136. THADDEUS S. C. LOWE (1832-1913) American balloonist whose Union balloon corps tracked enemy movements, most notably at Fair Oaks where observations directed artillery and prevented a Union rout. Uncommon invention related A.L.S. "T.S.C. Lowe", 3pp., 8vo., New York, Feb. 29, 1868, to his partner James T. Ames, in part:"...I thought I would report progress - The beef company is a fixed fact - I had a meeting of capitalists to day - Mr. Hugh Allen, Mr. Charles Stanton, of Stanton Sheldon & Co - and half owner of the Knickerbocker ice Co &c and Mr. Allen Hay - all wealthy gentlemen - I presented the papers which I had prepared such as Certificate of encorporation [sic] - contract - By Laws, and prospectous [sic] - and without sugesting [sic] an alteration - they accepted and wer[e] much pleased with my proposition. Early next week we wish to meet again - and have present all who are to act as directors - Your letter of the 27th is at hand - and I am pleased that you will act as one of them - of course we want you for a real and perminant [sic] director if you will act as such - but speaking as I did I supposed that it might be inconvenient for you to do so - There will be no risk in starting two engines with apparatus - at once for the cash will be on han[d] as soon as we shall be ready to commence. I hope that you can make it so as to get on here by Tuesday and remain until Wednesday - I go to Philadela tomorrow and return Monday night - Please let me hear from you...". In very good condition. A choice letter of Lowe as his dream of finding a market for his compression ice machines aboard steamships was becoming a reality. $400 - 500