The Works of Edgar Allan Poe - Volume 1


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make out her name, but could not be sure of it. Mr. Osborne's telescope  
made it out something like "Atalanta." It is now 12, at night, and we  
are still going nearly west, at a rapid pace. The sea is peculiarly  
phosphorescent.  
"P.S. [By Mr. Ainsworth.] It is now 2, A.M., and nearly calm, as well as  
I can judge--but it is very difficult to determine this point, since  
we move with the air so completely. I have not slept since quitting  
Wheal-Vor, but can stand it no longer, and must take a nap. We cannot be  
far from the American coast.  
"Tuesday, the 9th. [Mr. Ainsworth's MS.] One, P.M. We are in  
full view of the low coast of South Carolina. The great problem is  
accomplished. We have crossed the Atlantic--fairly and easily  
crossed it in a balloon! God be praised! Who shall say that anything is  
impossible hereafter?"  
The Journal here ceases. Some particulars of the descent were  
communicated, however, by Mr. Ainsworth to Mr. Forsyth. It was nearly  
dead calm when the voyagers first came in view of the coast, which  
was immediately recognized by both the seamen, and by Mr. Osborne.  
The latter gentleman having acquaintances at Fort Moultrie, it was  
immediately resolved to descend in its vicinity. The balloon was brought  
over the beach (the tide being out and the sand hard, smooth, and  
admirably adapted for a descent,) and the grapnel let go, which took  
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Page
333 334 335 336 337

Quick Jump
1 90 180 269 359