The Flying Ship of 1709

In issue number 56 of the Evening Post published in the reign of Queen Anne and dated 20-22nd December 1709, we find a curious description of a Flying Ship, stated to have "lately been invented by a Brazilian priest". It was brought to the notice of the King of Portugal in a lengthy address which had been translated from the Portuguese into English, and published in its entirety in the Evening Post.
Here are the opening remarks:-


'Father Batholomew says he has found out an invention, by the Help of which one may more speedily travel through the Air than any other Way either by Sea or Land, so that one may go 200 Miles in 24 hours . . . . . '

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