My intimacy with scientific gentlemen was of much service to
me ; although I do not imagine that a close knowledge of men
and tilings will add much to one's self-confidence. My acquaint-
ance with the science by which I expected to rise, was by no
means complete, and perhaps my limited attainments inspired me
with vigor to trample with a firm and resolute step upon every
obstacle that might interpose to prevent my flight. The mystery
of the aeronaut was of no very remote introduction in the coun*
try ; and though I had witnessed one or two ascensions, and con-
versed with the aeronauts, as to the details of their efforts, yet I
found myself unable properly to comprehend them. They were
of transatlantic origin, and after one or two voyages aloft, gener-
ally returned whence they came, each bearing with him the mar-
vellous aerostat f that he had brought from foreign lands. Books,
therefore, and my own judgment, supplied my deficiency in prac-
tical knowledge, and my soaring resolution daily grew stronger
and stronger.
