160 PURCHASE OF CAMELS FOR MILITARY PURPOSES. 



cellaneous stores that it had transported, the state of the roads having 

 impeded hut little its progress. Experienced disinterested persons 

 said at the time that loaded wagons could not have travelled in such 

 weather. I think they said right ; but I prefer their opinion to my 

 own, as it is unbiased by any prejudices in favor of the experiment. 

 The usefulness of the camel in this interior country is no longer a 

 question here in Texas among those who have seen them at work, or 

 examined them with attention. As far as possible, I have endeavored 

 to satisfy the very natural curiosity of all who have come to see them ; 

 but especially of those whose experience renders them competent 

 judges of the anticipated advantages to be derived from their employ- 

 ment ; and I am gratified in being able to state that the experiment 

 is regarded by the latter class with interest and decided favor. 



The camels are in good health, and doing well, with the exception 

 of three — one Bactrian that has been teething, and two dromedaries, 

 severely bitten by other camels. One has been bitten some time, the 

 other last night. 



The shelters have been much retarded by frequent and heavy 

 rains ; but, taking everything into consideration, we are getting on 

 with them fairly. Captain Palmer is indefatigable in his labors, and 

 carries on the works I'oi me as rapidly as the necessary scouting and 

 military duties of the post will permit. I find also a valuable ad- 

 junct in Assistant Surgeon J. K. Smith, attached to this post, who 

 has entered into our views with the zeal of science, and with the 

 judgment of practicalness. 



With much respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant, 



HENRY C. WAYNE, 



Major United States Army. 



Hon. Jefferson Davis, 



Secretary of War, Washington City. 



[Extract.] 



Camp Verde, Texas, November 20, 1856. 



Sir : It is with regret that I report to you the loss of two more of 

 our camels — the Bactrian mentioned in my previous communications 

 as ailing, and the camels reported in my letter of the 5th instant as 

 having been severely wounded by a bite some time before. The en- 

 closed report of examinations, post mortem, by Mr. Ray, who has the 

 veterinary care of the animals, explains the causes of death in each case. 



The other camel reported bitten on the night of the 4th instant has 



been cured. 



********* 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



HENRY C. WAYNE, 



3IaJor U. S. Army. 

 Hon. Jefferson Davis, 



Secretary of War, Washington City, B.C. 



