February 4, 1863 (Wednesday): Lowe Observes the Rebel Army

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 Aeronautic, Army of the Potomac.

Official Records, Series III., Vol. 3, Part 1, Pages 294-295.


Lowe continued to provide detailed reports such as this to the Union Army, but his time as chief aeronaut was running short.  Within a month his pay would be cut and he would eventually resign in the face of unfounded criticism from Congress.