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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, 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 thought 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.
[Indorsement.]
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.
Brig. Gen. 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.
[Indorsement.]
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.
Brig. Gen. 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.
[Indorsement.]
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.
Hon. B. F. WAVE,
Chairman of Committee on Conduct of the War:
SIR: Please find
accompanying this note fifty-one reports of observations 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 embrace but a small
portion of the observations 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.
Brig. Gen. 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 23d 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:
HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC
DEPARTMENT,
Camp near Falmouth, Va., March
30, 1863.
Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Army of the Potomac:
GENERAL: On the 21st of
this month I received from you an article setting forth a new plan for
operating balloons for military purposes, proposed by a Mr. B. Englend, and
referred to me for an expression of opinion and report. In consequence,
however, of my time being occupied during the past week in Washington before
the Committee of Congress on the Conduct of the War, I have not been able to
make a report until now.
In
examining the papers I find many misstatements concerning the present
balloon operations, which, in justice to myself and those connected with
this department, I feel in duty bound to set
right.
First, then, in
comparing the two methods, he states that "the time required to inflate a
balloon by the present mode is fifteen hours," when in fact it never
required over three hours and fifteen minutes, and since adding my last
improvements Mr. Allen, one of my assistants, informs me that the gas now
makes in two hours and thirty minutes instead of fifteen hours as
represented.
Second. He states
that the cost of inflating now for a simple inflation is $400, when the
actual cost is only about $60 now; and when the iron (which we now obtain
free of cost at the Washington Navy-Yard) had to be purchased, the cost was
then in the neighborhood of $75, which, when divided into fourteen (the
number of days the balloons will retain their power, on the average), the
cost per day for gas will be about $5.30. Of course this does not include
contingent expenses.
Third.
Mr. Englend states that it now requires 12,000 pounds of acid and iron for a
single inflation, when, in fact, that amount will keep two balloons inflated
from three to four weeks.
Fourth. He states that it now requires twelve or fourteen wagons, when the
facts are that it never did require over seven wagons to haul four balloons
and appendages and material to keep them inflated, and all camp and garrison
equipage for the whole aeronautic
corps.
Now that I have made
the above corrections, I will give my opinion (as I am ordered to do so) of
the relative advantages between the method proposed and the one now
employed.
First. According to
the statement of Mr. Englend, it requires a bulk of 68,000 cubic feet to
lift the same weight that now requires 15,000 cubic feet, much lees than a
quarter of the capacity of the balloon which he proposes. After figuring the
weight of the appendages, which he puts down at 750 pounds, he then has left
250 pounds ascensive power. Now, considering that nine-tenths of the
ascensions now made require an ascensive power of 400 to 600 pounds in order
to counteract the force of the wind against the side of a balloon, it is
certain that with a bulk more than four times as large and weight and with
less than a quarter of the power, it could not ascend at all; or, in other
words, when the balloon of 15,000 cubic feet capacity lifting 1,000 pounds,
with weight of apparatus and two persons, between 400 and 500 pounds, can
ascend from 1,000 to 2,000 feet, the balloon of 68,000 feet capacity and
weighing 750 pounds, with a lifting power of 1,000, could not be held by
fifty men against the wind, and would be blown to the
earth.
Second. I should say
that it would be impossible to tow from place to place a balloon of the kind
last mentioned; therefore should two ascensions be required at different
points in one day (as is often the case, in order to make a full and correct
report), the balloon would have to be inflated at each point, which would be
another impossibility, and would involve the expense of $250, according to
the cost set down for each inflation. Besides, the constant handling of the
machinery must necessarily soon wear it
out.
I would here take
occasion to say that the balloons now in service have been in use for nearly
two years; have been inflated from one to two months without changing the
gas; have stood the storms of two winters, and are kept constantly ready to
ascend at five minutes' notice (whenever the weather will admit), and ascend
four times higher than ever was done (by ropes) before, These are
circumstances which history affords no parallel in any country.
Notwithstanding this, I would respectfully recommend that Mr. Englend be
permitted to try his experiments in the field beside the present balloon
operations, in order to compare fairly the relative advantages of the two
upon precisely the same grounds that I was allowed to try my first
experiments, namely, with his own balloon and apparatus and at his own
expense.
In conclusion, I
would beg to state that the knowledge I have acquired in the aeronautic art
has cost me much means and expense and many years of hard labor; therefore I
would most respectfully ask that this report will not be furnished to Mr.
Englend or his associates, as I desire not to instruct any persons except in
the U.S. service.
I remain, general, with
great respect, your most obedient servant,
T. S. C.
LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics, 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 profession of
an aeronaut, as then practiced 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 came
to the conclusion that balloons could not be introduced into the U.S.
service without an entire different arrangement. Not only must decided
improvements be made in the balloon and paraphernalia, but the balloon 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 your progress in aeronautics for war purposes,
until in the spring of 1862 you invited me to join your 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, and
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 past and have been employed under the direction of Professor
Lowe for the past five months. I have received much valuable instruction
from him in the use of his new system of aeronautics for army purposes,
without which balloons could not be used to any advantage in the
field.
E. S.
ALLEN,
Aeronaut.
SPECIAL ORDERS No.
95.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
Camp near Falmouth, April 7,
1863.
* * * * * * * * *
*
12. Capt. 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.
Professor LOWE.
ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
Near Falmouth, April 9,
1863.
Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK,
Corps of Engineers, Army of the Potomac:
CAPTAIN: I am notified by
a copy of Special Orders, No. 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.
Hon. 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.
Capt. 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:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
April 12,
1863,
Mr. T. S. C. LOWE,
&c.:
As I informed you
yesterday, I do not think the interests of the public service require the
employment of C. Lowe, your father, or of John O'Donnell. Please inform me
whether you have, as desired, notified them of the
fact.
I also stated to you
that it might be necessary for the public interest to reduce your pay from
$10 to $6 per day. I also mentioned some general rules to be observed by all
civil employés connected with the balloons. Some of them are repeated here,
and you will please notify your subordinates of them: No absences from duty
without my permission will be allowed, and pay will be stopped for the time
of absence.
In camp, when the
wind is still, ascensions should be made at morning, noon, and night, the
labor being equally divided among the aeronauts, and reports made to me in
writing of all that is observed during the day. If anything important was
observed it should be reported at once. These reports should give the
bearings of the important camps observed, and the camps should be numbered
from right to left, No. 1 being on the right. You, as having larger
experience, are expected to make these ascensions frequently, and to be
responsible that no camp disappears and no new one appears without its being
reported at once. You will also be held responsible that the apparatus is
kept in good order; that the aeronauts attend to their duty; that the
necessary requisitions are sent in for supplies, and generally for the
efficiency and usefulness of the establishment, as well as its economical
management.
Very
respectfully,
C. B. COMSTOCK,
Captain of
Engineers and Chief Engineer Army of the Potomac.
I asked you yesterday for
an inventory of all public property under your charge. Please send it to me
to-morrow.
CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH,
VA., April 12, 1863.
Maj. Gen. D.
BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff, Army of the
Potomac:
GENERAL: From a copy of
Special Orders, No. 95, April 7, 1863, I am informed that the balloon
establishment is placed in charge of Capt. 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 reconnaissances 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 receiving ever since 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] indorsements made upon the foregoing
document:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
April 13,
1863.
Respectfully returned to
Professor Lowe, to be forwarded through the proper channel to Captain
Comstock, chief of engineers.
By command of
Major-General Hooker:
S. F. BARSTOW,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
-----
CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH,
VA., April 13, 1863.
Respectfully forwarded to
Capt. 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 referred to
Gen. S. Williams, assistant
adjutant-general.
The within
has been complied with, and Mr. 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.
Capt. 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
aware 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 Chief 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
from 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.
Hon. 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, weighing about 1,000 pounds each. Material to keep
one balloon inflated day and night for two months will consist of 100
carboys of sulphuric 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--1ess than $6 dollars per
day. The acid can be obtained from Messrs. Savage & Stewart, No. 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 south-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.
Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK,
Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac:
CAPTAIN: On hearing that
Mr. Allen saw a column (while 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 fiats, two 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: No. 1, 8 to 4 miles west; No. 2, 2 miles west by south; No. 3,
2 miles southwest by west; No. 4, 2 to 3 miles southwest: No. 5, 2 to 3
miles southwest by south; No. 6, 2 miles south; No. 7, 4 to 5 miles south:
No. 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.
Capt. 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.:
No. 1, west 5 miles
(large camp); No. 2, west by south 3 miles; No. 3, west by south 6 to 8
miles; No. 4, southwest by west 2 miles (large camp); No. 5, southwest by
west 12 to 15 miles (large camp); No. 6, southwest 3 miles; No. 7, southwest
by south 3 miles; No. 8, southwest by south 10 to 12 miles (large camp); No.
9, south 2 miles (large camp); No. 10, south 3 to 4 miles; No. 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.
Capt. 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 clearer in the 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 at 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.
Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK,
Chief of Engineers, Army of the Potomac:
CAPTAIN: In answer to
yours of this date asking what has been the custom when on the march, and
whether the present escort are needed or not, I would 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 gas, sufficient material should be taken along to
reinflate, 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 quartermaster, what transportation would be necessary for this
department, and he informs me that he has set the same aside for 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.
Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK,
Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac:
CAPTAIN: In answer to
yours 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, No. 293 Second street, Jersey
City, N.J., and Mr. J.B. Starkweather, Boston, Mass. Both of these parties,
placed 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 appear 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 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,
Capt. 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 in use (needing repairs that could not readily
be done in the field), were:sent to Washington on the 17th with the balloon
barge 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 four
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 I intended for the South are
turning inside out, recoating, 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 that, in my opinion, for that
service neither of them would answer, unless directed 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 ordered 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.
CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH,
VA., April 22, 1863.
Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK,
Chief of Engineers, Army of the Potomac:
CAPTAIN: I examined the
enemy's position more closely this p.m., between 4 and 6 o'clock, than I
have had an opportunity of doing for a number of days past. If I might be
permitted to venture an opinion as to the relative strength of the enemy, I
should say that they are about three to our four. I should estimate their
supports to the batteries immediately back of the city of Fredericksburg to
be about 10,000.
Immediately
opposite where General Franklin crossed, say from two to three miles from
the river, and from the railroad station along the height about one mile and
a half, I should say that there were 25,000 troops
camped.
Still farther to the
left and south of the railroad there are also several large camps. During
the time I was up I noticed many regiments on parade, near the various
camps, and at one place there were three, while still farther back, I should
judge four miles from the river and one mile to the left of the railroad, I
saw a column of infantry moving to the right which required about twenty
minutes to pass a given point, after I discovered them, and I counted what I
took to be seven regiments. They had no colors flying as those did that were
on parade.
Should the morning
be fine I should be gratified to ascend with you, and could then better
explain the points referred to. I am inclined to believe that the enemy are
either strengthening their army or bringing up their troops from Bowling
Green and the Junction. The latter is the most probable, as there is not as
much smoke visible in that direction as heretofore.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of
Aeronautics.
On
the 27th General Butterfield ordered me to make frequent ascensions, and to
report to him and to General Sedgwick. Captain Comstock was then absent, and I
did not see him until the 6th of
May.
The following orders and
reports relative to observations during the seven-days' battle I think worthy
of special attention, as they show what can be done by the balloons when
required, and they demonstrate their value as a means of observation, although
there might be occasions when even more service could be rendered:
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF
THE POTOMAC,
April 28,
1863.
Professor LOWE,
Chief of Balloon Department:
PROFESSOR: The general
commanding desires you to have your balloon up to-night, to see where the
enemy's camp-fires are. Some one acquainted with the position and location
of the ground and the enemy's forces should go up.
Very
respectfully,
PAUL A. OLIVER,
Lieutenant and
Aide-de-Camp.
BALLOON IN THE
AIR,
April 29,
1863--10 a.m.
Major-General SEDGWICK,
Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac:
GENERAL: The enemy's line
of battle is formed in the edge of the woods at the foot of the heights from
opposite Fredericksburg to some distance to the left of our lower crossing.
Their line appears quite thin compared with our force. Their tents all
remain as heretofore, as far as can be seen.
T. S. C.
LOWE,
Aeronaut.
12 M.
The enemy's infantry are
moving to our right about four miles below our crossing on a road just
beyond the heights. The enemy do not appear to advance.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
1.30 P.M.
The enemy are moving
wagon trains to their rear. Their force, which is in position opposite our
crossing, is very light. I should judge not more than we now have across the
river.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
2.45 P.M.
About two regiments of
the enemy's infantry have just moved forward from the heights and entered
the rifle-pits opposite our lower crossing. Heavy smokes are visible about
six miles up the river on the opposite side in the woods.
T. S. C.
LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
April 29,
1863.
Professor LOWE,
&c.:
The major-general
commanding directs that one of your balloons proceeds to-night or before
daybreak to-morrow to Banks' Ford, or vicinity, and takes position to
ascertain with regard to the force of the enemy between Fredericksburg,
Bowling Green, and Banks' Ford. A signal telegraph is working between here
and Banks' Ford, by which information can be
communicated.
It is especially
desired to know the comparative strength of the enemy's force at Franklin's
Crossing, and in the vicinity of Banks' Ford, and above to the west of
Fredericksburg.
BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General and Chief of
Staff.
-----
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
April 29,
1863.
Maj. Gen. J. SEDGWICK,
Commanding Sixth Corps:
GENERAL: The commanding
general desires that you will please have the accompanying communication
sent at once to Professor Lowe, who is supposed to be in your
vicinity.
Very respectfully,
&c.,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
April 29,
1863.
Professor LOWE,
&c.:
The major-general
commanding directs that your balloon on service near Sedgwick's command be
sent up at a very early hour in the morning before sunrise, and that you get
a communication with the signal telegraph to forward to these headquarters
the earliest information with regard to the numbers, strength, and position
of the enemy. This is not to interfere with the service of the balloon at
Banks' Ford.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
APRIL 29,
1863
JAMES ALLEN,
In Charge of Balloon Washington:
You will have your men
prepare one or two days' rations to-night, and in the morning have the men
all ready to cross the river by daybreak. I will meet you where the balloon
is now anchored.
Very respectfully,
&c.,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of
Aeronautics.
HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC
CORPS,
April 29,
1863.
Mr. E. S. ALLEN,
In Charge of Balloon Eagle:
General Hooker desires a
reconnaissance made after dark to observe the location of the enemy's
camp-fires. Also in the morning immediately before daybreak. Great care
should be taken to gain all the information you can. Please make a careful
report after 9 o'clock to-night and soon after daylight in the morning. A
high altitude should be attained in order to accomplish the object desired.
Be careful you observe the points of the compass correctly.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut,
Army of the Potomac.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
April 29,
1863.
Maj. Gen. JOHN SEDGWICK:
GENERAL: I shall be
absent to-morrow morning at Banks' Ford and vicinity, and if I may venture
an opinion, I think it advisable that some engineer or other competent
officer be instructed to ascend in balloon Washington from time to time
until my return, for the purpose of reconnoitering from Fredericksburg as
low down as the commanding general deems necessary.
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief Aeronaut,
Army of the Potomac.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
April 29,
1863--10 p.m.
Mr. E. S. ALLEN:
The commanding general
directs that your balloon be taken to Banks' Ford in order to take very
important observations before and after daybreak. I will be there at
daybreak, but you can commence to take observations should I not be there in
time. The best way to go is to follow the signal telegraph. Look out for
obstructions, &c., and don't fail, for now is your time to gain a
position.
Respectfully,
&c.,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics,
Army of the Potomac.
BANKS' FORD, April
30, 1863--10.45 a.m.
Maj. Gen. BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff, &c. :
The balloon arrived at 3
a.m., but since that time have not been able to get an observation until
now. The enemy opposite here are apparently not near as strong as they are
opposite Franklin's Crossing, while opposite United States Ford there
appears to be only one camp. I cannot yet see to Bowling Green, owing to the
low clouds. The enemy's smokes are more numerous than usual in the rear of
the heights opposite Franklin's Crossing below Fredericksburg.
T. S. C.
LOWE,
Aeronaut.
BANKS' FORD, April
30, 1863--l.30 p.m.
Maj. Gen. BUTTERFIELD,
&C.:
The enemy opposite this
ford occupy three positions from a half to one mile from the river, also
opposite what I take to be United States Ford. About five miles up there is
a small force. To the left of Banks' Ford, commanding the road, the enemy
have a battery in position. It is hard to estimate their force, for they are
partially concealed in the pine woods, but they are certainly not near as
strong as below Fredericksburg.
Respectfully,
&c.,
T. S. C. LOWE.
4.45 P.M.
The enemy opposite this
place remain the same as last reported. Numerous camp smokes are now arising
from the woods, about ten or twelve miles in a southwest by westerly
direction.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
HEADQUARTERS AERONAUTIC
CORPS,
Camp near Falmouth, April 30,
1863---8.30 p.m.
Major General
BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff:
GENERAL: After my report
at 4.45 this p.m. I came down to General Sedgwick's headquarters and
ascended at 7 o'clock, remaining up until after dark in order to see the
location of the enemy's camp-fires. I find them most numerous in a ravine
about one mile beyond the heights opposite General Sedgwick's forces,
extending from opposite the lower crossing to a little above the upper
crossing. There are also many additional fires in the rear of
Fredericksburg. From appearances I should judge that full three-fourths of
the enemy's force is immediately back and below Fredericksburg.
Very respectfully, your
most obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of
Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.
This last report was of much importance, as it gave the commanding general
correct information as to the position of the enemy, and he was enabled to
regulate his operations at Banks' and United States Fords accordingly. I was
confident that the enemy had brought up reserves from Bowling Green and the
Junction, and this induced me to hasten to Franklin's Crossing to take an
observation there the same evening, although I was considerably exhausted from
having been up all the previous day and night. I also concluded from General
Hooker's movements that the enemy would learn them, and probably move up the
river the next morning. I accordingly sent the following order to an assistant
in charge of the balloon at Banks' Ford, and to this and the reports I made on
the following morning I would call attention.
APRIL 30,
1863.
Mr. E. S. ALLEN,
In Charge of Balloon Eagle, Banks' Ford:
Commence observations at
daylight to-morrow morning, and look out for the enemy moving on the roads,
either up or down, and report by telegraph, having your dispatch sent to
General Hooker at United States Ford, and to General Sedgwick, Franklin's
Crossing. Be sure of the correctness of your reports, and report
promptly.
T. S. C.
LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the
Potomac.
The
following eight dispatches were of the greatest importance, and especially
when it is considered that all of these movements were out of sight of all but
the observer in the balloon, and the information could not have been obtained
in any other way:
BALLOON IN THE
AIR,
May 1,
1863--9.15 a.m.
Major-General SEDGWICK,
Commanding Left Wing, Army of the Potomac:
GENERAL: Heavy columns of
the enemy's infantry and artillery are now moving up the river accompanied
by many army wagons, the foremost column being about opposite Falmouth and
three miles from the river. There is also a heavy reserve on the heights
opposite the upper crossing, and all the rifle-pits are well
filled.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
9.30 A. M.
Still another column has
just started from opposite the upper crossing, but not those mentioned as
reserved in my last dispatch. They are moving with great
rapidity.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
10 A. M.
A column of the enemy are now
crossing a small run that empties into the Rappahannock at Banks' Ford. One
of the columns that left from opposite here required thirty minutes to pass
a given point. The balloon at Banks' Ford is continually up. Long trains of
wagons are still moving to the right.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
11 A.M.
I can see no earth-works
on the Bowling Green road. I should judge that the guns had been taken from
the earth-works to the right of Fredericksburg. Another train of wagons is
moving to the right on a road about one mile from beyond the heights
opposite Franklin's Crossing. The enemy's barracks opposite Banks' Ford are
entirely deserted. The largest column of the enemy is moving on the road
toward Chancellorsville. The enemy on the opposite heights I judge
considerably diminished. Can see no change under the heights and in the
rifle-pits. I can see no diminution in the enemy's tents.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
12.30 P.M.
In a west-northwest
direction, about twelve miles, an engagement is going on. Can see heavy
smoke and hear artillery. In a west-southwest direction, about four miles,
artillery is moving toward the engagement. A large force of the enemy are
now digging rifle-pits-extending from Deep Run to down beyond the lower
crossing just by the edge of woods at the foot of the opposite heights.
There are but few troops in sight now except those manning batteries and in
the rifle-pits. There appears to be a strong force in the
rifle-pits.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
2.15 P. M.
The enemy opposite here
remain the same as last reported. Immense volumes of smoke are arising where
the battle is going on opposite United States Ford. A large force must be
engaged on both sides. This would be a good time for some staff officer to
ascend, if it is desirable to you.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
2.45 P. M.
The enemy are throwing up
earth-works for artillery on a little rise of ground at the foot of the
height about 300 yards from Deep Run.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
3.45 P. M.
The smoke from the battle
appears to be in the same position, but in much lighter volumes. Everything
opposite here remains the same.
T. S. C.
LOWE,
Chief of Aeronautics, Army of the
Potomac.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
May 2,
1863--5.15 a.m.
Professor LOWE:
Please get up your
balloon at once and let me know the position of the enemy's
troops.
DANL.
BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General and Chief of
Staff.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
May 2,
1863.
Professor LOWE:
Add to former dispatch
and notice any movements toward Sedgwick's.
D.
BUTTERFIELD,
Major-general.
GENERAL SEDGWICK'S
COMMAND,
May 2,
1863--6.15 a.m.
Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
&C.:
The troops opposite this
place remain in the same position as last evening. Owing to the high wind
now prevailing I am unable to use a glass sufficiently to see whether there
is any movement on the roads between here and the battleground of yesterday
or not. I will examine them the first opportunity and report.
Respectfully,
&c.,
T. S. C. LOWE.
MAY 2,
1863--7.80 A. M.
I have just obtained a
tolerably good view of all the main roads beyond the heights and toward
Chancellorsville, but could see no troops or wagon trains on them. The enemy
opposite remain in the same positions, apparently without any
increase.
Respectfully,
&c.,
T. S. C. LOWE.
MAY 2,
1863--7.45 A. M.
General BUTTERFIELD,
&C.:
Heavy cannonading has
just commenced in a westerly direction about twelve miles. The enemy are
shelling our troops opposite here.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
MAY 2,
1863--8.15 A. M.
Professor LOWE:
Has the enemy's force
decreased any?
DANL.
BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General and Chief of
Staff.
8.30 A. M.
I cannot say that the
enemy have decreased, but they do not show themselves quite as much this
morning, and I can see no reserves on the opposite heights.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
MAY 2,
1863--12 M.
Professor LOWE:
Why is not the balloon
up, and why do we not hear from it?
DANL.
BUTTERFIELD,
Major-General.
12.30 P. M.
Major-General BUTTERFIELD,
&C.:
GENERAL: I have made
several efforts to ascend, but found the wind too high and could not use the
glass. It is getting calmer now, and I will try again.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
MAY 2,
1863--1.05 P. M.
The enemy remain the same
opposite this point, and no movement is visible on any of the roads seen
from the balloon. The wind continues so flawy that the balloon was blown
from a thousand feet elevation to near the earth.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
3.15 P.M.
A brigade of the enemy
left from opposite the upper crossing fifteen minutes since, and crossed
Deep Run, and is now moving to the right toward Banks' Ford. They have also
disappeared from opposite our extreme left, below the lower
crossing.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
3.45 P.M.
The enemy's troops that I
saw moving to the right took the Plank road in the rear of
Fredericksburg.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
MAY 2,
1863--4.15 P.M.
The enemy have entirely
withdrawn their advanced line, with the exception of a small picket
force.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
5.30 P.M.
Nearly all of the enemy's
force have been withdrawn from the opposite side. I can only see a small
force in the neighborhood of their earth-works. I cannot at this time get a
sufficient elevation to tell what roads they take, but should judge by the
appearance of army wagons moving to the right that the troops are moving
that way also.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
SIGNAL STATION, May
3, 1863.
Professor LOWE:
I am directed to inform
you that your reports can be forwarded to headquarters Army of Potomac by
telegraph. The station is where it was yesterday. Your reports to General
Sedgwick can be forwarded by flag signals from station on bluff, immediately
in front.
With great respect, your
obedient servant,
F. WILSON,
First Lieutenant, in
Charge Telegraph Station.
At
6 a.m. I was called upon by an aide, who said the general desired me to make a
close examination of the enemy's position, and to point out his strongest and
weakest points along the line of earthworks about Fredericksburg. The
following was my report:
MAY 3,
1863--5.15 A.M.
Major-General SEDGWICK,
and
General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff:
The enemy have apparently
increased their force during the night, and appear again at the foot of the
opposite heights. There does not appear to be as many, however, as yesterday
morning.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
7.15 A.M.
Major-General SEDGWICK,
and
General BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff:
The enemy's infantry is
very light along the whole line opposite here, and especially immediately in
the rear of Fredericksburg. I can see no troops moving this way on any of
the roads. Heavy cannonading has just commenced on the right toward
Chancellorsville.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
Our
troops were immediately concentrated in front, and at 11 o'clock the point
reported by me to be the weakest was charged and very handsomely taken. I do
not believe that any other point could have been taken by the same number of
men.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
May 6,
1863--12.20 p.m.
Professor LOWE,
&c.:
The commanding general
wishes to have one balloon sent to United States Ford, inflated if possible.
What answer shall I make to the general?
Very respectfully, your
obedient servant,
S. WILLIAMS,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
In
answer to the above dispatch I informed the general that I had but two
balloons fit for use, one at Banks' Ford and the other at Fredericksburg, and
that I would move whichever one to United States Ford he should direct. As it
was necessary to know what movements the enemy were making in their rear, and
the two places mentioned being the best for observations for that purpose, the
general returned the following order:
UNITED STATES FORD,
May 6, 1863.
General WILLIAMS:
Leave the balloons for
the present where they are--Fredericksburg and Banks' Ford.
J.
HOOKER,
Major-General.
MAY 4, 1863
-12 M.
Generals SEDGWICK and
BUTTERFIELD:
The enemy that entered
the earth-works in the rear of Fredericksburg still remains. They also have
considerable infantry and some wagons with their artillery on the heights to
the left of Hazel Run. A portion of General Sedgwick's command occupies a
position to the right commanding the enemy. I should estimate the enemy to
be now in sight at least 15,000 strong.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
6.15 P.M.
Generals HOOKER and
SEDGWICK:
The enemy are advancing in
large force to attack our forces on the right of Fredericksburg.
6.50 P.M.
The enemy are engaged in
full force and driving our forces badly.
MAY 4,
1863--7.30 P.M.
The enemy have driven our
left with a large force and have possession of the river opposite
Falmouth.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
MAY 5,
1863--10.45 A.M.
Major-General
BUTTERFIELD,
Chief of Staff:
I am unable at this time
to see any movements of the enemy except some wagons moving up and some down
the river. The enemy in force appear to hold all the ground they gained
yesterday.
T. S. C.
LOWE.
CAMP NEAR FALMOUTH,
VA., May 7, 1863.
Capt. C. B. COMSTOCK,
Chief Engineer, Army of the Potomac:
CAPTAIN: The heavy storm
of the 5th and 6th instant caused the loss of the entire gas from one
balloon, partially from the other; also destroyed ten carboys of acid and
four barrels of iron
trimmings.
I would therefore
respectfully recommend that 100 carboys of acid and twenty barrels of iron
be at once ordered by telegraph.
I remain, very
respectfully, &c.
T. S. C. LOWE,
Chief of
Aeronautics, Army of the Potomac.
Shortly after sending the above to Captain Comstock I called on him
personally, relative to putting in order several balloons which needed
repairs, and also to learn what decision had been made relative to my
communication of April 12, 1863. Captain Comstock informed me that he would
select the person to superintend that business---(the delicate one of putting
balloons in order.) He also informed me that the terms were indicated in his
indorsement on my communication. I informed him that was not satisfactory, and
inasmuch as I had given notice on the 12th of April that I could not serve on
the terms he named, and as the battle was now over, I wished to be relieved,
provided it was a suitable time; to which Captain Comstock replied that if I
was going I could probably be spared better then than any other time. I
received pay up to April 7 inclusive, and came to
Washington.
On the 8th I
received the following dispatch, which is an indication that General Hooker
was not informed of the change that had been made in the aeronautic
department.
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE
POTOMAC,
May 8,
1863.
General Hooker sent one
of his aides over at 10 a.m. to tell you to have two balloons up, and to
keep them up all the time. I informed the aide that you had left the Army of
the Potomac. Will you not write Hooker?
J. F.
GIBSON.
CONCLUSION.
I
have endeavored in this report not only to furnish a complete account of my
own operations in connection with the military service, but to present all the
essential facts for the use of the historian of this war relative to the
introduction, use, and results of aeronautic observations. I feel assured that
whatever may be the estimate of my own services, it will redound to the honor
and credit of President Lincoln and his Administration that they have availed
themselves of every means to crush this rebellion which loyal minds could
devise or loyal men be willing to
execute.
The details I have
presented all have their significance when taken in connection with other
facts relative to the conduct of the war known to the military authorities;
and I have on this account, as well as from the entire novelty of the history,
not thought it advisable to condense or abridge this report to a greater
extent.
In conclusion, I would
briefly state a few of the most important matters which deserve
consideration.
First. The
Government decided to introduce my system of aeronautics into the
service---only after satisfactory experiments and practical tests had proved
its importance--and it has been continued in constant use for two years under
various generals, which would not have been the case had not experience
demonstrated its utility, and the truth of all I originally claimed for
it.
Second. Without wishing to
disparage others, I may safely claim that my improved balloons and apparatus,
including the portable gas generator (which are entirely my invention), are
the only ones which are found to be adapted to the wants of the army service,
and that I have done more to perfect the system, and to render it efficient
and reliable than all who have been engaged in the art since the experiments
of Guy Lussac in 1784.
To gain
this knowledge has cost me many years hard labor and nearly $30,000 in money,
and for which the United States Government alone is daily reaping the
benefits.
Third. During the
whole period of my employment I have devoted all my mental and physical
energies to secure the success of the enterprise. I have never shrunk from the
discharge of my duty, however hazardous, and holding no commission, I have
often been perplexed and put to inconvenience in doing the business of the
aeronautic department, which properly belonged to a commissioned officer, but
for want of one acquainted with the business was compelled to do it myself. I
have also been at all times exposed to the danger of being treated as a spy
had I fallen into the hands of the
enemy.
Fourth. For the first
large balloon and apparatus brought to Washington and used in the preliminary
experiments for the Secretary of War, and afterward at Falls Church, Fort
Corcoran, and other places, I have never received compensation, nor for my
labor and time, and expense of keeping a party of men employed for making the
aforesaid experiments.
Fifth. It
must be evident, without attempt at demonstration, that so novel and peculiar
an apparatus as a balloon requires the most careful and trustworthy management
and the most skilled and experienced observers. Having had more practical
knowledge and greater experience in this business than any one else, I
respectfully submit that the compensation I have asked and received has been
small in comparison with the services
performed.
Sixth. The plans I
have proposed are calculated to be of great value to the Army, and if proper
facilities were afforded most important results could be obtained. Instead
therefore of any curtailment of the aeronautic department I would most
respectfully recommend its being permanently adopted as an arm of the military
service, with established positions and regulations for those connected with
its management. The persons to be selected for this service should be those
tested in the field, and found to be the most reliable and experienced, who
can instruct others when required. For want of proper facilities and persons
capable for the service I have been unable to propose an extension of the
balloon service to all parts of this army.
I have the honor to be, very
respectfully, your most obedient servant,
T. S. C. LOWE,
Aeronaut.
P.
S.--Since completing this report I have obtained a copy of the Prince de
Joinville's narrative of the Peninsular Campaign, from which I extract the
following:
Page 47:
The shells from the
rifled guns flew in all directions with a length of range which had not
before been suspected. The accuracy of their fire forced us to abandon all
the signal posts we had established in the tops of the tallest trees. The
balloon itself, whenever it rose in the air, was saluted with an iron hail
of missiles which were, however, perfectly harmless.
Page 67:
Could the Federals meet,
with a powerful concentration of troops, that concentration which the enemy
had effected, and to the reality of which the observations of our aeronauts,
as well as the statements of deserters, daily bore witness?
Page 72:
It had been built
by General Sumner, about half-way between Bottom's Bridge and the most
advanced point of the Federal lines. It saved that day the whole Federal
army from destruction.
NOTE.--I have the best of reasons to believe
that Sumner's Bridge was completed a day sooner than it otherwise would have
been by my frequent reports that the enemy were moving to the left. (See my
dispatches to General McClellan of June 29, 1862, and following with
comments.)
Page 75:
Some time had been lost
under the impression that the attack on the right bank might be a feint. An
end was soon put to all doubts on the subject by the vehemence of the
attack, and by the aeronauts who reported the whole Confederate army moving
to the scene of action. It was then that Sumner received the order to pass
the river with his divisions.
NOTE.---See my dispatches of May 31 and June 1
with comments.
Page 86:
The presence
of Jackson at Hanover Court-House proved that he intended to attack our
communications, and cut them off by seizing the York River Railway. The
maneuver was soon put beyond a doubt. A considerable body of troops were
seen to leave Richmond, move in the direction of Jackson, and execute that
movement to turn us, the danger of which we have already pointed
out.
NOTE.--The above information was given in my
reports of the 26th and 27th of June, 1862.
T. S. C. LOWE.
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