Old Douglas

Gentle Douglas in the Civil War

Old Douglas: died at the Battle of Vicksburg 1863

Old Douglas was a dromedary camel. He was the mascot and friend of the men in the 43rd Mississippi Infantry, which later became known as the Camel Regiment. He was part of the Confederate Army during the Civil War.

Douglas came from the Texas Camel Experiment in which the US army briefly trained camels to replace horses and mules in harsh, hot and dry environments.

Douglas spooked horses and would not be tied. Yet, he never left his troops. He always stayed close and out of the way. He was gentle and loved by the soldiers. Douglas was a member of the regimental band and was employed carrying instruments and knapsacks. He was shot to death by a Union sharpshooter during the battle of Vicksburg, Mississippi. His death was ordered avenged. The Union sharpshooter was shot by Confederate snipers at the command of their officer who really loved Old Douglas.