OFFICIAL RECORD EXCERTS-Aeronautics

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O.R.--SERIES III--VOLUME III [S# 124]
CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, REPORTS, AND RETURNS OF THE UNION AUTHORITIES
FROM JANUARY 1 TO DECEMBER 31, 1863.--# 12

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
March 23, 1862.

Prof. T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, National Hotel:

        The commanding general directs that on arriving at Fort Monroe you land all your balloons save one, which you will keep on board subject to his future directions.

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

        On the 3d of April I received an order from General McClellan to accompany General Porter in His advance to Yorktown. On the following morning at 5 o'clock the division left Hampton and advanced as far as Cockletown, and on the 5th arrived in front of Yorktown. The aeronautic train, consisting of four army wagons and two gas generators, having to move in the rear, arrived a little after noon and were put in position for inflating the balloon. Our operations were impeded for an hour or more by our position being shelled by the enemy, but notwithstanding this the balloon was ready at 5.30 o'clock, and an observation was taken by an officer of the general's staff. At 3 o'clock the next morning I ascended and remained up until after daylight, observing the camp-fires and noting the movements of the enemy. On descending a messenger handed me the following order:

APRIL 6, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        The commanding general desires you to make an ascension as soon as you can. Look for the movement of wagons and teams; also where the largest number of men are.
        Send word what is passing as soon as you can.

Very respectfully,
FRED. T. LOCKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

        These observations being of great importance, I went to General Porter's tent and made my report, and requested that he should ascend that he might judge for himself of the number of the enemy and strength of their works. This he did, and remained up one hour and forty-five minutes at an elevation of 1,000 feet, and within a mile of the enemy's works. On descending, all the generals were called together and a council held. During the day several draughtsmen were sent up who sketched maps of the positions of the enemy, &c. In the afternoon the Count de Paris ascended with General Porter, and near sundown General Butterfield ascended to a height of 1,000 feet.
        The observations and maps thus made were of the greatest importance, and readily enabled the commanding officer to decide what course he would pursue.
        In the evening of the same day I received the following order from General McClellan:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
April 6, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        General McClellan directs that you send a balloon to General Keyes' headquarters at Warwick Court-House as soon as possible.

By command of Major-General McClellan:
A. V. COLBURN,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

        In compliance with this order I proceeded to Fortress Monroe to move another balloon to General Keyes' command, and left the one then inflated and in use before Yorktown in charge of the only assistant aeronaut I was then allowed, excepting one in charge of the balloon-boat at Fortress Monroe.
        After stationing the balloon at Warwick Court-House (the train having to move over the worst roads I ever saw) I started on the night of the 10th for Yorktown. Our lines having been changed during my absence, I found myself, about 9 o'clock p.m., within the enemy's lines. I was not sensible of the danger I was in until I heard signals given by a low whistle, which I at once knew to be those of the rebels, and accordingly cautiously retraced my steps and spent the night at the camp of one of our advanced regiments. The next morning at daybreak I took the road to Yorktown, and at 6.30 I was surprised by the descent of a balloon very near me. On reaching the spot I found it to be the one I had left in charge of my assistant at Yorktown, and General Fitz John Porter the occupant. The gas had entirely escaped when the balloon reached the earth, from the fact that the general in his eagerness to come to the ground (on finding that the rope by which the balloon was let up had parted) had opened the valve until all the gas had escaped, and as the balloon was constantly falling the silk was kept extended, and presented so large a surface to the atmosphere that it served the purpose of a parachute, and consequently the descent was not rapid enough to be dangerous.
        I would here remark that a balloon suddenly relieved of its gas will always form a half sphere, provided it has a sufficient distance to fall in to condense a column of air under it. A thousand feet would, I presume, be sufficiently high to effect this and to make the descent in safety.
        On inquiring into the cause of the accident I found that Mr. Allen, the assistant in charge of the balloon, had used but one rope, as had been his idea of topical ascents, instead of three and sometimes four, as I always did, and that rope had been partially injured by acid which had accidentally got on it.
        I found it difficult for a time to restore confidence among the officers as to the safety of this means of observation on account of this accident, but the explanations and the personal ascensions I made gradually secured a return of their favor, and on the 13th of April I received the following communication:

APRIL 13, 1862.

        PROFESSOR: General Barnard is General McClellan's chief engineer, and is located in his camp. General McClellan is very anxious for him to have an ascension early in the morning, and General B. will be prepared to accompany your messenger, whom I beg of you to direct to wait to take General Barnard to the location of the balloon. I would ascend myself did not General B. wish and General McClellan wish him to go. General McClellan's camp is along the telegraph wire. Send the messenger to me if you do not know. I beg of you to give him a good and safe ascension.

Yours, truly,
F. J. PORTER.

        P. S.--Send one of our men to rouse General B. at daylight, and wait to take him to your balloon. I think the best place is down the hollow where you were camped.

        On the following morning I called in person on General Barnard at daybreak and accompanied him to the balloon, when he ascended to an elevation of 1,000 feet and remained two hours. After breakfast he made two more ascents at different points, and expressed himself highly gratified with the information thus gained. From this time until the evacuation of Yorktown the balloons were kept in constant use, and reports were made by myself and many officers who ascended daily.
        I regret that I have not more copies of reports, but as I had my camp at headquarters I usually made my reports verbally, assisted in my explanations by references to maps. Almost daily whenever the balloon ascended the enemy opened upon it with their heavy siege guns or rifled field pieces, until it had attained an altitude to be out of reach, and repeated this fire when the balloon descended, until it was concealed by the woods.

PORTER'S HEADQUARTERS,
April 29, 1862.

Captain MCKEEVER:

        Please say to Professor Lowe, or his assistant, I would like to make an ascension as soon as the weather will permit, if they will notify me.

F. J. PORTER,
Brigadier-General.

CAMP WINFIELD SCOTT,
Near Yorktown, Va., April 29, 1862.

Brig. Gen. S. VAN VLIET,
Chief Quartermaster, Army of the Potomac:

        GENERAL: The commanding general directs that you cause to be issued to Professor Lowe, chief of balloon department of this army, such means of transportation and quartermaster's supplies as may be necessary to enable him to perform the duties with which he is charged.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

        On the 3d of May I made a reconnaissance near Warwick Court-House and again before sundown before Yorktown, General McClellan and staff being on the spot; General Porter and myself ascended. No sooner had the balloon risen above the tops of the trees than the enemy opened all of their batteries commanding it, and the whole atmosphere was literally filled with bursting shell and shot, one, passing through the cordage that connects the car with the balloon, struck near to the place where General McClellan stood. Another 64-pounder struck between two soldiers lying in a tent, but without injury. Fearing that by keeping the balloon up the enemy's shots would do injury to the troops that were thickly camped there, General Porter ordered the balloon down. While making preparations to ascend again I received the following order:

YORKTOWN, May 3, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        The general says the balloon must not ascend from the place it now is any more.

G. MONTEITH.

        At about midnight, however, I was aroused by Captain Moses, of General Heintzelman's staff, who informed me that the general was apprehensive that the enemy were evacuating, from the fact of the constant cannonading, and that a heavy fire was also raging in Yorktown. I immediately ascended and saw that the fire was confined to one building or vessel near the wharf, and therefore I did not consider it a sufficient indication that they were evacuating, for if destruction of property was intended, they would burn their barracks, tents, wharves, store-houses, &c. I therefore considered the fire to be accidental.
        I did not sleep any more, however, that night, and got the balloon ready for another ascension, which I made before daylight; but, as formerly, at this time in the morning I could see no camp-fires. As soon as it became a little lighter I discovered that the enemy had gone. This I immediately communicated to General Heintzelman, who on learning it ascended with me, satisfied himself of the fact, and reported it by telegraph to General McClellan, sending the message down from the balloon without descending. We then remained up and saw our troops advance toward the empty works, throwing out their skirmishers, and feeling their way as if expecting to meet an enemy. Of course we had no means of communicating to let our advance guard know where the enemy were, which we could see, as their rear guard was not more than one mile from Yorktown.
        From the above facts it is fair to presume that the first reliable information given of the evacuation of Yorktown was that transmitted from the balloon to General McClellan by General Heintzelman and myself. Further proof of this, if necessary, will be found in General Heintzelman's report of the battle of Williamsburg, which I regret I have not at hand to quote from.
        I would also refer to the pamphlet written by Prince de Joinville, where in speaking of the evacuation of Yorktown and in other places he alludes to the ascensions of the balloon as an everyday occurrence in the Army of the Potomac for reconnaissances, and of their being frequently fired at by the enemy.
        At about 7 o'clock the balloon was taken into Yorktown and observations made of the river for thirty miles. From the reports made that a number of vessels were in sight, our gun-boats were enabled to capture some and cause the destruction of many more.
        To show how suddenly the enemy withdrew from Yorktown, I insert the following report to General Keyes, made verbally at the time and subsequently in writing:

ROPER'S MEETING-HOUSE, May 11, 1862.

Brig. Gen. E. D. KEYES,
Commanding Fourth Corps, Army of the Potomac:

        GENERAL: In accordance with your request that I should give you a statement of the results of my observations from the balloon stationed at General Smith's division, near Warwick Court-House, on Saturday, May 3, I give the following: I ascended at noon, and remained at an elevation of nearly a thousand feet for one hour. Could see the rebel line of works and camps from York to James Rivers. At a point which I took to be Lee's Mill there seemed to be a large camp and earth-works as well as many others to the right and left. In several places there seemed to be gangs of men apparently throwing up earth-works. In addition to their barracks, many tents were visible, and, in fact, signs of evacuation were not visible. I reported the result of my observation to General McClellan on the same evening, and also to you at Brigadier-General Smith's headquarters at about 4 p.m. the 3d instant. On the following morning I ascended at a point near Yorktown and discovered that the enemy had left, and at 6 o'clock a portion of them were visible about two miles from Yorktown on the road to Williamsburg.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

        It was known by all who had an opportunity of knowing that the enemy continued their works and kept up appearances until the night of the evacuation, and even kept their batteries firing until after midnight. Their barracks and tents, many of them new, were all left standing. Medical stores and ammunition (some destroyed and thrown into the river) were left, which it would seem would not have been the case if the evacuation had been long premeditated.
        It is true army wagons were daily seen plying between Yorktown and Williamsburg, and so reported, but it was impossible to say which way they were loaded.
        On the afternoon of the 4th I received orders to move everything pertaining to my department by water, with General Franklin's command. Judging from my orders, it would seem that the battle of Williamsburg was not expected.
        The balloons were accordingly taken to West Point, and one was inflated on the balloon boat and used by General Franklin during his stay at that place, where reports were made to him of the position and movements of the enemy. After this we moved by water to White House Landing, the balloon boat being the first to land, and was even some distance ahead of the gun-boats, while the first night the balloon guard was the advance picket on the river bottom.
        On the 18th of May I received orders to accompany General Stone-man, who was then some distance in the advance. We arrived near the Chickahominy on the morning of the 20th, and on the following morning, accompanied by General Stoneman, I ascended, and there had a distant view of Richmond, the general being the first to point out the city as we were rising. After ascertaining the location of the enemy, General Stoneman advanced his forces to Gaines' Hill, and there rested until the main portion of the enemy, which was still some distance in the rear, came up, while in the meantime the balloon was kept in constant use, and all the movements of the enemy were reported.
        On the 25th of May the balloon proved of great advantage, and I copy the following memorandum from my notebook respecting the observations made:

GAINES' HILL, May 25, 1862.

        This has been a fine and important day. General Stoneman ascended with me to an elevation of a thousand feet; had a splendid view of the enemy's country; discovered a force of the enemy near New Bridge, concealed to watch our movements. The general then took two batteries and placed them to the right and left of Doctor Gaines' house, and caused the enemy to retreat for at least a mile and a half, while he remained in the balloon with me, directing the commanders of the batteries where to fire, as they could not see the objects fired at. The general then went to Mechanicsville and drove the enemy from that position, while I remained up in the balloon to keep up appearances and to see if a larger force opposed him.
        After descending, General Stoneman was heard to say, in the presence of several gentlemen, that he had seen enough to be worth millions of dollars to the Government.
        It is certain that he is too keen an observer and too able an officer to be insensible of the advantages of so superior and accurate means of observation as that afforded by the balloon.
        One of the principal objects of General Stoneman in driving the rebels from the banks of the Chickahominy was to enable him to move to Mechanicsville unnoticed, whereby he might surprise the enemy at that point, which he effectually accomplished by the aid of the balloon. He often availed himself of it by ascending personally, instead of trusting to some inferior officer who had no interest or reputation at stake. I had always noticed, moreover, that the general invariably pitched his tent where he could see the enemy himself.
        On the occasion above alluded to the enemy were so concealed behind woods and hills that it was impossible to ascertain their positions in any other way than by ascending to a great elevation, and the artillery might have been fired a whole day without doing any injury, unless the proper range had been obtained.

        A Richmond paper of May 26 contained the following item:

        The enemy are fast making their appearance on the banks of the Chickahominy. Yesterday they had a balloon in the air the whole day, it being witnessed by many of our citizens from the streets and house tops. They evidently discovered something of importance to them, for at about 4 p.m. a brisk cannonading was heard at Mechanicsville and the Yankees now occupy that place.

        On several other occasions the Richmond papers correctly described the various ornaments painted on the balloons, as seen with telescopes from the city.
        On the 26th and 27th I received the following orders:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
INSPECTOR-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT,
May 26, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        SIR: I am instructed by Brigadier-General Marcy, chief of staff, to direct you to move your balloon, &c., with as little delay as possible, to Brigadier-General Stoneman's headquarters, at Mechanicsville.
        You are directed after each ascent to make a written report to the headquarters of the result of your observations.

I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. B. SACKET,
Inspector-General, U.S. Army.

HDQRS. TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 26, 1862.

Prof. T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac:

        SIR: The balloon department has been placed under my direction by Special Orders, No. 157, May 25. Understanding that there are several balloons in your charge, you will immediately establish them in the following positions, viz, near Mechanicsville, General Stoneman commanding; near the Seven Pines, on the road from Bottom's Bridge to Richmond, about six miles from the bridge, General Keyes commanding, and in the vicinity of New Bridge, near the general headquarters.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Brig. Gen. and Chief Topographical Engineers.

HDQRS. TOPOGRAPHICAL ENGINEERS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
May 27, 1862.

Prof. T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac:

        DEAR SIR: The general commanding desires-first, that balloon ascensions be made as frequently as is practicable at each balloon station and that full reports of one results of the observations be transmitted at once to these headquarters; second, that no persons be permitted to ascend in the balloon with the exception of the general in command at the position which the balloon occupies, and those authorized by him; third, that newspaper correspondents and reporters be in no case permitted to ascend.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Brig. Gen., Chief of Topographical Engineers, Army of the Potomac.

        It will be seen from the following dispatches that the enemy improved every opportunity to fire at the balloon. On this occasion I ascended to a high altitude, and before I descended I had the balloon moved considerably to one side, so that the subsequent firing was out of range, and thus, by changing my location, prevented the enemy from having a good mark to fire at.

MAY 27, 1862.

Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS:

        Ascended at 4.45 p.m. one mile from Mechanicsville and, I should judge, four miles from Richmond, in an air line. At 5 o'clock three batteries opened upon me, firing many shots, some falling short and some passing beyond the balloon and one over it, while it was at an elevation of 300 to 400 feet. A battle is going on about four miles distant; heavy cannonading and musketry. I will go up again and report.

T. S. C. LOWE.

MAY 27, 1862.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Topographical Engineers:

        GENERAL: I made my second ascent at 5.30 p.m., and remained up until 6.45 p.m. Richmond and vicinity are much more distinct from this point, and I was able to discover with ease the exact position of the enemy. The heaviest camps seem to be near the banks this side of James River and a little to the left of Richmond. The next heaviest are to the right of Richmond on the road from Mechanicsville. There are also several smaller on the first heights opposite Mechanicsville, and several batteries stationed there, some of which I saw put in position while in the balloon, besides those that fired at me.
        The heights opposite New Bridge for two miles each way seem to be entirely unoccupied, except by the enemy's pickets.
        No earth-works of any description are visible, although the country is tolerably clear from woods on the Mechanicsville road, and if there are earth-works on this side they are very near the city and behind the last line of woods.
        In the northwest from where the balloon is, and about ten miles distant, there was heavy smoke.
        To the north, near the Pamunkey River, was the heavy cannonading and musketry, but the distance and heavy woods prevented me from seeing the detail movements. The enemy in and around Richmond are apparently very strong in numbers.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

BALLOON CAMP,
Near Mechanicsville, May 29, 1862--9.30 a.m.

Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Topographical Engineers, Army of the Potomac:

        GENERAL: I ascended at 7.30 o'clock this a.m., near New Bridge; could discover no change in the position of the enemy in that vicinity. I then came to this point to get another view, which I have just obtained, and find the enemy quite opposite Mechanicsville.
        A battery consisting of several guns is in position near the road on the opposite heights. There are troops lying in the shade of the woods along the whole line from below New Bridge to some distance above this point, the greatest number, however, opposite this point.
        I have now on hand material sufficient to keep the two balloons in operation for about one week only.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac.

        From 11 o'clock until dark on the 29th of May the enemy commenced to concentrate their forces in front of Fair Oaks, moving on roads entirely out of sight of our pickets, and concealing themselves as much as possible in and behind woods, where none of their movements could be seen, except from the balloon. The following is one of my reports on that day:

BALLOON CAMP,
Near New Bridge, May 29, 1862.

Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Topographical Engineers:

        GENERAL: My last ascent was made at sundown, which discloses the fact that the enemy have this afternoon established another camp in front of this point in the edge of the woods to the left of the New Bridge road and on a line with the permanent camp about one mile and a half to two miles from the opposite heights. They seem to be strengthening on our left, opposite this place.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE.

        P. S.--My last dispatch dated 1.30 o'clock ought to have been 3. My watch had stopped.

LOWE.

        On that night or the following morning General McClellan ordered the reserves to be moved up to support General Heintzelman in case of an attack, which took place just as this was accomplished. Had not our forces been concentrated it is very evident that our left, or that portion of our army beyond the Chickahominy, would have been driven back, and in consequence the whole army routed.
        I think that I have reason to presume that the cause of this favorable movement of our troops was mainly due to my report that the enemy were moving down and strengthening in front of Fair Oaks.
        On the 31st of May, at noon, I ascended at Mechanicsville, and discovered bodies of the enemy and trains of wagons moving from Richmond toward Fair Oaks. I remained in the air watching their movements until nearly 2 o'clock, when I saw the enemy form in line of battle, and cannonading immediately commenced. Not having any telegraphic communication here, I dispatched one of my assistants with a verbal message, and, to make the matter doubly sure, I sent the following written dispatch after reaching Doctor Gaines' house forty-five minutes later, and still another at 4.30 p.m.:

DOCTOR GAINES' HOUSE, May 31, 1862.

General MCCLELLAN:

        I descended at 2 o'clock from near Mechanicsville. The position of the engagement is about four or five miles from New Bridge in a southerly direction. Could see troops moving toward the firing from our left of Richmond, and a long wagon train also moving in that direction.
        The enemy on our right seem to remain quiet. Quite a large reserve are in the edge of the woods about one mile and a half from the heights on the road from New Bridge. I will ascend from this point as soon as the wind lulls.

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE.

MAY 31, 1862--4.30 p.m.

Brigadier-General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        There are large bodies of troops in the open field beyond the opposite heights on the New Bridge road. White-covered wagons are rapidly moving toward the point of the engagement with artillery in the advance. The firing on our left has ceased.

T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

        On receipt of the above information General McClellan sent express orders to General Sumner to have the bridge across the Chickahominy completed as soon as possible, and to cross with his corps at the earliest possible moment and support General Heintzelman. This was accomplished just in time, for it is asserted upon good authority that if General Sumner had been one or two hours later the day would have been lost.
        Is it not probable, to say the least, that my reports from the balloons caused the completion of this bridge two hours sooner than it would otherwise have been done? In reference to this point I would refer to the Prince de Joinville's narrative of the Peninsular Campaign, where in speaking of the battle of Fair Oaks he says that "there was some doubt whether the enemy were making a real attack, or whether it was merely a feint; but this doubt was soon removed by reports from the aeronauts, who could see heavy columns of the enemy moving in that direction."
        On the following morning I ascended at 4 a.m., but owing to fog I was unable to see anything until after 6 o'clock, and at 7 o'clock I sent the following dispatch by telegraph from the balloon.
        Many dispatches were sent in this way, copies of which were not preserved:

NEAR DOCTOR GAINES' HOUSE,
June 1, 1862--7 a.m.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        I have just obtained a splendid observation from the balloon. I find the enemy in large force on the New Bridge road, about three miles this side of Richmond. In fact, all of the roads that are visible are filled with infantry and cavalry moving toward Fair Oaks Station. There is also a large force opposite here, and in the same position that they were yesterday, but not in motion. I can see smoke in the woods where the firing ceased last night. I hear no firing at the present. In the immediate vicinity of the heights opposite here there are nothing but pickets visible.

T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

        I am satisfied from what I heard on the previous evening that an attack by the enemy on the next morning was not expected. The above dispatch, therefore, giving timely notice that the enemy did really intend making a more severe attack than even that of the previous day, must certainly have been of the greatest importance, and gave our forces an opportunity of preparing for a vigorous defense.
        I would here remark that of all the battles I have witnessed, that of Fair Oaks was the most closely contested and most severe, and the victory, in my opinion, was due to the valor and skill of General Heintzelman, who nobly sustained himself against great odds in favor of the enemy.
        To the following reports I would call especial attention, as they speak for themselves.
        The following order from General Humphreys was received one hour after my first report:

JUNE 1, 1862--6.45 a.m.

Professor LOWE:

        Have you been able to ascend this morning? Your balloon should be in connection by telegraph, and messages should be sent constantly--at least every fifteen minutes. The balloon must be up all day. The balloon at Mechanicsville should likewise be sent up at once, and remain up all day.
        Same reports must be made from it as from the balloon at Doctor Gaines'.

A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Brigadier-General.

BALLOON CAMP,
Doctor Gaines' House, June 1, 1862.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        The reserve of the enemy are considerably strengthened on the New Bridge road, and troops are still moving that way from Richmond; they do not seem to be gathering in any great numbers on the immediate heights along the Chickahominy. Our supports, with army wagons, are in a southeast direction from here, advancing, and about three miles from the fire of yesterday. Musketry is in constant operation in the same direction as yesterday. The banks of the Chickahominy are overflowed as far as can be seen.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

BALLOON CAMP,
Near Doctor Gaines' House, June 1, 1862--11 a.m.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        My ascent and observations just completed show the firing of the enemy to be in the same position. The road in the rear of the firing is filled with wagons and troops. About two miles still farther to the rear of Fair Oaks Station, and on the Williamsburg stage road, Charles City road, and Central road, are also large bodies of troops; in fact, I am astonished at their numbers compared with ours, although they are more concentrated than we are. Their whole force seem to be paying attention to their right. A regiment has just marched to the front, where we are preparing a crossing. Their large barracks to the left of Richmond is entirely free from smoke, and, in fact, the whole city and surroundings are nearly free from smoke, which enables me to see with distinctness the enemy's earth-works. Quite a large body of troops are on the other side of the river, about two miles from here, to our left.
        The weather is now calm, and an excellent opportunity is offered for an engineer officer to accompany me.
        The balloon at Mechanicsville is constantly up.

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE.

JUNE 1, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        Direct your attention to a force said to be approaching toward our left, apparently to attack the working parties at the bridge below New Bridge. It is said a gun is planted to strike the bridge. Send me intelligence by bearer and at once communicate to me or General ----- , when present, what is passing.

J. H. MARTINDALE,
Brigadier-General, in Charge of Porter's Division.

JUNE 1, 1862--12.15 p.m.

General MARTINDALE:

        About one hour ago a full regiment moved up into the woods toward where our left crossing is being made. I have seen no artillery moved up, nor can I see any from here. I think, however, there is artillery in the woods.

Very respectfully,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

HEADQUARTERS OF GENERAL MCCLELLAN,
June 1, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        The enemy has been repulsed wherever he attacked. Watch the motions of the enemy and his wagons and see where goes the force before Mechanicsville.

R. B. MARCY.

Professor LOWE:

        Can you see General Sumner's corps near the line of railroad about four miles from the Chickahominy? Was the train of our wagons you saw going toward Richmond or toward James River? Can you see the gun-boats on James River? Which direction does the smoke run?

R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.

JUNE 1, 1862.

        At 11 o'clock could see what I understood was General Sumner's corps near the line of railroad, but not more than two miles from the Chickahominy. The wagons I saw were moving toward James River. They had not reached the road to Richmond.
        I cannot see the gun-boats, but can see heavy smoke arising from the valley at two points, and hear heavy reports from cannon. The enemy's reserves seem to be stationed at present in all the roads.

T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

        The following were answers to questions asked by General Porter:

JUNE 1, 1862--3 p.m.

Brig. Gen. F. J. PORTER:

        The enemy remains quiet opposite New Bridge. There are infantry and a battery of artillery near the river, where our left column is preparing to cross. The wind is now too high to get a view opposite Mechanicsville, and I am not in immediate communication with the balloon there. By the appearance of the smoke when up I would say that we hold our ground, and more too. The Chickahominy is fast rising; in front of this point the whole fields resemble a lake.
        The enemy's wagons also seem to be stationary opposite here.

Very respectfully,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

BALLOON IN AIR, June 1, 1862---6.30 p.m.

R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        Last firing is two miles nearer Richmond than this morning. Camp-fires around Richmond as usual, showing that the enemy are back. General Humphreys and staff are now up, and will endeavor to ascertain fully and answer all your questions.

T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

JUNE 1, 1862--7 p.m.

Brigadier-General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        General Humphreys and self have just descended. The enemy is still in the field opposite here, and their works are visible all along the Williamsburg and New Bridge roads to Richmond. Their barracks, which were this morning deserted, are now occupied. I can see no wagons moving in any direction. Brigadier-General Humphreys will give you a full account of the last observation. I will ascend again at daybreak to-morrow.

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

BALLOON CAMP, NEAR MECHANICSVILLE,
Sunday Morning, June 1, 1862---8.20 a.m.

        Large force in front of New Bridge. Do not think there is a very large force in front of Mechanicsville. The rebels have struck their tents in front of the above-named place (Mechanicsville).
        10.45 a.m.--The rebels are moving a brigade out of Richmond in the direction of New Bridge.
        11.10 a.m.--The brigade that I saw moving out of Richmond at 10.45 a.m. seems to be a very large one. They are followed by a train, consisting of twenty-four wagons, and have just entered the woods, which carries them out of my sight. Think they are going in the direction of New Bridge.
        The troops that were in front of New Bridge have fallen back under cover of the woods.
        (The above are copies of Major Webb's dispatches to General Marcy, as far as I can remember.) Major Webb was up in the balloon from 8 a.m. till 11.20 a.m.

JAMES ALLEN,
Assistant Aeronaut.

JUNE 2, 1862--5.25 a.m.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:,

        I ascended at 4.45 this a.m. Found the enemy in full force opposite this point, with their horses harnessed to their artillery. I observed their movements for half an hour; saw mounted pickets to the extreme left of the large field opposite the point where we are preparing a crossing. To the right, opposite Mechanicsville, the enemy have two large camps, and all along their line there are appearances of lively movements.
        In fifteen minutes from the time of my ascent a battery of six guns left the farther side of the field, on the New Bridge road, and came to the heights opposite here and covered themselves in the woods, just one mile and three-quarters from this point. I am confident from the present movements that they intend to intercept our crossing the river. The weather at present is calm, and a good opportunity for some officer to ascend in the Mechanicsville balloon before the storm, which I think is near at hand. I would suggest Major Webb, as he is accustomed to the balloon.

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

JUNE 2, 1862--10.15 a.m.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        The enemy remain quiet and in the same position as reported at 8.15. Large numbers are at work throwing up earth, as before, opposite General Smith's headquarters.
        Lieutenant-Colonel Palmer could not stand an ascension, owing to vertigo.

T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

-----

McCLELLAN'S HEADQUARTERS, June 3, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        It is reported that the enemy in force is advancing on our troops to the left, in front of Sumner and Heintzelman. Please make an ascension as soon as practicable and inform me what you discover in that direction, and make frequent ascensions afterward.

R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.

-----

DOCTOR GAINES' HOUSE, June 3--2.45 p.m.

Brigadier-General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        Just as I received your dispatch General Barnard arrived and remained up about twenty minutes. I have just descended myself. I could see no additional troops at the point you inquire about. There have been troops for the past three or four days on the New Bridge road about one mile beyond Doctor Garnett's house, or red brick house opposite here, and daily moving about in regiments forward and back as a picket force. I can discover no new movements of the enemy to-day.

T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac.

        General Barnard made very frequent ascensions during the whole time our army lay before Richmond, and from observations thus taken he was better enabled to locate earth-works, &c., of which many were constructed.
        The following are dispatches without dates, which I take the liberty of adding, as they were accidentally omitted from the copies I retained.
        Before the battle of Fair Oaks:

Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Topographical Engineers:

        GENERAL: I ascended at sunrise this morning. The enemy's line of pickets in front of this point (Doctor Gaines' house) remains, as usual, from one-half to three-quarters of a mile from the Chickahominy, about one mile and a half from the heights opposite this point, and on the road from New Bridge still remains the camp noticed in my first ascent, some days since, apparently without any increase. Directly south of this point, about five miles, is a tolerable-size-d camp smoke, and I should judge about three miles and a half in advance of the main camp of General Keyes.
        The city of Richmond was entirely enveloped in smoke. The balloon at Mechanicsville was also up at the same time with me. I will make an ascent from Mechanicsville as soon as the atmosphere clears.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

        The three following reports were made after the battle of Fair Oaks:

Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS:

        GENERAL: I have just completed another observation from the balloon. About three-quarters of a mile from the heights opposite here, and about two miles and a half from this point, are about six regiments of infantry. Trees have been felled beyond them, so that I can now see another small field beyond where trees were standing this morning. There is heavy smoke now rising, as though underbrush were burning. I will watch their operations and report.

T. S. C. LOWE.

7.15 A.M.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        The enemy remain the same opposite this point. I can see through a small open space in the woods, on what I think is the Williamsburg road, troops moving toward the late scene of action, but not in great numbers, however.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE.

8.15 A. M.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        The atmosphere is now quite clear. The troops still remain quiet opposite here. On the heights opposite General Smith's headquarters and on the left-hand side of the New Bridge road, going to Richmond, the enemy are throwing up earth. Many army wagons are remaining stationary in that direction and horses grazing.

Respectfully,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

CAMP NEAR DOCTOR GAINES' HOUSE,
June 3, 1862--5 a.m.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS:

        I ascended this morning at an altitude of 900 feet just before 5 o'clock, but found the atmosphere so thick with mingled smoke and fog that only a few places were visible. The enemy opposite this point remain the same as yesterday, and along the heights for two miles up nothing is moving on the roads.

T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac.

-----

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
June 7, 1862.

Professor LOWE :

        You will please allow Mr. Babcock to make ascensions in your balloon whenever it is convenient. He is making maps and desires to make observations.

R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.

BALLOON CAMP,
Doctor Gaines' House, June 7, 1862.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        I ascended at 6 o'clock and remained up in all about one hour. The enemy appears to be in larger force on our left than at any other point. Our advance and the enemy's artillery are less than one mile from each other. The artillery that I refer to is about half a mile to the left of the New Bridge road, in the field and behind the woods on the opposite heights, with horses attached; there is more in the rear, with horses picketed. Their picket-line is not so far advanced as formerly. Several squads of cavalry were visible along the opposite heights. There are large camp smokes opposite Mechanicsville and beyond, but the dense haze prevents me at this time from observing details.
        The Intrepid will lift three persons and ropes, and there will be an excellent opportunity for engineers to ascend. I will go up early in the morning again.

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

BALLOON CAMP,
Doctor Gaines' House, June 9, 1862.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        I ascended at sundown this p.m. and find the enemy's camps located about the same as they have been for the past four or five days.
        Two sections of a battery, of three guns each, are stationed in the field (with horses attached) about three-quarters of a mile southeast from Doctor Garnett's house. Two other batteries are stationed near Old Tavern. Very heavy camps are still beyond and to the right toward Richmond. There are also three distinct camps extending from Widow Price's to Doctor Friend's, on a road this side of the New Bridge road.
        Pickets are visible near General Smith's advance, but no fires are built. The enemy's smokes immediately in front of the late battle-grounds are very light. Owing to the lateness of the hour before I could ascend, in consequence of the heavy winds, I was unable to finish my observation to the right, but will ascend as often as possible.

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac.

BALLOON CAMP,
Doctor Gaines' House, June 10, 1862--4.30 p.m.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS,
Chief of Topographical Engineers:

        GENERAL: I ascended at 3.45 this p.m., but have nothing new to report. The enemy remain about as usual. It would be a good time for some one to ascend at Mechanicsville, but I am not able to ride there myself, and Mr. Allen is quite ill.
        The atmosphere is quite clear, but the earth is heavily shaded by clouds.

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
June 11, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        SIR: The commanding general desires you to make an ascension this evening, if but for a few moments, to try if you can see anything of a large body of the enemy, said to be in the vicinity of Old Tavern, near Mrs. Price's house.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
F. T. LOCKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

BALLOON CAMP,
Near Doctor Gaines' House, June 12, 1862.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        I ascended at about sundown this p.m. The atmosphere very hazy beyond a distance of three miles. Could see no movements of the enemy. Their camps and camp-fires remain the same as usual.

Your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut.

GENERAL MCCLELLAN'S HEADQUARTERS,
June 13, 1862.

General F. J. PORTER:

        Order Lowe to make frequent ascensions and report everything.

R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff.

The general wants you to look both ways--up and down the river and toward Mechanicsville. I send you two orderlies. Keep them till dark.

Yours,
F. T. LOCKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

BALLOON CAMP,
Near Doctor Gaines' House, June 13, 1862--6.15 a.m.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        I ascended at 5.15 this a.m. and remained up one hour. The cannonading during the time I was up was from James Garnett's house (according to Allen's map), and directed to one of our camps to the left of General Smith's. Owing to the dense fog and smoke a view of all the roads could not be obtained, but on those that were visible I could see no movements whatever. I will ascend again as soon as the fog clears a little.

Respectfully,
T. S. C. LOWE.

NEAR DOCTOR GAINES' HOUSE,
June 13, 1862--8 a.m.

Brig. Gen. A. A. HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        I have just completed another observation from the balloon. The enemy's artillery remains at the same point (James Garnett's), and, with the exception of two or three squadrons of cavalry and the usual picket, there are no other troops in position or on the visible roads. During the time of my observation the most of the enemy's shots fell short. There was no response from our side during the time.

Respectfully,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac.

HEADQUARTERS FIFTH ARMY CORPS,
June 13, 1862.

Professor LOWE,
Balloon Corps:

        Large bodies of the enemy are reported to be moving with baggage wagons and ambulances toward our left. The commanding general desires you will make ascensions as often as practicable, observe their movements, and send up the information to him A dispatch sent to General Morell will be forwarded by him to these headquarters.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
FRED. T. LOCKE,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

        Every few days after the battle of Fair Oaks alarming reports were circulated that the enemy in large force was moving to different points to make an attack, as will be seen by the above and previous orders, although many more were sent verbally. The balloon was always called into requisition to ascertain the truth of these reports, and in almost every instance our troops, who would otherwise have been compelled to lie upon their arms for hours and perhaps days, in addition to other exposure consequent upon building earth-works, roads, bridges, &c., were allowed to return to their quarters on receiving a report from the balloon that the enemy was quiet. It often seemed to me that these false reports were circulated expressly to annoy and weary our forces, and so reliable did they sometimes appear that on several occasions I was required to take up a staff officer and point out to him the location of the enemy before our generals could be satisfied.

JUNE 13, 1862--8.15 p.m.

Brigadier-General MARCY,
Chief of Star:

        My assistant at Mechanicsville reports that he has taken several observations this afternoon, and from appearances of smoke and troops he is of the opinion that the force opposite Mechanicsville is considerably strengthened.
        I ascended from this point since my last dispatch and remained up until dark, but have nothing new to report.

Respectfully,
T. S. C. LOWE.

        The following reports of June 14 were of the greatest importance, and gave the commanding general timely notice of the intentions of the enemy and enabled him to use his facilities to the best advantage. Knowing that the enemy could, after a few days' work, fortify themselves sufficiently to hold our forces in check with a portion of their army, until the remainder would be at liberty to operate in another direction, General McClellan could make his final attack then before the enemy were any stronger, or he could fortify himself, or prepare for a retreat, or change of base, just as his facilities would permit. At all events, about two weeks later it proved that the enemy was so fortified that they held their position with but a small portion of their force, while the main body of their army was thrown against our right, which they overpowered and compelled the retreat to James River.

BALLOON CAMP,
Near Gaines' House, June 14, 1862--9.30 a.m.

Brigadier General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        GENERAL: I ascended at 8 and remained nearly one hour at an elevation of 1,000 feet. It was perfectly calm and many fields and camps were visible that I have not been able to see for a number of days past. In almost every field and on all available hills the enemy have large working parties throwing up earth-works and digging rifle-pits.
        The camps and tents about Richmond seem to be much increased since my last good view beyond the woods. I can now count ten distinct earth-works around Richmond and can see embrasures in most of them, but cannot distinguish whether they have guns mounted in them or not. I am now marking upon the map the positions as near as possible of the earth-works now building, and will send it in to-day.

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronant.

BALLOON CAMP, June 14, 1862.

Brigadier-General MARCY,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

        GENERAL: Accompanying this note is a map with some of the most important earth-works represented, and in the right place, as near as I can get them according to the map. There are other places where earth has been thrown up, but I shall have to ascend again to a high altitude in order to locate them. The work that commences at Widow Price's house runs to the woods a little to the right of Old Tavern, and on the farther end I should judge that 500 or more persons were at work this morning. There is also a small work to the right of the house, running into the woods.
        The numbers upon the map are for the purpose of explaining the various points better when telegraphing from the balloon. Please preserve it for that purpose.
        I am greatly in need of a good field glass for the Mechanicsville balloon. If one can be obtained will you please send it by the orderly, and greatly oblige,

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac.

BALLOON CAMP,
Near Doctor Gaines' House, June 14, 1862--6.15 a.m.

Brigadier-General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        GENERAL: I remained in the air from 5 to 6 o'clock this morning. There appears to be no movements of the enemy upon any of the roads at this time. Many camp-fires were built during the time I was up, showing the enemy in the same position as yesterday. The artillery that was at James Garnett's house yesterday is not in sight this morning.

Your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE.

BALLOON CAMP,
Near Doctor Gaines' House, June 16, 1862.

Brig. Gen. R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

        GENERAL: The first ascension that I was able to make to-day was at 3.30 p.m.
        The enemy are still hard at work on their intrenchments all along their line.
        The work in front of Widow Price's extends farther along to the right than I at first supposed, as I can see by breaks in the woods when at a high altitude. It also runs some distance to the left and masked by bushes.
        After remaining up nearly one hour Colonel Alexander ascended. I then went to Mechanicsville and had a fine view from that point. The enemy there appeared to be more in force immediately opposite Meadow Bridge than between Mechanicsville and Richmond.
        There are two works in sight from the upper balloon---one near Caxton's, or No. 16, and another at 21, as marked on the map that I sent you. Much the largest force, however, and the most work going on, is in front of our left.
        While up at Mechanicsville I saw what appeared to be two regiments moving on the New Bridge road--from figure 7 toward Thorn's, with thirteen covered wagons in the rear. I then came to this point and saw them come in near Old Tavern. There are several pieces of artillery visible near James Garnett's house.
I will have a balloon in operation as soon as possible near headquarters.

Your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac.

BALLOON CAMP,
Near Doctor Gaines' House, June 17, 1862.

Brig. Gen. R. B. MARCY:

        GENERAL: I took an observation this morning at 7 o'clock. Found the enemy still busy at work on their trenches. The work in front of Mrs. Price's seems to have been enlarged during the night. No other movements of the enemy are visible at this time.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, Army of the Potomac.

BALLOON CAMP,
Near Doctor Gaines', June 19, 1862--5.30 a.m.

Brigadier-General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        GENERAL: I ascended at 4.30 o'clock this a.m. and remained up until after 5 o'clock, when the enemy's smokes became so numerous on our left that small objects, earth-works, &c., could no longer be defined. The enemy still have artillery near James Garnett's house, and their pickets on the side of the field toward Fair Oaks extend along the edge of the field near the woods.
        The enemy appears not to be half so numerous on our right, and at this hour there are no movements of troops or wagons (save a few scattering ones) upon any of the visible roads.

T. S. C. LOWE.

        P. S.--Preparations are going on to inflate a balloon near headquarters, which I hope to have ready to-day.

LOWE.

        The principal observations being taken near headquarters, verbal reports were generally made, and I have no copies of any from the 19th to the 27th of June.
        On the 26th I reported verbally to General Humphreys that the enemy had crossed the Chickahominy in large force, and was engaging our right wing at Mechanicsville. At daybreak next morning I received the following order:

FRIDAY, June 27, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        DEAR SIR: Ascensions must be made throughout the day, if practicable, at short intervals and reports made of what is seen.

A. A. HUMPHREYS.

JUNE 27, 1862---8.15 a.m.

        The heaviest cannonading at this time is near where the last headquarters were, between Doctor Gaines' house and Mechanicsville. We have large reserves across the river; our forces are in line of battle. On our left the enemy appear to be in large force in and about their intrenchments on this side of the river in the vicinity of. Doctor Friend's, and on this side very large.
        The dense smoke prevents me from seeing to Richmond. I am very unwell, and think it advisable for some good person to be constantly up.

Respectfully,
T. S. C. LOWE.

JUNE 27, 1862--9.20 a.m.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        Although I reported myself ill on this occasion I will remain constantly in the balloon, and if you will send me two orderlies I will keep headquarters constantly informed of what can be seen from the balloon. My assistants that you speak of are trying to save the property in their charge. In an exact north direction from here, and about two miles and a half from the river, in an open field, there are large bodies of troops, but I should judge they were too far down on our right to be the enemy. On a hill this side of Doctor Gaines' house there is a long line of skirmishers stationary. On the field near where General Morell was camped everything is on fire.
        About four miles to the west from here the enemy have a balloon about 300 feet in the air. By appearances I should judge that the enemy might make an attack on our left at any moment. We are firing occasional shots on our left.

T. S. C. LOWE.

JUNE 27, 1862--11 a.m.

Brigadier-General HUMPHREYS, or
General MARCY,
Chief of Staff:

        There is no firing on either side at this time. In a northerly direction, and about three or four miles from Woodbury's Bridge, there is a long line of dust running toward the York River Railroad. Quite a large body of the enemy are visible in the field where General Smith was camped, near the old headquarters. The rebel balloon suddenly disappeared about one hour since.
        The enemy in front of here remain silent in and around their earth-works and rifle-pits.

T. S. C. LOWE.

        P. S.--Can Major Webb come over and ascend?

T. S. C. L.

        Other reports were made at short intervals during the rest of the day, and at 6 o'clock I reported that the enemy on Gaines' Hill were making a desperate advance, while a large column was moving to outflank our forces on the extreme right, and evidently intended to intercept our crossing at Woodbury's Bridge. Soon after this report was made our reserves were sent to protect the crossing and to relieve those troops who had been engaged for two days.
        I have no doubt that the information given in the above reports (from what I saw myself and have since learned) saved a large portion of our troops then engaged from being taken prisoners, and also caused a strong guard to be placed at Bottom's Bridge and other crossings below, which prevented the enemy from getting into our rear.
        On the evening of the 28th I received orders to pack up everything pertaining to the aeronautic department and to be ready to move. Owing to the want of transportation to carry material for gas, the balloons were not put in use again until we reached Harrison's Landing. Here I was taken very ill with fever, which had been gradually coming on me for two or three weeks, and I was compelled to leave the army, placing the management of the aeronautic operations in charge of Mr. C. Lowe, who kept the balloon in use during the time the army remained at that place. On one occasion Commodore Wilkes had the balloon taken on the river, and while at an elevation of 1,000 feet was towed by a steamer, while the banks and country for miles back were examined.
        The following order was received from General Humphreys relative to moving from Harrison's Landing:

AUGUST 13, 1862.

Mr. LOWE:

        DEAR SIR: The balloon department will, as far as possible, go by water in the Rotary. The barge or flat will be taken also. They will keep near or accompany the steamer carrying the surplus baggage to headquarters. Colonel Ingalls will inform you which that is. The details for the balloon department will march under the orders of the officer commanding them. They will take not less than six days' rations. The wagons, teams, &c., will be turned over to the quartermaster's department.
        Perhaps one wagon may be retained to accompany the detachment of enlisted men.

A. A. HUMPHREYS.

        All transportation, &c., now being in the hands of the quartermaster's department, it was necessary for me to have an order from the commanding general before I could reorganize the aeronautic department. On the arrival of the Army of the Potomac from the Peninsula I therefore addressed the following note to Colonel Colburn, assistant adjutant-general:

NATIONAL HOTEL,
Washington, D.C., September 5, 1862.

Col. A. V. COLBURN,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

        COLONEL: Having recovered from my late illness, I came to Washington several days since hoping that I might be of service on the present occasion. I beg of you to remind the general that I am anxiously awaiting orders, and, as ever, ready and willing to serve him. Some balloon observations at this time might be of great advantage. I have everything ready to operate at a moment's notice.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Aeronaut.

        I was answered by Colonel Colburn that my services would probably soon be required, but to remain in Washington until I received orders, as the general did not yet know when he would want to use the balloons.
        I received no orders until the morning after the battle of Antietam, when a dispatch came from General Marcy to come to Sharpsburg with the balloons without delay. I started immediately, and on the third day from Washington I arrived with the train at Sharpsburg. The delay was occasioned by General A. A. Humphreys being ordered to take command of a division, and the aeronautic department having been left without the proper authority being vested in me to act independently, I was unable to accompany the army as formerly.
        During the battle of Antietam General McClellan remarked on several occasions that the balloon would be invaluable to him, and he repeated this to me when I arrived, assuring me that better facilities should be afforded me in future. It was evident that he was extremely anxious to obtain information of movements at certain points which could be furnished only by the aeronaut, which if he had obtained might have resulted in the complete defeat and utter rout of the enemy while trying to effect his escape across the Potomac. On this occasion he greatly felt the need of reports from the balloons, which, having been on so many previous occasions furnished without even being called for, were perhaps not sufficiently valued.
        On the night of my arrival the balloons were made ready, and the next morning I pointed out the enemy, who were in force near Martinsburg, Va. The balloons were kept in use at this point until the rebel army left for Winchester, and one was also employed at Bolivar Heights. The observations made here in the vicinity of mountains 1,200 feet high, were mainly of use in enabling us to change our position and approach nearer to the enemy.
        When the army took up its march into Virginia it moved in roads commanded by the mountains, and as it was not thought that balloon observations along this route were needed, I was ordered to proceed to Washington, to move out on the railroad, where better facilities for transportation, &c., could be had.
        On the 1st of November I received the following:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
November 1, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        Under all the circumstances General McClellan thinks it best that you should return to Washington with everything pertaining to the balloon department, and hold that department in readiness to take the field at any very short notice. Acknowledge this.

S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

        There seemed to be no further use for balloons now until the army reached Fredericksburg.
        In order that the new commander of the Army of the Potomac, General Burnside, might know that I was ready for duty, I addressed the following communication to his chief of staff:

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS,
Washington, November 20, 1862.

Major-General PARKE,
Chief of Star, &c.:

        GENERAL: Considering it necessary that the commanding general should be informed in relation to my operations, and the service that I am prepared to render, I would respectfully submit the following succinct statement:
        First. The U.S. aeronautic department under my direction is in excellent condition, with all the improvements just added that over a year's continual operations and experience could suggest. I have at this time six superior silk balloons with portable gas-generating apparatus, which enables me to inflate a balloon at any point in three hours sufficiently to raise two men and ropes to an elevation of 1,000 feet or more. The balloons can be used with nearly, if not quite, as good success in winter as in summer.
        Second. In order to facilitate my operations and making prompt reports, I was permitted by General McClellan to add for my use a telegraph train, with five miles of insulated wire, which will enable me to make reports directly from the car of the balloon while viewing the enemy's position. The line can be otherwise useful for transmitting other messages not connected with my department.
        Third. It being often necessary to inflate a balloon at night, and having many times performed the same under difficulties, owing to the want of light, I have introduced a powerful oxyhydrogen or calcium light for that purpose. Aside from the benefits of this light for the above purpose, it can be used to great advantage for many other purposes where night-work is to be performed, such as felling timber, building bridges, crossing streams, building earth-works, &c. One of these lights would be sufficient for at least 2,000 persons to work by with as much convenience as by daylight, and the rays can be entirely hidden from any point where it is not desirable to show them. With this apparatus light can be thrown two miles distant sufficiently powerful to work by. The cost is trifling.
        Fourth. I also have with me a set of powerful magnifying lenses with which a photograph of three inches square can be magnified to the size of twenty feet square. Thus it will be seen that a view taken at a distance too far for the objects to be discernible with the naked eye, could be easily distinguished with the magnifier. A map photographed and thus magnified would be found much easier to consult.
        Fifth. I keep with my corps a large number of small signal balloons which can be used day or night. Fires of red, white, blue, or green can be attached, which will burn more than ten times as long as a rocket, and with much greater brilliancy, and therefore can be seen with more certainty, and costs no more for them than for rockets.
        Having reduced all of the above-mentioned branches to a practical everyday working, I can be called upon for any or all of them at any time without inconvenience to the main balloon operations, and with but little expense, as the same portable gas-works can be used for them all.
        Not considering it necessary to give a detailed account of what may be done, but hoping soon to be called into active service again,

I remain, with great respect, your very obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics, &c.

        On receipt of the above communication the following order was returned:

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Opposite Fredericksburg, November 24, 1862.

Professor LOWE:

        The commanding general desires that you proceed to Washington and bring up the apparatus and material, so that an ascension can be made at this point as early as possible. He desires that the Quartermaster's Department furnish you such aid and assistance in Washington and en route that you may require.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JNO. G. PARKE,
Chief of Staff.

        The next day everything was moved down to the army, but as General Burnside had deferred his operations, he desired the balloon should not be shown to the enemy till he was ready to cross the river. On the 12th of December I received orders to get the balloon ready, and the following morning (being the day of the battle of Fredericksburg) ascensions were commenced, and during the day many staff officers ascended, and much valuable information was furnished the commanding general, whose headquarters being directly under the balloon, verbal communications only were given, and no written reports are therefore inserted. Several shots were fired at the balloon during the day, one striking about two miles beyond the balloon, passing close to it, and going in all about three miles and three-quarters from where it was fired.
        Nearly all of my reports during the following month were given verbally.
        The following report was forwarded on December 22, which shows the duty that the balloon was required to do while the army was lying still:

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS,
December 22, 1862.

Major-General PARKE,
Chief of Staff:

        GENERAL: By observations taken from the balloon to-day the enemy's position was very clearly defined. Their main camps are opposite to our left, and extend down the river from four to six miles, and three miles back. Earth-works appear to be thrown up on the next range of hills beyond the first line of woods, but nothing definite could be ascertained concerning them owing to the heavy smokes.
        By moving a balloon farther down the river more information can be obtained. They do not appear to have withdrawn any of their forces.

Very respectfully,
T. S. C. LOWE.

CAMP NEAR HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
January 13, 1863.

Major-General PARKE,
Chief of Staff, &c.:

        GENERAL: Please find inclosed a copy of a lithograph representing the balloon signals. Should these signals meet with the further approval of the general commanding I would respectfully ask that I may be notified as early as possible that I may have prepared a sufficient number to operate successfully. I would recommend about thirty of each denomination.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics, &c.

        The signals above alluded to are not intended to take the place of anything now in use, but are simply an addition to be used in case of emergency, where it was necessary to communicate a long distance. Further mention of this will be made hereafter.
        The following orders and reports up to March 21 will be sufficient to show the principal duties performed by the aeronautic department:

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT,
February 4, 1863.

General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff:

        SIR: From an observation taken this afternoon the enemy appear still in camp about three miles west of Fredericksburg; also a large camp south by west, about eight miles. The largest camp noticed appears to be south from the city about fifteen miles; also a smaller camp east by south.
        The balloons are constantly in readiness, and observations can be taken at any time when the weather will permit.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT,
Camp near Falmouth, February 7, 1863.

General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

        SIR: According to your order I have taken advantage of all suitable weather for several days past to reconnoiter the enemy's position from the balloon. Yesterday in the afternoon the atmosphere was very clear, and from observations taken then and again to-day the various positions of the enemy could be determined by their camps and smokes. The line of hills opposite Fredericksburg and above and below the city appear to be occupied by a small force, divided into small squads, while the heaviest camp appears to be at or near Bowling Green.
        Still farther beyond, say twenty-five miles from Fredericksburg, are heavy camp smokes, which I should judge was at the junction of the Virginia Central and Richmond and Fredericksburg Railroads. Off to the right of the city, about ten or twelve miles, and some distance back from the river, are quite large camp smokes (I should think that this camp was at Spotsylvania Court-House), while in a direct line from these and near the river appears to be a camp of much smaller size.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
T. S.C. LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

FEBRUARY 7, 1863.

T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut, &c.:

        Your interesting report just received. What do you consider a large camp as mentioned in your report, and what a small one? About how many men?
        Keep your balloon up all you can, and confine the knowledge gained to your reports to these headquarters.
        Should like to have you locate camps on maps which General Warren will furnish you for the purpose.

DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT,
February 23, 1863.

Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

        SIR: I ascended with the balloon this p.m., but was unable to discover any change in the position of the enemy as far as I could see.
        To the south and southeast the atmosphere was too smoky to enable me to see anything in relation to their camp. I will ascend again as soon as the atmosphere becomes clear and furnish you with a fuller report.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 24, 1863.

Professor LOWE:

        SIR: The balloon ascension to be made between daylight and sunrise to-morrow a.m. should be made with a view to giving us most careful and accurate information as to the number of the enemy and their camps. Rumors that a large portion of their force had gone make it very desirable. You may be able to gain much credit for your branch of science by the care and accuracy and promptness of your report. Can't you take Lieutenant Comstock up with you?

Yours,
DANL. BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General and Chief of Staff.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
February 27, 1863.

Professor LOWE,
Balloon Corps:

        SIR: I am requested by Major-General Butterfield to direct that you place a balloon at the disposal of Lieutenant Comstock, chief engineer.

Very respectfully,
WM. L. CANDLER,
Captain and Aide-de-Camp.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 1, 1863.

COMMANDING OFFICER SIXTH CORPS:

        SIR: The commanding general directs that upon the application of Professor Lowe, balloonist, you furnish him with a detail of one officer, one sergeant, and thirty-five men to assist him in making an ascension near White Oak Church.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
March 12, 1863.

Professor LOWE,
Chief of Balloon Corps:

        PROFESSOR: The commanding general directs that you make frequent ascensions during the day, moving your balloon from right to left near the river. He desires that you make very close observations of the enemy, noticing any movements or work going on or changes made. Watch and note very carefully the fords and all along the river bank. Report promptly anything you may see.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General.

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS,
March 12, 1863.

Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

        GENERAL: I have just received an order from the general-in-chief, through General Williams, directing me to make frequent ascensions, &c., which I have made preparation to do at every favorable moment.
        I ascended early this morning from a point near Falmouth, but was unable to discover any movements of the enemy on the roads or near any of the visible fords. All the camps around Fredericksburg remain quiet as usual.
At about 8 o'clock I discerned working parties throwing up earth a short distance to the right of the city on the low land; also in the woods on the first ridge. I then moved the balloon some three miles up the river, where I can get a fine view as soon as the high wind now prevailing ceases.
        I have just received a report from one of my assistants, who ascended with the balloon down the river at 6 o'clock this morning (by my direction). Up to 8 o'clock all was quiet on the left, or as far down as the aeronaut could see, and all the camps remained as usual.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT,
Near Falmouth, March 13, 1863.

Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:

        GENERAL: Between 5 and 6.30 o'clock this morning both balloons ascended, one near White Oak Church and the other about three miles up the river. No movement of the enemy was visible at that time, but all appeared to be quietly in camp, as the smoke ascended from them all. The camp smokes at Bowling Green were distinctly seen, as also one near Scott's Dam, on Golin Run, of considerable size. There is also a camp and quite a number of tents opposite Taylor's Dam. The enemy are still throwing up earth a short distance to-the right of Fredericksburg with embrasures for field pieces.
        Since early this morning the weather has been too squally to admit of ascending with the balloon. Every opportunity, however, shall be improved and reports made.

Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
March 17, 1863.

Professor LOWE,
Balloon Department:

        PROFESSOR: The major-general commanding directs that you make an ascension, if your balloon is in readiness, immediately after dusk, or as soon as rockets with their colors and fires are visible; that you report the color, &c., of rockets--if any can be seen--in a northwesterly or westerly direction. The colors expected are to represent signals as follows:
        One signal, green; one signal, green and red; one signal, red and white; one signal, red and green; one signal, white and red. Answering signal from intermediate stations, green. Knowing what signals are expected, you can,