Richmond Enquirer

From a late Irish paper.

ASCENT OF MR SADLER.

In the annals of aeronautation, perhaps there never was a
more interesting exhibition than the ascent of Mr. Windham
Sadler, from Portobello Barracks, on the 22d July.
The day opened delightfully fine-the wind S. W. The
inflation commenced at about 9 o'clock, and at 12, punctual
to the hour mentioned, it was completed and announced by
the discharge of pieces of artillery, when soon after, a small
Pilot Balloon was sent up, and took a direction of about N.
N E ; a very bad omen in attempting to cross the Channel,
as the adventurer must inevitably have been carried to one
of the wildest districts in Scotland, notwithstanding which,
we understand, Mr. Sadler remained firm in his determination :
but fortunately, by the wind suddenly veered to due West,
when, after the necessary time in attaching the car, &c. &c.
at 15 minutes past one, the brave young Aeronaut took his
seat, and after receiving the flag from the amiable and accom-
plished Lady Aylmer, he was launched into the azure vault-

"Now, the bold Aeronaut, ascending far,
Launch'd on the azure vault his airy car;
High on the winds, with silken sails unfurl'd,
He wav'd his pennon o'er the admiring world-
And blooming far beneath his eager eyes,
Saw Nature's mighty Panorama rise!"

The Balloon remained in view about eight minutes ;
the Aeronaut waiving his hat and flags, was seen drinking
to the health of the surrounding multitude, when it was
obscured by a cloud: a shower of rain succeeding, it was
not again visible for half an hour, and about half past
two, it was seen "diminished to a speck" In a few
minutes afterwards it entirely disappeared.

By Mr. Sadler's appearing in view after such a lapse
of time, some apprehensions were entertained, that meeting
a different current of air, (no uncommon case.) he might
have been retarded ; but, from the state of the wind and
weather for the remainder of the day, there was little doubt
but that he reached his destination ; particularly when the
calm philosophic coolness he displayed at his departure,
and the quantity of ballast (at least 200 lbs. weight) which
he took with him, were considered.

A few scientific gentlemen came to a determination
on the spot, that should Mr. W. Sadler succeed in his attempt
in crossing the Channel, a piece of plate, with a suitable
inscription, should be presented to him. Several names were
instantly put down, and we trust, in such a case, that every
admirer of experimental philosophy will be forward to promote
it.

Yesterday morning we had the gratification of receiving
the following

"Pelham Packet, Wednesday Morning.

"On Tuesday, at 15 minutes past six, P. M. being six
miles off the Head, on board the Pelham Packet, saw a
Balloon to the Southward, which descended gradually till it
came over the Land, about 2 miles from Holyhead.-
At 5 minutes past 7, P. M. saw it go down as visible
for 3 quarters of an hour-supposed it to be Mr. Sadler's
Balloon."

We are happy to add, that Mr. Sadler arrived this morning
in the Packet from Holyhead, in high spirits. He descended
in a field, a mile and a quarter South of the Head, being the
first Aeronaut who ever crossed the Irish Channel, or voyaged
a sea. The inhabitants of the Head and neighbourhood crowded
to his assistance. On their anxiety to render him every act
of kindness he speaks, we understand, in the highest terms,
and particularly of the hospitable attentions of Captain
Skinner, in whose house he was invited, and where he passed
the night.