Extract from "History of Brighthelmston"

By John Ackerson Erredge, published 1862

From a section concerning the fleet operating off the Chain Pier, Brighton, here is a story about the vessel 'Thomas', whose Captain was Capt. Clear

"This vessel was instrumental in saving the life of Mr. Charles Green, the celebrated aeronaut, on the occasion of his ascent from the Gas Works, at Black Rock, October 1st, 1821, with his Coronation balloon. The Thomas had left some of her passengers and the Captain at Eastbourne, and was just off Beachy Head, in charge of the Mate, Francis Cheesman, who bore down upon the balloon, then unmanageable upon the water, and driving the vessel's bowsprit into the silk of the aerial machine soon liberated the gas, and rescued Mr. Green from his frail wicker-work car.