Blanchard's Balloon

LIGHTER-THAN-AIR AVIATION

On January 7, 1785 Jean-Pierre Francois Blanchard and John Jeffries, an American doctor, made the first crossing of the English Channel in a hydrogen balloon in 2.5 hours. During this trip, the balloon unexpectedly lost gas and almost fell into the English Channel. Only by throwing all of their ballast and most of their clothing overboard did the two aeronauts manage to stay in the air &mdash however, they did manage to keep the first international airmail package on board, which was successfully delivered upon their safe landing in the Felmores Forest, France.

The following image was scanned in from an antique line drawing...