The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition: Table Of Contents And Index Of The Five VolumesPoe, Edgar Allan
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The Works of Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven Edition: Table Of Contents And Index Of The Five Volumes
Poe, Edgar Allan
American fiction -- 19th century; Fantasy fiction; Horror tales, American; Indexes; Poe, Edgar Allan, 1809-1849; Short stories
“_Monday, the 8th_. [Mr. Mason’s MS.] This morning we had again
some little trouble with the rod of the propeller, which must be
entirely remodelled, for fear of serious accident—I mean the
steel rod—not the vanes. The latter could not be improved. The
wind has been blowing steadily and strongly from the north-east
all day and so far fortune seems bent upon favoring us. Just
before day, we were all somewhat alarmed at some odd noises and
concussions in the balloon, accompanied with the apparent rapid
subsidence of the whole machine. These phenomena were occasioned
by the expansion of the gas, through increase of heat in the
atmosphere, and the consequent disruption of the minute particles
of ice with which the network had become encrusted during the
night. Threw down several bottles to the vessels below. Saw one
of them picked up by a large ship—seemingly one of the New York
line packets. Endeavored to 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_ 9_th_. [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?”
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