Battles of Manassas

Telegram to Lowe from Gen F. J. Porter showing "American Telegraph Company" masthead, November 30, 1861
Manuscript Division (124A.4)

Telegram from Lowe to Gen F. J. Porter showing "American Telegraph Company" masthead, November 30, 1861
Manuscript Division (123.17)

Although exchanged on the same day, these telegrams between Union balloonist T.S.C. Lowe and Brig. Gen. Fitz-John Porter were transcribed on different company mastheads, suggesting that the new American Telegraph Company would sometimes still use its predecessor's telegraph paper. General Porter was a supporter of balloons for reconnaissance, and this exchange took place at Halls Hill, Virginia, between the first and second Battles of Manassas.