Edwardsville Spectator

FALL FROM A BALLOON.

Madame Blanchard--Melancholy Catastrophe.--The extraordinary fete which was some time announced at Tivoli, took place on Monday night, and has been signalized by a frightful catastrophe. Among the numerous entertainments which had been promised to the public, was the ascent of Madame Blanchard in a luminous balloon, ornamented with artificial fireworks. Accordingly, at half past ten o'clock this intrepid aeronaut, dressed in white, having also a white hat with feathers, entered the boat. The signal being given, the balloon rose gently, but by throwing out ballast Madame Blanchard caused it to ascend more rapidly. The Bengal firepots illuminated this brilliant ascent. The aeronaut waved her flag, and the air resounded with acclamations. Suddenly the balloon entered a light cloud which completely extinguished the firepots. Madame Blanchard then ignited the artificial fireworks, which produced the effect expected, when some of the flying fusees were seen to direct themselves perpendicularly towards the balloon, and the fire communicated with its base. A frightful brilliancy instantly struck terror into all the spectators, leaving no doubt of the deplorable fate of the aeronaut. It is impossible to paint what passed at this moment at Tivoli. Cries of agony burst forth in every direction : a great number of females suffered violent nervous attacks; and consternation was painted upon the countenances of everyone--Gazette de France.