My Part in Creating Douglas the Camel Cenotaph;
Error; I made an error and was not clear in my last post. I should have and intended to say;
"We intended to Honor the men in Compatriot Huffman"s Ancestor's Regiment who gave their lives in the Defense of Vicksburg."
While we were setting the Cenotaphs for the 43rd Regiment, some member of the Camp suggested we put up a Stone for Douglas.
I was against it, I spoke against it. I thought it was a mistake. I thought the Cemetery should be for Men and Women only, not for animals, I thought it was disrespectful. Etc, etc.
The Idea spread like the "Wild Fire."
Soon I found my self on one side and the entire Camp on the other.
I did not want this situation. Thus - I shifted gears got with the program.
(After all, it would not amount to much, it would do no harm.)
I took my pick up and went and picked up the surplus stone 350 miles round trip.
I went to Mississippi State Department of Archives and History and did much / some of the research. Etc, etc.
And Friends; I was wrong, It has continued to spread like wild fire. My name and e mail address are still out there. It is not unusual for me to get and email requesting directions.
"We are passing through Vicksburg and would like to see the Douglas Stone in the City Cemetery."
It is amazing. Google up "Old Douglas the Camel." It has become a Vicksburg Tourist Destination. I am thinking of trying to get it nominated as a Find - a - Grave Famous Monument
The End (Signed) Sam Price