Le Neptune, ballon d'observation, sur la place Saint-Pierre

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The siege of Paris began on September 19 and September 23 of it flew the first balloon and landed on the unoccupied territory. After a few days the Parisians happy to read an official statement on the establishment of "air mail". The city then had fewer than a dozen suitable balloons. But thanks to the selfless work of female workers, technicians and engineers manufacture of new balls in special rooms soon went full speed. Each ball has received a special name. September 27 flew "Neptune", and on October 7 the huge crowd that had gathered on the same area of Saint-Pierre, accompanied balloon "Armand Barb" in a basket which was with the pilot Interior Minister Gambetta. His flight was caused by the need to put at the head of Tours "branch" of the government of one of the leading figures. Trochu said that the presence of his commander in chief, in Paris needs no proof. Get the wind up Favre also preferred not to risk it. Only Gambetta readily agreed.