CSA Aerial abilties?

In my recent look into Civil War history, I have learned more about the use of reconnisance balloons and the like on both sides.

My PoD is this, and I am curious if this could actually have any effect, during the first battle of Bull Run, Lowe's ballon experiences some technical difficullty and he is forced to land south of the battlefield. Before he can find a way to escape, or possibly destory his balloon to keep it out of Confederate hands, he and his balloon are captured by Confederate soldiers.

What, if any, difference could this have? Suggestions?
 
What, if any, difference could this have?


None, as Lowe's balloon corps provided the Union with no advantages. Even during the later 9 month long siege of Petersburg, where the Union faced static CSA fortifications and the use of captive balloons to observe artillery fire and enemy troop movements, no one felt that balloon observations were worth the effort.

Suggestions?

Examine what was required to construct the balloons in question - imported silk and a varnish recipe which included rubber - and what was required to produce the hydrogen gas which filled them - portable generators which used copper tubing, iron filings, and sulfuric acid that all had to be constantly replaced.

Then ask yourself if the CSA, whose industrial deficits are well known and whose ability to regularly import materials is equally well known, would have the ability to construct, field, and fill those balloons.

Finally, ask yourself if any experienced balloonists were available to the CSA. The Union corps' very limited utility stopped altogether when Lowe left the project and his replacements couldn't handle the balloons as well as he did.;

In the OTL, the CSA did try to create it's own balloon corps. The lack of materials and experience I mentioned above meant the CSA balloons were barely controlled cotton bags filled with smoke that the Montgolfier brothers would have viewed as primitive.

If Lowe gets captured there are a few sensational headlines, a few more boasts on the CSA side, and no actual changes.
 
Thank you. That does enlighten me, although the observation balloons were used to help artillery in at least one engagement (with the inclusion of signal flags)

Anyone else though? I value all input, even if all it does is further cement what Don Lardo has already said.
 
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