PROFESSOR THADDEUS LOWE
THE CIVIL WAR YEARS
Letter from Major General George Stoneman to Thaddeus Lowe
Excerpts from Letter from Major General George Stoneman to Thaddeus Lowe, July 10, 1863:
Washington DC
July 10th 1863
Prof Lowe
Washington D.C.
My dear Sir
Before we part I beg
leave to testify to you in writing
as I often have in words, my
appreciation of the valuable services
you have rendered the Govt during
your connection with the Army
of the Potomac in the use of your
"portable Balloons" in the various
operation of that Army.
I have been up in them often
and never made an ascent without
coming down much better informed
in regard to everything in my
vicinity than I could possibly have
been by any other means.
I trust you will not be discouraged
but will persevere in your laudable
endeavours to serve the Govt and the
cause, feeling assured that in the end
you will be able to do away with
the prejudices with which you have
had to contend, and prove to the world
the great utility of Balloons and
Balloon Signals in the conduct of a war,
and remain
Very truly yours
George Stoneman
Maj Genl
Comdg Cavly Corps