AndréE And His Balloon - free ebook by Henri Lachambre

Read as playlist

AndréE And His Balloon

Henri Lachambre

27 chapters

4 hour read

Read as playlist

Selected Chapters

27 chapters

ANDRÉE AND HIS BALLOON

ANDRÉE AND HIS BALLOON

THE DEPARTURE OF THE BALLOON. Copyright Archibald Constable &amp; Co. ANDRÉE AND HIS BALLOON By HENRI LACHAMBRE and ALEXIS MACHURON WITH COLOURED FRONTISPIECE AND FORTY-FOUR FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS FROM PHOTOGRAPHS Westminster ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE &amp; CO. 1898 Butler &amp; Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London. TO A. S. ANDRÉE A FERVENT BELIEVER IN THE AËRIAL CONQUEST OF THE NORTH POLE WE DEDICATE THIS BOOK H. LACHAMBRE A. MACHURON...

24 minute read

Read Chapter

Introduction

Introduction

On the afternoon of Sunday, the 11th of July, 1897, the balloon Ornen left the port of Virgo, Spitzbergen, carrying in its car Messrs. Andrée, Strindberg, and Fraenkel, the bold explorers, starting for the conquest of the North Pole. All the papers of the day were immediately filled with discussions in various strains, pessimistic or favourable comments and prognostications, articles full of hope or criticism,—each, in short, looking upon this extraordinary expedition from its own point of view.

3 minute read

Read Chapter

The Engineer Andrée BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

The Engineer Andrée BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

Salomon-Auguste Andrée was born on the 18th of October, 1854, at Grenna, a little town in the province of Smoiland. His father was a chemist. The rather severe training received at the hands of their father, imbued the children of the Andrée family at an early age with the spirit of obedience and punctuality. Their father died some years ago, and their mother, a distinguished lady, died in the spring of 1897. After finishing his educational course young Andrée entered the technical school, an in

3 minute read

Read Chapter

The Aerial Vessel Description of the Balloon for Andrée’s Polar Expedition, and the Appliances Constructed at the Aerostatic Workshops of Vaugirard.

The Aerial Vessel Description of the Balloon for Andrée’s Polar Expedition, and the Appliances Constructed at the Aerostatic Workshops of Vaugirard.

After studying the question for a long time, Andrée finally decided to give his balloon the cubical contents of 158,924 feet, and the shape of a sphere terminating in a slightly conical appendage. This sphere, fitted with two lateral regulating valves, one lower automatic valve, and a “rending flap,” measures 22 yards in diameter, by 1,431 yards surface; it is enclosed in a net of hemp cord, terminating in systems of “crow feet,” and suspending ropes attached to the car by means of a “load ring.

18 minute read

Read Chapter

I The Departure

I The Departure

I left Paris on the night of the 2nd of June, 1896, to accompany Andrée and his companions to Spitzbergen, as had been arranged. My mind was much taken up with speculations as to the ultimate fate of the expedition, and the responsibility I had undertaken weighed rather heavily upon me. Without stopping at the various stages of my journey, Cologne, Hamburg, and Copenhagen, though all of them very interesting towns, I arrived at Gothenburg, where I was received by Captain Andrée, brother of the e

5 minute read

Read Chapter

II Out at Sea

II Out at Sea

June 8th, 1896, 10.30. —We have been under way for twenty-four hours; we are in sight of Norway, off the Forsund, at a distance of nine miles from the coast, but the mist prevents us from seeing very far. The fir-clad mountains are vaguely outlined to our right, and the Virgo is heading due north-west. There is nothing for us to do but take life as it comes. I commence my diary in my cabin. The sea, though a little rough, has not yet troubled me. Andrée alone has already paid his tribute. Tuesda

6 minute read

Read Chapter

III The Installation

III The Installation

Wednesday, June 17th, in lat. 77° N. —After having vainly sought a passage during the whole of yesterday, the captain considered it wise to take refuge in the Horn-Sund Bay, a small natural port to the south-east of Spitzbergen, where he cast anchor this morning at four o’clock. Here we are secure from all danger, and shall patiently wait till the sea is open, which will not be long. Our little harbour is a marvel of creation; a ring of mountains covered with snow, the summits of which were this

8 minute read

Read Chapter

IV The Victoria—Bear Hunting

IV The Victoria—Bear Hunting

On the 27th of June, in the afternoon, our attention is attracted by the arrival of a vessel coming from the north. It is always a pleasant event to come across other navigators in these distant regions; it makes one feel less lonely and isolated. It is Mr. Pick’s Victoria , commanded by Captain Nilson, who hunts bears and seals on these shores. She casts anchor near the Virgo . We enter a boat and go to welcome the travellers. Andrée obtains some information from the captain as to the state of

11 minute read

Read Chapter

V The Midnight Sun

V The Midnight Sun

Friday, July 3rd. —I have not put foot on shore to-day. For three days past we have had terrible weather, and I wonder whether the shed will be able to resist the fury of such a wind. However, this is an east south-east wind, which would suit perfectly well for the voyage, though the start would be very difficult under these circumstances; this delays the work of the carpenters, and the shed does not rise up very quickly. I felt very dull to-day, and was happy enough to read again all the old jo

4 minute read

Read Chapter

VI National Fête

VI National Fête

On board the “Virgo,” July 14th, at night. —The bad weather continues, and the squall is so violent that the little sloop Express has been unable to put to sea. We have a very gay lunch. Andrée made a little speech, which greatly moved me. He spoke of the national fête in France and of aerostation, which I represent. He praised the self-denial which I had exhibited, and finally expressed to me the pleasure he felt in seeing the bonds of friendship becoming closer day by day. He did not forget ei

2 minute read

Read Chapter

VII The Inflation

VII The Inflation

July 21st. —To-day for the first time we were able to commence devoting our attention to the balloon, which, since its disembarkation, has remained enclosed in its case at the foot of the shed. It is now brought to the entrance and extended on the floor, covered with a thick layer of felt. It is spread out after the manner of a cast-net, the valves are fitted to it, together with their rigging, the net is placed in position, as well as the protecting cover. The inflating pipes, passing through a

4 minute read

Read Chapter

VIII The Erline Jarl

VIII The Erline Jarl

Dansk-Gatt, July 23rd. —The south wind, which has blown almost constantly since our arrival at Dansk-Gatt, ceased on the 19th of July, and north and north-easterly winds are now blowing, with their usual accompaniment of rain or snow. The gas-working apparatus acts very regularly, yielding about 78 cubic yards per hour. The work is divided into spells of six hours at a time, the first watch, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., being entrusted to me. I am assisted by two seamen only, one of whom speaks French

11 minute read

Read Chapter

IX The Snow

IX The Snow

Dansk-Gatt, August 4th. —The Express left last night, carrying away our last letters; and as the season is advanced, we have now no hope of receiving at Dansk-Gatt any more news from Europe. The north wind is still blowing, and has brought a regular snowstorm; the mountains have donned their winter mantle, and nature seems to prepare for sleep. Birds are becoming rare, and their joyful cries are no longer to be heard. A white hood covers the top of the balloon, which only awaits a current of win

3 minute read

Read Chapter

X A Long Wait

X A Long Wait

Smeerenburg, Friday, August 7th. —Noon. The sky is bright and the sun is sending us a few rays which are reviving our hopes a little. The snow is melting; but the wind, though slight, is still blowing from the west. The balloon which holds its gas well is dripping little by little. I made a long excursion on the east side of Dane’s Island. The island of Fogll-Sund is glittering in the midday sun. The birds have awakened. I saw several flocks of eiders. At six o’clock four pilot balloons are laun

2 minute read

Read Chapter

XI The Fram

XI The Fram

At half-past nine the ice-pilot signalled a three-master off the eastern cape of the Isle of Amsterdam. Great excitement prevails on board the Virgo . What object has this vessel in coming to these regions visited only by whalers and tourists? She stops and hoists the Norwegian flag on her main mast. One cry went up from all hearts: “Nansen! Nansen coming back from the Pole.” Those who had seen the photo of the ship Fram , recognise her perfectly well in the steamer which is lying at a distance

8 minute read

Read Chapter

XII The Storm

XII The Storm

The barometer has undergone a rapid depression since last night. Hardly had we rounded Amsterdam Island, taking a south-west course, when the vessel began to roll, and a few moments later the storm struck us. The sky darkened and the Virgo lurched terribly. I was again a prey to terrible sea-sickness and retired to my cabin. All the kitchen utensils and earthenware vessels are dancing a jig round me. The Virgo which has lost some of her ballast is rolling frightfully. The captain has had a small

1 minute read

Read Chapter

XIII My last Night on the Virgo

XIII My last Night on the Virgo

The storm has blown over. I recovered my appetite and my good humour, and the night of the 23rd-24th was a very pleasant one. For some time past I had seen no darkness, and this night was not without poetic surroundings. A few stars are already twinkling in the zenith, when at about ten o’clock the sun disappeared from the horizon leaving a long twilight which lasted until dawn. A LAPLANDERS’ CAMP. The sky was tinted with purple hues forming an immense rainbow, stretching from west to east. Grey

1 minute read

Read Chapter

XIV The Return

XIV The Return

We are at once surrounded by friends, and learn with pleasure that Nansen is a guest on board the small white yacht Otaria , anchored near the Fram , which she brought in tow from Hammerfest. I much regret not being able to shake hands with him, but I am leaving my companions after sincere and heartfelt farewells to take my passage on the mail boat Haakon Jarl , which is leaving in a few minutes. Dr. Ekelund accompanies me to Trondhjem. One of the officers on board hands me letters and papers fr

8 minute read

Read Chapter

I Departure of the Second Expedition

I Departure of the Second Expedition

On the 18th of May the town of Gothenburg prepared to witness the second departure of the Polar Expedition. On the quays of the port the inhabitants assembled in crowds testified to Andrée their admiration for his ever memorable undertaking. The rebuffs he experienced last year had not shaken his faith; he still stood firm, and was still the same, with his eagle eye and his iron will. Notwithstanding his modesty, Andrée could not help being moved by the enthusiastic manifestations that were show

10 minute read

Read Chapter

II Arrival at Spitzbergen

II Arrival at Spitzbergen

May 26th. —We were waiting in the port of Tromsö for news of the Virgo , which had left Gothenburg two days after us, on May 20th. The day before, the Svensksund had laid in a stock of provisions and coal. On the after-deck a large cage had been made for the reception of some sheep. We also took a great many fowls on board, so that we should be provided with fresh meat during our stay at Spitzbergen, as a change from tinned provisions. As we had not received any news of the Virgo , we left Troms

6 minute read

Read Chapter

III Preparations at Dane’s Island

III Preparations at Dane’s Island

May 31st. —The day after we arrived every one set to work. We first turned our attention to carpentering; with the aid of pulleys and screw-jacks we succeeded in restoring to a certain extent the beams of wood to the positions they had normally occupied, and they were then fixed by steel guys. A detachment of sailors cleared away the snow, which in the shed was over six feet deep. This work was rendered long and tedious by a thick layer of ice under the snow, which had to be broken with the ice-

10 minute read

Read Chapter

IV The Landing and Preparation of the Balloon—The Inflation

IV The Landing and Preparation of the Balloon—The Inflation

June 12th. —Two weeks had elapsed since our arrival at Dane’s Island. The work connected with the shed had been pressed forward, and as Andrée had announced, the shed was ready to receive the balloon. A large canvas tent, made in eight equal sections, was fixed over its entire circumference half-way up the shed; it was drawn up in the centre by the aid of pulleys connected with the top of the building. We were thus comfortably sheltered from snow or rain whilst getting the balloon ready. The unl

8 minute read

Read Chapter

V Amusements at Spitzbergen—Testing the Gas-Tightness of the Balloon—Arrival of the Vessels Express and Lofoten

V Amusements at Spitzbergen—Testing the Gas-Tightness of the Balloon—Arrival of the Vessels Express and Lofoten

The inflation of the balloon was completed on the 22nd of June at midnight. The dome can be seen above the shed; our balloon is now only awaiting a suitable moment for launching forth into space. Next morning two Swedish flags float triumphantly over the shed. But before a start can be made, many minor matters still remain to be attended to, small details which always take up a very long time, and to-day work was stopped at noon. In compliance with Swedish custom we have been celebrating the eve

7 minute read

Read Chapter

VI The Last Preparations—Anticipations

VI The Last Preparations—Anticipations

June 28th. —The balloon had now been inflated for more than five days; it had undergone a loss of gas which may be approximately estimated at 5,297 to 5,956 cubic feet, or a mean loss of 1,059 to 1,236 cubic feet every twenty-four hours. When the tests which we were making, and which were to be continued as far as the equator of the balloon, should be concluded, it would have become still more air-tight, and the balloon would then be in excellent condition. The Lofoten left us this morning at si

7 minute read

Read Chapter

VII Before the Departure—Waiting for the South Wind

VII Before the Departure—Waiting for the South Wind

June 30th. —Andrée called us together to discuss the methods to be employed for starting his balloon. One great difficulty was, how to get the balloon out of its enclosure without the silk running the risk of being damaged by the wood of the shed. Every one gave his opinion, and from all the suggestions put forward, the following conclusions were drawn:— (1) All projecting parts of the shed against which the balloon might be injured should be covered with a thick pad of felt, in order to prevent

6 minute read

Read Chapter

VIII The Departure

VIII The Departure

Sunday, July 11th. —A decided south wind! Would it last this time, or would it again prove a delusion? Andrée and his companions consulted for some time the various instruments from each post of observation. The atmospheric conditions seemed favourable. Together with Andrée, we went to the top of the shed to examine carefully the work that had been done, and to arrange about the preparations for starting. The wind was very violent. The wooden structure trembled under our feet; I feared sometimes

10 minute read

Read Chapter

The Last Message from Andrée

The Last Message from Andrée

The following message from Andrée shows the progress made by the hardy explorer. We reproduce it in facsimile. (1)— The Andrée Polar Expedition to the “Aftonbladet” Stockholm. July 13th, 12.30 p.m., 82°2´ north latitude, 15°5´ east longitude. Good journey eastwards, 10° south. All goes well on board. This is the third message sent by pigeon. Andrée. Butler &amp; Tanner, The Selwood Printing Works, Frome, and London. The Pupils of Peter the Great A History of the Russian Court and Empire from

46 minute read

Read Chapter