This day I had infinite pleasure in receiving your most obliging Letter, and yesterday, I recieved the bust from on Board Captain Murphy, and never parted from it, untill I put it up in my Library; I mentioned to the Collector and other officers, what it was, and they most Obligingly let it pass without unpacking it, two Chairmen carried it on a Bier, and I rode along with them to Belcamp—accept, my Dear Sir and much respected Friend, for such I pride myself in Calling you, the warmest thanks of Lady Newenham and me; we are highly honoured, and realy gratified, by the Present; not the Smallest damage was done to it, nothing could be better packed; my Posterity must preserve it.
I received your favourable recommendatory Letters, which I had firmly determined to make use of, but our Parliament will not have finished the Prepositions untill July, and we shall meet early in the Ensuing Winter; this Circumstance only prevents my intended tour; Every thing was settled for that plan, and Lady Newenham Stamped it with her approbation—my Eldest had fixed his part.
I now intend an Expedition of another Nature; there is a Mr: Petain here, who Stiles himself M:D:, that intends to attempt the passage of the Irish Channell; the Nearest British Land is 62 miles, and that a Narrow Neck, if that is missed, you may not reach Land for 180 to the Northward, nor for 190 towards the southward. Blanchard Crossed 20 miles of water—Sadlier has gone 47 miles,—I am determined if the Balloon will raise 3 of us off the Ground, with £400 weight of Ballast to take my fourth son with me and Mr: Petain, and attempt the passage; we (three) will weight £420—the Balloon, Boat and appurtenances will weigh £456; it is 36 feet Transverse Diameter and by our Calculation is Capable (one fourth part being unfilld) to Carry up £1250? all is left to my Direction, Except the Materials for Inflation; I have formed the Valve on a new Construction—I have a hoop Surrounding the Balloon to Keepoff, the Pressure of the Boat; I have two strings to the Valve, and a retreating Chamber least we touch the water before our Time. It is a netting and plank, whereby we might be Enabled to Cut away the Boat and Lessen our weight by £130—I pay a great Price—but the 4 persons who are in the secret are sworn to secrecy; we shall ascend Masqued and in fancy Dresses—I have no fears, Except that the Balloon will not raise us. If so, my Son must Stay behind—do not let this be Known, as Contrary winds, and other Causes May Delay our Experiment. If we succeed, It is not improbable, but we may proceed to Paris—by Crossing the British Channel—if that does happen, I shall be happy to pay my Personal respects to the best and greatest Character of this Age—and presenting myself to my much respected and honoured friend—that Patriot of the World—the Marquis de La Fayette. I have Signd and Seald my agreement with Mr. Petain; but all is a secret untill Time discovers, as I go into the Carr, or Boat, with what I never wore before—a Mask and fancy Dress. If I fail, the fish may anticipate the feast of the worms—all Deaths are alike to me, and Death has no Terrors to point to me. I have lived according to the purest rule of Morality and Primitive Godliness; my rule of faith will be found annexed to my last will—Cato and I hold, nearly, reciprocal sentiments.