Recently, I’ve been
rereading A Southern Record: The History
Of The Third Regiment Louisiana Infantry (1866) by William H. Tunnard. The
3rd Louisiana Infantry assembled a fine combat record at Wilson’s
Creek, Pea Ridge, Iuka, Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg. While reading
about the advance of the Confederate army toward Wilson’s Creek in early August
1861, I came across the following puzzling passage:
“The next day [August 4th]
was the Sabbath, bright, beautiful, and golden. All remained quiet until nearly
noon, when a balloon was discovered hovering over our camp, which sailed
eastward in the direction of the enemy. All was bustle and activity, as the
troops rapidly assembled in their respective quarters. A report soon prevailed
that the enemy had penetrated the left of our position, and the balloon was a
preconcerted signal for an advance on our front and flank. It proved a false
rumor, and the army reposed in security and quietude” (pp. 46-47).
After
reading this, I checked several other sources but was unable to find any
corroborating accounts. So, the appearance of a balloon during a trans-Mississippi
campaign makes a great story, but I’m afraid it’s just an “old soldier” tale.
Unless, of course, you have some corroboration?
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