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Story
November 2, 1839
The Columbia Democrat
Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
Mr. James C. Patton announces his invention of a navigable balloon capable of transporting express mail between New York and New Orleans in 15 hours at up to 100 miles per hour, offering a $5,000 premium for a successful demonstration.
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OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE LATEST INVENTION.
Among the various inventions of the age we have seen none more eminently calculated to excite wonder, than that ascribed to Mr. James C. Patton. For our own parts we doubt its practicability, and fear that we shall continue sceptical until we hear of a successful trial. But to the point. Mr. P. makes the following announcement through the New York papers:—"For $5,000 dollars premium I will engage to transport an express mail regularly between New York and New Orleans in 15 hours! The subscriber begs leave to announce that he has invented a Balloon with which he can navigate the air in any direction at pleasure. To the government and the public at large such a discovery must be of the greatest consequence, as it will, in the conveyance of speedy intelligence, entirely supersede the use of steamboats and railroads. This invention is the result of long study and experiment. When properly constructed, will carry five hundred pounds weight with ease, and travel at the rate of one hundred miles per hour, if required."
Among the various inventions of the age we have seen none more eminently calculated to excite wonder, than that ascribed to Mr. James C. Patton. For our own parts we doubt its practicability, and fear that we shall continue sceptical until we hear of a successful trial. But to the point. Mr. P. makes the following announcement through the New York papers:—"For $5,000 dollars premium I will engage to transport an express mail regularly between New York and New Orleans in 15 hours! The subscriber begs leave to announce that he has invented a Balloon with which he can navigate the air in any direction at pleasure. To the government and the public at large such a discovery must be of the greatest consequence, as it will, in the conveyance of speedy intelligence, entirely supersede the use of steamboats and railroads. This invention is the result of long study and experiment. When properly constructed, will carry five hundred pounds weight with ease, and travel at the rate of one hundred miles per hour, if required."
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Extraordinary Event
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Balloon Invention
Express Mail
Air Navigation
Technological Claim
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. James C. Patton
Where did it happen?
New York, New Orleans
Story Details
Key Persons
Mr. James C. Patton
Location
New York, New Orleans
Story Details
Mr. Patton announces his balloon invention for rapid mail transport, challenging for a $5,000 premium to prove it can cover New York to New Orleans in 15 hours, navigating air at pleasure, carrying 500 pounds at 100 mph, superseding steamboats and railroads.