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 still 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 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.

Brigadier General 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 respons 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.