When
the wind, which was tempestuous at first, became calmer, I was
able to count the number of cannon on the ramparts, as well as
the troops that marched through the streets and in the squares.
"Generally the soldiers of the enemy, all who saw the observer
watching them and taking notes, came to the idea that they could
do nothing without being seen. Our soldiers were of the same
opinion, and consequently they regarded us with great admiration
and trust. On the heavy marches they brought us prepared food
and wine, which my men were hardly able to get for themselves, so
closely did they require to attend to the ropes. We were
encamped upon the banks of the Rhine at Manheim when our general
sent me to the opposite bank to parley. As soon as the Austrian
officers were made aware that I commanded the balloon, I was
overwhelmed with questions and compliments.
"What causes an impression which, till one is accustomed to it,
is very alarming, is the noise which the balloon makes when it is
struck by successive gales of wind. When the wind has passed,
the balloon, which has been pressed into a concave form by the
wind, suddenly resumes its globular form with a loud noise heard
at a great distance.
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