New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1861-08-26
Military BailoOnfna.
Under date OF the llth inst. the Fortress Monro
CORE lpondent Of the New York Herald " rites.

Under date Of the 18th inst. the Fortress Monroe
correspondent of the New York Herald wries
Professor La Mountains topical ascension in his
balloon Atlantic yesterday was the most success
full OF any yet accomplished. He attained an alti-
tude OF over three thousand feet, and the balloon
remaining almost stationary, he commanded a
wide sweep Of the enemvs territory. and looked
down into their strongholds counted the number
OF their tents and added much valuable informa.
ton to oar knowledge of the enemy's positions and
strength.
First, he foated off towards Hampton creek,
and saw camp of the enemy on line from the
village to Great Bethel, and about seven miles from
the former place The enemy seemed to have few
tents, and those black and dirty. These are pro-
badly occupied by officers, as no tents were
brought by Gen. Magruder when he moved from
Yorktown. His troops have biyouacked in the
woods, but could not have suffered much except
from the heat. After satisfying himself that the
enemy were encamped elsewhere in that direction
he descended to the Adriatic, and reported to Gen
Butler, who was board, the result of the recon.
noisance. Then the Adriatic was headed toward
Newports News, and on nearing that point he
again ascended to height of over three thousand
feet, and with his glass took view Of James river
and the adjacent country. He discovered q camp
OF the enemy on the northern bank of the river
about ten miles above Newport's News, of consd-
erable size. There were between one hundred and
fifty and two hundred tents there, of the ordinary
size.
This is the first information we have received of
the existence above US of so large force of the
enemy on our side of the river: and this intelli-
gence will in measure explain the reason for the
transportation Of troops that has been observed of
ate across the James river. That it must be
regular crossing place we cannot doubt. Unfortu-
naely, large battery below it will prevent any of
our vessels from ascending the stream and destroy
ing it. But to return to MIR. La Mountains recon
nOissance, After taking a comprehensive and
minute survey of the country the signal was given,
and the Adria1ic started for the Rip Raps. splen
did view of the Elizabeth river, the batteries at
Pigs Point on Craney Island, and others that line
the riyer-of the city of Norfolk, the Navy Yard,
etc. 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 over the Point, and La Noun
tain looked down upon the enemy in perfect secu-
rity. He succeeded in obtaining q complete view
of all the rebel works on the Point, including the
double line of redoubts 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 mounted by Sergeant
Welch, which will probably be fired tomorrow.
When it had become too dark 10 distinguish OBJ
jects distinctly the boat having towed the balloon
nearly to Willoughby's Point, Mr.. La Mountain
safely descended again to the Adratc, and the tug
soon arrived at the wharf, and the balloon was
not remain 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 recon-
nossance 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, II the Government desires. So far
his mission has been q complete success.