CHAPTER XXXVI.
Sun set at 34 Minutes past VI.
Section 203. THE Sun set at 34 Minutes past VI. and, tho’ it was then near that Time, the Post-Chaise was not arrived.
204. On Enquiry for a dry smooth Meadow, he was recommended to proceed a little farther, to a Place on the Road within three Miles of Warrington.
205. Having by this Time gratified the Curiosity of the Country in admitting Boys and Girls to the Age of six or seven Years, into the Car; and being arrived after Sun-set at the Place appointed, viz. Milton’s Croft-Green; he ordered the Balloon to be laid on its Side along the Ground: having removed the Car, and opened the Mouth; the inflammable Air or Gass, was soon pressed out by Means of a long Pole rolled across it by two Men, standing one at each End of the Pole: beginning at the Top or upper Valve, which was held down close to the Ground; and ending at the Mouth or Neck.
It was then rolled up, put into the Car; and the whole Apparatus placed on the Top of the Chaise which arrived the Moment wanted.
Balloon put up at 53 Minutes past VI.
206. The Operation was completed at 53 Minutes past VI: the Conductor having accompanied the Balloon on Foot exactly three Hours.
Balloon in the Air five Hours and a Quarter.
207. The Balloon had therefore continued floating in the Air, with different Persons, in the whole, for the Space of five Hours and a Quarter.
The Conductor, promising to accept the very polite Invitation offered him by Mr. Stanton, a Gentleman who is principally concerned in the Gunpowder-Works upon the Mersey; called at his House, and partook of some Refreshments.
He then drove to Warrington, where he was met by a Person whom Curiosity had inspired to follow the Balloon on Foot from Chester, as long as he coud keep it in View.
208. Mr. Lunardi likewise with great Civility dispatched his Servant to assist the Aironaut in the Care of the Balloon; but he did not arrive in Time; not reaching Warrington till VIII. at Night: having lost Sight of the Balloon about Daresbury, four Miles from Warrington.
209. Nor was it visible to any, at least very few, of the Inhabitants of that Town, which was equally hidden from the Aironaut: who, then ignorant of his Situation, must have remained a considerable Time suspended above the Clouds; which concealed both the Town and River.
He saw Warrington but twice when above: for a short Time, at a great Distance, and a mediate Altitude.
210. The following Day he returned to Chester: was met by the Militia-Music, and ushered with loud Huzzaes into his native City.
On his safe Arrival; besides the private and sincere Congratulations of his Relations and Friends; the Bells rang: his Flags were carried in Procession, and every public Demonstration of Joy was shewn on the Occasion.
TO THE INHABITANTS OF CHESTER
THANKS.
END OF THE EXCURSION
THROU’ THE AIR.
AIROPAIDIA.