The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 33, July 1929 - April, 1930 Page: 21
344 p. : maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
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Importation of Camels by the United States Government 21
Wayne was in Paris by June 20, but found practically no one
there who could help him with his unique research problem.
Therefore, he left shortly for Italy and, arrived in Genoa, found
there a letter from Porter informing him that the Supply was at
Spezzia, whither Wayne repaired and joined Porter on July 24.0
The Supply had reached Spezzia on July 12, and while awaiting
Wayne, Porter decided to go up to Pisa to see the camels on the
farm of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, eight miles from the town.
The camels had been used in Tuscany for over two hundred years
on the estate of the duke, and the two hundred and fifty animals
were "doing the work of one thousand horses."10 The camels were
badly taken care of and overworked, each one carrying a load of
twelve hundred pounds and forced to work from sunrise to sunset.
In spite of all this, they were in excellent condition.
Returning to Spezzia, the two commanders joined and set sail
on July 25, for Naples, where they hoped to procure money; but
they found the rate of exchange so high that they gave up the idea
of securing funds there. Tunis was the next stop, and there the
men found a new Bey on the throne, an event which was to prove
helpful, as the young ruler was anxious to make a good impression
on the United States by his generosity in the camel dealings.
Unfortunately, before apprising themselves of the Bey's generous
inclinations, Wayne and Porter had purchased a very ordinary
camel, only to find themselves the recipients of two fine specimens
presented by the Bey, who sent a message stating that he thanked
the Americans for the visit and wished well to the President and
the people of the United States and "he hoped that nothing would
occur to disturb the harmony at present existing between the two
governments, which it was his desire to continue and cherish.""
With the three camels on board, both Porter and Wayne began
a careful laboratory study of their habits and diseases. As Porter
said: "No doubt we will derive more experience from practical
observation than by reading a dozen books on the subject."2 They
'Report, 19-20. Wayne to Davis, at sea, July 27, 1855.
"oReport, 25. David D. Porter to Davis, Malta, August 13, 1855.
"Report, 23. Wayne to Davis, Tunis, August 10, 1855. The gift was
made on August 8, 1855.
"Report, 26. Porter to Davis, Malta, August 13, 1855.
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Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 33, July 1929 - April, 1930, periodical, 1930; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101090/m1/29/?rotate=90: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.