Ballooning a 3-page autograph letter, signed by J.H. Leonard, from London, January 29th 1839, to Samuel Hitch Esq., discussing the use of gas in air balloons: "One of the principal advantages would be to have it independant of Gas proprietory as that would, besides having the Gas so much cheaper, at once enlarge the sphere of action, by rendering it available in any Town in the Kingdom. Mr Graham tells me the Gas Proprietors in London have entered into a combination not to supply Gas under 20. This is almost an extinguisher to ballooning in London - many Towns in the country have no Gas ... In Ross, I believe, Mr G. was 36 hours filling his balloon" (slightly faded, one marginal tear); with another letter of 1825 describing a ballooning event in Chelmsford relating to Mr Graham (2)