Originally published in Reynolds's Miscellany of Romance, General Literature, Science, and Art (John Dicks) vol.7 #160 (02 Aug 1851).
Dr. Morrill gives the following account of his ascension from New York:--"I severed the rope that connected my aerial car and vessel with the earth at fifty minutes before five o'clock, p.m., and ascended moderately (it being almost a calm) towards the south-west. My progress in passing over the city was very slow, and in consequence of the usual magnificent view of the aeronaut was prolonged. Indeed, for several minutes after I had arisen to the distance of about half a mile there appeared not to be the least progression forward of the balloon. The principal streets, buildings, and parks could be accurately traced out, and were all seen at one view, from the battery to the upper part of the city, and from the north to the east rivers. The surrounding cities and villages, many miles in the country, were also visible at the same moment. As I arose higher, and passed over the western extremity of Long Island, I appeared to be taking an easterly course; I afterwards struck a current that moved me slowly towards the Jersey shore. I had now attained my greatest altitude off Rockaway, twenty miles from New York, and formed the project of crossing the sea to Sandy Hook or Squam Beach, a distance of about fifteen miles. The view at this time, though distant, was intensely interesting; Long Island, through its whole extent, appeared to be four or five miles long; the broad expanse of ocean was before me, and the cities and country had become very diminutive in appearance.
Considering that I should not be able to land from that height for some time, and as it was near sunset, I determined to approach nearer the earth, I therefore opened the valve, and allowed a sufficient quantity of gas to escape to secure a descending motion. I had descended less than half a mile, when, to my astonishment, I found that my course was no longer towards Sandy Hook, but directly towards the broad Atlantic ocean. I discharged ballast, and again ascended, in hopes of finding a current that would again carry me towards the shore, but to no purpose. My position was now a critical one, but I thought my chances of safety were in favour of dropping into the water, and running the risk of being picked up. As I came down I saw the light-ship about five miles to the right (facing the ocean), and a schooner up towards the harbour. As I was rapidly being carried out to sea, I thought fit to descend as soon as possible, when I struck the water a little after sunset, in a standing posture. I went down up to my arms. A flaw of wind, at the same moment, carried the balloon almost to the water, turning the car on its side, and almost completely immersing me in water.
"When the balloon again righted itself, I stood knee-deep and more in the water, and although both my anchors were out, I was carried away before the wind at the rate of about ten knots an hour. I was, at first, in hopes that I might be seen by some vessel which would come to my assistance; but as the curtains of night shrouded everything in darkness, and nothing was to be seen but the distant Sandy Hook and light-ship, I began to despair. At every flaw of wind the balloon was carried over on its side, immersing me in water, and letting out gas. I found myself gradually sinking into the water, when it became necessary to let my anchors go, one after the other, and then to cut away the cloth lining of the car and everything that could be spared. I had been in the water more than an hour and a half, and it now came up under my arms; the balloon tottered, and threatened to fall altogether on its side; I was completely chilled through, and said my prayers for nearly the last time, when I heard the distant sound of oars. Upon listening again I was confident that I had been observed by the captain of the light-ship and a pilot on board the to drop into the water, when a boat, containing four men and the mate, was despatched to my assistance. They rowed some ten miles before they were enabled to come up with me, and much credit is due to these men for their humane and strenuous efforts in saving me from a watery grave."