March 6, 1862 (Thursday): Lowe's Aerial Reconnaisance

Professor Lowe's Balloon

POHICK CHURCH, March 6, 1862.

Brigadier General R. B. MARCY,
Chief of Staff, Army of the Potomac:
    GENERAL: I ascended at 5 this p.m. and remained up until 6 o'clock. It was calm and clear, and many of the enemy's camps were visible, and the smoke ascending straight gave a good idea of the enemy's position.
There are more smokes than usual at Fairfax Station, and a line of picket smokes extending southeast from there and nearly forming a junction with our lines running toward Springfield Station.
   Heavy smokes (besides those seen in the morning) at Dumfries, Brentsville, Bradley's and Manassas. General Heintzelman was here at 2 o'clock and went up twice.
   I am greatly in need of that map that I spoke about yesterday to enable me to name place and distance more correctly. The one I have is small and inaccurate.
   Very respectfully, your obedient servant,


    T. S. C. LOWE,
    Chief Aeronaut.

Official Records, Series III., Vol. 3, Part 1, Page 271.

Within days Johnston would withdraw the Confederate army from Manassas.  But on March 6th, Lowe could still see much evidence of the presence of rebels at the junction and beyond.