The Shasta courier., 1861-09-21
Balloon Ascension frpm Fort a,onroe.

Professor La Mountains topical ascension
IN his balloon Atlantic, August 10, writes
the Fort Monroe correspondent of the New
York Herald, was the most successful of any
yet accomplished. He attained an altitude
of over three thousand feet, and the balloon
remaining almost stationary. he commanded
u wide sweep of the enemy's territory, and
looked down into their strongholds, counted
the number of their tents, and added much
valuable information to our knowledge of the
enemy's position and strength.
First, he tioated off towards Hampton creek.
! ssa sar~sa e mp Of the snszG~ O.. { line from
the village to Great Bethel, and about seven
nilas from, the former place. The enemy
seemed to have few tents, and those black
| and dirty. These are probably occupied by
officers, as no tents were brought by General
Magruder when he movei from Yorktown.
His troops have bivouacked in the woods, but
could not have suffered much except from the
heat. After satisfying himself that the ene-
my were encamped elsewhere in that direc-
ton, he descended to the Adriatic. and re-
ported to Gen. Butler, who was on board, the
result of the reconnaissance. Then the Ad
riatic was headed toward Newport News, and
on nearing that point he again assembled to
height of over three thousand feet, and with
his glass took a view of James River and the
adjacent country. He discerned camp of
tbs enemy on the northern bank of the river,
about ten miles above Newport News, of
considerable size. There were between one
hundred and fifty and two hgndred tents
there, of the ordinary size. This is the first
information we have received of the existence
above us of so large a force of the enemy on
our side of the river: and this intelligence
Will IN measure explain the reason for the
transportation of troops that has been OBJ
served of late across the James River That
1t must be a regular crossing place we cannot
doubt. Unfortunately, large battery below
1t will prevent any of our vessels from as
eending the stream and destroying it. But
to return to Mr.. La Mountains reconnois-
sance.
After taking comprehensive and minute
survey of the country, the signal was given,
and the Adriatic started for the Rip Raps
A splendid view of the Elizabeth river, the
batteries at Pigs Point, on Crany Island,
and others that line the river, of the city of
Norfolk, the Navy Yard, &C., was obtained,
and the observations noted. The balloon
attained its highest altitude when near Sew
ellis Point. and on striking little current of
air it foated almost directly oyer the Point,
and La Mountain looked down upon the en-
ciuy III peIiecl security ne SucceHueu IN
obtaining a complete view of the rebel works
| on the Point, including the double line of re-
| doubts that protect the rear of the powerful
battery facing the Elizabeth river. As he
| has the exact bearings of the battery, earth
works, camp and field guns, something can
be done with the Union gun, already mount
ed by Sergeant Welch, which will probably
be fired tomorrow.
When it had become too dark to distin.
guish objects distinctly, the boat having
towed the balloon nearly .Willoughby's
Point, Mr.. La Mountain safely descended
again to the Adriatic. and the tug soon ar.
rived at the wharf. and the balloon safely
stabbed neaf the church. Although he did
not rsmain up so long as he could desire, on
account of the approach of night, Mr.. La
Mountain made a thorough, and, as far as
he could. perfect reconnaissance of all the
important points in the hands of the rebels
about here. He will probably bring his large
balloon here, to enable him to carry up some
military men. if the Government desires. So
far his mission has been a complete success.