16
When, in 1863, the American Journal of Photography reviewed
Nadar's work, it optimistically observed:
"As the rotary and onward movements of the balloon cannot be
stopped, to get rid of the objectionable defect, the camera
apparatus must be made to open and close not only with the
utmost rapidity, but also without vibration, sudden jerk,
or shake. The plates, in short, cannot be exposed too rapidly,
too shortly, nor too quietly. These are points the mechanicians
will soon overcome, and hundreds of adventurous photographers
will soon, no doubt, follow their active pioneer, and bring
down scenes innumerable from cloudland."
Interest in balloon reconnaissance was not confined to France.
America's honor roll of balloon photographers is topped by J. W. Black
of Boston (probably the original "Boston Blackie"). On October 13,
1860, Black, accompanied by the noted Providence, Rhode Island,
aerialist, Prof. Sam King, who served as navigator, ascended to
1,200 feet in the "Queen of the Air", and successfully photographed
14
parts of the city of Boston on wet collodian plates.
King's own account, which appeared in the Boston Herald on 16 Octo
ber 1860, was quoted under the banner headline:
"The Late Balloon-Photo Experiment: Mr. King of well known firm
of King & Allen aeronauts, furnished this account: