I placed a passenger at either end of the car, giving them each a large bag of ballast, with instructions to discharge them the moment I said No. 1 and No. 2. Then imparting a large amount of ascending power to the “Sylph,” I waited as it rolled its huge volume about, until I saw the tops of the trees comparatively unmoved by the wind, instantly I pulled the trigger and up we bounded. A general shriek burst forth, and not without reason, for the upper part of the balloon was struck by a sudden gust and in another second it would have been wrecked among the trees had not the orders to “let fall sand-bags” been splendidly executed; for three of them, my own included, were plumped out simultaneously, and there was a sharp vertical spurt in consequence; this, however, did not altogether clear us, as the lower hemisphere of the “Sylph” caught the yielding boughs, but the silk was well protected by cordage, and the whole passed safely over, eliciting a shout of satisfaction of the true sensational order.
We then bounded upwards with a pendulum-like movement, caused by the car or centre of gravity being disturbed by the collision with the branches; but this soon ceased, and I found that in less than three minutes we were 4000 feet high.
I was glad that Herr Dorn, the director of the gas-works, was with me, as he read the barometer while I took the necessary precautions to allow for rapid expansion, which was taking place fast, owing to the great weight we had lost in order to get over the trees.
When we steadied somewhat, and were moving in a horizontal direction at an average height of about 6000 feet, I raised myself into the ring, and, by a peep into the neck outlet, I felt satisfied that we had sustained no fracture in the envelope, and this fact enabled the passengers to feel pleased and composed, so that our feelings afterwards were of the happiest kind, and when it was found that our descent atCellewas not accompanied with unpleasantness, as our anchorage was effected on a high bough with grass beneath, we had every reason to feel satisfied with our own good fortune and the behaviour of the “Sylph,” which so nobly carried us over the trees and landed us without a scratch.
At Celle we heard from an attaché to the King of Hanover that his majesty had witnessed the ascent, and felt great concern for our safety during those anxious moments when our lives were in jeopardy.
Notwithstanding that difficulty respecting the trees, a second invitation went forth for another ascent on the 5th;but this time all dread, as to a too intimate acquaintance with the poplars, entirely ceased, as the air was in perfect repose; so much so, that it was impossible to decide which way we should go, there being no clouds to judge by, and as to other signs—such as the direction of smoke and pilot balloons—even these were not faithful guides, as they rose straight up and inclined to no fixed course, but wandered between north, south, east, and west, as if totally becalmed in a balmy summer atmosphere.
On being asked what sort of weather it was for aërial travelling, I replied: “Superb! this is even a ladies’ day, when the return toterra firmaneed not cause the crushing of a daisy.”
As the inflation proceeded, I requested it to be intimated that at six o’clock I should commence partial ascents.
Long before that time, the Marieninsel looked gay and inviting, filled with a select company who were attentive to the performances in the Summer Theatre, which forms so delightful a speciality at thealfrescoamusements in Germany.
At the various rows of tables, the ladies sat working, and the fumes of the gentlemen’s cigars rose high in the still air, while the strains of music burst sweetly on the ears of the listeners, who calmly awaited their evening enjoyments, as if nature and art were subdued by oppressive heat, when the sun was declining behind the western foliage.
After the conclusion of the operatic piece, preparations for a captive ascent drew a crowd of visitors to the lawn, and a party of ladies was first formed, the young andhandsome having induced the middle-aged and portly to treat and accompany them in a short tour.
A blue-eyed English girl laughingly remarked: “If the rope were to break, what should we do?”
“You would be transported with delight,” was my answer.
I was about to make some other silly observation, when my assistants let up the balloon, and we were getting a view of the housetops.
Before our little pleasantry had ceased—in which one of the matronly ladies took as lively a part as the British maiden—we found ourselves being drawn down, when a second party was ready, with this difference, that the sexes were equally divided, two gentlemen having each a lady in charge.
Other parties were made up more quickly than they could be accommodated, and altogether we had an hour and a half of this kind of amusement, when the time for my final departure arrived, and the gentlemen, who had for days previously booked their places, came anxiously forward, fearing, as they stated, that the heroic courage displayed by the first occupants of the car might possibly induce the aëronaut to forget the gentlemen, and bear away with him the angels.
This opportune bit of flattery having been accepted, particularly by the ladies who first ascended, I beckoned Herr Stecker and Herr Frischen to join me, and we gently left the island at 7.30 amidst a salvo of guns; and, after rising 600 feet perpendicularly, the “Sylph” was wafted towards the palace, over which we remained suspended for at least half-an-hour.
Afterwards the balloon remained in sight until the descent was made; by that time it had assumed a small, dark, globular form, and was distant fifteen miles from the place of setting out.
After I had repeated these exhibitions, I went to Dresden, and there had the use of the Schutzenhaus Grounds.
On my first appearance, I was honoured by the presence of the Queen of Saxony, and the Royal Family, as also theéliteof Dresden, who were not disloyal, as can well be imagined. Dr. Meisel, my fellow-traveller, had a pleasureable journey near to Oberau, where we landed.
On the 18th of August there was a second ascent when an architect, by the name of Louis Prengel, was captivated into the enjoyments of cloud scenery; this time we alighted near Pilnitz.
It must not be supposed that in this history I have fully described the whole of my ascents; what I have proposed to accomplish, is an outline of the more prominent features of my experience. I have not, therefore, entered into every trip, but have sufficiently traced my movements from year to year, so as to connect my travels from the time of my first ascent to the date of writing my life. The conclusion with further particulars, chiefly scientific, will, it is hoped, be published in a subsequent volume.
Although I had intended to reach Vienna before the close of the season, taking it in regular order, and going next to Prague, yet I found a number of difficulties in Bohemia which induced me to reach Moravia as quickly as possible,in order that I might take Brünn and the Austrian capital before it got too late for the inhabitants to assemble in places of public resort.
In Brünn, some weeks were spent before the necessaryerlaubnitzand other preparations could be made.
At last I could find no better place than the gas-works, and although the yard was not particularly sheltered from general view, still I felt inclined to chance pecuniary success, as a great deal of interest was manifested in the visit, and I was assured that all would go prosperously if I would but make the trial.
I did so on September 22nd, and from the moment the gates were opened there was an uninterrupted stream of visitors, which left my own mind certain that I had not misplaced confidence in those who advised me to speculate with boldness.
At a quarter to six, the “colossal machine,” as the Moravians called the “Sylph,” rose towards the skies, with two gentlemen besides the “air-captain.”
The voyage terminated near the village of Babetz.
Another successful ascent was made from the same spot on October 7th, when Herr Alexander Spindler and Herr Leopold Spitzer were my companions. We let down a large parachute on this occasion, with a dog in the car.
Leaving Brünn I made straightway for Vienna, where I learnt that an exhibition would have to be made in the Prater, and that on no account could I expect to have my balloon in any other spot.
Now the Prater was an excellent park-like ground for a spring or summer gathering, but it was now getting late inOctober, and my only chance was a more suitable locality in the inner town.
Just opposite the Palace was situated the Volks-garten, a fashionable place of resort, well adapted for my purpose.
The lessee of this famous garden was an Italian, and I got a good introduction to him, and proposed that he should have such an interest in our exhibition, as would stimulate him to exertion, that is, to obtain from the authorities permission to proceed.
This course answered, but a fresh obstacle arose as to the gas, there were no pipes large enough to fill the balloon, but owing to the kindness of the gas superintendent, and the readiness on my part to incur a large outlay, we surmounted even this, and my first ascent came off towards the latter end of October 1850.
The Emperor had left Vienna when I was there, otherwise he would have seen the balloon from the palace windows.
Before the upper part of it was seen above the trees, the glacis around the ramparts was filled with thousands of spectators.
In the gardens, were a gaily attired assemblage of military officers, civilians, ladies, and children, so pleasingly blended as to costume and appearance, that an Englishman could not fail to be struck with the scene.
The applicant for a lofty view of Vienna was neither an illustrious warrior, nor a robust citizen, but a fair young lady whose parents were of respectable position, and who had persuaded her papa to visit me at my hotel, and secure the first seat for his daughter.
The father, an amiable, sensitive man, was averse himself, as he candidly stated, to his child going up, “but,” as he said with affectionate emphasis, “she has been a good and dutiful daughter, and this, the fixed idea of her life, must not be thwarted.”
Several hours before the stated time, a rumour gained ground, that the lovely Fraülein was about to become the observed one at the Volks-garten.
I fully expected that the young lady’s entrance to the car would be the signal for a host of gallant fellows to step forward and beg the privilege of a seat with so beautiful a creature, but no one stood forth, and I felt almost certain of having the honours entirely to myself, when a tug at my coat from some one outside the car caused me to look behind.
I there beheld a young man looking pale and perplexed, who wanted to know what the fee was for ascending. If my memory serves me right, I mentioned a high price as I was annoyed with this candidate for not presenting himself sooner.
The premium, however, did not deter the gentleman from getting in by my side, and no sooner was he safely seated than I liberated the “Sylph,” when loud and hearty were the hurrahs, and numerous the raised hats and waving handkerchiefs in honour of the fair voyager.
Our course was directly over St. Stephen’s lofty tower, which is much higher than St. Paul’s Cathedral, but which soon looked diminutive beneath us.
The lady, when I invited her to do so, was most observant, but the gentleman regarded with indifference the openingpanorama, while I could not but notice that his attention was engrossed by the Fraülein, and indeed to such an extent that I proposed he should sit by her side so as to relieve her from glances so direct and full of meaning.
The gentleman assented readily to my proposition, and sprang so quickly from my side to that of the young lady, as fairly—or rather unfairly—to make the car spring again.
When we had passed over the city and were drifting down the Danube, I called upon my passengers to observe a fine view towards the East, the young lady already had her eyes directed that way, but the gentleman never once looked down, but continued to direct an admiring glance towards the Fraülein’s features, exclaiming all the while, “Beautiful, beautiful,” by which I very naturally inferred that he did not mean the distant landscape, but the pleasing form so near to him in a cloudless sky.
Now when we lost the busy hum of the capital and traversed a country route, I proposed the Fraülein’s health, and, to do the gentleman credit, he complied with alacrity to the suggestion and offered to do the honours to a bottle of my own champagne, but before the cork was set at liberty, a neat basket was uplifted by the young lady and in a moment some delicious cakes and a bottle of Hungarian wine diverted our gaze, and what to do the gentleman knew not. He inclined, however, to the fair one’s wine; indeed, we both patronized the refreshing draught, which was sweet and unexpected.
The Fraülein on her part was kind enough to say something pretty about me and my kindness, but the gentlemannever said Hoch! and I believe he wished he could have managed the balloon himself and dispensed with my services. However, though we had high words, we did not fall out, but returned to terra-firma capital friends, and so considerate was I of the heroine’s personal comfort, that immediately on landing in a grass field, I begged the gentleman to fetch a conveyance, and talked to her myself until he returned; I then begged of him to convey the Fraülein to the nearest hotel while I emptied the balloon, promising to join them by the time coffee would be served at Kaiser-Ebersdorf where we descended. There is only one other point connected with this event, which it is absolutely necessary to mention, and that is, that about six months after this aërial excursion, my two companions were united in the bonds of matrimony, and that on hearing of this, I understood most fully why it was that the gentleman was heedless of terrestrial objects, and so remarkably observant of heavenly.
After this admirable and romantic commencement in the Austrian capital, my prospects for a continuance of good fortune was as bright as could well be wished. The papers and the public were as busy as possible about the adventure, and wondering who would go up next; when I received an intimation that the authorities would not permit another ascent so close to the palace, as the collection of an immense mass of people on the glacis must not be repeated—the Emperor having returned—but that His Majesty wished that I would ascend during the next spring from the Prater.
The order of the day was, of course, ready compliance,but the cost to me was great, although the first attempt had brought in a handsome return, and but for this prohibition I might have realized another goodly sum.
I now decided upon returning to Berlin for the winter; but it was difficult to get away, as the principal railroad was monopolized daily by the Austrian soldiery, who at that time were about to demonstrate their forces in front of the Prussians, without, however, coming to those heavy blows which have been exchanged since, in battles fought on the very ground I have travelled over in my balloon.
In the spring of 1851, instead of going home to see the Great Exhibition, I followed up my advantages in Germany and recommenced in Berlin, where I again made several ascents. The most extraordinary as far as danger went, was one from the Schutzenhaus in April.
There was a Prussian labourer who became my inveterate enemy, because I had engaged him as a right-hand man, and had discharged him afterwards for bad conduct. From urgent intercession I had taken him on again for a fresh trial, and although I never liked the look of the fellow, yet somehow he cajoled me, and being very handy and ingenious, I suffered those unfailing first warnings to go by unheeded.
On a splendid evening I ascended in company with Mr. Lacy, Mr. Accum, and Herr Henkel.
When we reached an elevation of about 3000 feet, it became expedient to open the valve; on pulling the cord, one of the top shutters broke and remained open, leaving an area for escape of twenty-six inches by twelve, which allowed so large a volume to pass out thata rapid descent commenced, which all our ballast could not check.
I lost no time in doing everything that was possible for our safety, but the escape of sustaining power became so great that one-half of the “Sylph” was deprived of gas; the result being, that our fall was so rapid and perilous, that nothing short of a favourable open spot saved us from broken bones. Fortunately, in one respect, we came down in a well cultivated garden, and the car coming on to a fruit tree the shock was lessened, so that none of us were hurt.
It came out afterwards, that this scoundrel was seen to tamper with, and indeed partially sever the connecting lines of the valve, by which diabolical act we might all have lost our lives.
The next noteworthy voyage was from Berlin into East Prussia, in the direction of Dantzig; a run of nearly 200 miles in about five hours, characterized this truly pleasurable tour.
I had with me Herr Hildebrandt, artist to the King of Prussia, and Herr Henkel.
After we had been up twenty minutes, we came within view of the river Oder. “So soon,” exclaimed Hildebrandt, “why it is twenty-five English miles from the city, we must be travelling at railway speed.”
“Yes, we are, and a great deal faster than railway speed in Germany.” Although the wind was strong, there was no perceptible motion in the car. A stream of murky-looking cloud was drifting along towards the Baltic, and fine moist mist frequently surrounded us as we dipped into the vapour, but the barometer showed that it was more than1600 feet thick, as we occasionally varied that much in altitude without emerging into sunlight, or within view of the earth.
After we had been up two hours I let out some gas, to see if any of the villages or landmarks would present a familiar aspect to either of the voyagers; but they confessed to having passed beyond any place they were acquainted with.
As we had far exceeded the ordinary limits of a public trip, I proposed that we should go on all the time we could see land in advance.
By and bye, darkness set in apace, and we could just discern—towards the north-west—a line of coast to the left of our apparent route. From what we could make out of the land, it was not highly cultivated or thickly populated.
There was a residence ahead which it was desirable to approach, and I lowered with that intention.
Our landing was rough but secure, and we were brought up in a hedge surrounding a sort of common, with a house distant a mile or so, having lights in the windows.
When the gas was let off by our united aid, we steered for the house, leaving the balloon on the ground until we could get assistance.
In proceeding up a cross country lane, no inhabitant of the wild strange place was met, and we were anxious to ascertain where we were, and how far we had travelled. Not until the iron gates of a baronial-looking seat came in view, did we hear voices.
Neither our questions, bearing, nor manner were pleasingto the gate-keepers; they evidently regarded us with suspicion; and when we stated that we came from the clouds in a balloon, and had left Berlin that afternoon, our story created doubt and caution.
“If you will take my card to the Baron,” said Herr Hildebrandt, “I daresay we shall be admitted to his presence.”
The card was sent up, and the Baron himself came down, but further explanation was required before the gates were widely opened. I happened to have the Berlin “National Zeitung” in my pocket, of that day’s impression, which could not have reached the neighbourhood by the time we arrived.
“But where is your balloon?” enquired the Baron, “I have not seen or heard of it.”
“We not long since descended on a barren waste of land some half hour since.”
“Enter gentlemen, and I will call together a number of the household and assist you to recover the balloon and bring it up to the Hall.”
Lanterns were at once procured, a couple of horses with a cart put to, and, with half-a-dozen followers, the Baron and ourselves repaired to the common; but alas! all was blank and desolate.
The difficulty of finding the balloon then presented itself to our minds, and we looked like the veriest impostors when we were rather sharply interrogated as to where the property was situated.
As the only hope of finding it was by catching the disagreeable odour of the gas, I volunteered myself to goforth like a hound and endeavour to find it by the assistance of the nasal organ.
I was wandering almost in despair when I caught the aroma, or whatever else one may style it, and cried out lustily, “Here it is.” The searching party came up in a trot, and when once the Baron ascertained the truthfulness of our statements, he shook hands warmly and escorted us to the Hall, where we were treated with every kindness, and had beds provided, and a carriage in the morning, until we came to a place where extra post was to be met with.
Several other ascents were made in Berlin before I left, but being anxious to visit Prague I made the best of my way thither while the summer was yet in its prime, and after exhibiting the “Sylph” first of all partially filled with atmospheric air I then arranged an ascent, and having in that town a good friend in the person of Herr Leonhart, a gentleman very fond of aërostation who had ascended with me before, all went swimmingly, and my first appearance before a Bohemian assemblage was made on the 13th of July, when we ascended and travelled forty miles in two hours.
Two or three other ascents took place in Prague before I left, but on reaching Vienna I was taken ill, and before I recovered it became too late to avail myself of the Emperor’s hint to visit the Prater.
My next movements were directed to Leipsig, where I intended to do business during the great October fair.
My reputation, such as it was, preceded me, for I found the newspapers already welcoming my arrival, and speakingof my numerous ascents in Germany in a liberal and encouraging tone.
The gas-works’ yard was again the only available place to get the balloon filled in quickly.
Leipsig, after the business fair, wears a very animated appearance. About 80,000 strangers visited the town at this time, and everything good and legitimate in the way of art and science is sure to meet with its reward.
The date of my first experiment at the gas-works was September 28th. Dr. v. Keller, an inhabitant of the town, and a scientific man, was my first patron; he wrote an excellent account of what he saw and felt, in one of the local newspapers, and this had the effect of causing others to ascend in the several journeys I made afterwards.
On the second occasion, Dr. William Hamm joined me, and subsequently Herr Andra, Herr Flinsch, and Herr Gerber, were passengers.
Before I left, an amusing novelty came off at the Great Hall, in the shape of a balloon concert.
The “Sylph” was about two-thirds inflated with a wind machine in the centre of the Hall, and a regular band, headed by myself, entered through the neck valve, one by one, and then played a number of tunes to the delight of a large company.
This was my last undertaking in the year 1851, after which, in order to comply with the earnest wishes of my wife, whose health was delicate, and who craved for Old England, I bade adieu to Germany, and resolved to pursue ballooning in the country of my birth, notwithstanding the discouraging taunts of a few of my relations.
The votaries of ballooning, like the followers of any other pursuit, have their mutual jealousies. The renowned Mr. C. Green was, at the above date, gradually relinquishing aëronautic duties. Age was steadily creeping upon the veteran, and ambition was prompting one or two others to prove themselves competitors and scientific successors. Lieutenant Gale had lost his life after ascending from Bordeaux, and his patron, Mr. Goulston, had determined to follow aërostation enthusiastically. This latter gentleman was not what the public would style a mere professional balloonist, but an aspirant, who was well to do in the world as a floor-cloth manufacturer. On returning from the continent, I gave Mr. Goulston a friendly call, as we had more than once been up together, and much enjoyed a chat about our favourite study. I then learnt that it was his intention to make ascents from Cremorne Gardens, as well as other places, and that the probability being that I should go abroad again, he imagined that we should not oppose each other.
I distinctly remember objecting to this idea as to my own movements, stating as a reason that I had myself some tempting offers to ascend in and about the Metropolis. I promised, moreover, if he was determined to take the West, that I would try my fortune in the East of London.
Mr. Goulston was the proprietor of the balloon “La Normandie,” and he had just built a new one of smaller capacity, which was about to make its maiden ascentin the forthcoming Whitsun holidays, from Belle Vue Gardens, Manchester.
Strange to say, the very first attempt proved fatal. Mr. Goulston, who ascended in a strong wind was dashed against some stone walls, and lost his life.
He had, it appeared, a very imperfect grapnel for stopping the balloon, but whether he attempted to get out of the car, or not, could hardly be ascertained, although he was known to have determined upon some scheme by which he thought it possible to let the balloon go to the mercy of the wind, whilst endeavouring to save himself by springing from the car.
This untoward beginning was the means of bringing the ill-fated balloon into my notice very shortly after this sad event.
Mr. Goulston had engaged to use it at Cremorne Gardens; intimations of an intended ascent had been published in the newspapers, and I was immediately applied to for an ascent with my own balloon in the place of Mr. Goulston who was killed.
Mr. Simpson, the lessee, then informed me that Mrs. Goulston had applied to him to purchase the balloons, but he would be glad to have my judgement as to the value and construction of the smaller balloon, in which the aëronaut had lost his life.
On examination, I found it to be of good make and material, and when I was asked if I would ascend in it, I unhesitatingly replied: “Certainly, provided I use my own grapnel and ropes.”
After I had made a few trips with it, the accident couldno longer be attributed to imperfections in the aërial machine, and it was purchased by Mr. Simpson, and named the “Prince of Wales.” It thus happened, most unexpectedly on my part, that the West-end gardens, as well as those in the East, were at my command.
Having overcome the objection, which owing to family scruples I had formerly felt, to appear professionally in England, I made up my mind, that having once done so, I would go ahead, and make as many ascents as possible during the season of 1852.
Although it was the year after the Exhibition, and there was not much to be done, as my good advisers supposed, yet I resolved to show that it was possible to make more ascents in one year, than had been made by several aëronauts, during the past three or four seasons.
I made arrangements, therefore, to ascend from the New Globe Gardens, Mile End Road, not far from the site of the People’s Palace, also from the Eagle Establishment, City Road, and from the new grounds, which had just been started at North Woolwich, under the name of the Pavilion Gardens.
What with Cremorne and the above named localities, I ascended three or four times in a week, and at the termination of 1852, added thirty-six voyages to my former ascents, which dated in rapid succession from my first as an amateur in the year 1844.
There was one peculiarity about the ballooning at North Woolwich, which caused a fund of amusement on the Thames and the garden esplanade; this consisted in crossing over from the gas-works at Woolwich, the carbeing fastened in a ferry boat with a steam-tug ahead, which towed the balloon across the river to the Pavilion Gardens.
On one occasion I was engaged somewhere else, when the directors particularly wanted an ascent. I recommended an aëronaut with whom I had long been acquainted, and the way he acknowledged my kindness was by finding fault with the manner I moved my balloon, offering at the same time to show the real and scientific style of doing it properly. But this aëronaut lost his balloon in the attempt, it bounded away out of control, burst in the air, and came down a wreck.
My concluding ascents in 1852 took place at Glasgow. Mr. Maxwell, mycompagnon de voyageon the second ascension on October 14th 1852, confirms the account descriptive of our own feelings, and which is a very fair representation of other people’s when they go up in a balloon. A few extracts will be useful, as they apply generally to the subject.
“Before taking a seat in the car for the first time, imagination is busy picturing the scenes and sensations which belong to an aërial voyage. However great one’s courage may be, there are always little fears as to personal safety, and it is owing to this feeling before starting, that the first great impression is made on the mind, when the traveller finds, on rising, that the transition is not accompanied by any of those disagreeable emotions which most persons are apt to connect with that mode of travelling. As the balloon leaves the ground, two-fold astonishment seizes the mind, first—as to the vastness and splendour of the view, secondly—that the effect produced in lookingdown is not what would be supposed, judging from lofty surveys on the tops of high buildings, in fact, fear is lost in admiration, and there is a joyous consciousness of safety, which favours calm observation.
“The earth presented to our view an immense concave surface, that part immediately beneath being the deepest, this variegated picture may be compared to a map. A certain degree of confusion, however, attends one’s early efforts to recognise particular localities, and here it was that the aëronaut surprised me by the facility with which he pointed out the leading features of Glasgow, although they were new to him.
“First he directed attention to the Clyde, pointing out the different ship-building yards, and mentioning the names of the proprietors. Anon he took me round the squares, along the streets, up to the railway station, and off to the distant country. I was bold enough to inquire how it was Mr. C—— was enabled to trace Glasgow and its surroundings with such accuracy, having made only one ascent previously. ‘I will tell you,’ he replied, ‘I always make it my business before ascending, to acquire every possible information as to a strange locality, much is to be obtained from local maps, &c., but more from personal observations as to public buildings, thoroughfares, roads, and other conspicuous objects, which once seen, familiarise themselves again in the bird’s-eye view, and thereby lead to detection.’
“So model-like and regular was the face of the city, that it was difficult to reconcile the belief that there, beneath, lay the thrifty, solid-built, populous port of Glasgow.
“A view from on high is certainly a great leveller of human distinction—the contrast of a splendid residence with a humble dwelling is not very great when viewed from the range of the clouds, nor do lofty spires, hallowed walls, or public monuments, command, however much they deserve, that respect which they are accustomed to receive below. Everything is reduced to the smallest possible dimensions, preserving, notwithstanding, distinctness of form and outline.”
We descended at the village of Cryston; Robert Kaye, Esq., of Mill Brae, was present, rendering material assistance, and invited us to take refreshment at his house.
In a third trip from Glasgow, in which Mr. Maxwell again accompanied me, Duncan McIntyre was initiated into the enjoyments of ballooning; a few extracts of his own version of the scene will sufficiently bring it within view.
“After having witnessed the ascents made by Mr. H. Coxwell on the 9th and 13th of October, I had no hesitation in making arrangements for a trip with him on the 18th instant.
“Almost immediately on leaving, the aëronaut commenced a most entertaining lecture on aërostation, and described graphically, the beautiful scene which gradually opened out to our view.
“The tortuous winding of the Clutha, appeared like a small rivulet, dotted here and there with Liliputian steamers. Dumbarton with its ship-building yards and ancient Castle-Greenock, in the distance, with its forest of shipping, were all seen to great advantage, although on the same dwarfish scale. On ascending still higher, the country, to my inexperiencedeye, assumed a somewhat concave appearance, reminding me of the plains of South America, and for miles there was not apparently an eminence of a foot high; but this deceitful appearance was fully explained by our enterprising captain, who pointed out many places and informed us of their height.
“Near to Garscube bridge, Mr. Maxwell left the car, as we wished to go much higher than we had been, and this time the captain took a variety of observations with his instruments, by which he told me of the degrees of cold, and our height in feet, a few of which I put down in my pocket book; for instance, just before we entered a cloud, though I had not observed it overhead, I was requested to button up my coat, as the thermometer had fallen fourteen degrees, and we were three-quarters of a mile high, and in another minute we should enter a cloud, and there it would be ten degrees colder still. I remember he said we were then more than a mile high.
“Our descent was made in a masterly style about half a mile west of Milngaire. It is worthy of remark that this is the same field in which Mr. Sadler, twenty-nine years ago, made his descent, and still more remarkable, it was the same man who caught the rope of Mr. Sadler’s balloon, who performed a similar service for us.”
After the three ascents already recorded, I made one more in conclusion, and it is no vain exaggeration to assert, that my first season in London, besides my numerous ascents previously as an amateur, did actually comprise a greater number of trips than any three balloonists had made, even in the preceding exhibition year.
During the summer months I maintained the interest in aërostatics by numerous voyages, and although they did not exceed twenty-two in number, still they furnished fresh experiences, and enabled me to take up more than fifty passengers.
One of the most remarkable was an ascent from the New Globe Pleasure Grounds, Mile End Road. The date fixed for the fête was October 16th, but it was a wet and windy morning, which caused postponement notices to be got out, but no sooner were they delivered into the hands of the bill-sticker and his assistants, than a gleam of sunshine shot forth, and the drift of the clouds betokened a favourable break, while a low, but steady, barometer, together with a slight shift in the wind, induced all parties interested to suspend movements until a consultation had been held, as to what was to be the order of the day. The workmen were at their posts ready to proceed, the foreman of the gas-works was awaiting the word to turn on. My own assistant stood by the balloon, anxious to unfold at a moment’s notice.
In the Board Room were myself, the gas-engineer, and the proprietor of the gardens in earnest discussion, as to whether or not it was too late to fill the balloon. Extra pressure was promised, and a little pressure of another sort was put on me, so that the decision was to proceed.
Biscuits and a hasty glass of sherry were served, when out we all sallied into the grounds, which were now steaming from the rarefaction caused by the sun, whichhad burst forth with an unmistakable intention of shining uninterruptedly until sunset.
I having raised my hand to go on, the “Sylph” was brought forth, the tube was connected with all available speed, and in less than an hour we presented a bold aspect; it quickly buzzed abroad that the balloon was filling, and that, despite rain and wind, the ascent would be made. The bills, of course, were not posted.
When six o’clock struck, and several watches were examined, numerous were the shakes of the heads as to the state of the balloon; it was not more than half full, and as it rolled and flopped about in the high wind, everyone saw that it was not in a fit state to ascend, and less still, to offer a compact resistance to the freshening gusts. Another half hour’s flow turned the tide in its favour, and produced the required ascending power, but there was nothing to spare, and when I let go the last connecting cord, a violent puff of wind caught the balloon sideways, driving it rather down than up, and although two bags of sand were discharged, it still dashed along at a frightful pace, when every beholder saw that a stack of chimnies and the car must inevitably clash; and so they did—but I had thrown myself into position just previous to the moment of contact, and, although the bricks and mortar were hurled downwards, the “Sylph” shot clear away and mounted gaily to an immense elevation, so that by the time I was over the Houses of Parliament, the wind being east, I found my barometer had fallen five inches, and that temperature had decreased just nineteen degrees, by which I knew that I should continue an upward movement for atleast another six thousand feet, owing to the space left for expansion, unless I confined the balloon to the same level by the use of the valve. As I had no object in going very high, I attempted with the cord a slight check, but neither the customary pull nor an extra tug would open the valve. It then struck me that in the hurry of making a beginning my assistant had allowed a fold to form itself in the silk, which prevented the valve-shutters from opening, on looking up through the neck internally, I observed that this was the case, so I determined to allow the balloon to rise and come down without any interference on my part, but in so doing I had to go nearly as far as Basingstoke, before a downward inclination took place.
Soon after the first dip, I noticed a splendid meteor, which was below the level of the car, and apparently about six hundred feet distant—it was blue and yellow, moving rapidly in a north-easterly direction and became extinguished without noise or sparks.
It is just possible that the apparent closeness of this meteor was illusory, and that the real distance was very many miles; its size was half that of the moon, and I could not but feel that if such another visitor were to cross my path, the end of the “Sylph” and its master would be at hand.
The range of temperature was 35°, it being 54° at starting, and 19° at the greatest elevation, viz, two and a half miles.
The car touched the earth soon after 8 o’clock, but it was dark, and no signs of habitation were at hand; I shouted lustily to see if any labourers were within hail, but no oneappeared to hear me, or see the balloon. Being quite out of my latitude and longitude, I was naturally curious to ascertain my whereabouts.
I resolved upon a last effort, and having charged my lungs fully I cried out “Air balloon,” some half-dozen times, but getting no encouragement by a response I made up my mind to settle down in the car, and do the best I could to procure rest.
But there were matters requiring immediate attention and of greater importance than sleep, the first was the reduction of the “Sylph” in point of bulk; now it is not exactly an easy matter to get all the gas out of a balloon single-handed; when the valve drops to the ground the gas will not escape unless it is pressed out by men holding down the network, and, as I had no such assistance, I got thus far and no farther; the wind, however, had abated, so that my silken companion presented very much the appearance of a whale.
I drew some part of the loose folds over the car, and then remembered the kind attention of Mr. Gardner, the lessee of the Gardens, who always made up for me something to comfort the inner man before I ascended. This time there was a beef sandwich with a liberal supply of mustard and pepper, but it was not too hot, nor was the pocket pistol, containing brown brandy and water, at all dangerous, for it was rather needed, the cold weather aloft having chilled one somewhat; whilst good Mr. Gardner’s basket, and its truly acceptable contents, produced a glow of gratitude which prompted me, the moment I had unscrewed the flask, to drink to his long life and happiness.I did so twice, and after having taxed the reserve sandwich I felt myself a fresher and more thoughtful man.
The next question was, whether it would be well to turn in where I was for the night, or strike out by the nearest road for assistance.
There would be no harm, I thought, in taking a short reconnoitre as far as the boundaries of the field I was in possession of; it being dark, I could only by close inspection ascertain how the ground lay.
At the further extremity I came upon a gate and a bye lane; now if I pursued this, wouldn’t it lead to a farm house? And if I placed a stone, or, as I did, a chalk and flint opposite the gate in the centre of the lane, shouldn’t I be able to see it on my return?
The argument was conclusive, I struck out in a sanguine spirit, and after a quarter of an hour’s cautious walking came to a farm with a light in one window; bravo! there was a yard wall surrounding the premises, but the stile was visible, and I mounted step after step, determined to knock or ring them up.
But gracious goodness! what dark object was that springing at my throat with a fierce growl?
A bounding, unchained, Newfoundland dog had never entered my dreams.
I confess to being both surprised and alarmed, and to having beat, or attempted to do so, one of the most expeditious retreats on record. If recollection serves me correctly I fairly bolted, but whether I stopped before the flint stone tripped me up or not I cannot say.
Halting at the outside of the gate, and seizing the bigflint in my right hand, I breathed more freely, and was not displeased when I ascertained that I had no followers.
Having satisfied myself that the balloon was more quiet than the hound, discretion preached an out-door discourse as to being the better part of valour, and I assented by making up my mind to experimentalise with sleep. A ballast bag or two were now filled with hedge-row gatherings to be used as pillows.
I stretched myself nearly at full length in the car and went earnestly in for a doze. I believe, too, that the first stage of it was duly entered upon, when voices in the distance were indistinctly heard through the wicker-work.
I sprang up, casting aside the curtains of oiled silk, and listened attentively. Yes, there were men in the next field, they had doubtless seen and followed the balloon; to welcome them would be most expedient.
“Hallo there! here I am and the balloon as well.”
No sooner had I delivered this piece of information than I heard a voice say, “Hush!” Receding footsteps in an irregular stampede followed, and I was left in wonderment as to what it all meant.
I came to the conclusion that a gang of poachers were in the neighbourhood, and that I had disturbed their operations at the very outset.
After shouting again and again, I heard no more of the strange voices or footsteps; I determined upon again sallying forth, but this time in the opposite direction, when I armed myself with the liberating iron, a powerful weapon, and, if used dexterously, far more to be dreaded than a policeman’s truncheon.
Having again deposited another white stone in the lane opposite the gate, I walked for at least a mile, when I came to a village green having a pond at one side and cottages in the distance.
It had struck eleven o’clock when I heard some men approaching, and although they were not exactly steady still I was glad to meet with anyone for information’s sake, and for assistance in the packing up.
“Here my man, be good enough to inform me what place this is, I am a stranger and require assistance.”
“But you surely know where you are?”
“No, the fact is I’ve just popped down here in a balloon, and I require help.”
“Oh, that’s it; well, if you go to the ‘Red Lion’ down the street I daresay you’ll get what you want; the landlord is a retired fighting man, and he’ll put you to rights in no time.”
While I was in the act of laughing, my suspicious adviser moved off in an evident state of doubt and alarm, so I pressed forward down the street, and was glad to hear the measured steps of a policeman.
As he appeared I thus accosted him:—
“Officer, I am glad to have met you, being a stranger and not knowing whatcountyI am in. I have just——.”
The bull’s eye was immediately turned, and my liberating iron scanned, when the policeman backed a step or two and said, “Oh, you don’t know what county you’re in, don’t ye. Well, I should think you know the county gaol pretty well.”
Whether it was the provoking way in which I burst outlaughing, or my close resemblance to some criminal character, I cannot say, but the officer drew himself together as if he were about to encounter a robber, and before I could speak with becoming gravity he held up his lantern and assured me that if I did not immediately move off out of the village he should take me to the station house.
“That’s just where I am going either with or without you as an escort,” I said; “but mind what you are about officer, the fact is, I have descended in a balloon not far from here this evening, and I have come for assistance. Which, pray, is the ‘Red Lion’?”
“I thought,” rejoined the policeman, “You didn’t know what county you were in; we had quite enough of you fellows a fortnight ago, and if you hang about here I shall take you into custody.”
“Do so at your peril,” I cried, holding up my iron defiantly.
The officer continued his beat as if he were perplexed as to my business in that part of the country; I observed that he kept his eye upon me, and turned round occasionally as he went up the street.
I failed to obtain an entrance into the “Red Lion,” nor did I see anyone to ask where the station house was, and as the persons met with appeared semi-savages, I became anxious about the balloon, and decided upon going back and having a parting word with the policeman.
That official, however, was not to be seen, he had either gone further on the road, or he was watching me from some unseen place.
On recognizing the stone, and regaining the field, sleep was once more sought, and this time successfully.
I did not awake until voices were faintly heard in the morning.
I then peeped from my cage, and found that farm labourers were going to work.
Feeling assured that they would pass the gate, notice the stone, and then the balloon, I remained quiet, but could clearly discern the men as they came to a dead halt, as if paralyzed with astonishment at the strange appearance in the field.
“What be that Jim?” said the foremost man with one leg raised on the gate.
“Dang’d if I know,” said another, “either the owld’un or sum’mut alive.”
“Let’s over and see lads.”
As the men approached the balloon their cautious movements and general expression betokened fear.
When they first reached the car, I threw aside my covering, anxious to convince them without further doubt, what it was they were gazing upon.
Whether or not I was too energetic, and sprang up like Jack in the box, I cannot say, but the moment their eyes rested upon me they fled in dismay.
I followed after them, urging that “it was only a balloon,” but the affrighted ones jumped through a hedge-gap, and it was not until they had drawn up on the other side, as if ashamed of their fear, that they listened to what I had to say, and on regaining self-possession they went back and examined for themselves; after gettingreassured they conducted me to their master, who invited me to breakfast.
While we were finishing our coffee, the farmer continually apologized for the rude behaviour of his men, who were not at all polite.
Master Hector, the dog, kept eying and pawing me as if he would be rough, but for the presence of the farmer.
After breakfast we drove over to Basingstoke, and called at the “Red Lion” on our road to the railway station.
The landlord had heard a knocking the previous night, and had been warned by the policeman of a dangerous-looking fellow being about, with a house-breaker’s implement in his possession ready for use.
I showed him the liberating iron and explained its application, and who I was, &c., when the ex-pugilist was much amused, and informed me why the villagers were so cautious about strangers.
A fortnight previously, I learnt, several of the shops had been robbed by a gang of London thieves, and most of them, as well as the police, were apprehensive of a second visitation.
“Another thing,” said the burly landlord, “You must please not forget that you have come among the Hampshire hogs, and that a grunt or two is all in character.”
On putting me down at the railway station the farmer expressed his regret that he had not heard my call when I descended, and that the persons I sought information from were so unfriendly.
I told him that I had frequently met with almost similarreceptions, and that the treatment I had received was owing to the balloon not having been seen in the air.
As the story of my life represents thoughts and acts in childhood, youth, and early experience, I have now to account for a break in the narrative, which must leave off while barely touching the year 1853. As there yet remains five and thirty years of my career to describe it follows that I cannot do so in the present volume, which, to be candid, owes its appearance to a circumstance which requires mentioning.
I had supplied my publishers with an article on Military Ballooning for one of their magazines. This led to the question whether or not the matter would lend itself to expansion for a small book, and as Military and Meteorological Ballooning had revived in Paris, I expressed myself ready to allude to the current topics of the day, and further stated that I had written part of my life. It was then decided to connect the two; but there is this striking contrast between the narrative and the more matured remarks which are added, viz, that the former gives faithfully the buoyant allusions to my early ascents in a gossiping, anecdotal strain, whereas the following chapters are the more matured opinions of later years.
I have noticed hitherto that ballooning best commends itself to general readers when amusement is blended with instruction, and especially if the scientific and practical part is introduced incidentally, so as to avoid abstruse treatment and long calculations.
I must ask the reader’s indulgence to recollect that thewriter was born in 1819 (I ought perhaps, with becoming loyalty, to add that considering this is the era of Her Majesty’s Jubilee, I had thehonourof being born in that year). An apology is perhaps therefore due for a mixed composition, and for the writer’s boyish views in the earlier part, although it may not be unreasonably presumed that as I have seen some service in trying to advance Aëronautic Science and Military Ballooning, the latter remarks may have more value.
I may add that in a succeeding Volume my autobiography will be continued and concluded.