July, 23,1785,off the Coast of Yarmouth.

[[?]] Gallery [[?]]
[[end page]]

[[start page]]
[[handwritten poem in ink]]
The Major whom no earthly dame
And he'd tried all, could ever tame
Formed the design to quit the ground
And see what could above be found -
To aid his views, an artist soon
Was found, to make a grand Balloon
By means of which the Major flies
Beyond the ken of common eyes
And taking leave of us poor mortals
In some hours travelling reach'd heav'ns portals
The sentry Angel ask'd his name
Moreover from what orb he came?
"Money" - "from Earth" - our Hero cried,
"Well" the Celestial straight replied,
"I will announce ye" - "but I fear
That you'll gain no admittance here".
His name was then declared in form
Which caused an Empyrean alarm
The Angels all detesting evil
Feared to admit another D...l
And all the bright eyed Cherubims
Who chant eternal songs and hymns,
Instantly joined in warm petition
That he might not obtain admission,
Their suit was heard and leave was giv'n
To drive him from the gates of heav'n
Myriads of Angels very soon
Surround the Aeronauts Balloon,
And when he o'er the Ocean was,
Cut the Balloon and seiz'd the Gas,
Down comes our Hero in a fright
All in the very dead of night!
[[end page]]

[[start page]]
Epigram
On a Dutch Vessel refusing to take up a late Aerial Voyager. ^[[1785]]
Beneath the sun nothing, there's nothing that's new;-
Tho' SOLOMAN said it, the maxim's not true.-
A Dutchman, for instance, was heretofore known,
On lucre intent, and on lucre alone.
MYNHEER is grown honest - retreats from his prey -
Won't pick up e'en § MONEY, though drop'd in his way.

§ Major MONEY, who made the excursion from Norfolk.
[[end page]]

[[start page]]
In July, 1785, Major Money ascended in a balloon of his own construction, which unfortunately burst, and he was precipitated into the German Ocean. For five hours he remained in a situation of imminent suffering and peril, clinging to the wreck of the balloon, by the aid of which he contrived to keep himself floating. He was picked up by the Argus sloop of war, off the coast of Yarmouth.

[[Black and white image of a balloon which has ditched in the sea and its owner trying to keep afloat.]]
Perilous situation of Major Money.

[[end page]]

[[start page]]
Extract of a letter from Swaffham, Sept. 21.
" We have had a great deal of genteel company at our races, and very good sport : the assembly was the fullest that has been known for many years, and was honoured by the presence of some of the best families in the kingdom.
" Lord Orford, Major Money, and some other gentlemen, were present at the ascension of a balloon, which was let go in our marketplace this forenoon. It ascended in a beautiful manner, and directed its course towards Thetford." 
^[[1785]]

^[[159 - handwritten in pencil at the bottom corner of the page]]