Sep 28, 2023 - Sale 2646

Sale 2646 - Lot 53

Unsold
Estimate: $ 600 - $ 900
(AVIATION.) Newspaper account of the first manned balloon flight in America, in the Salem Gazette. 4 pages, 16 3/4 x 10 1/4 inches, on one folding sheet; stitch holes, minor wear. Salem, MA, 22 January 1793
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Additional Details

When he came to America, Jean-Pierre Blanchard (1753-1809) had already gained fame as the first man to cross the English Channel by balloon. On 9 January 1793, he performed the first manned balloon flight in America, floating away from Philadelphia and landing 15 miles away in New Jersey. Among the thousands of observers were President Washington (and supposedly future presidents Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe as well). This article describes the scene:

"Mr. Blanchard . . . rose with his Balloon from the Prison Court in this city, in the presence of an immense concourse of spectators. . . . The majestic sight was truly interesting. . . . Mr. Blanchard took respectful leave of all the spectators, and received from the hands of the President a paper, at the same time the President spoke a few words to this bold adventurer, who immediately leaped into his boat. . . . The Balloon rose to an immense height. . . . Several gentlemen galloped down the point road, but soon lost sight of it."

With a Philadelphia newspaper featuring a local advertisement on the day before the ascension: Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser. "Mr. Blanchard's Forty-Fifth Aerial Flight, is positively fixed for Wednesday, January 9th. . . . Those who have subscribed on the Subscription Cards distributed through the City, are requested to send them to Oeller's Hotel. . . . Price of Subscription Five Dollars." 4 pages, 17 3/4 x 12 1/4 inches, on one folding sheet. Philadelphia, 8 January 1793