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Foreign News
August 19, 1785
Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Eyewitness account of the fatal balloon ascent of Pilatre and Romain from Boulogne on June 15, where their Montgolfier balloon caught fire mid-air, causing them to crash and die from injuries.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a letter from Mr. Fetton, of Dover, dated Bologne, June 15.
As you will naturally be desirous to know the particulars of the unhappy fate of our two Aeronauts, who perished this morning, you may depend on the following, of which I was an eye-witness.
At a quarter past seven they ascended, and for the first 20 minutes appeared to take the best possible direction; when, for a few seconds they appeared stationary, then took a direction to the left, towards Boulogne; then a contrary direction; and at about three quarters of a mile height the whole was in flames, from the fire of the cursed Montgolfier, and fell with incredible velocity on Houtmulle Warren, where the two unfortunate adventurers were found instantly on their fall; Pilatre with his thighs both broke, and a violent contusion on his breast—he was dead before his descent, apparently; Romain had both his legs broken, and most of his limbs disjointed, but breathed for some moments, and uttered the exclamation, O Jesu! and instantly expired.
As you will naturally be desirous to know the particulars of the unhappy fate of our two Aeronauts, who perished this morning, you may depend on the following, of which I was an eye-witness.
At a quarter past seven they ascended, and for the first 20 minutes appeared to take the best possible direction; when, for a few seconds they appeared stationary, then took a direction to the left, towards Boulogne; then a contrary direction; and at about three quarters of a mile height the whole was in flames, from the fire of the cursed Montgolfier, and fell with incredible velocity on Houtmulle Warren, where the two unfortunate adventurers were found instantly on their fall; Pilatre with his thighs both broke, and a violent contusion on his breast—he was dead before his descent, apparently; Romain had both his legs broken, and most of his limbs disjointed, but breathed for some moments, and uttered the exclamation, O Jesu! and instantly expired.
What sub-type of article is it?
Disaster
What keywords are associated?
Balloon Accident
Aeronauts Perished
Montgolfier Fire
Boulogne Ascent
What entities or persons were involved?
Mr. Fetton
Pilatre
Romain
Where did it happen?
Boulogne
Foreign News Details
Primary Location
Boulogne
Event Date
June 15
Key Persons
Mr. Fetton
Pilatre
Romain
Outcome
pilatre died from broken thighs and breast contusion before descent; romain died shortly after with broken legs and disjointed limbs.
Event Details
Two aeronauts ascended in a Montgolfier balloon at a quarter past seven from near Boulogne. After initial ascent, the balloon caught fire at three quarters of a mile height and fell on Houtmulle Warren, killing both.