132 PURCHASE OF CAMELS FOR MILITARY PURPOSES. 



them. The same gentleman informed me that in every other respect 

 they suited admirably, and stood the climate. 



On the 29th of May I anchored off Indianola, but the Fea being 

 very rough we could not communicate with the shore. On the 1st 

 the steamer " Fashion" came out to us, and finding that she could 

 do nothing, Major Wayne went on shore, and returned with two 

 schooners. I made the attempt to get the camels on board the lighters, 

 but found it impossible to do so, and I weighed anchor and stood 

 for the mouth of the Mississippi, where, on the 10th of May, all the 

 camels were safely transferred to the charge of Major Wayne, on board 

 the steamer " Fashion." 



I have the honor to remain your obedient servant, 



DAVID D. PORTER, 



United States Navy, 



Hon. Jefferson Davis, 



Secretary of War, Washington city. 



