Professor Lowe observing the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., from his balloon, June, 1862.  Library of Congress

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 reference 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.

 

CAMP WINSFIELD SCOTT, Near Yorktown, Va., April 29, 1862.   Brigadier General 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 3rd 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:

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:

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 Stoneman, 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 observation made:

A Richmond paper of May 26 contained the following item:

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:

 

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, Brigadier General 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 the 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, Brigadier General 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.   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 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 heigts 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.   Brigadier General 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 land 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 picket, 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:

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.:

 

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 Summer 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 Summer 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." a

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:

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’s, 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:

 

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 wearther is now calm, and an excellent opportunity id 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 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 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:

 

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 al 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 wearther 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:

Fair Oaks, Va.  Prof. Thaddeus S. Lowe observing the battle from his balloon Intrepid, 31 May 1862. Library of Congress

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

 

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-land 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 observation.   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 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 still 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 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.   Brigadier General 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 respons 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.

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, 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 commence 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 telegraphic 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.   Brigadier General 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 entrenchments 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. Brigadier General 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:

 

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 entrenchments 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 of 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 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:

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:

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 is enabling us to change our position and approach nearer to the enemy.

When the army took up its march 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:

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: