Orville Wright

“ So we spent some time in running machine along track to see what speed one man could give it. In a 40-ft. run the last 15 feet were covered in 1 1⁄2 sec. In starting one time the frames supporting the tail were caught on the end of the track and broken. Weather warm.
December 13 Wind of 6 to 8 meters blowing from west and later from north. Air warm. Spent most of day reading. In afternoon Mr. Etheridge of L.S. Station [1] , with wife and children, called to take a look at machine.
December 14 We spent morning in making repairs on tail, and truck for starting. ”

“ Time about 12 seconds (not known exactly as watch was not promptly stopped) . The lever for throwing off the engine was broken, and the skid under the rudder cracked. After repairs, at 20 min. after 11 o'clock Will made the second trial.
The course was about like mine, up and down but a little longer over the ground though about the same in time. Dist. not measured but about 175 ft. Wind speed not quite so strong.
With the aid of the station men present, we picked the machine up and carried it back to the starting ways. ”