make a successful crossing of the Atlantic to England or
the Continent. So soon as his plans became publicly known, Professor
John Wise, who as early as 1843 had done his best to raise the funds
necessary for a transatlantic journey by balloon, joined forces with
Donaldson, and together they made application to the authorities of the
city of Boston for an adequate appropriation. This was voted by one
Board but vetoed by another. Thereupon, _The Daily Graphic_ took up
their proposition, and undertook the financing of the expedition under
a formal contract executed June 27, 1873. As a consequence of this
contract, Donaldson proceeded to build the largest balloon ever
constructed, of a gas capacity of 600,000 cubic feet, and a lifting
power of 14,000 pounds. The total weight of the balloon, including its
car, lifeboat, and equipment, was 7,100 pounds, thus leaving
approximately 6,000 pounds surplus lifting capacity for ballast,
passengers, etc.

Of course, a liberal supply of provisions was to be carried, with
tools, guns, and fishing tackle, to be available for meeting any
emergency arising from a landing in a wild, unsettled region.
Moreover, a carefully selected set of scientific instruments was
embraced in the equipment for making observations and records of
changing conditions _en route_.

The inflation of this aerial monster began in Brooklyn at the
Capitoline Grounds September 10, 1873. A high wind prevailed, and
after the bag had received 100,000 cubic feet of gas, she became so
nearly uncontrollable, notwithstanding 300 men and 100 sacks of
ballast, each sack weighing 200 pounds, were holding her down, that
Donaldson and his associates decided to empty her.

On the twelfth of September inflation was again undertaken, although a
high wind again prevailed. When something more than half full, the bag
burst, and the aeronauts concluded that she was of a size impossible to
handle. The bag and rigging were thereupon taken in hand, and she was
reduced one-half; that is, to a capacity of 300,000 cubic feet of gas.

The remodelling was finished early in October, and inflation of this
new balloon was begun at 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, and by 10.30 p.m.
of that day the inflation was completed, the life-boat was attached,
and she was firmly secured for the night.

At nine the next morning the crew took their places in the boat.
Donaldson as aeronaut; Alfred Ford as correspondent for the _Graphic_;
George Ash