Professor Lowe inflating Balloon Intrepid to reconnoiter Battle of Fair Oaks, June, 1862.  Library of Congress

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:

 

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 Aeronautic, &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, 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 Aeronautic, 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 Aeronautic, 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 very 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 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 aeronautic could see, and all the camps remained as usual. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T.S.C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautic, 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 Aeronautic.

 

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 rocket-if any can be seen-in a north 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, perhaps, more readily and surely discern them. Report with care. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, PAUL A. OLIVER, Lieutenant and Aide-de-Camp.

 

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 19, 1863.   General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General: Professor Lowe has an arrangement for transmitting information from distant points by signal balloons, which I think might be made available and valuable with cavalry operating in the field. I have though the subject over a good deal, and if the professor can get authority to procure the necessary apparatus I will take measures to test and, if possible, put his plan in practice. Very respectfully, &c., GEORGE STONEMAN, Brigadier-General, Commanding Corps.

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 19, 1863.   Respectfully referred to Professor Lowe, with the request that he will please state in substance the preparations the proposed plan will require and the probable expense of the same. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS, Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 20, 1863.   Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In answer to your inquiry concerning the preparation and probable expense of testing my plan for signals by balloons, I would respectfully state that the preparation will consist in getting the balloons made of the proper material and sizes with proper attachments; constructing a variety of characters to be attached to the balloons for day signals; arranging a variety of different colored lights of great power and brilliancy in order that they may be seen a great distance. The time required to get everything ready, I think, would be about one week. The arrangement once completed, any person of ordinary intelligence can use the signals. The cost of thoroughly testing will not exceed $300, after which, if brought into use, the cost of each balloon for conveying signals will not exceed $6, where a quantity is ordered at one time. I remain, general, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T.S.C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 20, 1863.   Respectfully returned. It was inferred the tests made proved the expediency and capacity of the plan. Has not Professor Lowe balloons and signals enough on hand of the kind proposed to show their merits for this purpose? If he has, a board will be ordered immediately to report upon them. Return these papers without delay. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC CORPS, Camp near Falmouth, Va., March 21, 1863.   Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: In answer to your indorsement upon my communication of yesterday, I would respectfully say that I have not on hand any signal balloons of the size or quality sufficient to show the merit, or to carry up sufficient weight of material for which they are designed. I have some few balloons left of those ordered by Major-General Burnside, for experiments, but were gotten up in a hurry, and made of very poor material, but the best that could be obtained at the time. They will do very well to use for instruction. I have on hand a quantity of colored fires, but will require to be arranged differently, with some addition, in order to give the full effect and brilliancy desired. I have not any of the proper material on hand for the flags. My extreme estimate of the expense of these experiments was based upon the supposition that a large number of the signals would require to be sent up, embracing every variety of lights, flags, and characters upon the balloons, in order to choose the most desirable. I am, general, with great respect, your most obedient servant, T.S.C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 21, 1863.   Respectfully returned. Under the circumstances not favorably considered. General Stoneman to be informed by Professor Lowe. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

By the decision in this matter General Stoneman was deprived of a very valuable means of communicating with the commanding general while operating in the interior of the enemy’s country. With the signal balloons alluded to General Stoneman could have been heard from every night, and answered from Fredericksburg, which certainly in his last famous raid would have been of great value both to him and to General Hooker.

These intense lights by the aid of balloons, varying in size from ten to twenty feet in diameter, can be sent from 3,000 feet to three miles in the air, and can be seen from 15 to 100 miles, according to the size of the lights. At any rate I would not hesitate on any clear night (with the proper facilities) to guarantee to signal even to a greater distance.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 21, 1863.   Prof. T.S.C. LOWE, &c.: By direction of the General-in-Chief, you will report on Monday morning next to the Committee of Congress on the Conduct of the War, now sitting in the Capitol. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

BALLOON CAMP, Near Falmouth, Va., March 22, 1863.   Professor LOWE: SIR: Lieutenant Comstock went up to-day in the Washington. It was very calm, and I let the balloon ascend to an elevation of 2,000 feet, where he remained one hour and a half in full view of the enemy’s camps and works for twenty miles distant. The balloon was then towed, at an elevation of 1,000 feet, three miles on our left, with him in the car of the balloon. He expressed himself gratified with the knowledge thus obtained. Respectfully, JAMES ALLEN, Aeronaut, in Charge of Balloon Washington.

 

 

BALLOON CAMP, Near Phillips" House, March 26, 1863.   Prof. T.S.C. LOWE: SIR: Made an ascension this 12 m. The largest camps of the enemy that could be seen were south and southwest from Fredericksburg. One very extensive camp about eight miles south from the city. I also discovered what I judge to be earth-works (new) from four to six miles west of the city. If earth-works, they are extensive. Could discover nothing of note up the river. Yours, respectfully, E.S. ALLEN, Aeronaut.

 

MARCH 27, 1863.   Honorable B.F. WADE, Chairman of Committee on Conduct of the War: SIR: Please find accompanying this note fifty-one reports of observation taken by me from the balloons during the latter part of May and the month of June, 1862, and forwarded to headquarters Army of the Potomac. They numbers but a small portion of the observation taken, but are all of the copies that I can now readily reach. It will be found that some few of these reports are without date, which is accounted for from the fact that they were sometimes written while in the balloon car and sent down to be copied and forwarded, and the persons who did this neglected to place dates upon the copies retained, as they were not considered of further value. I remain, with great respect, your most obedient servant, T.S.C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics.

 

BALLOON CAMP, Near Falmouth, Va., March 27, 1863.   Professor LOWE: SIR: To-day the balloon Washington was taken six miles to the left, and Lieutenant Comstock, Colonel Upton, and Major -----, ascended separately, all of whom spoke in the highest terms of the advantage of this movable observatory, after which she was taken to her moorings. Respectfully, JAMES ALLEN, Aeronaut, in Charge of Balloon Washington.

 

 

HDQRS. AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, March 30, 1863.   Brigadier General S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: I herewith respectfully report myself returned for duty to the Army of the Potomac, having been relieved for the present from the duties for which I was ordered to report there on the 23rd instant. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, T.S.C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

 

The following report contains many interesting facts concerning the system of aeronautics now employed and others proposed, to which I would call special attention; also to a letter following of April 1 from the present aeronauts in the Army of the Potomac:

BALLOON CAMP, Near Falmouth, Va., April 1, 1863.   Prof. T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac: SIR: In accordance with your request that I should furnish you with a report of my operations previous to my employment under your direction and my opinion of your system of aeronautics, that you may avail yourself of it in your report to the Secretary of War, I would most respectfully submit the following: For a number of years previous to the breaking out of this war I followed the professing of an aeronaut, as then practiced by the leaders in that art. At the commencement of the rebellion I was induced by the leaders in that art. At the commencement of the rebellion I was induced by my friends to offer my services to the Government. I did so, and for the purpose of demonstrating what I could do I brought on two balloons in July, 1861. Some experiments were made before an officer of the TOPOGRAPHICAL Engineers, appointed for that purpose, After witnessing my operations he pronounced them unsatisfactory, although I had, as a general thing, been as successful as other aeronauts had previously been. After ascertaining what was expected of balloons, and under what circumstances they would have to be operated, in order to meet the requirements of those not acquainted with the art, I cam to the conclusion that balloons could not be intithout an entire different arrangement. Not only must decided improvements be made in the balloon and paraphernalia, but the baboon must be inflated at short notice, and at different points in the field, and for that purpose there was no apparatus yet invented. After thus summing up the matter I returned to my home in Providence and subsequently watched with much interest the report of you progress in aeronautics for war purposes, until in the spring of 1862 you invited me to join you corps, since which time I have received much valuable information and instruction from you in the use of your inventions, which now enables me to operate with entire success, and, I believe, satisfactory to you, as I have often had evidence. In conclusion, I can conscientiously say that the Government is indebted to you alone for the introduction of this useful branch of the public service,and were it not for your improvements in the construction of balloons and invention of portable gas generators, your untiring perseverance, hard labor, and exposure, against great obstacles, aeronauts could never have been of service to our Army. Balloons, as usually constructed, could not be kept inflated in heavy winds, and at best could not hold their power but a few hours, whereas now the balloons are kept constantly ready to go up, day or night. From their manner of construction and great strength they are able to withstand any storm, nd enables the aeronaut to ascend in nearly all weathers, and are so impervious that they can be kept inflated for months with but little replenishing, and consequently trifling expense. These are qualities heretofore unknown in the history of aeronautics, and are merits that deserve the highest commendation. I remain, professor, with great respect, your most obedient servant, JAMES ALLEN, Aeronaut.

 

I cordially concur in the foregoing as regards the superiority of Professor Lowe’s system of aeronautics over former attempts. I have been engaged in ballooning for a number of years and have been [under the] direction of Professor Lowe for the past five months. I have received much valuable instruction form him in the use of his new system of aeronautics for army purposes, without which balloons cold not be used to any advantage in the field.   E. S. ALLEN, Aeronaut.

SPECIAL ORDERS,} HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Numbers 95.} Camp near Falmouth, April 7, 1863. 12. Captain C. B. Comstock, Corps of Engineers, is assigned to the immediate charge of the balloon establishment, and hereafter no issues or expenditure will be made on account of the same, except upon requisitions and accounts approved by that officer. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Falmouth, April 9, 1863.   Captain C. B. COMSTOCK, Corps, of Engineers, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: I am notified by a copy of Special Orders, Numbers 95, of April 7, 1863, that the balloon establishment is placed in your charge. Will you therefore please inform me of what duties I am expected to perform under your direction, that I may know how to proceed without conflicting with your arrangements. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE.

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 10, 1863.   Honorable P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War: SIR: In view of the present situation of our forces in the vicinity of Charleston and Baton Rouge, I would respectfully beg leave to submit the following statement: I have a faithful person (aeronaut) who has been operating under my direction in this department for over a year; therefore, inasmuch as I have another assistant and some soldiers whom I have instructed sufficiently to help manage the balloon here, Mr. Allen - the person alluded to - could be spared for one of the other places. A complete set of apparatus is ready and can be shipped at short notice if required. The balloons here are constantly ready, and are used nearly every day more or less, and I have made preparation to render the utmost service at the next battle. The report that you requested from me is in progress and will soon be completed. It required more time than I at first supposed. I remain, with great respect, your most obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

 

 

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 12, 1863.   Captain C. B. COMSTOCK, Corps of Engineers: CAPTAIN: Between 5 and 7 o’clock this p. m. I made two ascents with the balloon near White Oak Church, and obtained a very good view of the enemy’s camps for a distance of about five miles. Beyond that distance the atmosphere was quite smoky. Along the ridge for a distance of about seven miles the enemy’s camps are quite numerous, the heaviest being southwest, south, and southeast from where the balloon is anchored. From appearances I should judge they are fully as strong as ever. A clearer atmosphere, however, will enable me to form a better idea of their relative strength, &c. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE.

 

On the 12th of April I received the following order and instructions, which, considering the services I had rendered for two years and the experience I had acquired, I respectfully submit to the Honorable Secretary were as unnecessary as they were unexpected. I would call especial attention to the following communications up to May 7, 1863 (at which time I left the Army of the Potomac), that the Honorable Secretary may judge of my conduct under very embarrassing circumstances:

 

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 12, 1863.   Major General D. BUTTERFIELD, Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac: GENERAL: From a copy of Special Orders, Numbers 95, April 7, 1863, I am informed that the balloon establishment is placed in charge of Captain C. B. Comstock, Corps of Engineers, to whom I reported immediately on receipt of the above order. In conversation with him yesterday I learned that different arrangements were to be made, and among other things he informed me that my compensation for services were reduced from $10 per day to $6. This Captain comstock does, I have no doubt, in good faith, and from the view which he takes of this department as it now stands. Now, in justice to myself and the service in which I am engaged, I beg to submit the following succinct statement: At the breaking out of the rebellion I was urged to offer my services to the Government as an aeronaut. I did so, at the sacrifice of my long-cherished enterprise in which I had expended large sums of money and many years hard labor, and which, if successful, would compensate me for my expenditure and place aeronautics among the first branches of useful science. (The enterprise above alluded to could not now be revived, except under the most favorable circumstances.) During my first operations for the Government I had three competitors in the field and many more applicants. I used my own machinery and expended considerable private means, and two months" labor, for all of which I have never received pay. My system of aeronautics was selected, and I was offered $30 per day for each day I would keep one balloon inflated in the field ready for officers to ascend. (This was when it was supposed balloons could not be kept constantly inflated, as is now the case.) I declined this offer and offered my services for $10 per day, as I desired to continue during the war and add to my reputation; besides, that amount would be sufficient to support my family. Ever since then I have labored incessantly for the interest of the Government, and I have never shrunk from duty or danger whenever it was necessary to gain information for the commanding general. For nearly two years, aside from doing all the business of this department, I have made frequent personal reconnaissance and have attended to the management of several balloons for different officers to ascend until within the past two or three weeks, during which time I have been occupied by order of the Secretary of War in preparing a history of this branch of the service, &c., at the same time keeping an eye to the proper management of the balloons, which have been kept in constant use, attended by my assistants. General, I feel aggrieved that my services should not have been better appreciated. As it is, I cannot honorably serve for the sum named by Captain Comstock without first refunding to the Government the excess of that amount which I have been rnce I have been in the service.This my very limited means will not allow, for it requires full the salary I have received to support myself in the field and my family at home; therefore, out of respect to myself and the duty I owe my family, it will be impossible for me to serve upon any other conditions than those with which I entered the service. Notwithstanding, as I have promised the commanding general that nothing should be lacking on my part to render the greatest possible service during the next battle, and as I consider that all should be done that genius can devise to make the first move successful, I will offer my services until that time free of charge to the Government. I remain, general, with great respect, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut.

 

The following are five [four] indorsement made upon the foregoing document:

 

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 13, 1863.   Respectfully forwarded to Captain C.B. Comstock, chief engineer, Army of the Potomac. It was supposed that this was properly addressed, and I take pleasure in rectifying the mistake.   T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut.   Respectfully forwarded. It is believed that during the two years Mr. Lowe has been receiving $10 per day for his services he has been compensated for the sacrifices made, and that $6 per day is ample payment for the duties he has to perform at present.   C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac.

 

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 15, 1863.   Respectfully returned. See indorsement of Captain Comstock, Engineer Department, in charge of balloons. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS,, Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, April 13, 1863.   T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Headquarters Army of the Potomac: SIR: The Secretary of War directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant stating that you can spare an experienced aeronaut, should his services be required in the vicinity of Charleston or Baton Rouge, and that a complete set of balloon apparatus is ready and can be shipped at short notice. In reply the Secretary directs me to instruct you to have all necessary preparations completed as soon as possible. You will advise this Department of the weight and bulk of the apparatus and supplies, and also when and from what point the aeronaut you recommend will be ready to start. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War.

 

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 19, 1863.   Respectfully refereed to General S. Williams, assistant adjutant-general. The within has been complied with, and Mrs. James Allen named as the person that could be spared, inasmuch as I have another person to take his place here, and he would be best suited for another point. In my judgment the above arrangement will not in the least interfere with the successful operations of the balloons in this army. Therefore I would respectfully recommend that Mr. Allen be ordered to report for the above duty at once. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

 

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 19, 1863.   The accompanying communication is respectfully returned to Professor Lowe, to be forwarded through Captain Comstock, engineer, who is in charge of the balloon department. The commanding general desires to be informed why the letter to the Secretary of War, to which the answer is in reply, was not transmitted through headquarters. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

 

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, April 20, 1863.   Captain C. B. COMSTOCK, Chief of Engineers, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: According to your directions, I referred the inclosed letter from the Assistant Secretary of War to General Williams, who has returned it with the accompanying note. In answer to the commanding general. why my letter to the Assistant Secretary of War was not transmitted through headquarters, I would respectfully state that I was not are that it was customary to do so, and if in my zeal to render service to the Government I have overstepped the bounds prescribed by military law I can only say that it was unintentional. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 20, 1863. Respectfully forwarded, and indorsement of T. S. C. Lowe not approved.   C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers and Chef Engineer Army of the Potomac.

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 20, 1863.   On the 19th instant Mr. T. S. C. Lowe, aeronaut, informed me that he had been directed by the Honorable Secretary of War to send a balloon and aeronaut to Charleston, and that he had selected Mr. J. Allen. At my request he showed me the accompanying letter from the Assistant Secretary of War. I informed him that such orders should come to me from the adjutant-general of this army, and not form himself; that he, not being in charge of the balloon establishment, had not the power to change it; and that I did not think it consistent with the interests of this army to detach Mr. J. Allen from it at present. A balloon can be spared without detriment. Respectfully forwarded to adjutant-general, Army of the Potomac.   C. B. COMSTOCK,. Captain of Engineers and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 21, 1863.   Respectfully returned. Captain Comstock will make the necessary arrangements for the balloon to be placed at the disposal of the War Department and advise the Assistant Secretary of War, as herein directed. If it is possible for him to spare an aeronaut he will name the one selected in his communication concerning the balloons. By command of Major-General Hooker: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 15, 1863.   Honorable P. H. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.: SIR: Your letter of the 13th instant is received, and in answer would respectfully state that the weight and bulk of the apparatus and supplies necessary for the balloon to be sent South or West are as follows: Two balloons and appendages, about 500 pounds, in a basket three feet by five and two feet deep. One set of gas generators to go in two army-wagon running gears, same dimension as wagon body and five feet high, weithing about 1,000 pounds each. Material to keep one balloon inflated day and night for two months will consist of 100 carboys of sulfuric acid, weighing about 16,000 pounds, and twenty barrels of iron turnings, weighing about 10,000 pounds. The cost of the above amount of gas material, as now purchased, is about $350 - less than $6 dollars per day. The acid can be obtained from Messrs. Savage & Stewart, Numbers 18 North Front street, Philadelphia, Pa.; the iron at the Washington Navy-Yard. The aeronaut, Mr. James Allen, will be in Washington on Monday next, with everything complete and ready to start from that point, provided the quartermaster procures the acid and iron above mentioned. The salary required by Mr. Allen is $5 per day with rations, or $5.75 per day without rations, and all necessary transportation. I remain, sir, with great respect, your most obedient servant, T. S.C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

 

BALLOON CAMP, Near Falmouth, April 14, 1863.   Professor LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics: An extensive camp seven miles southwest of Sherwood’s forest; one extensive camp southeast of Sherwood’s forest, about five miles; one southwest of the left of our picket line, about four miles from the river; one extensive camp eight miles from the left of our picket line in a scout-southwesterly direction. About ten miles from Sherwood’s forest in a westerly direction I saw a large column moving to our right, or the left of the enemy. I am, sir, yours, respectfully, JAMES ALLEN, Aeronaut.

 

HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC DEPARTMENT, Camp near Falmouth, Va., April 14, 1863.   Captain V. B. COMSTOCK, Chief Engineer,Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: On hearing that Mr. Allen saw a column (whole in the balloon near White Oak Church) moving to the right, I immediately went up in the balloon near Falmouth Station to observe if any extra camp smoke or fires could be seen to the west, but was unable to notice any change, except a few camp-fires not noticed before, on the road from Fredericksburg toward Chancellorsville, I should judge about six miles. All the rest of the camps remain the same as usual. This p.m. three regiments were drilling on the flats, tow to the south and one to the right of Fredericksburg. The following are the compass bearings of the various camps, as seen by Mr. E. S. Allen from balloon near Falmouth Station. Extreme right to extreme left: Numbers 1, 3, to 4 miles west; Numbers 2, 2 miles west by south; Numbers 3, 2 miles southwest by west; Numbers 4, 2 to 3 miles southwest; Numbers 5, 2 to 3 miles southwest by south; Numbers 6, 2 miles south; Numbers 7, 4 to 5 miles south; Numbers 8, 8 to 10 miles south.   The usual amount of smoke arose from all the above camps this evening. It is evident, from all appearances, that the enemy have not made any considerable move as yet. The balloons will be up at daybreak if the weather will admit. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

 

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 17, 1863.   Captain C.B. COMSTOCK, Chief Engineer,Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: During my observations to-day I was unable to discover any changes in the position of the enemy. The following is the compass bearing, taken of the enemy’s position by Mr. Allen, from the Phillips house, which I find to be as near correct as is possible to get from that point. Position of the enemy’s camps as observed from balloon Eagle, April 17, 1863, beginning with the most distant one, west from Phillips" house, Va.: Numbers 1, west 5 miles (large camp); Numbers 2, west by south 3 miles; Numbers 3, west by south 6 to 8 miles Numbers 4, southwest by west 2 miles (large camp); Numbers 5, southwest by west 12 to 15 miles (large camp); Numbers 6, southwest 3 miles; Numbers 7, southwest by south 3 miles; Numbers 8, southwest by south 10 to 12 miles (large camp); Numbers 9, south 2 miles (large camp); Numbers 10, south 3 to 4 miles; Numbers 11, south 8 to 10 miles (large camp). Three or four small camps near the river bank, south by east. Very respectfully, T.S. C.LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics.

 

 

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 18, 1863. Captain C. B. COMSTOCK, Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: Inclosed is Mr. Allen’s report of observations taken to- day. I ascended this p. m. (the atmosphere being cleared inthe west) and could see no change. The camp smoke arose from the usual places as far as I could see. I could not get very high, however, in consequence of the strong breeze blowing t the time. Very respectfully, T. S. C. LOWE.

 

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 19, 1863.   T. S. C. LOWE, Chief Aeronaut: Please inform me what has been the custom when on the march. Have the balloon guard moved with the balloon trains? And are two escorts, namely, the two details we now have needed, or only one, or none, in case of a movement? Please let me know what material you think should go when we move. These things should all be thought of and arranged, my approval only being needed. Very respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac.

 

 

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 19, 1863.   Captain C. B. COMSTOCK, Chief of Engineers, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: In answer to yours of this date asking what has ben the custom when on the march, and whether the present escort are needed or not, O wild state that it has been customary for the men detached on the balloon service to accompany the aeronautic train in order that balloon observations may be taken along the route when required. I would recommend that the details for both balloons be retained, inasmuch as considerable pains have been taken to instruct them in the requirements of the department. This will enable us to tow the balloons along as the army advances and take observations whenever required; and should bad weather compel us to discharge the gads, sufficient material should be taken along to reinflame, which can be done in the night, and observations taken of the enemy’s position and the roads they take at daylight in the morning. I anticipate that the balloon can be of more service when moving than at any other time, provided we are following the enemy. I informed Captain Howard, assistant quarteansportation would be necessary for this department, and he informs me that he has set the same aside of our use, namely, seven wagons. Very respectfully, yours, &c., T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics.

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 20, 1863.   Mr. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut: Please send me the names of three or four persons whom you deem best qualified to take charge of an independent balloon, with their addresses, not including those aeronauts with this army. Respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain, &c.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, April 20, 1863.   Captain C. B. COMSTOCK, Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: In answer to your of this date asking for the names of three or four persons whom I deem best qualified to take charge of a balloon, I would respectfully say that I cannot name but two persons whom I could recommend for the Government service, aside from those already employed, although if occasion requires it I might select several who could be instructed in the use of army balloons. The names of the two persons above alluded to are Mr. W. S. Morgan, Numbers 293 Second street, Jersey City, N. J., and Mr. J. B. Starkweather, boston, Mass. Both of these parties, palced under an experienced army aeronaut, would render good service. Very respectfully, &c., T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.

 

 

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 21, 1863.   Captain COMSTOCK: I ascended at about sundown this evening, but the atmosphere was too hazy to admit of a detailed examination of the enemy’s position. All the principal camps, however, were visible and ap[pear unchanged. I have taken a large balloon (capable of taking up two persons) to the left this p. m. Respectfully, &c., T. S. C. LOWE, Chief of Aeronautics Army of the Potomac.

 

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 21, 1863.   Mr. T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut: Please have a balloon put in condition, so far as is practicable here, to be placed at the disposal of the Honorable Secretary of War at once. Please also inform me when it and machinery will be ready to be turned over to the quartermaster for transportation, and if there are any repairs needed which cannot be done here or anything needed to its efficiency not to be obtained here, please furnish me with a statement of such things in full. Also make out a list of everything me with a statement of such things in full. also make out a list of everything needed to go with it. Also please inform me which of the two persons recommended by you as aeronauts a few days ago you deem best qualified to accompany the balloon. Very respectfully, C. B. COMSTOCK, Captain of Engineers.

CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH, VA., April 21, 1863.   Captain C. B. COMSTOCK, Chief of Engineers, Army of the Potomac: CAPTAIN: In answer to yours of this date I would respectfully say that all of the balloons, with the exception of the two now i use (needing repairs that could not readily be done in the field), were sent to Washington the 17th with the balloon badge and old generators, which also need repairs. The balloons were sent to the Columbian Armory, where they have always been taken for repairs or storage, there being a large room for that purpose. I intended for balloons to be kept in readiness for this army, and that two should be sent with the aeronaut that goes South, in order that he may operate with economy and to advantage. As to repairs to the balloons, it will be impossible to state exactly what they are until they are thoroughly examined. the principal. things, however, for the two that Intended for the South are turning inside out, recrating, and inserting new top and valve in one of them. As to the two aeronauts, of whom you desire me to name the one best qualified to be placed at the disposal of the War Department, I would state tha, for that service neither of them would answer, by an experienced army aeronaut who has had experience in the management of balloons for war purposes, which is quite different from the art practiced in the ordinary way. Therefore if you do not desire to send the aeronaut first named by me, under all the circumstances I would most respectfully ask to be order to report to the Secretary of War in his stead. With this arrangement the wishes of the Honorable Secretary could be complied with, and at the same time all machinery could be kept in order for all points where balloons are used. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. C. LOWE, Aeronaut.