PURCHASE OF CAMELS FOR MILITARY PURPOSES. 15 



througli the Dardanelles, up the Sea of Marmora, and into the Black 

 sea, if it should be necessary to go there. It is believed that the best 

 breed of camels is to be found in Persia ; and as nothing should be 

 left undone to procure the very best for our purposes, you may find it 

 necessary to take your ship to the nearest point of communication 

 with that country, when Major Wayne and yourself can set out on 

 an expedition inland. If it is found desirable to purchase the camels 

 in Persia, it can be done by shipping them at such port as will best 

 facilitate the operation. 



If circumstances occur of such a nature as to prevent communication 

 with Persia by way of the Black sea, you will take your ship to the 

 coast of Syria and disembark the land expedition at Beyrout or such 

 other point as may be most suitable for the purpose. Scanderoon will 

 probably be a good harbor in which to lay up the ship in winter 

 weather, should you be unable to return to the United States this 

 season. By starting from either of the points mentioned, an oppor- 

 tunity will be afforded for examining the quality of the camel in Asia 

 Minor. It might risk the success of the enterprise to import them 

 from a southern climate. Damascus and Palmyra were once cele- 

 brated for their dromedaries, and the Kurdistan territory«still possesses 

 animals of fine quality. Whenever you meet with fine animals it 

 would be well to procure them. While on the land expedition cir- 

 cumstances and your best judgment must be your guide. In the 

 unsettled state of those countries at present it will be necessary for 

 you to start with a party sufficiently large and well armed to secure 

 you from being molested by wandering tribes. After embarking the 

 camels you will proceed, at the most suitable season of the year, to 

 the United States, stopping at such points as, in your opinion, will be 

 desirable for the purpose of obtaining supplies for the animals. You 

 will proceed to the coast of Texas, and land them at the most con- 

 venient point, where Major Wayne,, or such other person as may be 

 designated by the department, will take sole charge of them. From 

 that point you will report your arrival to me, and unless further in- 

 structed proceed direct to New York. 



During your absence report to me whenever you can find an oppor- 

 tunity, giving me full information of your operations. For further 

 information I refer you to the instructions to Major Wayne, a copy of 

 which is herewith furnished. In case of any accident to Major Wayne, 

 by which he might be preveifted from carrying out the instructions I 

 have given him, you will proceed alone to fulfil these instructions. 



While engaged on expeditions on shore your expenses will be paid ; 

 also the expenses of those persons it may be deemed necessary to take 

 with you. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



JEFF'N DAVIS, 

 Secretary of War. 



Lieutenant D. D. Porter, 



United States Navy. 



