[Marshall] Texas Republican, June 2, 1860
The whole town and a goodly portion of the country turned out on Saturday evening to witness the balloon ascension of Prof. Wilson. One of our citizens, Mr. E. L. Trickey, the proprietor of the elegant jewelry establishment on the west side of the public square, gave ten dollars towards raising the sum required by Prof. Wilson, upon the condition of being allowed the privilege of making the ascension. The balloon was cut loose after sun down, and ascended very prettily, Mr. Trickey alone occupying the car, and waving a couple of flags as he went up. The balloon ascended about four hundred yards, and was carried rapidly toward the North. In less than five minutes it descended and landed safely about a half mile from town, directly beyond the Marshall Cemetery. The trip was a novel one, but one which we should regard as hazardous.