We shouldn’t let this month go by without honoring what may be the 150th birthday of the United States Air Force. On June 17, 1861, the first use of an aircraft for military purposes was demonstrated before an appreciative Abraham Lincoln. According to the Post‘s coverage:
The other afternoon, the long-promised balloon ascension for military purposes took place. The elevation attained was not very great [500 feet], though it was perfectly satisfactory as an experiment. The aeronauts were Prof. Lowe, Gen. Burns, of the Telegraph Company, and H.C. Robinson, operator.
Thaddeus Lowe had spent years touring and lecturing on balloon flight in America and Europe. Just months before, he had attempted to fly his balloon from Cincinnati to the east coast. Unfortunately, he came down in Unionville, South Carolina, a distinctly anti-Union town. Local authorities of the recently seceded state arrested him as a spy. He was released only when he convinced the authorities he was flying for scientific, not military, purpose.
Lincoln’s Secretary of War saw the military potential just as quickly as the South Carolina authorities. He summoned Lowe to Washington to demonstrate how a lighter-than-air craft could allow observers to instantly report the movement and disposition of the enemy.
The balloon was connected with the War department by telegraph. The first message ever telegraphed from a balloon was then sent to the United States by Prof. Lowe. It was as follows: —
View of balloon ascension: Prof. Thaddeus Lowe observes the Battle of Seven Pines or Fair Oaks from his balloon “Intrepid” on the north side of the Chicahominy, 1862. Mathew Brady Collection.
Balloon Enterprise,
Washington, June 17
“To the President of the U. States:
SIR: This point of observation commands an area nearly fifty miles in diameter. The city, with its girdle of encampments, presents a superb scene. I take great pleasure in sending you this first dispatch ever telegraphed from an aerial station, and in acknowledging my indebtedness to your encouragement for the opportunity of demonstrating the availability of the science of aeronautics in the military service of the country.
Yours, respectfully,
T. S. C. Lowe
Mr. Lincoln was very much pleased with the experiment, and endorsed it as certain to prove of great value in military movements.
Washington June 19.— Prof. Lowe made another balloon ascension this morning, and was, as before, provided with means of telegraphing his reconnoisances. He distinctly saw the rebel encampments at Fairfax Court House. The result of his discoveries remains a secret with the authorities of the War Department. President Lincoln also made an ascension. The telegraph wire runs up to the balloon, where an operator is stationed, and thus puts the aeronaut and War Department in constant communications.
If this last statement is to be trusted, Abraham Lincoln might have earned the further distinction of being the first sitting president to fly.
