The National tribune., 1901-11-07
The Wild Camels of Arizona.

EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: The story
of the camels, published in The National
Tribune of Oct. a. and credited to the
New York Sun, has the flavor of a pipe
dream.
While serving at Camp Mcdowell, Ariz.,
in 1869 and 20. | became very well ac-
quaintcd with IibJi Ali mot Hy jolly.
and | have often listened to his story of
the cames. There was nothing romantic
or sentimental about Hibji Ali, and the
substance Of his Oft-tOld narrative IS as
follows: Hibji Ali came over from
Smyrna with seven camels, landing at
Fort Yuma, Cal. in 1850, going to Ari-
zona with his charges in 81 or 'G2. /
never heard him speak of more than seven
camcls, neither did | ever hear him tell
of being with them i'll Texas.
AS beasts Of burden the camels were n
total failure in that country; their feet
could not stand the sharp rocks Of the
mountain trails; alkali water and the
wild grasses did not agree with them,
and they never became acclimatcd.
Hibji used TO say he had seen them
shed tears of homeSickness. We did not
doubt him. The camels soon commenced
to die there was no increase). and III 1866,
when the Sd Battalion of the LIST L. ;.
Inf. relieved the California column, there
was but one surviving animal to tell the
mournful failure of the experiment Serg'
Smith, of the 32d Inf, told me this animal
died at Fort Goodwin shortly after they
took station there. Col. Crittenden, who
was in command told the boys he was
not entitled to a Christian burial, being
undoubtedly a MahOmetan, so the coyotes
feasted on imported meat.
After the death of his camels Hibji
Ali was a stranger in a strange land; but
the different commanders Of the depart
ment ordered he should be used well and
always kept in Government employ, all
of which was faithfully complied with. l
have seen Gems. Mcdowell, Ord and
Stoneman shake hands with him and speak
to him kindly. | have always considered
this man one of the most remarkable char
acters in the early history of Arizona.
Like most of his class in those days, he
was a chronic gambler and drunkard
quick on the trigger, etc; but notwith-
standing he possessed many fine qualities;
Il faithful and energetic employee, loyal
to his friends and adopted country, and
knew no fear. He had the greatest re
spect and admiration for army men, and
the most profound contempt for McXicans,
negroes and Indians.
Hibji Ali always claimed to be n Turk
mot Creek, and in religion follower
of Mahomet. In 1871 the Arizona papers
published all the details of his death after
a gallant fight for life with hostile Apaches
while doing duty as mail rider from Fort
Whipple to Camp Mcdowell over the
route known as the Cutoff" so / was
somewhat surprised to hear of him taking
an active part in the Spanish-American
war down in Cuba. Had he lived, or is
still living, he must be over so years of
age.
For over 80 years ] have considered
the incident OF the camels closed. During
nearly three years of active service,
which covered a greater part Of the Terri
tory of Arizona, | never saw or heard OF
camel, domestic or wild. except those
referred to above. / would like very much
| for some of the men who followed the
trail over the mountains and Feserts OF
the Empire" in those erratic days to come
to the front and tell what they know OF
! Hibji Ali and the camels.-L. Fl. VoKEs
First Sergeant, Sd U. S. Cav, Rochester
| Minn.