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He had come to the Philippine islands on board the Fils de France, had passed some years in South America, and had occupied several places of distinction in the navy, as captain-commandant, until at last, after many adventures and vicissitudes, he came with a small fortune to Manilla, where he bought a vessel, and set sail for the Pacific Ocean, to fish for the balaté or sea-worm.
He began immediately to manoeuvre for the highest command possible. He demurred to the rank of captain-commandant, equal to that of major-general in the army, and maintained that nothing less than rear-admiral was fitting.
After several satisfactory ascents to the height of above 500 feet had taken place the balloon being held easily by ten men, five to each guy-rope an order was given, in April 1794, for the formation of a company of military aeronauts styled aerostiers, to which Coutelle was appointed captain-commandant.
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