CHAPTER XXXVI.

[Sidenote: Sun set at 34 Minutes past VI.]

Section 203. The Sun set at 34 Minutes past VI. and, tho’ it was _then_ near that Time, the Post-Chaise was _not_ arrived.

204. On Enquiry for a dry smooth Meadow, he was recommended to proceed a little farther, to a Place on the Road within three Miles of Warrington.

205. Having by this Time gratified the Curiosity of the Country in admitting Boys and Girls to the Age of six or seven Years, into the Car; and being arrived after Sun-set at the Place appointed, viz. _Milton’s Croft-Green_; he ordered the Balloon to be laid on its Side along the Ground: having removed the Car, and opened the Mouth; the inflammable Air or Gass, was soon pressed out by Means of a _long Pole_ rolled _across_ it by two Men, standing one at each End of the Pole: beginning at the Top or upper Valve, which was held down close to the Ground; and ending at the Mouth or Neck.

It was then rolled up, put into the Car; and the whole Apparatus placed on the Top of the Chaise which arrived the Moment wanted.

[Sidenote: Balloon put up at 53 Minutes past VI.]

206. The Operation was completed at 53 Minutes past VI: the Conductor having accompanied the Balloon on Foot exactly +three+ Hours.

[Sidenote: Balloon in the Air five Hours and a Quarter.]

207. The Balloon had therefore continued _floating_ in the Air, with different Persons, in the whole, for the Space of five Hours and a Quarter.

The Conductor, promising to accept the very polite Invitation offered him by Mr. _Stanton_, a Gentleman who is principally concerned in the Gunpowder-Works upon the Mersey; called at his House, and partook of some Refreshments.

He then drove to Warrington, where he was met by a Person whom Curiosity had inspired to follow the Balloon _on Foot_ from Chester, as long as he coud keep it _in View_.

208. Mr. Lunardi likewise with great Civility dispatched his Servant to assist the Aironaut in _the Care_ of the Balloon; but he did not arrive in Time; not reaching Warrington till VIII. at Night: having lost Sight of the Balloon about _Daresbury_, four Miles from Warrington.

209. Nor was it visible to any, at least very few, of the Inhabitants of that Town, which was equally hidden from the Aironaut: who, _then_ ignorant of his Situation, must have remained a considerable Time suspended above the Clouds; which concealed both the Town and River.

He saw Warrington but twice when +above+: for a short Time, at a great Distance, and a _mediate_ Altitude.

210. The following Day he returned to Chester: was met by the Militia-Music, and ushered with loud Huzzaes into his native City.

On his safe Arrival; besides the private and sincere Congratulations of his Relations and Friends; the Bells rang: his Flags were carried in Procession, and every public Demonstration of Joy was shewn on the Occasion.

TO THE INHABITANTS OF CHESTER THANKS.

END OF THE EXCURSION THROU’ THE AIR.

AIROPAIDIA.