June 2, 1862 (Monday): Vertigo

Lowe's Balloon

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.

Official Records, Series III., Vol. 3, Part 1, Page 284.

The process of entrenching began almost immediately after Lee took command.  Here Lowe describes such activity all along the front.  It is interesting to note Lowe describing Palmer's vertigo.  Modern balloonists state because the motion of baloons is very gentle, going up in one should not cause vertigo.  However, Palmer would not doubt have disagreed with them.