Excerpts
from Letter from Major General George Stoneman to Thaddeus Lowe,
July 10, 1863:
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Washington
DC
July 10th 1863
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
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