82 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ing alighted at Campsie, about twelve miles distant, where he was received by
the Rev. Mr. Lapsley, minister of that place, who transmitted an account of his
descent to one of the Glasgow journals.
The fifth ascent of Lunardi in Scotland, and the second at Edinburgh, again
occurred at Heriot’s Hospital Green. He made offer of the profits of this second
exhibition for the benefit of the Charity Workhouse, but the directors politely
declined accepting his offer, on the ground that, however desirous they might be
to promote the interest of the institution, they were unwilling that any one
should rbk his Zife for its benefit. On Tuesday the 20th December, Lunardi took
his flight a few minutes before one o’clock. On this occasion he was dressed in
the uniform of the Scots Archers, having been previously admitted an honorary
member of that body, as well as having had the freedom of Edinburgh conferred
upon him. He was also provided with a cork jacket, as on the former occasion
furnished by Dr. Rae, togeLher with other precautionary means of safety, in case
of an immersion in the German Ocean.’ These, as it happened, were not without
their use. The balloon ascended with great rapidity, taking a more easterly
direction than formerly, and was seen, by means of a telescope, about two
o’clock, in rather a perilous situation, about two miles north-east of Gullanness.
Not far from this place, it appears the balloou had descended so low as to immerse
the car in the water, when some fishermen observing the occurrence, imniediately
proceeded to his rescue. Owing, however, to the rapidity with which
the car was dragged, nearly three quarters of an hour elapsed before they were able
to render any assistance ; and when they came up, Lunardi was breast deep in the
water, and benumbed with cold. They were then five or sib miles from land.
He would have cut away the balloon, but seeing the fishermen approaching, he
was unwilling to lose it by doing so. On leaving the car for the boat, however,
the balloon, being thus lightened, rose with great force, carrying every appendage
with it in its flight. hir. Lunardi was then taken to Mr. Nisbet’s of Dirleton,
where he spent the evening. In a letter dated that night to the magistrates of
Edinburgh, he speaks lightly of his danger, expresses reget at losing the balloon,
but was hopeful that the people would be satisfied with his conduct. Fortunately
the balloon was picked up next day by the May cutter, about twelve miles
off Anstruther.
Lunardi then returned to England, exhibiting his aerial ingenuity in the provincial
towns (having been in London some time previous to his arrival in Scotland);
A very unfortunate occurrence took place on his ascending at Newcastle :
-A Mr. Heron having hold of one of the ropes, incautiously twisted it round
his arm, and not being able to disentangle himself in time, he was lifted up to a
considerable height, when the rope giving way, he fell, and was killed on the
spot. Mr. Heron was on the eve of marriage, and at the time the accident
occurred the lady of his affections-was by his side.
wind, that he would be driven into the German Ocean.
me up.” Fortunately for him somebody didpick him up.
On this occasion, says our informant, Lunardi was positively assured, from the diction of the
“ Me don’t mind that-somebody will pick
