Robert Letson wrote: > > In an earlier chapter on pages 63-4 Loughrey discussed matters of a scientific > nature which were printed from time to time. There was mention of > Montgolfier's balloon flights in Paris, and also flights by Messieurs Charles > and Robert. In addition, "In the (Newport) Mercury of May 8 appeared an > account of an experiment by M. Blanchard with a balloon ascension, and the > issue of September 4 published a description of his second trip in a 'batteau > volant'. The Providence Gazette of November 27, 1784, printed a translation > of M. Blanchard's observations during his third 'aerial voyage'." In this > instance she does not report Blanchard's first name. I wonder if it was > Claude, referred to above, or perhaps another of the early Blanchards, but one > whose words needed to be translated. These flights are presumed to have > occurred in Rhode Island. Forgive me if this is of no interest, but I am > still trying to get information on the RI Blanchards. > Hi Bob, The Blanchard balloonist was Jean Pierre. He is quite famous in aviation history. He was the first to person cross the English Channel in a balloon (in 1785.) He also may have made the first balloon flights in America. I have no idea what the genealogical connection of Jean Pierre is to all the American Blanchards. Maybe somebody else knows? If you ever have a chance to visit the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, check out the puppet-show depiction of the Channel crossing. It's quite amusing. Jim Blanchard Ellicott City MD