162 PURCHASE OF CAMELS FOR MILITARY PURPOSES. 



useless, has rendered the cure of a limb so crushed and torn as this 

 was in the first instance difficult, if not impossible. 



Had the thigh been opened prior to the animal's death, it could not 

 have saved the camel for any useful purpose, the destruction of the 

 substance of the limb being so great, and the animal in an extreme 

 state of emaciation. 



With much respect, I am, sir, yours, most obediently, 



ALBERT RAY. 



Major H. C. Wayne. 



Camp Verde, Texas, 



December 4, 1856. 



Sir : As the political changes of the coming year may terminate 

 your official connexion with the War Department^ and alter the 

 policy heretofore observed in our experiment, I have thought it advi- 

 sable to make a few suggestions at this early date, that if you agree 

 with me a system may be organized, that the matter may be left to 

 your successor in as complete a form as possible. My observation of 

 and experience with civil employes in Texas satisfies me that the 

 accomplishment of your views for the uses of the dromedaries and 

 burden camels can only be attained through military responsibility 

 and accountability. I would, therefore, respectfully propose that the 

 camels be turned over to the charge of an intelligent regimental cap- 

 tain, who would take an interest in our views, and who, by military 

 control of the men attending the animals, will efficiently carry them 

 out. The prejudices of regimental officers against the exercise of 

 command over them by an officer of the staff precludes me from the 

 control of enlisted men. I have no desire to hold a questionable 

 position. In making this proposition I sacrifice personal wishes fo 

 what I conceive to be a necessary duty. At all times, however, I 

 shall be ready to contribute to the experiment whatever of knowledge 

 and of systematic employment I possess and have digested. 



The animals are now well sheltered, and everything prepared for 

 breeding and using them in accordance with the views from time to 

 time communicated to you. A better spot than this for all purposes 

 that induced their importation and for propagating them could not 

 be selected. 



The experiment to be fairly determined will require time, five or 

 six years at least ; and as this is an important military point, and will 

 be so for ten years to come, the presence of troops here for the length 

 of time necessary to demonstrate the experiment may be regarded as 

 a certainty. 



Should this proposition meet with your approval, I would further 

 recommend that my present overseer, Mr. Ray, be continued in service 

 with the camels on account of his knowledge of their habits, and for 

 his veterinary skill, his position to be that of veterinarian. The 

 present commander of the post, Captain Palmer, second cavalry, and 



