The Daily Cincinnati Republican, And Commercial Register

BALLOON ASCENSION.

The spirit of Erostratus which now prevails in the U. States, is without a parallel on both sides of the Atlantic. Balloons are rising in various quarters—and every day seems to be adding to the number of the bold adventurers who are navigating the trackless regions of the air. Some of our Eronauts are destined, perhaps, to be as famous as the Argonauts. We hail such experiments as not merely spectacles for public amusement—but as calculated to extend the principles of science, and the purposes of art—as not only enlarging our knowledge of the phenomena of the atmosphere, but as gradually preparing the introduction of some method for directing the movements of the balloon. —Who can pretend to limit the progress of discovery? Who could have anticipated from the first cautious movements upon the water, the immense improvements to which navigation has already attained? Who, from the first experiment of Fulton, could foresee the rapidity to which the Steam Boat has arrived? One discovery prepares the way for another. What appears at first but an indifferent phenomenon, may, by a combination with others, furnish light enough to understand the composition of the atmosphere, or even to guide the balloon in its course. We may expect to see men of science gradually associating themselves with the pursuit— voyages will be undertaken with adequate instruments for observation—and perhaps it is no rash prophecy to predict, that the secret of directing the balloon may yet be reserved for some enterprising citizen of North America.

We too have witnessed the labors of an aeronaut. Last year an experiment was tried in Richmond, but it failed. Three weeks since, Mr Mitchell made the first ascension that was ever effected here. A few days since he made another effort—but was unsuccessful.—He was treated with great liberality by the immense crowd, who had assembled to witness his ascension.—Nothing daunted, he determined to procure better materials, and to repeat the experiment. It took place on last Tuesday evening—the air was remarkably calm—and nothing could have been more successful or beautiful than his ascension. He hovered for a long time in sight, until the curiosity of the crowd was perfectly satisfied by the spectacle. The following is the account which he has handed to the Compiler for publication:—Richmond Enq.

To the Citizens of Richmond.

Presuming that some account of my last aerial journey may be expected of me, by those who honored me with their presence on that occasion, I have drawn up a few observations. At the hour announced in our advertisement, we commenced the process of inflation, and at half past five I ascertained my balloon was sufficiently inflated. The car was then attached, and after making the necessary arrangements, I entered it, when the balloon was let up by my friends with a cord. Finding all things in proper order. I cut my cord, and ascended gradually amidst the acclamations of the spectators, distributing my verses as I rose—after which I sent down my parachute with a young cat. My course being eastward. I continued ascending until I reached an elevation of near 12,000 feet, at which height I experienced a great change in the atmosphere, being extremely cool—my thermometer standing at 31°. I remained at this elevation for several minutes, after which I discharged a portion of my gas. and at 40 minutes past 7 o'clock, descended so near the earth as to be able to throw my grappling iron to several gentlemen—who followed me. Being at the time 9 miles from the city, they took hold, and after partaking with me of some cordial which I had in my car, they conveyed me back, still in the car, elevated above them—up Main street amidst the cheers of the citizens. Upon arriving at the point of departure, at 9 o'clock, I succeeded in discharging the gas, and folded the balloon without sustaining any injury.

I cannot close without returning my sincere thanks to Mr Mull and the other gentlemen who kindly assisted me in my ascension.

Z. MITCHELL.