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.