#77newthing

So for 77, I'm supposed to write a long fascinating post but I'm not sure it'll happen. The new thing though. So we, Nettie, Magen, Kit and I, were in a coffee shop in Vicksburg and Nettie found out that you could visit Douglas the Military Camel's grave. Douglas was used in the Texas Camel Experiment. This experiment was tried during the American Civil War. Basically they were attempting to replaces horses and mules, which were dying of dehydration, with camels. 

 Douglas carried supplies for the regimtal band such as instruments and knapsacks. He was also a mascot for the Company A of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry. Douglas broke free of his tether quite often, usually using his freedom to graze, always staying close to the regiment. On June 27th, 1863, he wandered into no man's land between the two armys and was shot down by a Yankee sharpshooter. He was then eaten by the Confederates who were starving. It was just seven days before Robert E. Lee surrendered. 

   His memorial stone reads, "Old Douglas" was the faithful, patient camel of the 43rd MS Infantry Vols, CSA. Douglas was a dromedary camel and was given to Col. W.H. Moore by L.T. W.H Hargrove of Co. B. Moore assigned Douglas.

  The back says, To the band, Douglas at first frightened all the 43rd's horses, but soon became a favorite of both man and beast. The 43rd was henceforth called "The Camel Regiment". Douglas served in the IUKA, Corinth, Central Ms, AA, and Vicks Campaigns. He was  intentionally killed by Yankee sharpshooters near the end of the siege. He may have been eaten by starving Confederates. Douglas' death was greatly mourned and as the 43rd vet wrote of him, "His service merits record."

 This day was a lot of fun because it was so random and involved some super cool people, some not so cool ones to though. Thanks for the awesome memory's, Nettie. I think I'll post today because this is kind of long. See y'all later....