Phenix Gazette

MR. DURANT.

Some uneasiness was felt yesterday morning in the city in consequence of the non-appearance of Mr. Durant—which was happily dispelled about noon by the intelligence of his safe arrival at Bel-Air, and about half past three o'clock P.M. he reached Barnum's Hotel safely, with his balloon and car. We have been favored by him with the following journal of his voyage, which will prove very interesting to our readers.

[Baltimore Amer.

Journal of Mr. Durant's Aerial Voyage.

The Balloon was unmoored at 5 hours 27 minutes, the barometer standing at 29 42, and the thermometer at 80. In a short time let go the Rabbit, and saw it land safely. At 5 h. 35 was on. At 5h. 46 was within hailing distance of over a road, and thought of descending, but kept the earth, and conversed with several men; understood them to say the distance to Baltimore was 4 miles; understood their names to be Thomas and Philip Burgan. At 5 h.50 was within hailing distance again, and conversed with several persons—understood them to say, Baltimore was distant 7 miles. On inquiring the name of the first town, in the direction I was going, understood them to say Abington, and afterwards Bel Air. At 5h 55 saw the sun set, & heard the report of 2 guns; judged the sound came from W. by N. About 5 minutes previous to which, tried an experiment for a gentleman in this city which, if it proves successful, will be given to the world. At 6 h 2. barometer 28 02, thermometer 72, I was suspended over Gunpowder River. At 6h 9 conversed with an inhabitant; understood his name to be Mr. Carroll. and the name of the place Perry Hall—understood the name of another gentleman to be Isaac Holland, who was very communicative; he informed me I was 13 miles from Baltimore, and the next town was Bel Air—and desired I would not forget his name. At 6h 16. again conversed; understood Bel Air was distant 5 miles. Felt anxious to see the town, having heard a good account of it before starting, by persons who told me I should go in that direction. At 6h 22, barometer stood at 24, 43; thermometer 62. At 6h 33, both anchors grappled with the earth about 200 feet from the Court House in that town. About 200 persons immediately ran up, and politely proffered help, evincing a great desire to assist me. I remained suspended about one hundred feet, until towed by them to a clear field in the middle of the town; at 6h 44, the car touched the earth. At 6h 53, I stepped from the car. At 7h 12, every thing was secured—packed up and taken to Mr. Richardson's hotel, where I was politely received and entertained. Among the gentlemen who assisted me to alight, were Benj. Bond, Henry Richardson. Major W. Richardson. Dr. Aug. Bond, Dr. Munnickhuysen, Col. H. Dorsey. Col. J. D. Maulsby, Joseph Robinson, Major Bradford, Mr. Dimmitt, Ralph Slee. The persons over whose farms I had passed, also came up with alacrity.— I must not omit to mention the attention of the ladies in taking charge of my barometer, &c. Tea was soon prepared and I partook heartily, having tasted nothing since half past 7 A. M. The tea table was greeted with the presence of a large company of ladies, and my satisfaction was heightened by the presence and attention of the Rev. R. H. Davis, and Mr. Charbonnier. After tea, we called on Colonel H. Dorsey, where a bottle of very superior old wine was produced, he having promised it to his friends in case the balloon should descend in the Village. In the morning I breakfasted by invitation with Mr. Robinson, Postmaster. I was here waited on by Mr. McKenny, deputed by the ladies of the lower part of the town, to express their thanks for having selected their village as the place of descent. A number of ladies called personally, and were each presented with a flower from the decorations of the car.— Left Bel Air 9 h 30, and was escorted by a cavalcade of gentlemen to the county line; the cavalcade was composed of Col. Maulsby. Mr. Boulden, Mr. Elliott, Mr. McKenney, Mr. Futty, Mr. Jones, W. P. Maulsby, Mr. Davis. Dr. Bond, and Dr. Munnickhuysen. Arrived at Barnum's at half past 3 P. M. I should have mentioned that Mr. Richardson sent me to Baltimore in his gig, for which, as well as for my entertainment, he would receive no remuneration. In conclusion, I beg leave to present my thanks thus publicly to those gentlemen of the city who kindly afforded me their aid in the preparations for the ascent at the Garden. and especially to acknowledge, with a sense of obligation, the courtesy which has been extended to me by the citizens generally in all my preparations and arrangements. At Bel-Air no less civility and kindness were afforded me on alighting there, and in returning to the city. Nothing of personal attention has been wanting any where to make the ascent and the descent agreeable to my feelings.

C. F. DURANT.