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diff --git a/42544.txt b/42544.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f9bf823..0000000 --- a/42544.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,25036 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Soyer's Culinary Campaign, by Alexis Soyer - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - -Title: Soyer's Culinary Campaign - Being Historical Reminiscences of the Late War. with The - Plain Art of Cookery for Military and Civil Institutions - -Author: Alexis Soyer - -Release Date: April 15, 2013 [EBook #42544] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SOYER'S CULINARY CAMPAIGN *** - - - - -Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images available at The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - [Illustration: _The Author._ - - _From a Photograph by Bingham, (Paris)_] - - - - - SOYER'S - - CULINARY CAMPAIGN. - - BEING HISTORICAL REMINISCENCES - OF THE LATE WAR. - - WITH - - THE PLAIN ART OF COOKERY - - FOR - - MILITARY AND CIVIL INSTITUTIONS, THE ARMY, NAVY, - PUBLIC, ETC. ETC. - - BY ALEXIS SOYER, - - AUTHOR OF "THE MODERN HOUSEWIFE," "SHILLING COOKERY FOR THE PEOPLE," - ETC. - - LONDON: - G. ROUTLEDGE & CO., FARRINGDON STREET. - NEW YORK: 18, BEEKMAN STREET. - 1857. - - [_The right of translation is reserved._] - - LONDON: - SAVILL AND EDWARDS, PRINTERS, - CHANDOS STREET. - - - - - TO THE - - RIGHT HONOURABLE LORD PANMURE, K.T. - - ETC. ETC. ETC. - - - MY LORD, - - Grateful, indeed, do I feel for the unlimited confidence reposed in me - by your Lordship during my late Mission in the East, and especially so - for your kind condescension in permitting me to dedicate to your -Lordship this work, which at once puts the final seal to your Lordship's - appreciation of my humble services. - - With the most profound respect, - I have the honour to remain, - My Lord, - Your Lordship's most humble and dutiful Servant, - ALEXIS SOYER. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The Author of this work begs to inform his readers that his principal -object in producing his "Culinary Campaign" is to perpetuate the -successful efforts made by him to improve the dieting of the Hospitals -of the British army in the East, as well as the soldiers' rations in the -Camp before Sebastopol. - -The literary portion the Author has dished up to the best of his -ability; and if any of his readers do not relish its historical -contents, he trusts that the many new and valuable receipts, applicable -to the Army, Navy, Military and Civil Institutions, and the public in -general, will make up in succulence for any literary deficiencies that -may be found in its pages. - -At the same time, the Author takes this opportunity of publicly -returning his most grateful thanks to the late authorities at the seat -of war for their universal courtesy, friendship, and great assistance, -without which success would have been an impossibility. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - -CHAP. PAGE - -INTRODUCTION.--A SUPPER AT THE "ALBION," AND -ITS CONSEQUENCES 1 - -I. BY RAIL AND COACH TO VIRGINIA WATER 13 - -II. A SUMMONS TO STAFFORD HOUSE 29 - -III. OFF TO THE WAR 36 - -IV. DELIGHTS OF TRAVEL 49 - -V. COMFORT ON SHORE AND PENANCE AT SEA 57 - -VI. THE LAND OF THE MOSLEM 70 - -VII. A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF CONSTANTINOPLE FROM PERA 83 - -VIII. FIRST VIEW OF THE SCENE OF ACTION 91 - -IX. COMMENCEMENT OF THE CULINARY CAMPAIGN 101 - -X. A TOUR ROUND THE KITCHENS 111 - -XI. FIRST OPERATIONS 124 - -XII. THE SCUTARI MISSION ACCOMPLISHED 134 - -XIII. DEPARTURE FOR THE CRIMEA 147 - -XIV. COMMENCEMENT OF MY CAMPAIGN IN THE CRIMEA 160 - -XV. THE ENGLISH AND TURKISH COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF 180 - -XVI. A NEW ENEMY 191 - -XVII. RECEPTION AT ENGLISH AND FRENCH HEAD-QUARTERS 200 - -XVIII. A UNIVERSAL CALAMITY 213 - -XIX. HAPS AND MISHAPS IN CAMP 227 - -XX. EXPEDITIONS ON HORSE AND ON FOOT 239 - -XXI. MATTERS GRAVE AND GAY 250 - -XXII. PREPARATIONS FOR ANOTHER TRIP 266 - -XXIII. OUR STEAM VOYAGE IN THE "LONDON" 289 - -XXIV. THREE WEEKS AT SCUTARI 297 - -XXV. FESTIVITIES AT SCUTARI AND VISITS TO FRENCH HOSPITALS 315 - -XXVI. MY SECOND TRIP TO THE CRIMEA 325 - -XXVII. CAMP LIFE AT HEAD-QUARTERS 334 - -XXVIII. MY GREAT FIELD-DAY 350 - -XXIX. THE EIGHTH OF SEPTEMBER 364 - -XXX. FALL OF THE DOOMED CITY 375 - -XXXI. ILLNESS AND CHANGE OF SCENE 385 - -XXXII. CAMP OF THE FOURTH DIVISION 400 - -XXXIII. HOSTILITIES AT TABLE 415 - -XXXIV. CRIMEAN FESTIVITIES 433 - -XXXV. LAST DAYS OF BRITISH OCCUPATION OF THE CRIMEA 459 - -XXXVI. LAST SCENE OF OUR STRANGE EVENTFUL HISTORY 484 - -ADDENDA 513 - - - - -ERRATA. - -In page 6, _for_ "Little Jack," _read_ "Little Ben." - -Page 32, line 12, _for_ "I think," _read_ "She thinks." - - - - -A CULINARY CAMPAIGN - -BY - -A. SOYER - -ILLUSTRATED BY H. G. HINE. - -[Illustration: Title Page] - - - - -INTRODUCTION. - -A SUPPER AT THE "ALBION," AND ITS CONSEQUENCES. - - Old Drury--Juvenile mirth--A sudden arrest--An invitation--No - excuse--Getting home--Mind your pockets--A trip to the - "Wellington"--An intelligent waiter--Reading the news--A sudden - inspiration--Letter to the _Times_--The stupid waiter again--Little - Jack--Supper fare--Receipts--Tough kidneys--How to cook - them--Kidneys _a la_ Roberto Diavolo--Kidneys _a la brochette_--New - bill of fare for London Suppers. - - -"Hurrah! hurrah! bravo! bravo!" For a few minutes rounds of applause and -shouts of laughter from the juveniles were heard and loudly re-echoed -throughout the vast cupola of Old Drury, sending home the delighted -spectators, in fits of sneezing and coughing, through a variegated -atmosphere. Sir Henry W----, turning to me, exclaimed, "Hallo, Mr. -Soyer, the pantomime is over early this evening!" and looking at his -watch, continued, "Why, it is only half-past eleven o'clock." - -"Yes, Sir Henry; but quite late enough for children, who after this time -begin to mingle gaping with laughter." - -"True enough," replied Sir Henry; "it is painful to see those dear -cherubs kept at the theatre till midnight, or even later. Have you been -long here?" - -"No," I replied, "only a few minutes; just time enough to witness the -grand finale, and to hear the screaming and laughter of the children, -which to me is always very amusing." - -"Very true, very true; I am of your opinion, and never tire of -children's mirth." - -In a few minutes the theatre was nearly emptied of spectators, but still -full of smoke. Considering myself that evening as free as a butterfly on -a spring morning, though unable, like that light-hearted insect, to -flit from flower to flower, I was trying to escape, with the swiftness -of an eel, down the gigantic and crowded staircase, hoping to get off -unobserved, as I had to start early in the morning for the country, when -suddenly a friendly hand pressed me forcibly by the arm. The owner of -the same cried, "Stop! stop! my friend; I have been hunting all over the -theatre for you." I at once recognised an old Devonshire acquaintance, -whom I was indeed much pleased to see, having received a most kind -reception from him at my last visit to that delightful county--so justly -named the garden of England. - -"Well, my dear sir," said he, "myself and several acquaintances of yours -are here for a few days, and have ordered a supper this evening at the -'Albion.' We heard you were at Drury Lane, and I have come to ask you to -join us." - -"I must say it is very kind of you, Mr. Turner; but you must excuse me, -as I am going as far as St. James's-street, by appointment; besides, I -leave for the country early to-morrow morning. But I shall be happy to -spend to-morrow evening with you and your friends; therefore, I beg you -will apologise for me." - -"To-morrow very likely we shall be off again; we only came for a couple -of days, to breathe the London air, and then return." - -"I beg your pardon--you mean London fog, not air." - -"Why, yes, fog should be the word; but for all that, I love London in -any season; so no excuse--I shall not leave you; you must join us, or -your friend the squire will be greatly disappointed. He came from the -Great Western Hotel this evening on purpose to see you." - -Finding it almost impossible to get out of it, and my friend having -promised we should break up early, I accepted, saying, "You must allow -me to go as far as the 'Wellington,' as I have an appointment there; I -will be back in about half-an-hour." - -My incredulous country friend would not grant permission till I had -assured him that I would faithfully keep my promise, and return. - -This dialogue took place in the entrance of the vestibule, where a -number of ladies and children were waiting--some for their carriages and -broughams, others for those public inconveniences called cabs. This bevy -of beauty and group of children, the pride of young England, seemed to -interest my provincial friend so much, that I had some trouble to get -him out. It was then nearly twelve o'clock. The front steps were also -crowded; the weather was chilly and damp; a thick yellowish fog, -properly mixed with a good portion of soot, formed a shower of black -pearls, which, gracefully descending through the murky air, alighted, -without asking permission, upon the rosy cheeks of unveiled fair dames, -spotting their visages, if not _a la_ Pompadour or _a la_ Watteau, at -least _a la_ Hogarth. A few steps lower we entered a dense crowd--a most -unpicturesque miscellany of individuals, unclassically called, the -London mob. "Mind your pockets," said I to my country friend. - -"By Jove, it's too late," said he, feeling in his pocket--"my -handkerchief is gone!" - -"Is that all?" I inquired. - -"Well, let me see," he observed, feeling again: "yes, thank God! my -watch and purse are quite safe." - -"Ah," I continued, laughing, "the old adage which prompts us to thank -God for all things is quite correct; for you are actually thanking Him -for the loss of your handkerchief." - -"Not at all," he replied; "I was thanking Him for the safety of my watch -and purse." After a hearty laugh we parted, he going to the "Albion," -and I to the "Wellington." - -On my arrival there, I found that my friend had been and was gone. My -intelligent cabby soon brought me back through the dense atmosphere to -that far-famed temple of Comus, at which crowds of celebrities meet -nightly--some to restore themselves internally, others to sharpen their -wits at that tantalising abode of good cheer. Upon entering, I inquired -of a waiter, a stranger to me, if he could inform me where my six -friends intended to sup. - -"Yes, sir, directly." Speaking down the trumpet: "Below! a Welsh rabbit -and fresh toast--two kidneys underdone--scalloped oyster--a chop--two -taters! Look sharp below!" To the barmaid: "Two stouts, miss--one -pale--four brandies hot, two without--one whisky--three gin--pint -sherry--bottle of port!" - -"What an intelligent waiter!" thought I, "to have so good a memory." -Having waited till he had given his orders, I again said, "Pray, my fine -fellow, in which room are my friends going to sup? They have a private -room, no doubt?" - -"Yes, sir, a private room for two." - -"No, not for two--for six." - -"Oh! I don't mean that, sir: I want a rump-steak for two," said he; -"stewed tripe for one--three grogs--bottle pale Bass." And off he went -to the coffee-room. - -"Plague upon the fellow!" said I to myself. - -As the barmaid could not give me any information upon the subject, and I -perceived through a half-opened door on the right-hand side of the bar a -table laid for six, I went in, making sure it was for my friends, and -that they had not yet arrived. Indeed, I had myself returned from my -appointment much sooner than I had expected. I sat down, and was reading -the evening paper, when a waiter came in. "After you with the paper, -sir." - -"I have done; you may take it." - -"There's the _Times_, sir, if you have not seen it." - -"No, I have not; let me have a look at it." After reading one of the -leaders, my attention was drawn to a long article written by the Crimean -correspondent of that journal. When I had read it carefully a second -time, a few minutes' reflection on my part enabled me to collect my -ideas, and established in my mind a certain assurance that I could, if -allowed by Government, render service in the cooking of the food, the -administration of the same, as well as the distribution of the -provisions. These were matters in which I could detect, through the -description of that eye-witness, the writer of the above-mentioned -article, some change was much needed. I therefore wrote the following -letter to the _Times_, it being then nearly one o'clock in the -morning:-- - -THE HOSPITAL KITCHENS AT SCUTARI. - - _To the Editor of the Times._ - - SIR,--After carefully perusing the letter of your correspondent, - dated Scutari, in your impression of Wednesday last, I perceive - that, although the kitchen under the superintendence of Miss - Nightingale affords so much relief, the system of management at the - large one in the Barrack-hospital is far from being perfect. I - propose offering my services gratuitously, and proceeding direct to - Scutari, at my own personal expense, to regulate that important - department, if the Government will honour me with their confidence, - and grant me the full power of acting according to my knowledge and - experience in such matters. - -I have the honour to remain, Sir, -Your obedient servant, -A. SOYER. - -_Feb. 2, 1855._ - - - -After despatching this letter, I again inquired about my friends and my -anticipated supper, which for some time had escaped my memory. "Did you -ring, sir?" - -"No, I did not, sir, but the bell has;" recognising my stupid waiter. - -"Oh, sir! are you here?" - -"Of course I am; don't you see me?" - -"Well, sir, your friends have had supper; they inquired everywhere for -you; I told them you could not wait, as you had two ladies to see home -as far as Brompton." - -"You foolish fellow! I never spoke to you about ladies, Brompton, or any -such thing; I merely asked you where my friends were to sup; to which -you replied, 'Rump-steak for two, tripe for one, two taters, pat of -butter, one pale Bass, and three kidneys for a gentleman, underdone.'" - -"No more you did, sir. It was number three who told me to say so; not -you, sir; you're quite right, sir!" - -"I am sure I am right; but as for you, your head is quite wrong!" - -"Well, I assure you, sir, we have so much to do at times, we hardly know -what we are about." - -"I don't think you do," said I, sharply. - -"But I tell you what, sir, they are there still, and you had better go -to them." - -"No, it is too late now; give them this note from me when they go out; -and here is sixpence for yourself, for through your mistake you have -after all rendered me a service. I did not wish to come here this -evening, as I have an early engagement for to-morrow, so I will have a -bit of supper and go home." - -"Well, do, sir; I thank you, and am very glad I have given you -satisfaction at last." - -"Send Little Jack here; he knows what I like for supper." - -"Hallo, Mr. Soyer, everybody in the coffee-room has been inquiring after -you this evening," said Little Jack upon entering. - -"I know; but that foolish waiter who was here just now made such a mull -of everything, that he quite upset our party; I could not get any answer -from him, so I made sure this table was laid out for us, and here I -stuck." - -"No, sir, your friends supped in the coffee-room, and are still there, -if you like to have your supper near them." - -"No, no; give me what you like here." - -"What shall it be, sir? oysters, broiled kidneys, chops, steaks, stewed -tripe, broiled bones?" - -"Have you nothing else?" - -"Yes, sir, grilled fowl and scalloped oysters; only they will take some -time preparing." - -"Well, give me scalloped oysters, and my favourite Welsh rare-bit, made -in my style--you know; a pint of port wine, and fresh toast for the -rare-bit." - -"Yes, sir; the cook knows--I'll tell him it is for you." - -"But how is it you never vary your supper bill of fare? it is very -scanty of choice for such a large tavern as this. I do not mean to -complain, but give a little change now and then, by introducing a few -new dishes." - -"Ah! you're right, sir; it would please the customers, and be much -better for us waiters, to have something new to offer; but, bless you, -sir! I have been many years in this place, and it was always the same; -and no doubt will remain so for as long again, unless a gentleman like -you takes it in hand--they would then attend to it; but, of course, you -have something else to do." - -"So I have; yet I don't see why, in my next book upon cookery, I should -not devote a few pages to the London suppers. I intend doing so, and, -when published, I shall be happy to present you with a copy." - -"That will be first-rate, sir; I thank you, and wont I recommend the new -dishes _a la_ Soyer, as some of our customers call them!" - -"Well, my man, upon second thoughts, as you seem so anxious about it, -and I am not going to join my friends, give me a pen and ink, and while -supper is preparing, I will write a few practical receipts, which can be -easily introduced without interfering with your duty or the kitchen; -they will, no doubt, prove agreeable to your customers, who are in -general a class of _bon vivants_, fond of good things as well as of -variety in the bill of fare." - -"Here is the pen, paper, and ink, sir." - -"Thank you; come again in about twenty minutes, and they shall be ready; -or, if you are not in a hurry, stay." - -"No, sir, I am not; our supper business is over." - -"Well, now listen: first, I do not intend to criticise your bill of -fare, which is as much varied, if not more so, than that offered at -other large taverns, and it is quite as well executed. Now, respecting -kidneys--you consume a large quantity of them?" - -"So we do, sir." - -"Then I will give you a receipt or two for dressing them:-- - - No. 1.--Take two kidneys, split them lengthways as close to the - sinew as possible without parting them; remove the thin skin, lay - them flat upon the table, and season rather highly with salt and - pepper; then run them crossways upon a wooden, metal, or silver - skewer, forcing the sinew upwards; this will prevent their curling - up again while cooking. Next dip them in some well-beaten eggs, to - which you have added about a table-spoonful of dissolved butter; or - rub them over with a paste-brush, which will do it more equally; - roll them in fine bread-crumbs, and slightly beat them on both - sides with the flat of your knife to cause the 'crumbs to stick to - the kidneys. Put them upon the gridiron, over a sharp fire, at a - proper distance; they will require from five to eight minutes - doing, according to size. - - For the uninitiated, the following plan is the best to ascertain - when they are properly done. Press with the prongs of a fork or the - point of the knife upon the thick part of the kidney; if done - through, it will feel firm and elastic to the touch. When the - kidneys are done, slip them off the skewer on to a hot dish, and - place in each a piece of butter, _a la maitre d'hotel_, about the - size of a small walnut; send to table, and by the time it reaches - the guest, the butter will be half melted; quite so when the kidney - is cut by the customer, who, by turning the pieces and blending the - butter with the gravy, will make a rich sauce, and partake of a - delicious as well as a wholesome dish. - -"Partaking of overdone kidneys at night is the forerunner of the -nightmare." - -"You're right, sir; that it is," said Little Jack; "for at times we have -some left, and keep them warm for supper; and they get as tough as -pieces of leather, when after eating three or four--and I am always very -tired at night--I never can sleep. Now I think of it, the tough kidneys -must be the cause; and if I do sleep, Mr. Soyer, I have such awful -dreams that I feel more fatigued when I rise than when I go to bed." - -"Of course," I replied, "I am well aware of that; they cannot digest; -therefore, you see the importance of having them properly done." - -"Very much so indeed; I quite understand it now, and perceive that if -they cannot at all times be done to perfection, underdone is much -preferable to overdone. I perfectly understand you, sir; but you see we -require such a quantity." - -"Well, I have only given you the receipt for two. I will now, if you -like, give you the receipt for a hundred." - -"Do, sir; that will suit us better." - -"I suppose they are most in request for supper?" - -"Indeed they are, sir." - -"Then, in the course of the day, the cook should prepare a hundred -precisely as the first--viz., ready for cooking. They should be put upon -skewers, two, three, or four in a row; so that, when called for, he has -only to remove them from the larder to the gridiron. About two pounds of -butter _a la maitre d'hotel_ should be prepared and kept in a cool place -to be ready when required. By following this plan, you could easily cook -several hundred during the evening, if called for. Should any remain -unsold, they will keep till the next day, and will only require rolling -in the crumbs again previous to broiling." - -"I see, sir; it will save a great deal of time by having them prepared -beforehand." - -"But suppose you had none prepared beforehand, a dozen can soon be got -ready by an active cook. The addition of the dissolved butter to the -eggs keeps the kidneys fresh and moist, and inserting them upon the -skewer retains them flat, and they are cooked more regularly in half the -time; while without the skewer they curl up, and are frequently -underdone on one side and cooked too much on the other." - -"I plainly understand what you mean." - -"These details upon the same subject are perhaps tedious to you." - -"Not at all, sir; I see the importance of them." - -"Well, the other receipts will come quite plain and easy to you. To tell -the truth, I have had those overdone kidneys upon my conscience for some -time. Mind, I do not intend to erase the plain broiled kidneys from the -supper bill of fare, for I am very fond of them when properly cooked." - -"They are very good; and many gentlemen will not have them any other -way." - -"Well, I do not blame them, for they are both agreeable and nutritious -that way; but here is another appetizing receipt, which we will call _a -la_ Roberto Diavolo." - - No. 2.--Put two plain kidneys upon a skewer, and with a paste-brush - butter them over. Set them upon the gridiron as near the fire as - possible, for they cannot be done too fast; turn them every minute, - and when half done season with salt, pepper, and a small spoonful - of cayenne; chop some gherkins and a little green chillies, if - handy; or, instead of either, a table-spoonful of chopped picolilli - with the liquor. Put these on a hot plate, with a tea-spoonful of - lemon-juice and a pat of butter. Take up the kidneys, and slip them - burning hot from the skewer to the plate; turn them round four or - five times in the mixture, and serve immediately. A small piece of - glaze added to the butter will prove a great addition. Three, four, - or five minutes will do them, according to the size. - - _Kidneys a la brochette, Paris fashion._ - - The Parisian _gourmet_ would not eat a kidney if it was not served - upon the silver skewer; the only merit of which is, that they keep - hot longer and look better than when the skewer is omitted; as they - often shrink, especially if the sinew has not been properly divided - in the splitting of them. - -"As, no doubt, you have something to do, you had better leave me; I will -write a few more receipts. Bring me my supper in a quarter of an hour, -and they will be ready." - -"Very well, sir; I will give a look round and order your supper." - -To the minute Little Jack walked in with the scalloped oysters, which I -must admit looked remarkably tempting. He handed me my supper, but upon -reflection I did not hand him the receipts, only a list of their names, -intending to put them into the cookery-book I had promised him, knowing -well enough that it was not in his power to bring them out. He thanked -me for my lecture on cookery, as he called it, and the following bill of -fare. I paid my bill, and left. - -_New Bill of Fare for Tavern Suppers._ - - Rump-steak and fried potatoes; ditto with shalot, pimento, and - anchovy butter. Relishing steak, fillet of beef, a la Parisienne; - ditto a la Chateaubriand. - - Mutton chops a la bouchere; ditto semi-provencale; ditto Marseilles - fashion; ditto with relishing sauce. - - Plain cutlets with fried potatoes, a la maitre d'hotel, a la - Sultana, semi-provencale. - - Lamb chops a la boulangere, a l'Americaine, a la printaniere. - - Pork chops with pimento butter, a la Tartare; ditto camp fashion. - - Veal cutlets en papillote; with maitre d'hotel butter; with - relishing butter; with fried potatoes. - - Kidneys on toast, semi-curried; ditto with sherry or port; ditto - with champagne. For kidneys a la maitre d'hotel, a la brochette, - and a la Roberto Diavolo, see Receipts, page 10. - - Stewed and curried tripe; ditto Lyonnaise fashion. - - Lobsters au gratin in the shell; scalloped ditto; curried on toast; - lobster cutlets; new salad, Tartar fashion; plain salad with - anchovies; crabs au gratin in the shell; crab salad with eggs. - - Grilled chicken and Sultana sauce; a la Roberto Diavolo, with - relishing sauce; new broiled devil, Mayonnaise sauce; chicken, - American fashion. - - Stewed oysters on toast; ditto American fashion, au gratin; fried - oysters. - - Omelettes with fine herbs, mushrooms, sprue grass, ham, and - parmesan; poached eggs with cream; ditto with maitre-d'hotel sauce; - semi-curried, with ham or bacon. - - Buttered eggs with mushrooms, sprue grass, ham with shalots, - parsley, and chervil. - - Mirrored eggs with tongue, ham, or bacon; curried eggs; ditto with - onion sauce and tomato sauce. - - Rarebit a la Soyer with sherry or champagne. - - Fried potatoes in slices; ditto with maitre-d'hotel butter; ditto - with Cayenne pepper. - - Cold asparagus salad, while in season; new potato salad, German - fashion; ditto, French and haricot beans.[1] - - For receipts in Bill of Fare, see Addenda. - -A Hansom cab was waiting at the door, so I jumped in. "Beg your pardon, -sir, I am engaged," said cabby; "but if you're not going far, I think I -shall have plenty of time to take you." - -"Do so, my man; I live close by, in Bloomsbury-street, Bedford-square. -Here's a shilling for you--go ahead, cabby." - -Pst! pst! and off we were. In a few minutes, thanks to the evaporation -of the thick fog and its having left only a feeble skeleton of its -former substance, I found myself at my street door, and was trying for -some time to open it with the wrong key, all the while thinking to -myself what an extraordinary and uncomfortable evening I had passed to -return so late. Perceiving my mistake, I changed the key; opening and -shutting the door violently, I rushed up stairs with the intention of -booking that evening in my daily tablet as one of the most tedious and -uncomfortable I had spent throughout the series of cheerful years -granted to me by a Supreme Power. The fire was out, the supper divided -between my two friends the Angola cats, the servants in bed, the gas -turned off, and the lucifers, I believe, gone to their Mephistophelian -domain. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -BY RAIL AND COACH TO VIRGINIA WATER. - - An early visit--Virginia Water--An eccentric friend--Rail _v._ - coach--Humour of the road--The old coachman--The widow--Sally's - trouble--Another surprise--The "Wheatsheaf"--Beautiful - scenery--Letter from the Duchess of Sutherland. - - -A most curious dream haunted my mind throughout the night, one of those -indescribable phantasmagorian illusions which set all the vibrations of -the heart at work without moving the frame, or in imagination only, -quite depriving our senses for the time of the true sense of existence. -Scarcely had the first gleam of Aurora peeped through my curtains, than -a double knock was heard at the street door, apprising me that the time -for rising had come, and forthwith brought back my wandering senses to -the realities of human life: a minute after, a friend popped into my -dressing-room, exclaiming, "Hallo! so you are going to the seat of the -war, I hear." - -"The seat of the war! who told you so?" - -"Why, the _Times_, to be sure; I have just read your letter, which, at -all events, is very likely to carry you as far as Constantinople." - -"You don't say so! What! is my letter in the _Times_ to-day?" - -"Of course it is," he replied. - -"I sent it so late last night, I did not suppose it could appear till -to-morrow, if at all." - -"They would not have inserted it, arriving so late, I assure you, had -they not thought it of great importance, and that you were likely to -improve the hospital diets. No doubt you will soon set them to rights. I -read the article, and must say I was much pleased when I saw your -letter, and that is what brought me here so early: but mind, it is a -long journey, and rather a dangerous one." - -"Well, my dear friend, if Government honour me with their confidence, I -shall be happy to start immediately, and rough it for a short time--say -a couple of months, which will be about the time required." - -"My opinion is, that you will soon hear from the authorities." - -"I say again, they are perfectly welcome to my humble services." - -"Are you going out this morning?" - -"Yes, I am; excuse my shaving." - -"Oh, by all means; which way are you going?" - -"Anywhere but to a wintry place." - -"Where's that--Gravesend or Margate?" - -"Oh dear, no--Virginia Water." - -"To stay?" - -"No; only to settle a few important matters there, prior to my departure -for Paris." - -"You were there the best part of last summer." - -"So I was; who told you that?" - -"Don't you recollect the party you gave there, when Messrs. R---- and -ladies were present, with myself, my wife, and two daughters? We never -enjoyed such a day in our lives; it really was a splendid affair -altogether; and what an excellent dinner you gave us in the open air, in -the long avenue of beech trees facing the lake! I shall not forget it as -long as I live--I may say we, for my young ones often talk about it. -There were about twenty-four guests--you recollect, of course?" - -"Certainly I do now, and what a lovely day it was!" - -"Never saw a finer," said my friend; "the ladies walked round the lake -without their bonnets, and with nothing but their parasols to screen -them from the sun. But I tell you who was most amusing amongst the -party--that old Yorkshire farmer." - -"Ha, ha! old Lawrence--he is a squire now, if you please, and has -retired. He was very kind to me on the occasion of the grand -agricultural dinner at Exeter; the ox I roasted whole upon that occasion -came from his farm; it was roasted by gas, and in the castle yard." - -"Ah, I recollect seeing an engraving of it in the _Illustrated London -News_; I can't help laughing when I think of the old man, for at every -fresh dish of which he partook--and he tasted a good many--he -exclaimed--'Well! hang me, if I know what stuff I am eating, but it's -precious good!'" - -"I know he is very eccentric; he stayed with me nearly a week, and -really made me laugh heartily with his genuine repartee. He is a good -and a charitable man, I assure you. I taught his housekeeper how to make -cheap soup while I was at his residence, and ever since the old -gentleman has given it four times a-week to the poor round his small -estate, during the winter season." - -"I know the soup you mean. I cut the receipt from the paper in the year -'47, at the time of the famine in Ireland, when you were sent there by -Government." - -"Exactly." - -"We tried it ourselves; and my wife's mother has ever since given it -throughout the winter to about twelve or fifteen poor people. The old -lady was at first obliged to make it herself, her cook saying that no -soup could be made with such a small quantity of meat. She would not -even attempt to make it." - -"I believe you; but those people are not aware that in Scotland, where -the strongest people in the British dominions are to be found, and -especially in the Highlands, they live principally upon oatmeal porridge -and vegetables, partaking of a very small portion of animal food;--and -did you ever see a finer carnation cheek, or purer blood, than that -which flows through the frame of a Scotch lassie, or in the veins of the -descendants of the Bruce?" - -"No, never; not even on the Continent. But, to return to the receipts: I -would advise you to publish them. They would be eagerly purchased, and -would render greater service. You must be aware that a slip from a -newspaper is often lost." - -"Very true; and I intend to give a series of new receipts on food for -the poor, still more simplified."[2] - -"With reference to our conversation about old Lawrence: no doubt he is a -good fellow, and a genuine rough diamond into the bargain." - -"Yes," said I, "and you may add, of the finest water. By the bye, didn't -he go to bed rather top-heavy?" - -"Ah, that he did, and fancied himself at home blowing up his old woman, -as he calls her, for having let the cat into the dairy, and being unable -to find his gun to shoot her. What most astonished the old boy, he told -me on the coach next morning on our way to London, was having no -headache and feeling as hungry as a hunter--as I did myself. He made -sure, after such a mixture of dishes, wines, liquors, and spirits of all -kinds, that he should be ill and unable to eat anything for a couple of -days. Quite the contrary, however: when at Staines, we made a hearty -breakfast at the hotel; and for my part, I never felt better in my -life." - -"And do you know," I replied, "I should have been surprised if my dinner -had produced the contrary effect; rest assured, that a dinner well -conceived and properly executed, coupled with well-selected beverages, -is more than half digested. As Hippocrates says, very justly, 'What -pleases the palate nourishes;' and we may add, greatly helps to -accelerate the digestion when properly cooked. The palate alone can -relish the charm of degustation, and only feels satiated when the -stomach, being the working organ, refuses to deal with improper food, -never failing to acquaint you physically of its ill treatment, both as -regards ill-cooked food or bad beverages. Now, to illustrate this -argument more forcibly, I would wager that I could give a first-class -indigestion to the greatest _gourmet_, even while using the most -_recherche_ provisions, without his being able to detect any fault in -the preparation of the dishes of which he had partaken; and this simply -by improperly classifying the condiments used in the preparation; thus -deceiving the cleverest doctors and the finest palate by a mere -counterbalance of unctuous seasoning, which no doubt caused the -celebrated Leibnitz to say, in his treatise upon the chemistry of food, -now translated into English, and to which I have already referred in my -_Shilling Cookery Book_, 'That among all the arts known to man, there is -none which enjoys a juster appreciation, and the products of which are -more universally admired, than that which is concerned in the -preparation of our food. Led by an instinct which has almost reached the -dignity of conscious knowledge, as the unerring guide, and by the sense -of taste, which protects the health, the experienced cook, with respect -to the choice, admixture, and preparation of food, has made acquisitions -surpassing all that chemical and physiological science have done in -regard to the doctrine or theory of nutrition.'" - -"Well, no doubt if the celebrated Leibnitz, who is considered one of the -greatest authorities of the age, says so, you cannot be wrong, having -had so much practice in the culinary art." - -"I also maintain that with the simplest and cheapest of all aliments, -when in good condition, I have turned out a most wholesome and palatable -food, quite worthy of the most refined palate, or of that of the -initiated epicure. For instance, if only first-class provisions could be -converted into succulent dishes, the gastronomic bill of fare of this -sublunary world would indeed be so limited that more than two-thirds of -its inhabitants would be classified as martyrs to the Mageric art--or, -more plainly speaking, martyrs to the science of cookery--a too often -neglected art, though of daily requirement; for, believe me, the -everlasting pleasures of the table, which favour all ages, are not only -the basis of good health when properly managed, but also the soul of -sociability, not merely in high circles, but in every class of society, -no matter how humble, the stomach of each individual having been nursed -according to rank and wealth. Those most to be pitied are the real -epicures of limited means, or the wealthy man without appetite or of bad -digestion. The proverb is quite correct, 'What the eye does not see the -heart cannot grieve;' and appetite being the best of sauce, will cause -the coarsest food to be digested with delight by a robust stomach. By -the same rule, what is more relished by our noble epicure than a dry -sandwich or a coarse crust of bread and cheese at a farmhouse after a -hard day's sport?" - -"Upon my word, you are perfectly right; appetite is really the best of -sauce, for I often make a good and hearty supper upon baked potatoes, a -little salt, and butter." - -"Now, my friend, I am ready to start; come with me--it is a fine frosty -morning, and will do you good--come on." - -"I wish I could, but my City business is very heavy this morning, so I -must decline; besides, we have a railway meeting called for three -o'clock at the London Tavern." - -"Master, here's a Hansom coming this way; shall I call it?" - -"Yes, Annette, that's a good girl." I shook hands with my friend, and -jumped into the cab--"I say, coachman, look sharp and drive to the -Windsor railway station; I fear I shall miss the special train." - -"No, you will not," said my friend, looking at his watch, "you have full -twenty minutes; good-bye, a pleasant journey." - -"Well, adieu! I shall see you some evening at Jullien's or Drury Lane -Theatre." - -"Very probably." - -"Stay a minute, cabby;"--to the servant--"Annette, put any letters which -may come on my desk; if anybody calls, say I shall be here to-morrow or -next day at the latest." - -"Very well, sir, I will do so." - -On my arrival at the station, I merely had time to take my ticket and -run to the train, which was just on the move. In a few seconds we were -flying over rows of houses like vampires, leaving the then desolate -Royal property, Vauxhall tumble-down theatre, with its skeleton firework -frame, on the left. We passed through Chiswick, Barnes, Mortlake, Kew, -with its toyish pagoda, leaving to the left Richmond, with its -picturesque banks, cheerful villas, heroine of the hill, and its -exquisite maids of honour; at the same time crossing the Thames, -cheerfully smiling beneath us in its serpentine bed. Its limpid -currents flowed merrily downwards to the mighty ocean through green -bushes, aquatic plants, and the alabaster-coloured plumage of hundreds -of swans. In twenty-five minutes we arrived at Staines station. I -descended and immediately ascended again, but on the top of the Virginia -Water coach, which generally waits for the special train. "Very frosty -this morning, coachman." - -"Hallo, Mr. Soyer! is that you? We have not seen you God knows how long. -I suppose you have left us for good now?" - -"No, not quite; but your flat and unpicturesque country looks so dull -and unsociable at this time of year." - -"Then you prefer town just now?" said he. - -"I certainly do; there is always something to be seen there, and to keep -one alive, morning, noon, and night." - -"Very true, Mr. Soyer; we are very dull here in winter." The top of the -coach was loaded with passengers. "Well, boy, what are you about below?" - -"All right, coachman," cried the parcel-boy. "Pst! pst! Go it, my -Britons!" - -We were now at full trot, the north wind in our faces, and a kind of -heavy sleet, which in a few minutes changed the colour of our noses to a -deep crimson, very much like the unfashionable colour of beet-root, -freezing our whiskers and moustaches like sugar-candy, but by no means -quite so sweet-tasted. By way of a joke, I said to the coachman, "This -is the good old English way of travelling, is it not?" - -"That it is, sir; and I'm very glad to see you know how to appreciate -it. Talk about your railways, it's perfect nonsense compared with a good -four-in-hand coach, sir." As he said this, he whipped his horses, "Pst! -go ahead, my true blue! I recollect the good old time when we took from -fourteen to fifteen hours from London to Dover, changing horses and -drinking your glass of grog at almost every inn on the road--in fact, -enjoying ourselves all night, especially when the widow was out." - -"What widow?" said I. - -"The moon, to be sure!" - -"That is a bright idea of yours. I was not aware the pale queen of night -was a widow." - -"Lord bless you, sir, she must be a widow, for she always comes out -alone, and keeps very late hours; a maid or a married woman can't do -that, you know," said he, laughing heartily. - -"If your remark is not correct, it is at all events very original." - -"But to come back to coach-travelling--then you really knew if you were -travelling or stopping at home; while now they pack you up under lock -and key, in strong wooden boxes, such as we keep our horses in at the -stable; and at the head of them they have a kind of long iron saveloy, -full of nothing, which runs away with the lot like mad, belching and -swearing all the way, taking sights at us poor coachmen just so," -putting his hand to his nose, "when we go by, as though we were a set of -ragamuffins. Call that a gentlemanly way of travelling, sir! They make -fun of all the passengers who are a little behind time, saying the like -of this: 'Don't you wish you may get it?' If you drop anything by -accident, the deuce a bit will they stop to pick it up; and you are no -sooner in than they turn you out, and pocket your money without -blushing, the same as though they had dragged you about from morning -till night, as we used to do in the good old time. That was indeed money -honestly earned, sir!" - -"There certainly is a great deal of truth in your argument," said I, -laughing at his devotion to his old business. - -"Is it not brimful of truth, sir?" - -"Of course it is!" I was by this time about half frozen. - -"Ah, sir, you're a gentleman, and know life as well as I do. Depend upon -it, sir, coach-travelling is the best after all--no danger of being -smashed to pieces or of breaking your limbs. Not the slightest accident -ever can happen. Hallo!" said he, stopping the horses short, "what the -deuce is the matter with that horse? Look out, Bob!" - -"Yes, sir; the old trace is broke again." - -"The deuce it is! Well, we must mend it." - -"You can't--it's broke in a fresh place, and we have no rope here." The -coachman getting down, unceremoniously threw the reins to me. "Hold them -fast, sir." - -"Well, well, my lad, you must run back and fetch another." The snow was -then falling heavily, and we had not got more than a mile on the road. -In about forty minutes the boy returned, perspiring terribly, though -covered with snow. - -"I've not been long, coachman, have I?" - -"Not been long, my lad--why, my cargo is nearly frozen to death!" - -"You're right, coachman," said an old gentleman. "And I promise you I -will never travel by your coach again. This is the second time this -month." - -"Well, sir, we are not travelling now--we are at a stand-still, and no -mistake." - -"You may joke, but I don't like it." - -"No more do I," said coachman; "so we are of the same opinion." At this -we all laughed, except the old gentleman. - -In a short time all was right again. The coachman had resumed his -important position as well as the reins, which I abdicated to my great -satisfaction, and we were on the move. "Very slippery, governor; my -horses can scarcely keep their feet. Thank God, we are not in a hurry; -we can do the journey much more comfortably." - -"Excuse me," said I, "if I do not hold exactly the same opinion as I did -just now about the railway." - -"My dear sir, are you in a hurry?" he asked. - -"Yes, I am, and very cold besides." - -"What a pity you did not say so before! I should have made my stud fly, -and beat to atoms that fussy stuff they call steam." - -"That's a good man; show off a bit." - -"Pst! pst! pst! Look out for a full charge, Cossack; fly away, -Cannon-ball. Pst! pst! that's it, lads." We were now nearly at a gallop. - -"Coachman," said I, "I see that your horses have martial names, if they -have not a very martial appearance. Pray, who gave them such warlike -titles?" - -"The boys in the stable, sir. Everybody dreams of war now, sir; the very -air we breathe smells of powder. Don't you think so, sir?" - -"No, I think it smells of cheese." - -"By-the-bye, there's a basket of cheese for that foreign gentleman who -lives at Virginia Water. Jump up, boy, and move that basket of cheese -from here." - -We arrived at Wimbledon Common, and stopped to take up parcels and -boxes, during which time the coachman pointed out to the old country -gentleman with whom he had the argument, the window of the room where -Cournet, the French officer of Marines, and the opponent of Barthelemy, -who had just been hanged, died after the Windsor duel. He was saying -that since Barthelemy had been hanged the house was no longer haunted, -and that the pool of blood, which never could be washed out, had -suddenly disappeared. - -"Marvellous!" exclaimed the old gentleman; "I never heard anything like -that in my life." - -"No more did I," said our witty coachman, winking at me. The boy now -called over the various parcels, and Cossack went off as fast as a -cannon-ball. We made a few more stoppages at Englefield Green, to -deliver several scolding letters and parcels from mistresses to their -servants having charge of the summer abodes of wealthy merchants who -reside in London during the winter. At one house, during the unloading -of two or three boxes and a child's cradle, a tidy-looking girl, who was -waiting till they were taken in, had opened her letter, over which she -appeared very sulky. The coachman, perceiving this, said, smiling--"Any -answer, Sally?" - -"No!" said Sally. "Oh, yes; tell the old lady that I will not live with -her any longer;" and the girl cried. - -"What's the matter?" said the coachman. - -"She's an old plague! there's my Harry of the 46th has not been here -these four months, and she writes to say she hears that he comes every -day." - -"Of course not--how could he? he's been gone to the war with his -regiment ever since last September." - -Sally, crying still louder, and wiping her eyes with her apron, -exclaimed, "Perhaps the poor fellow is killed by this time, and don't -care a fig about me." - -"Well, well, lass, never mind that; soldiers are used to it." - -"Do you think I shall ever see him again, Mr. Coachman?" - -"No doubt, my lass, but you must wait a little longer; and when he does -come back, if he has distinguished, instead of extinguished, himself, he -will have the Crimean medal, and perhaps be made a -colonel--captain--general--marshal--or even a corporal; who knows? in -these war times, every brave man has a chance." - -"Thank you, Mr. Coachman, you make me very happy--I shan't cry any -more." - -"But, Sally, am I to tell your mistress what you said?" - -"Oh, dear, no! because I should lose my place; they are not such bad -people after all, and master is so very kind to me." - -"I shall say nothing about it." - -"Pray, say nothing." - -"Pst, pst! now, my true blues, full speed for Virginia Water." In twenty -minutes we were before the very picturesque inn called the "Wheatsheaf;" -every living soul came out to welcome us, thinking some accident had -happened. There was the landlord, landlady, thin and bulky barmaids, -house and kitchen maid, cook, pot and post boy, and a number of -customers. - -"What has happened that you are so late to-day?" said the landlord to -the coachman. - -"Nothing particular, governor; only a trace broke, and we had to fetch -another: besides, the roads are very slippery." To the barmaid--"Give us -a light, girl, and a go of keep-me-warm." - -"Don't believe him, sir," exclaimed an old lady, who, upon the sudden -stoppage when the trace broke, had a quarrel with the coachman. In -opening the window violently, she broke it in twenty pieces; popping her -head, half of which was covered with snow, out of the window--"He is a -perfect brute," said she; "he tried to upset us, and then would not move -for above an hour at least--see the state I am in; is it not a great -shame, a woman like me?" - -"Well, madam," said the landlord, "why don't you shut the window?" - -"What's the use of pulling it up?--it's broken in a thousand pieces, all -through that nasty fellow!" - -"I can assure you, madam, he bears a very good character with the gentry -about here." - -The coachman, lighting his short pipe, and coming near them, said, -"Don't take notice of the old lady, she means no harm." - -"Don't I, though! I say again, before everybody, you are a brute and a -villain!" - -"Go it, marm, go it," said he, getting up. "It's nothing new to me--my -wife tells me that every day, which is partly the cause we have no -family." The favourite horse language of the coachman was again, -heard--"Fly away to the assault like a set of Zouaves!" and in a few -minutes nothing but a small black spot, resembling a fly crossing a -sheet of paper, was seen running up the snow-covered hill which leads to -the small village of Virginia Water. - -I speedily joined the worthy and well-known landlord of the -"Wheatsheaf"--Mr. Jennings, and his cheerful wife and barmaid; all of -whom gave me a hearty country welcome, shaking my hands and arms in -every direction _ad libitum_, in anticipation, no doubt, of my -remembering them for a few days at all events. At the close of this -gymnastic exercise, I requested them to give me some breakfast, in the -small pavilion near the garden; also some pens, ink, and paper. My -request was at once attended to. - -"Do you intend to stay with us a few days, Mr. Soyer?" asked the -landlord. - -"No; I shall try and get back this evening, if possible--but to-morrow -morning, at the latest. I only came to close a few pending accounts of -my last summer's stay at your lovely Virginia Water, and am going to -Paris for the Exhibition, having been offered the superintendence of a -large establishment." - -"But I hear that the Exhibition is postponed till next year." - -"So it is; but this is to be quite a new building, and erected close to -the Exhibition, if we can get permission granted." - -"Good morning, sir; I shall see you before you leave. I am only going to -the farm." - -"Yes, you will." - -I was sitting down to my breakfast, when, to my annoyance, as I had much -business to transact, some one knocked at the door, and, without waiting -for the reply, came in. It was the landlord, with a face full of anxiety -and astonishment, his glasses raised to his forehead, a newspaper in his -hand, and looking as serious as if he had just been married, or had lost -one of his favourite pups. "I say, master," said he, "do you mean it?" - -"Mean what, man?" - -"But now, really! do you mean it?" - -"I'm puzzled to know to what you allude. Is it about my trip to Paris?" - -"Paris! no, that has nothing to do with the letter of yours I have just -read in the _Times_ of this day." - -"Oh! now I understand you, and can easily account for your long face and -evident astonishment." - -"Now you understand me, don't you?" - -"Of course I do." - -"Well, allow me to tell you frankly that you are very foolish; you are -not a military man, and have made the offer, it is true, very likely in -a moment of enthusiasm; but plead any excuse you can to get out of it if -you are sent for; remain where you are--'Good folks are scarce,' says -the proverb." - -"Thanks to the proverb first, and you afterwards," said I. - -"And if you do go, it is a hundred to one against your returning." - -"Many thanks for your frank advice; but I am determined to go, and if -Government send for me, I wish to be ready at a day's notice; so sure I -am that I can render some services to my fellow-creatures by so doing." - -"I have no doubt you can--but you may catch the fever, or God knows what -besides! Why, they are dying by fifties and sixties a-day in the -hospital at Scutari; look, here is the latest account, the names of the -poor fellows defunct, and number of their regiments. There is no mistake -in that." - -"I am aware of all that; but mind you, my firm belief is, that no fruit -falls from the tree to the ground till it is perfectly ripe; and I also -believe that we are never gathered from this frivolous world till we are -really wanted in the other." - -"Such being your determination, it is no use talking any more about it; -I only hope your health will not fail you, and that you will return and -keep us alive as you did last year. I can assure you, your joyful dinner -party, or 'feet shampeter,' as Mary the barmaid called it, and you used -to say in French, was the talk of the country round. It is only three -days ago that Colonel Cholmondeley was inquiring after you, and asking -whether you had left the neighbourhood." - -"Ah, really! how is the Colonel?" - -"He looks remarkably well, I assure you, and will be very glad to see -you." - -"When you see the Colonel, pray present my most sincere compliments." - -"So I will." - -"I'm off, but hope to see you this evening; good-bye, in case I do not." -The days being short, and my business more complicated than I had -anticipated, prevented my visiting my favourite summer spot, the -_Paradis Champetre_ of England.[3] - -I slept that evening at the "Wheatsheaf;" I had given orders to be -called the next morning at daybreak, and was crossing the avenue of -lime-trees leading to the lake, in anticipation of witnessing, as I was -wont of a summer's morning, its interminable sheet of silvery waters and -green moss velvet banks, sprinkled with myriads of daisies--or stars of -the fields--intermixed with golden cups, covered with pearly dew, -bordered also by mountainous trees forming a formidable forest; the -glittering Chinese fishing temple, Corinthian ruin, the flag floating on -the castle tower, "Royal George" frigate and barks, the swans, and the -music of thousands of birds with their notes of freedom so wild and full -of nature. Alas! all my illusions were dispelled, as I could scarcely -see a yard before me; a thick veil, caused by a severe white frost, -seemed to monopolise and wrap in its virgin folds the beauty of this -lovely spot. Though greatly disappointed, I was returning to the humble -country inn with my soul filled by sublime reminiscences of that -charming spot, worthy of the enchanted gardens of Armida, when a -deformed and awkward-looking lout of a stableman, peeping from a clump -of evergreens, thus accosted me:--"Will you take a red herring for -breakfast, sir?" - -I leave my readers to imagine the effect produced upon my then exalted -imagination. Pushing him violently from me, "Away with you! unsociable -and ill-timed Quasimodo!" I said. Having thus unceremoniously repulsed -my evil genius, and being by that electric shock entirely deprived of -my appetite, I ordered a post-chaise in lieu of breakfast, and in a -short time was at the turnpike-gate adjoining the inn, waiting for -change to pay the toll. It was then about ten minutes to eight o'clock. - -In three-quarters of an hour the post-chaise took me to the railway -station, and an hour after I was ascending my homely staircase, when the -servant apprised me that many persons had called; some had left their -cards, and a mounted groom had brought a letter, saying he would call at -noon for an answer. Amongst the various letters I found upon my desk, I -recognised one in the hand-writing of the Duchess of Sutherland. It was -as follows:-- - - The Duchess of Sutherland will be much pleased to see Monsieur - Soyer at Stafford House at two o'clock this day; or ten to-morrow - morning, if more convenient to Monsieur Soyer. - - 7th February, 1856. - -I had scarcely read this letter, when a double knock was heard at the -street door. It was the footman from Stafford House, sent for an answer. -I at once informed him I was going to wait upon her Grace; but as he was -there, he might say that, at two o'clock precisely, I would do myself -the honour of attending at Stafford House. Concluding, naturally enough, -that the summons had reference to my letter, I immediately began to -reflect how I should explain the plan I intended to adopt, in case my -services were required. In the first place, I had decided that the most -important question of all would be the entire freedom of my actions when -I arrived at Scutari. This, of course, could not be granted, unless the -Government, impressed with the importance of the subject, thought proper -to do so. The active part would easily develop itself to my free and -experienced mind. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -A SUMMONS TO STAFFORD HOUSE. - - Stafford House--A distinguished circle--The plan detailed--Its - practicability admitted--Home again--Another summons--The War - Office--An appointment made--Second interview with the Duchess of - Sutherland--Samples of hospital diets--Question of seasoning--New - system. - - -At ten minutes to two I entered the superb portico of Stafford House, -and was shown to the ground-floor library by the Duke's piper, young -Mackenzie. "Her Grace will be with you presently," said he. "Walk in, -sir, and I will apprise the Duchess of your arrival; who, I am aware, is -anxious to see you." - -I thanked him for his politeness, and he left me alone. I had scarcely -time to cast a glance of admiration upon one of the _chefs-d'oeuvre_ -of Landseer, representing the juvenile Stafford family, when her Grace -entered, followed by the Duke and Duchess of Argyle, the Marquis and -Marchioness of Stafford, the Marquis of Kildare, Lord and Lady Blantyre, -her brother, and the children--about eighteen in number--Lady Grosvenor, -and others. The Duchess of Sutherland introduced me to the noble circle, -and requested all to be seated, which request was at once complied with; -and her Grace addressed me in these terms:--"Monsieur Soyer, we have -read with deep interest your letter which has appeared in the _Times_, -and I cannot but express my admiration of your noble devotion when any -good can be effected, or the position of the suffering be relieved or -ameliorated by your assistance. The results of your interference would -be very important--and especially at the present time--in our hospitals -at Scutari, and in the Crimea, where, in consequence of such unexpected -calamities, all is in the greatest confusion. I shall also observe to -you, that I am well aware this offer is not your _premier coup d'essai_, -or first trial. But I should advise you to consider the matter well, in -case the Government accept your services. Judging from the tenor of the -letters I receive daily from various departments at Scutari, I can -perceive great difficulties, of which you are perhaps not aware." - -"Your Grace," I replied, "is extremely kind to initiate me into the true -position of the case; and first of all, I beg to observe that, were -there no great difficulties to surmount, I should not have offered my -services. But will you permit me to set forth, in a few words, the plan -I propose adopting if Government should honour me with their -confidence?" - -"Pray do," exclaimed several of the circle, especially the Duke of -Argyle, close to whom I was seated. Looking at his watch, and addressing -me, the Duke continued, "Pray, Mr. Soyer, give me a slight conception of -your project, as I have only a few minutes to stay. The Council of the -Ministry, of which I am a member, meet in about an hour, and I must be -there. I should be very glad to submit your plans to them; it might -greatly tend to their adoption." - -"Very true; your Grace shall judge if they are practicable or not. First -of all, I should beg the entire confidence of the Government relative to -my actions concerning the culinary department of the hospitals--that is, -that they should grant me the power of obtaining the necessary articles -of food already in the hospitals, and other things which might require -to be purchased by either the commissariat or purveyor's department, -without the slightest delay, as the want of such power would tend to -certain failure--which I wish to avoid; while the possession of their -confidence will ensure success. I will then pledge my word to do -everything in my power, and with the greatest economy, and, if possible, -with the same quantity of provisions as at present allowed by -Government, or even less, which would be a source of high gratification -to me; and I sincerely hope to be able to do so after the inquiries I -made this morning, previous to attending your Grace's appointment; for I -perceive, in many instances, that too much is given of one thing, and -not enough of another. Having, therefore, the power to vary the -ingredients and quantity, as well as to change inferior provisions for -better, when possible, will greatly assist me in my undertaking." - -"I have no doubt," said her Grace, "that what you request will be -granted without the least hesitation." - -"My plan would also be, never to act without the sanction of the -doctor-in-chief respecting the diets I mean to introduce; and I would -not interfere in the slightest degree with any former department, or -displace a man from his duty except for incapacity, insubordination, or -bad conduct; for believe me, if I am sent to Scutari, I go with the -intention of doing all the good I can, and simplifying my difficult -undertaking in such a manner as to ensure success. I should also claim -the power of being able to condemn inferior provisions, and to -substitute better, always without deviating from any army contract which -has been, or may be, made by the Government, as I do not mean to hold -myself responsible for the purchase of any provisions or stores, but -merely to give my approval or disapproval of them. Upon my arrival at -Scutari, I propose at once to take two hundred patients, and diet them -for a week or more, according to the doctor's approbation, and then -gradually increase the number, till I have the whole under my direction, -if approved of by the chief medical officer. Such is the plan I propose -adopting, and I shall beg your Grace to give me your opinion upon it." - -"The way you intend carrying out your plan seems very practicable." - -"Well," said the Duke, addressing the Duchess of Sutherland, "you must -excuse me leaving now, as I have but a short time to get to -Downing-street. Mr. Soyer, I shall have much pleasure in submitting your -plan to the Ministerial Council, and will report progress." - -After the Duke's departure, a general conversation was opened upon the -subject, and having exchanged a few words with Lord and Lady Blantyre -and the Duchess of Sutherland, who kindly promised to acquaint me with -the result, I withdrew, and left Stafford House. No sooner home, having -obtained the correct ration-scale of provisions from Dr. Andrews's -office, than I formed a very fair idea of what I could do for the best. - -The next morning, February 11th, about ten o'clock, I received the -following communication from her Grace: - - The Duchess of Sutherland has just seen his Grace the Duke of - Argyle, who has spoken to Lord Panmure upon the subject of Mr. - Soyer's offer. I think Lord Panmure is willing to forward the - humane and practical views of Mr. Soyer, and will see Mr. Soyer at - the War Office to-morrow. - - The Duchess wishes to have the pleasure of seeing Monsieur Soyer - after his visit to Lord Panmure. - -Upon receipt of this letter I immediately went, as desired, to the War -Department to see Lord Panmure's private secretary, Mr. Ramsay, and -inquire when and where I could see his lordship. The hearty reception I -met with from that gentleman was a most favourable augur, and encouraged -me to persist in the very precarious undertaking in which I was about to -engage, although many friends and near relations strongly tried to -prevent me from pursuing it, placing constantly before my eyes the most -sinister pictures, which, I am proud to say, never for a moment altered -my mind. Having but one object in view, I was determined to see only the -best side of the medal, and chance the rest. - -Mr. Ramsay having arranged my interview with Lord Panmure for the next -morning, I then retired, thanking him much for his very kind and -courteous reception. I went home to test a few samples of diets and -aliments I had prepared from the soldiers' rations; placing the whole of -them in small vases, well packed, I sent them to Stafford House, there -to remain till my arrival. In about an hour I had a second interview -with the Duchess of Sutherland and a number of her noble family. After -speaking of my visit to the War Office, and my appointment with his -lordship for the morning, - -"Lord Blantyre," the Duchess said, "has some business at the War -Department to-day, and I shall trouble his lordship to remit another -letter from me on the subject to Lord Panmure, who has, at the present -time, so much to do that it is likely your interview might be postponed -for another day." - -"I can assure your Grace that the extreme interest you take in my behalf -appears to me a good omen, assuring me of success, in case I should be -sent to the seat of war. I would also observe that, being well aware of -the value of Lord Panmure's time, in a few minutes I shall be able to -unfold my plan, and he will no doubt at once perceive whether it is -practicable or not, and will give me a decided answer; therefore, to -lose time, on either side, would be impolitic. But, before I leave, will -your Grace honour me by inspecting a few samples of hospital diets which -I have prepared as a test, from the rations as at present given to the -soldiers? They will form part of my new system, if approved by the -medical officers." - -"Have you some here, Mr. Soyer?" - -"Yes, your Grace, I have; one of the footmen has taken charge of them -till required." - -The order having been given, a footman entered with the samples on a -plateau, with spoons, &c., which were tasted by the select and noble -party, who at once pronounced them very palatable, and to which I -remarked, that through the nature of the ingredients they could not fail -to be nutritious and light. - -"It is to be regretted," I said, "that the cooks in many hospitals are -not allowed to put the seasoning in the savoury diets, which restriction -will invariably produce very unsatisfactory results. I will here repeat -the saying of Hippocrates:--'What pleases the palate nourishes.' If this -great man has said so, it is a pity that some of his modern disciples -have altered or deviated from such an ancient and just maxim, for I will -vouch that a diet properly seasoned is far more generous and -invigorating to the patient than the unpalatable food prepared without -anything of the sort; at the same time many maladies will require -various degrees of seasoning, as too much in some cases would prove -equally if not more injurious than the want of it in others. This point -must be left to the doctor's discretion. I am also aware that in some -hospitals salt and pepper are allowed, and, I may say, too abundantly; -and each patient is permitted to season his food, not according to his -taste, but his judgment: this is another evil, as he is or may be at the -time entirely deprived of either taste or judgment. These remarks will -be the first I shall submit to the notice of the principal doctor, and I -am morally certain he will agree with me as soon as they are properly -explained." - -"A most important observation," said the Duchess; "for, even when in the -enjoyment of good health, what is more disagreeable than an insipid -dish?" - -"I have always, madame, maintained that the cook must season for guests -or patients, and not these for the cook." - -"In fact," said I to the Marquis of Stafford, who had tasted several of -the samples, "does not your lordship opine that salt and pepper should -be almost excluded from the ward, and that the cook should be as -responsible for seasoning the food as the apothecary is for making up -the doctor's prescription correctly?" - -"Certainly; but can you persuade them to do so?" - -"Very easily; by my system of diet, every recipe will be printed, -framed, and hung up in the kitchen, so that any person, even a soldier -(provided he can read), will be capable of executing them well, as each -receipt will be comprised in a few lines." - -"Ah! that will, indeed, be most valuable, and readily applied in every -hospital." - -During this conversation, the Duchess of Sutherland and the Marquis of -Stafford had tasted another kind of food which I had made for the camp. -It was prepared from peas-meal, in which I had introduced a due -proportion of salt and pepper,--called "Symon's ground baked -peas-meal,"--and by pouring a pint of boiling water upon a good -table-spoonful of it, made a most excellent and thick puree of peas -quite hot. I one day, as a trial, ate nothing but that and a biscuit, -and did not feel the least inclined for anything else. I do not mean to -imply that such fare would do for a continuance, but when nothing else -could be obtained, it certainly would be a great comfort for the troops -to get a hot meal, made in a few minutes, and without trouble. All -present tasted this, and expressed themselves very favourably about it. -Having also left some samples of coffee, I was retiring, when the -Duchess of Sutherland kindly reminded me that she should be happy to see -me the morning after my interview with the Minister-at-War. Of course I -should not have failed in presenting myself, even without this kind -invitation. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -OFF TO THE WAR. - - Reception at the War Office--Full powers granted--The Duke of - Cambridge--His _chef de cuisine_, Comte--Model of a portable camp - or field stove--Visit to Lord Shaftesbury--Dr. Andrews--An - encouraging porter--Phonetic experiments--Mr. Stafford's kind - reception--Model of the stove inspected by the Duke of Cambridge - and by Lord Panmure--Interview with Mr. Brunel--Dr. Mayne--Question - of patent--Sir Benjamin Hawes' office--Stafford House - again--Letters of introduction--Honourable Mrs. Herbert--A recreant - secretary--Quite at a non-plus--A friend in need--Farewell at - London Bridge--Pavilion Hotel, Folkestone. - - -At nine o'clock next morning I was at the War Office by appointment. -Lord Panmure arrived at half-past, and by the kindness of Mr. Ramsay, -who had mentioned my arrival, I was immediately introduced and most -cordially received. After a few words on my part, as I had not had the -pleasure of seeing Lord Panmure since I left the Reform Club, he -inquired what I proposed doing in respect to the cooking department of -Scutari Hospital. Stating briefly that which I had previously explained -in detail to the Duke of Argyle when at Stafford House, and with which -Lord Panmure seemed to be perfectly acquainted, he said to me,-- - -"You must, after you have done there, go to the Crimea, and cheer up -those brave fellows in the camp;--see what you can do! Your joyful -countenance will do them good, Soyer; try to teach them to make the best -of their rations!" - -I then observed that, first of all, I must try and succeed in the -hospitals; secondly, that, if the troops in the Crimea had the same -small tin camp-kettle I had seen in the camp at Chobham, it would be -impossible for me to improve the style of cooking, as they were much -too small, and burnt too much fuel, more especially in the open air. - -"Well," said Lord Panmure, "can you substitute anything more applicable -for the camp, and which can be easily carried with the regiments while -on march?" - -"I will set my head to work and try, and if any plan which I consider -practicable strikes me, I will have a model of it made, and submit the -same for your lordship's approval." - -"Well, do." - -"With reference to the hospital at Scutari, I believe that is a -permanent building, situated near a large metropolis, full of resources, -and I have nothing to risk going there and setting to work immediately. -I shall start in the full conviction of being able to do some good, if -your lordship honours me with your full confidence and grants me the -power of acting according to my own judgment in a profession which I -have successfully practised for upwards of twenty years." - -"Very good, Soyer! I shall give orders to that effect, and furnish you -with letters of introduction to every department." - -"Now, I hope you will do me the honour of accepting my services as I -offered them, through the medium of the public press; such acceptance on -the part of your lordship will, I can assure you, much facilitate the -progress of my undertaking." - -"I understand your meaning, Mr. Soyer; but I must make some arrangement -for your expenses." - -"Those, of course, I shall accept, or I should be giving offence to your -lordship as well as the Government; more especially as I am, after -visiting Scutari, to proceed to the Crimea." - -"Well, tell me when you can start,--the mail leaves at noon to-morrow." - -"I should be most happy to leave to-morrow, but previous to my departure -for so long and unexpected a journey, I have some important private -affairs to settle; it will therefore be impossible." - -"Ah, truly! then I leave it to you, Soyer; but the sooner you go the -better." - -"Your lordship may depend upon my anxiety and promptitude; not a day, or -even a minute shall be lost." - -"Fare you well, Soyer; come and see me before your departure." - -"Of course I will; but, begging your pardon, to whom shall I address -myself for any further information I may require?" - -"To myself, and no one else," was Lord Panmure's reply. - -"I should be sorry to interrupt you in the incessant business you have -from morning till night." - -"My secretary, Mr. Ramsay, will always be here; but do not hesitate, if -you require it, to see me." - -"I certainly will not." - -After a few words with Mr. Ramsay upon the subject of my interview, and -what was decided upon, I immediately went to inform the Duchess of -Sutherland of the result of my visit, at which her Grace expressed her -gratification, and requested me to call again prior to my departure for -the East, stating that she would give me some important letters of -introduction to persons at Scutari, which would be most useful to me. -After promising to do this, I retired. My intention was then to pay a -visit to the Duke of Cambridge, who at that time took great interest in -the subject, he having lately visited the hospital at Scutari; and made -important observations upon the system of cooking carried on there. - -As I was on my way to St. James's Palace, I met his Highness, -accompanied by the Honourable James Macdonald, leaving the house; and -having paid my respects, he inquired if I was going to Scutari, to which -I replied in the affirmative. In a few words I gave him the result of my -interview with Lord Panmure, and also spoke of the warm interest the -Duchess of Sutherland took in the subject. - -"Yes, I am aware of it," said he. "I had the pleasure of seeing her -Grace yesterday." I then made a few inquiries respecting the state of -the hospitals there, which his highness very kindly described to me. - -The Duke remarked--"Your friend Comte will be able to give you all the -information you may require, as he was with me at Scutari, and saw all -the kitchen department in detail." - -"Many thanks, your highness; I shall do myself the pleasure of paying -him an early visit." - -Five minutes after I was with my friend Comte, the Duke of Cambridge's -_chef de cuisine_, who kindly initiated me into all the doings, both in -the camp and in the hospitals on the Bosphorus. This information was of -great service to me.[4] - -Upon leaving my friend I hastily returned home, intending to draw out -the plan of a model for a portable camp or field stove, which could also -be applied to the use of the hospitals. Having heard that no regular -kitchens had been established there, I was anxious to have a simple -apparatus to take out with me of which I understood the working, and -which might be put in action immediately on my arrival. In a very short -time I hit upon an idea which I thought could be easily carried out, and -would answer perfectly. Losing no time, I jumped into a cab and -immediately drove to the eminent gas engineers and stove makers, Messrs. -Smith and Phillips, of Snow-hill. On submitting my plan to those -scientific gentlemen, they pronounced it practicable, and promised me a -model, one inch to the foot, to be ready in a day or two. - -Although the snow was falling heavily, I paid an early visit to Lord -Shaftesbury, to whom I had the honour of being permitted to dedicate my -last work--the "Cookery for the People." - -His lordship gave me a most cordial reception, and was much, pleased to -hear of my intention of going to the East. Lord Shaftesbury made several -useful observations respecting the importance of my mission. I bade him -adieu. His lordship kindly wished me all the success I could desire, and -said that he should be happy to hear of my proceedings, of which I -promised to inform him a short time after my arrival. - -As I had a letter of introduction from Mr. Ramsay to Dr. Andrews, I -proceeded to that gentleman's office, where I found several medical -gentlemen waiting, with some of whom I had the pleasure of being -acquainted. Others were engaged testing samples of preserved milk in -glasses; and having asked me to test some, I selected one which they all -agreed was the best: I believe it turned out to be Gamble's preserved -milk, in tins. My letter of introduction having been given to the -doctor, I had an immediate interview. - -After listening to my few inquiries, he kindly wrote me a letter of -introduction to Dr. Cumming, the superintendent at Scutari, and all the -hospitals on the Bosphorus, promising me his support, and requesting -that I might have all I required in my department upon application to -the purveyor. He then put me in communication with a gentleman in charge -of the stores, who would give me all the information respecting the -kitchen utensils then in use in the hospitals. Having taken notes of -everything, I retired perfectly satisfied with the important information -I had gathered in so short a time. - -I was well aware of the multiplicity of business daily transacted by the -doctor, and the difficulty of obtaining a private interview with him, -even on business, as one of the assistant porters told me when I called -early one morning, that I might call till doomsday, and not be able to -see him. This, of course, I took for granted, as no doubt the doctor -would upon this solemn occasion be more engaged than ever. I must, -however, observe that he at first took me for a merchant who had been -for several years trying to persuade the English faculty to sanction or -adopt the use of leeches to the same extent as is done in France. Not -much flattered by the comparison, I wished him better manners for the -future. - -"I beg your pardon, sir; but not being on the military list, I did not -know you. Why didn't you tell me you was Monseer Soyewere, then I should -have knowed you? Of course, everybody knows you in England, Ireland, -Wales, and Scotland." - -"Well, never mind; but did I not give you my card?" - -"Of course you did; but I could not make out the name of So-ye-were from -five such letters as that," said he, showing my card to some one -present. "Soyer! surely that never can be So-ye-were!" - -"You spell and write admirably. Thank you for the wrinkle. I shall have -my card altered." - -I told the cabman to drive me to the residence of Mr. Stafford, M.P., at -whose chambers I had the day before left a letter of introduction from -the Duchess of Sutherland. I had the pleasure of a very interesting -interview with that gentleman, who had then just returned from Scutari. -Having given me the necessary details of what was most required, and -about the number of assistants I should take with me to insure immediate -success, he promised to furnish me with several letters of introduction, -if I would send or call for them before my departure. - -"I shall, certainly," said I, "much prefer calling, were it only to have -the advantage of a little more of your valuable information upon any -subject which may strike you after my departure; and I thank you for -your kind and valuable suggestions." - -"When do you think of starting?" - -"In a couple of days at the latest." - -"Very well; the letters shall be ready without fail, and two or three -small parcels, which you will be kind enough to deliver for me--one -especially for Miss Nightingale, rather fragile, and which I cannot send -by post." - -"I shall be most happy; jusqu'au plaisir de vous revoir." - -I devoted the rest of that day to my private affairs, packing, and -paying farewell visits. The next morning, at half-past nine, Messrs. -Smith and Phillips, according to promise, brought me a most beautiful -small model of the field-stove, which they warranted first-rate, and to -be capable of working in or out of doors, and in all weathers. I -immediately proceeded to the War-Office, to show the model, and explain -the principle to Lord Panmure. In the waiting-room I had the honour of -meeting the Duke of Cambridge, which gave me an excellent opportunity of -explaining its merits. The Duke appeared to approve of it, and -particularly noticed the great economy of fuel consequent upon the -construction and smallness of the furnace. The Duke made some important -remarks, and gave me a few hints upon the cooking regulations both in -the hospitals and in the camps. These I took note of, and after -explaining my plan of transport, I was quite delighted at having had -such an opportunity of conversing with the Duke on a subject in which I -was aware he felt particular interest. Mr. Ramsay, the secretary, having -sent for me, I quitted the Duke; and, before leaving, I informed him -that I had seen my friend Comte, and that he had given me all the -assistance in his power, and had also told me that his highness had -presented the hospital with a very nice _petite batterie de cuisine_, -which, no doubt, I should find very useful upon my arrival. - -"Adieu, Monsieur Soyer, I wish you well, and hope you will succeed." - -On reaching Mr. Ramsay's office, that gentleman kindly informed me that -if I wished to see Lord Panmure I had better wait till he went to take -his luncheon. I then stated that my object was to show his lordship the -model of a stove I had invented for the use both of the hospitals and -the army. - -"Walk into the next room; Lord Panmure will be there in a few minutes, -and you will have plenty of time to show it without interfering with his -business." - -I had not waited ten minutes before Lord Panmure came in alone. - -"Ah, Mr. Soyer, what have you there?" - -"The model of a stove I wish to submit to your lordship. It is one which -will, I believe, suit admirably for cooking both in and out of doors." - -After closely examining it, and listening to the details I had -previously given to the Duke of Cambridge, Lord Panmure approved of it, -and requested me to have another made, which he might keep by him for -inspection. - -He then inquired how many cooks I should take with me. - -"Only a few from Paris," I replied, "as I wish to make a trial before -engaging many people; besides, I hope to be able, in a very short time, -to instruct the soldiers, who, being under discipline, might prove as -useful as any cooks." - -Lord Panmure seemed pleased at my anxiety to instruct the soldiers; and, -as he very justly remarked--"We want them to learn how to cook their -rations to the best advantage, and that your instructions should remain -for ever among them. Well, I have settled all you wished me to do; and -my secretary, Mr. Ramsay, will remit you all the letters you require. -When do you think of starting?" - -"By the next mail." - -"Well!" said his lordship, shaking me heartily by the hand, "Good-bye, -if I do not see you again before your departure." - -"It would only be troubling you; I therefore beg to take this -opportunity of thanking your lordship for the kind reception and -encouragement I have received, and, still more, for the confidence with -which you have honoured me. I assure you that it will cause me to be -most careful and economical, and it will be my pride to improve the diet -without increasing the expense to Government. This may not be effected -at first; but when the system is once introduced, and fairly -established, I will answer for both a great amelioration as well as a -saving." - -"I am confident, Soyer, that you will do your best." - -"Your lordship may depend upon me for that, were it only for my own -sake." - -"Well, write as soon as you arrive, and let us know how you get on." - -Upon leaving, I met Mr. Ramsay, and related to him _verbatim_ what had -passed between Lord Panmure and myself. I then showed him the model, -which he understood perfectly well, and gave me the engineer, Mr. -Brunel's, address. I called upon that gentleman, and had the pleasure of -an interview. He at once gave his full and entire approval of the -principle, saying, "You really come at a most propitious time; Dr. Mayne -and myself are actually busily engaged discussing a plan for -establishing kitchens in the Smyrna hospital. Yours will answer very -well, and assist us materially, as it is always a tedious department to -construct in order to be effective, and work properly. No doubt they -will be applicable to every public institution; besides, what a small -quantity of fuel they must consume." - -"Very little, indeed; and with this simple regulator you may manage the -ebullition to a nicety, even in the open air. I shall also beg to -remark, that they will be made of a beautiful metal, that will never -require tinning; and the whole, though light in weight, will be -extremely strong, and will last several years without needing repairs, -or, at least, very trifling ones, that will not interfere with their use -for a single day. They will take up but little room, and may be easily -kept clean. No bricks are required, no chimney to be swept, and they can -be as easily removed as any piece of furniture in your room." - -"You are perfectly right; and I give you my candid opinion, they are the -very stoves required for the purpose. I should like Dr. Mayne to see it; -if you can, call as you go to the War Office, and show him the model. I -can then speak with him upon the subject." - -"With the greatest of pleasure." - -As Dr. Mayne had not arrived when I called, I went and fetched a -passport for myself, and one for my secretary. Upon my return, the -doctor had examined the model, and seemed much pleased, saying--"It -will answer very well." I left the address of the manufacturers with -him, and then retired. They were immediately adopted both at Smyrna, and -later at Rankioi. - -A gentleman present, who seemed to have taken a great deal of interest -in our descriptive conversation, followed me to the door, and, in a low -voice, asked if I had taken out a patent. - -"No, I have not; but I shall put my name and label upon them." - -"Well, if you were to take out a patent, you would make a fortune." - -"You may be right; but upon such an occasion I should fancy myself -wrong. I will therefore give it, _pro bono publico_. I am well aware -that by making it more complete I could take out either registration or -patent, but I would not do that for the world; as it would be -immediately reported that I expected to be repaid for my services by the -profits of the patent of the stove, and upon these grounds I decline any -such proceeding." - -As it was then about three o'clock, I went, by appointment, to Sir -Benjamin Hawes' office to bid that gentleman adieu, and to receive his -final orders, showing him at the same time the model, which he seemed to -appreciate thoroughly. He gave me the best advice, and promised me his -powerful support throughout my culinary campaign. In return, I engaged -to communicate all my movements, and retired. - -At noon, next day, I again called at Stafford House, "not by -appointment." On being informed of my visit, the Duchess at once -favoured me with an audience. "I am come," said I, "to announce my -departure. I wish, ere I leave to-morrow, to thank your Grace, and to -show you the model of my new stove which I mean to introduce into the -hospital kitchens." - -"Ah!" exclaimed her Grace, "I must go and fetch the Duke. He will be -highly pleased with it, and he wished very much to see you before your -departure." - -The Duke soon entered the great hall, with a large party, to whom I -explained the principle, as I had before done to the Duke of Cambridge. -I also stated that the day previous I had had the honour of showing it -to Lord Panmure, and Mr. Brunel, the celebrated engineer, all of whom -were much pleased with its efficacy, simplicity, and economy; more -especially Mr. Brunel, who so highly appreciated the principle of its -construction, that he at once adopted it, and applied it to the hospital -kitchens at Smyrna and Rankioi, which he was there about to fit up. - -The Duke made many remarks respecting the simplicity of its construction -and the immense economy of fuel; "the transport of which," I observed, -"was so extremely difficult and costly." I also remarked that one stove -might be placed in a tent or hut containing fifty or sixty men; and they -could cook there without the smallest inconvenience or difficulty, while -it would throw out sufficient heat, "being in use nearly all day, viz., -for breakfast, dinner, and tea," to warm the hut in winter, while in -summer it might be turned out of doors. - -Having been complimented by all present, I was about to retire, when the -Duchess observed that she had written several letters of introduction -for me. "Among the number," said her Grace, "you will find one for Miss -Nightingale." - -I returned my sincere thanks to all present, and in particular to the -Duke and Duchess. I assured them that the kindness and great -encouragement I had received from them would be for ever engraved in my -memory. The Duke remarked that he was very glad to see me in such high -spirits. I acknowledged this with a bow. - -"But, Mr. Soyer, suppose you should be taken ill?" said the Duchess. - -"Well, your Grace--_cela est a la volonte de Dieu_--at present I am -happy to say I have not any fears on that head, and am quite resigned to -whatever Providence may dictate. Once more I beg to reiterate my -feelings of gratitude, and bid your Grace and your illustrious family -adieu." - -As it was nearly one o'clock, I called upon Mr. Ramsay, who had all my -letters ready. He did me the honour to introduce me to General Vivian, -of the Turkish Contingent, and his brother, Captain Ramsay, the -general's aide-de-camp. Anticipating the pleasure of meeting those -gentlemen in the East, I departed with the best wishes of all. - -Mr. Ramsay gave me a letter for the Honourable Mrs. Herbert, to whom I -was anxious to pay a visit, well aware of the important information I -could gather from that benevolent lady, who was in constant -communication with the hospitals in the East, and also with Miss -Nightingale. I was very kindly received; but, instead of giving me an -encouraging prospect of success, that lady very candidly informed me -that the number of letters she daily received were most unsatisfactory, -and that she did not think it possible for me to restore order in the -cooking department at the great barrack hospital. "The difficulties you -will encounter," said she, "are incalculable." - -"So I anticipate," was my reply; "but I must observe, that I love -difficulties, in order to surmount them. And with the power so -graciously conferred upon me by Lord Panmure, I cannot fail to do some -good, if my health does not fail me." - -"I hope," said Mrs. Herbert, "you will succeed, and shall be happy to -hear of an amelioration. When do you think of going?" - -"To-morrow." Bidding her adieu, and thanking her for her kind reception, -I retired. - -On reaching home, I found the promised letters from Mr. Stafford, all my -luggage packed, and was on the point of starting, when I learned that -the gentleman who was going with me as secretary, and had his passport -ready, declined to accompany me. His relations and friends had persuaded -him not to go, the fever being so bad there, and so many deaths -occurring daily. I was thus placed in an awkward position, and was, -moreover, pestered at home by intrusive visitors, and no end of -ridiculous letters. I thought of starting alone; but, upon reflection, I -decided upon passing the evening at the Adelaide Hotel, at London -Bridge, and in the morning looking out for another party; thus, to my -great annoyance, losing another day. To start alone without a -first-class companion for so long a journey was a sad affair. I must -observe that I had previously engaged two young men, at high wages, as -cooks, one of whom declined going to Scutari, but did not mind the -Crimea; the other fell ill. Thus, my prospects on the eve of my -departure were anything but favourable. - -Next morning, while driving along Piccadilly, I met a friend, who, in -congratulating me upon my proposed journey, and wishing me success in my -undertaking, said, "So Mr. L---- is going with you as secretary, is he -not?" - -"No, he is not! he has left me in the lurch at the last minute; and, my -dear fellow, I can tell you what, there is a chance for you--it is only -for two or three months--you will be well paid, and all expenses -defrayed." - -"It is very kind of you to make me the offer," he replied; "but I cannot -leave my business at a minute's notice. How long could you give me to -prepare?" - -"Oh! I am off this evening by the mail." - -"I have no clothes ready for travelling." - -"Never mind that; you can get all you require in Paris, where I shall -remain two days upon business." - -"Indeed! then in two hours I will give you a decided answer." - -At the expiration of that time my friend made his appearance. We drew up -an agreement, got his passport, and started the same evening; but not on -the sly, as I had anticipated. Having forgotten to warn T. G. not to -mention the fact of our intended journey, he had called upon several of -his friends, with some of whom I was acquainted, and to my surprise, -when I reached the station, I found about twenty assembled to bid us -farewell. If I mention this circumstance, it is only to have an -opportunity of publicly thanking those gentlemen for their hearty -farewell, and three cheers--the echo of which still vibrates in my -heart, and was through the whole of my culinary campaign a high source -of gratification to my feelings. That night we slept at the Pavilion -Hotel, Folkestone. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -DELIGHTS OF TRAVEL. - - The lost pocket-book--Found at last--Scene at a station--Caught in - a fog--Arrival at Boulogne--The Emperor's first - valet-de-chambre--An avalanche of earth--Table talk--Napoleon's - projected trip to the Crimea--News of the death of the Czar--An - incredulous auditor--A bet quickly won--Paris--Lyons--Marseilles. - - -The Boulogne steamer was to start at half-past seven in the morning; the -weather was anything but favourable, as rain was falling in torrents, -and a thick fog coming on. T. G. and myself were ready to start, when a -sad adventure occurred--my pocket-book, containing the best part of my -cash and my official letters, was not to be found.[5] As I recollected -having put it safely in the side pocket of my great coat before leaving -the Adelaide Hotel, I feared that during the journey (owing to the -fatigues of the day I had slept some time in the train) it might have -been abstracted from my pocket. - -After hunting in vain all about the room, I informed Mr. Giovanni and -Mr. Brydes, the landlord of the hotel, of my loss, and those gentlemen -immediately instituted inquiries. The news was soon known all through -the hotel, and the crier was ordered to go round the town. I also -dispatched T. G. to London, to make inquiries at the station and the -hotel, lest by chance I had taken it out during my short visit at the -London Bridge house, where I had been surrounded by a number of friends. -While making a last search in the room, by accident I shook the heavy -wooden frame of the bed, from which everything had been -removed--bedding, beds, and all, but without success--to my -astonishment and delight, I heard something fall. It was my lost -pocket-book. I had thrown my great coat over me in the night (the -weather being cold), and the book had worked its way out, and got -between the frame of the bedstead and the wall. Upon this discovery I -immediately telegraphed for T. G. to return, in these words: "Stop a -gentleman of colour--it's all right." - -On the arrival of the train at Tonbridge, the cry of "Stop the gentleman -of colour" was loudly shouted along the station. "All right, all right," -cried T. G.; "here I am." He immediately jumped into the special down -train, and arrived time enough to save the steamer. - -The _quid pro quo_ of passengers as well as railway employes was, that -the thief had been captured, and it served him right. I heard afterwards -this was the exclamation of many at the time. - -T. G.'s devotion was certainly not repaid, but, when explained at the -hotel, the incident caused great mirth. This was our first tribulation, -which, though unpleasant, had the merit of being the first germ of -excitement. - -The same morning, in a rough sea and heavy rain, we sailed for -Boulogne-sur-Mer. The steamer was very much crowded with Crimean -passengers, and almost every one paid the usual nautical debt to -Neptune, looking more or less uninteresting. The beauty of the female -part of the passengers had faded, and nothing but pale, livid faces -remained, in place of the blooming, peach-like countenances. A very -thick fog came on, and the speed of the steamer was of course checked. -We progressed slowly through the opaque atmosphere and heavy rain. After -we had made all the signals required, the steam-whistle was heard, and -we found ourselves going ahead towards the round tower on the right hand -side of the port, the sight of which seemed to astonish the crew of the -vessel, and more so one of the passengers, an old gentleman, who -exclaimed, "We are in the same position as the _Amphitrite_, which was -wrecked in 1833, when above two hundred souls perished. A fisherman -named Pierre Henin distinguished himself so greatly on that occasion, -that he was decorated by both countries--France and England." - -I observed, that the sea must have been about three times as rough at -that time, and it was to be hoped, in case of danger, we should meet -with several Pierre Henins. However, by backing for about twenty -minutes, and the fog clearing off by degrees, we arrived safely, but too -late for the train. The jetty was rather crowded for that time of the -year. Our delay and the fog had rendered our passage interesting--rather -more so than pleasant. My intention was to take the first train, when, -on reaching the jetty, who should I perceive but my friend M. Leon, the -Emperor's first valet-de-chambre, one of the persons that have been -longest employed about his Majesty's person, having been with him above -sixteen years. He is much esteemed by his imperial master, none but -himself approaching his person while in his private apartment. It is M. -Leon who sleeps before the door of his illustrious master's chamber -while travelling, as the Mamelouk Roustan did before that of Napoleon -the First. "Hollo!" he exclaimed, "are you here, my dear friend?" - -"Yes, I am. What brings you here at this season? And where is his -Majesty?" said I. - -"You may depend upon it," he replied, "that if the Emperor were not -here, I should not be at Boulogne; but we have only come for a few days. -The Emperor is going to attend a review to-morrow. I hear you are going -to the Crimea." - -"Yes, I am." - -"So we saw by the newspapers, and the Emperor was much pleased to hear -it, and expressed his satisfaction by no doubt thinking it was an -excellent idea for you to be sent over there. When do you start?" - -"Almost directly," I replied. - -"Stay here to-night. I will tell the Emperor you are here. Come and sup -with me this evening." - -"Thank you, I will." We then parted; I sending some of my attendants on -to Paris. The implacable douaniers then commenced their perilous sport; -and although, thanks to a friend of mine, I had an official passport -from the French Embassy, signed by Count Walewski, two of my boxes -containing my Shilling Cookery Books were confiscated till the next -morning, but eventually allowed to pass free of duty, but not of -trouble, and would have been the cause of my losing a day for nothing, -had it not been that we were too late for the train. At ten minutes to -seven o'clock, through a very heavy rain and a brisk gale, we arrived at -the "Grand Hotel du Pavilion," which had just been finished, and was -inhabited for the first time. This hotel is situated about five hundred -yards from the Etablissement des Bains, at the foot of the bank, on the -right hand side of that establishment. Any person who has visited -Boulogne must be acquainted with the spot. It is rather remarkable that -soon after the arrival of the Emperor--in fact, he only just had time to -dress after his journey--an avalanche of earth fell from the top of the -bank, shaking the very foundations of the hotel. At the back of the -house the earth reached higher than the second floor, breaking the -windows. Some of the _debris_ actually fell into the Emperor's -dressing-room, only a few minutes after he had left it. The slip of -earth was supposed to have been caused by the melting of the snow, which -had lain there for some time, as well as the rain, which had been -pouring down, night and day, for a week. - -My friend was just sitting down to supper, when I joined them, it being -then eight o'clock, _heure militaire_, punctuality being the motto in -every department in the imperial household. Having introduced my -secretary, T. G., the conversation turned upon the avalanche, then upon -the _grand repas de corps_, as it is called in France, or military -banquet, given that evening to the generals and officers of the Camp de -Boulogne. But the most important part of the conversation was upon the -contemplated departure of Napoleon for the East. He was to travel from -Paris to Marseilles incog., with but very few of his suite. -"Everything," said M. Leon, "is packed and ready, and we may start at -an hour's notice. Your friend Benoit has already sent his _batterie de -cuisine_, and a quantity of preserved provisions." (M. Benoit is the -Emperor's _chef de cuisine_.)[6] - -Whilst we were conversing, a footman entered, in a state of anxiety and -excitement, and exclaimed--"There is not a single cigar, and the Emperor -has asked for some." - -"Very well," said the maitre d'hotel, "go and buy some." In about half -an hour he returned with a square box, three parts full of various kinds -of cigars, which he had no doubt purchased at all the nearest grocers' -shops, clearing out their stock of _French_ Havana cigars. - -"Couldn't you get better ones than these?" said the maitre d'hotel. - -"No doubt I could, but not near." - -"Then, take them up." He despatched another servant to the Rue de l'Ecu -for a box of good ones, which arrived too late. Owing to a most -unexpected circumstance, the company only had the opportunity of -partaking of a few of them, for they scarcely had time to light cigars, -when a telegraphic dispatch arrived. My friend M. Leon told one of the -attendants to go and see if his Majesty had left the banqueting-room, -and if he was in his cabinet. While this was passing, I took the -dispatch in my hand, and by way of a joke, said to him, "As France and -England are now allied, and have the same policy, I have here an -official English Government letter, which, if you like, I will exchange -for your dispatch." - -"It might be done," said he, laughing; "but, upon consideration, the -Emperor would very likely prefer his own." The servant returned, and -informed him that the Emperor was still at table. The dispatch remained -about ten minutes longer near M. Leon, when they came and apprised him -that Napoleon was in his cabinet. M. Leon went up with the dispatch, and -in a few minutes returned, saying to me, "Do you know what the contents -of the letter you wished to exchange for yours were?" - -"Certainly not," I replied. - -"The contents are, that the Emperor Nicholas is dead." Every one was -thunderstruck by the unexpected announcement, and we could hardly -believe it. "If you come up quickly, you will hear the Emperor himself -announce it to the company in the banqueting-room." - -We obeyed, but only arrived in time to hear the last words--"a cesse de -vivre." Special orders were then given that no demonstration should be -made, and a low and mournful conversational sound was alone heard -amongst those assembled. A few minutes after leaving the imperial -palace, a friend and myself were quietly taking our coffee at a -celebrated establishment, and in conversation said loud enough to be -heard by our neighbours, that certainly the death of the Emperor -Nicholas was very likely to change the state of affairs, as the present -Emperor, Alexander was, so we had always heard, rather a pacificator. -Before we could finish the remark, an elderly gentleman, who was sitting -near us, exclaimed, "What do you say? What do you say, sir?--the Emperor -Nicholas dead?" - -"Yes, sir, he is dead." - -"Go to ----, sir; that's another Crimean shave, like the taking of -Sebastopol." - -"Sir," I replied, "I can vouch for this not being a shave, and that his -Majesty, the Emperor Nicholas the First of Russia, expired yesterday; -and what is more, I will lay you a wager of it." - -In a few minutes some jumped upon the chairs and benches, others upon -the billiard-table, looking at me, no doubt anxious to see whether I was -intoxicated or mad. One gentleman raising his voice, said, "I'll bet -anything this report is not true." - -"Done for a dozen of champagne." - -"I take you, and we will drink your health at your own expense." - -We scarcely had time to deposit our money with the lady who presided at -the bar of the establishment when mine was again in my pocket. A number -of officers who had returned from the banquet entered, and affirmed the -truth of what I had stated. Nevertheless, no one could believe it; so I -proposed returning my money to the stakeholder till the next morning, -and turning the champagne into an early _dejeuner a la fourchette_. - -At the custom-house the following morning I was detained, and reached -twenty-five minutes behind the time appointed by my friend, and perhaps -thereby lost the chance of a short interview with the Emperor, which -made me bless the douaniers who were so long at their breakfast, and -longer still in clearing my luggage. I found my friend M. Leon smoking -his short pipe at the hotel door, with his hands in his _pantalon a la -cosaque_, a type _de troupier_ well worthy of the past and present -empire; so I made sure his Majesty was off. - -"Oh, here you are at last--a fine fellow truly, and very punctual -indeed! Why, his Majesty has been gone this half-hour. I intimated you -were still here, and he would probably have seen you; but mind, if you -don't look sharp, we shall be at Constantinople before you. You are sure -to see his Majesty there, for the first thing he will do will be to -visit all the hospitals, both French and English." - -"I am very glad to hear you say so, for the loss is on my side; but what -can you do when you are in the hands of the authorities; if you -recollect, the last time I was here, I fared worse, for I was locked up -more than two hours for coming without a passport, fancying myself a -true Briton, as they are allowed to land without any." - -"Then you really expect to go?" I again asked. - -"Nothing can be more certain, when I tell you that everything is ready -for our departure. I much regret missing so excellent an opportunity. -When do you leave?" - -This afternoon; our places are taken by telegraph at Marseilles through -the War Office; and I shall only remain in Paris twenty-four hours, -instead of two days, as I had anticipated. - -Having related the scene at the cafe the previous evening, and invited -him to the dejeuner, he declined attending it, on the ground that some -unexpected news from Russia might cause his Majesty to return to Paris -immediately. - -"Do you mean to say," I exclaimed, "that you had not heard of the -Emperor Nicholas being indisposed previous to the arrival of the -despatch which announced his death?" - -"Oh, yes; we did hear last evening. This was the third dispatch we -received yesterday, but we never dreamed of his dying till that one -came." - -"Well, many thanks for your kindness, my dear friend; and I hope to see -you at Scutari soon. I shall pay you a visit there." - -"Do," said he; "I understand we shall have one of the Sultan's palaces -on the Bosphorus. Adieu!" - -After the dejeuner, and a protracted journey to the Boulogne Camp, my -friend and myself took the last train and arrived early in the morning -at Paris. My first visit was to the military hospital of the Val de -Grace, the Invalides, the Hotel Dieu, &c. I was politely shown over each -establishment by the authorities on duty, and took notes of all the -ingredients used for the preparation of the daily diets of both officers -and soldiers. - -We started the same evening for Lyons, stayed a few hours there, and -visited the military hospital at that place, and took the steamer to -Avignon. On board we found the Smyrna ladies, about thirty in number, -under the orders of Mrs. M. Cooke; there were also many doctors. I had -seen them the day previous at the Hotel des Princes, Rue Richelieu, but -had not the slightest knowledge of who or what they were. As the ladies -were all dressed in grey, I took them for Quakeresses upon a -pilgrimage. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -COMFORT ON SHORE AND PENANCE AT SEA. - - Tour of inspection at Marseilles--The booking office--Sleeping upon - deck--Places transferred--The bouillabaisse--The Olio--Marseilles - dishes--A harrowing spectacle--The _Simois_--A pleasant - prospect--Good ballast--The Bay of Ajaccio--_Compagnons de - voyage_--Birthplace of the first Napoleon--La Signora - Grossetti--Twenty minutes in the kitchen of the house of the - Emperor Napoleon the First--Memorials of the Emperor's childhood--A - charming evening--Once more afloat--An enraged - _restaurateur_--Struggle for a leg of mutton--Messina--The - Piraeus--Athens. - - -On arriving at Marseilles, I made inquiries at the Station as to what -provisions could be obtained for the army, if required. I bade my -friends adieu, in hopes of having the pleasure of seeing them on board -the next day, and in particular Mr. and Mrs. Cooke, who really took -their duty to heart, and had a most difficult task to perform. After -viewing all the magazines of Marseilles and its warehouses, I perceived -that my countrymen, in the way of national business, were very little -boys, who could hardly walk, when compared with English commercial men -and the houses of Crosse and Blackwell, Fortnum and Mason, Hogarth, -Gamble, &c. Having done my duty, so far as the victualling department -was concerned, I found that with such a stock of provisions any -Government might keep its army in a state of perfect -_starvation_--should the French Government depend upon them--though at -the same time the quantity and quality might have served very well for a -dainty pic-nic of a couple of thousand epicures, the price also being so -high. - -Passing by the Bureau des Messageries Imperiales, I called in to see -about our places for the next day. I found an old friend, of fifteen -years' standing at least, at the head of that department. "Ho! -pardieu," said he, "I thought it was you, having seen several paragraphs -respecting your departure for the Crimea. I was afraid at one time you -would have gone by sea. I have two first cabin berths for you to-morrow; -but as you are a very gallant man, you will not mind sleeping upon deck -from here to Smyrna." - -"Sleeping upon deck! what do you mean? My places have been taken this -week past." - -"I know that--I have two first-cabin berths for you. How many cooks and -attendants have you got with you?" - -"We are about eight in number." - -"Oh, I can manage them then; although I assure you we are cramped -everywhere." - -"What do you mean by my sleeping upon deck?" - -"Why, because if you don't, some of those ladies who are going to Smyrna -must. Four of them must sleep upon deck, as all the places are taken; -and I am sure you are too gallant to allow them to sleep in the open air -while you remain snug in your cabin. Tell me, are you obliged to start -with them?" - -"Certainly not." - -"Then, wait for the next boat; it will not make forty-eight hours' -difference, and you will be very comfortable. You will go by Messina and -Athens, and be there nearly as soon. Moreover, you will be rendering a -great service to those ladies; besides, we should pack five or six -persons in your cabin." - -"Very well, transfer our places." - -"The next vessel is quite new, and it will be her first voyage. She is -most handsomely fitted up, and you will meet with capital company on -board. All the first cabins are taken by English and French officers; -you are sure to know some of them." - -"Very well; at what time shall we be here?" - -"Be ready the day after to-morrow, about three P.M., at the Hotel -d'Orient, where you are staying. I will send some men with a few cabs. -Mind you have all your luggage ready." - -"I will. Many thanks for your kindness." - -The next day, after visiting several public institutions, I was very -desirous to taste an excellent dish called the bouillabaisse, which is -exclusively a Marseillaise dish, as turtle-soup and roast beef and -plum-pudding are essentially English. I therefore invited a few friends -to that far-famed place, the "Reserve." Among my guests, I had the -pleasure of numbering a most eminent, amiable, and gallant gentleman, -Captain Taunton, who, a few weeks previous, I heard, had the temerity to -run his ship, the _Fury_, so close to the port of Sebastopol, that a -round shot passed through her beam. - -The Captain, my friend M. Giraldo, and myself, formed the trio of -degustators of the Grand Provencale dish called the bouillabaisse, as -well as another celebrated one called the olio. The first one I, with -veneration and justice, recognised as worthy of being immortalized in -the archives of cookery. The olio, like many of its companions, so -admired by the Marseillais, is only to be appreciated by the inhabitants -of that city, who must have sprung from a bed of garlic, instead of that -more genteel and more sweetly-perfumed one, the parsley-bed--so well -known to the juveniles, who are made to believe they were found -ruralizing amidst that delicate aromatic plant. - -The bouillabaisse pertains to Marseilles, as the whitebait to Greenwich -and Blackwall. Even at Marseilles it is only at a few houses that you -can get it in perfection, among which the celebrated "Restaurant de la -Reserve" ranks as A 1, and next, the "Grand Hotel des Colonies." - -After all, the "Reserve" is the principal place. This beautiful and -picturesque restaurant, with its pavilion and slim turrets, is -gracefully situated on the top of the high rock at the entrance of the -old seaport. When required, the proprietor procures the particular fish -alive, at the threshold of his door, and shell-fish required for the -composition of this dainty dish.[7] In less than an hour--during which -time we had partaken of a few small oysters, and some shell-fish -peculiar to Marseilles--the bouillabaisse was upon the table, smoking -hot, and perfuming the room with its aroma. - -Although the bouillabaisse can be made with any kind of firm fish, in -all countries, and at all seasons of the year, I should be deceiving my -readers were I to say that it could be made in the same perfection as at -Marseilles; nevertheless, it can be made good if the receipt is closely -followed. The choice of fish for the purpose in England, although not as -suitable as those of the Marseillaise coast, being of a different -nature, will still produce an excellent, dainty dish. - -Though this _petit dejeuner_ was very _recherche_, the bouillabaisse -threw all the accessory dishes into the shade. The landlord, who -favoured us with his company at dessert, informed me he made it himself; -and at my request, favoured me with the receipt, and the names of the -fish composing it. - -I returned my best thanks for the condescension and trouble on his part -in so doing. - -"Ah, Monsieur Soyer," said he, "you may thank your name for that. I have -often seen you mentioned in our papers, and should have been sorry if -you had left our seaport without tasting our national dish in -perfection." He observed, in handing it to me, "You are, of course, -aware that this dish cannot be made except at a seaport." - -"I am well aware of that fact," I answered, "and that this semi-soup and -stew ought, by right, to be made at a seaport; nevertheless, the finest -seaport I have ever seen in England, and I might say in the world, for -fish, is London; therefore, my dear sir, give me the receipt, and I -shall, no doubt, fish out the fish from a good quarter." - - -ORIGINAL RECEIPT FOR THE BOUILLABAISSE A LA MARSEILLAISE. - - Before entering upon details, I will specify the different kinds of - fish most applicable. They are of two classes: one acting as a - mucilaginous agent, the other merely imparting the flavour; also an - essential point. The first class comprises--whitings, loups or - lupins, red mullets, soles, and turbots. The second--gurnets, - boudroies or boudreuils, lobsters or cray-fish, sea toads or - rascasses, galinettes, limbers, lazagnes or lucreces. These latter - are plentiful in the Mediterranean seas. - - As a general rule, this ragout should be cooked in a stewpan, - rather broad than deep, and of thin metal, in order to the - ebullition proceeding quickly. Those in tin or thin iron are the - most appropriate, as the concoction must be done in a few minutes, - and with such rapidity that the liquor must be reduced to the - necessary point by the time the fish is cooked. It should also be - sent to table and eaten at once, as the shortest delay will cause - the quality to deteriorate. The principal fish must be cut in - pieces or slices sufficiently sized to serve each guest; the others - being merely accessories. - - RECEIPT.--Slice up two large onions, place them in a stewpan as - before mentioned, wide but not deep, and of thin metal, add a few - spoonfuls of olive oil, and fry the onions of a pale brown colour. - Next, place the pieces of fish in the pan, cover them with warm - water, but no more than the depth of the contents; add salt, "in - moderation," half a bay leaf, the flesh of half a lemon, without - pips or rind, two tomatoes cut in dice, after extracting the seeds, - a small tumbler of light white wine, a few peppercorns, and four - cloves of garlic. Set on a fierce stove and boil for twelve - minutes; by this time the liquor should be reduced to a third of - its original quantity. Add a small portion of saffron, a - table-spoonful of chopped parsley, allow it to boil a few seconds - longer, taste, and correct the seasoning, if required, and remove - from the fire. - - During this process you should have prepared two dozen of slices of - light French bread or penny-roll, about half an inch in thickness, - which place in a tureen or dish, pour over them some of the liquor - from the ragout, let it soak a minute or so, and again pour over in - order to soak the top as well as the bottom of the layers of bread. - Dish up separately the best pieces of fish with the remaining - liquor, and serve. - - The variation called Bourride, differs in this only, viz., the - addition of seven or eight yolks of eggs to a good portion of the - liquor, which is stirred quickly over the fire till of the - consistence of a custard cream, and then poured upon the slices of - bread, with the addition of a tablespoonful of eau d'ail, or ayoli. - - The eau d'ail or ayoli is prepared by crushing several cloves of - garlic, and saturating them with water; adding the requisite - quantity to the bourride. - - My reason for printing this receipt, although partly impracticable - in England, is, that it is the original as given to me by the - worthy host of the "Reserve," as so successfully made by him. - - But as many of the fish required are not to be obtained in England, - and the quantity of garlic used would be objectionable to an - English palate, I beg to refer my readers to the Addenda for a - Bouillabaisse a l'Anglaise, which possesses two great - qualities:--firstly, to suit the palate of the _gourmet_; secondly, - that of being very strengthening. The broth is very generous and - wholesome for the invalid,--for the authenticity of which assertion - I appeal to the faculty. - -Giraldo now informed us it was past three o'clock, and that we must be -on board by half-past six at latest. So shortly after, much to our -regret, we left our worthy landlord and his sanctorum of good cheer, and -at half-past four left the Hotel d'Orient to go on board the steamer, -accompanied by the gallant Captain Taunton, Mr. Giraldo, and a few other -friends. - -Upon arriving at the docks, a most painful sight fell under our notice; -it was indeed a spectacle calculated to pain the soul of the greatest -philosopher. The quays round the harbour were thickly lined with sick -and wounded. There were about seven or eight hundred, who had just been -landed from two French steamers, one from Constantinople, the other from -the Crimea. Some were placed upon straw, others upon bedding, until they -could be removed to the hospital, according to the nature of their -cases. Their appearance, I regret to say, was more than indescribable. -All the afflictions so common to the fate of war seemed to have met and -fallen at once upon those brave fellows, who, a few months previous, -were the pride of their country. Many of them, to their sorrow, had not -enjoyed a chance of facing the enemy; while those who were wounded -looked joyful compared with those who were the victims of -epidemics--typhus fever, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, or frostbites. -I conversed with several; not one complained, but merely regretted the -friends who had died on the passage and those sick left behind, and -bewailed that they had done so little for their country in the campaign. -Mr. Giraldo, who had superintended the disembarkation, informed me that -such scenes were of daily occurrence at Marseilles; adding, this must be -very encouraging for you. Saying also in irony, "lend soldiers to the -Turks--how well they thrive under the banner of Mahomet! Well, well, my -dear sir, after all, this is nothing more than the fortune of war: 'a la -guerre comme a la guerre.'" - -This was the first disastrous sight I witnessed in this great war, and -though anything but encouraging, merely grated upon my sensibility, -without in the least affecting my mind. I must say T. G. showed much -firmness upon this solemn occasion, which firmness rather failed him -afterwards. - -At five we were on the deck of the _Simois_, the name of our vessel. It -was her first trip, she having only arrived a few days previous from -Liverpool. All on board was in great confusion; a part of the vessel had -just taken fire, and the sailors were engaged putting it out, and -cutting away the burning portions; however, it was soon extinguished. We -then learnt, that upon coming into dock she had met with serious damage, -which they had scarcely had time to repair, and the painters were still -on board busily employed varnishing the first cabin. I was next told -that about four hundred troops, who were expected, had not arrived, and -that we should start without them. A lady, who was standing by, -exclaimed, "Oh, thank God for that! I cannot bear soldiers." - -"I thought," I said, "it was a very bad job instead of a good one, as -the vessel would be crank, through not being sufficiently loaded, and -would in consequence roll very much." - -The weather being reported very rough outside, we were in suspense as to -whether we should leave that night or not. On a sudden the screw slowly -commenced its evolutions, and propelled us, not without difficulty, from -the narrow port to the wide ocean--passing amongst huge rocks, on the -very summit of which the furious waves were breaking. The evening was -fast advancing, and the vessel was already rolling very heavily. We soon -made the rock of Monte Christo, immortalized by Dumas. A yellowish -sunset, piercing the heavy rain, faintly lighted the crest of this arid -and uninhabitable spot. Shortly after, all was darkness, and many -retired. Two or three remained till about ten o'clock, when the steward -cheerfully informed us, that the weather was about the same as when the -_Semillante_ was lost ten days before, and not a soul escaped. Nearly -five hundred troops, besides passengers and crew, were drowned. - -"Was she bound eastward?" inquired a passenger. - -"Yes, sir, she was; we are steering the same course, but there is -another passage. I hope we shall get through before night to-morrow, and -if the sea holds as rough as it is now, no doubt we shall take the -other." - -We all turned into our berths, laughing at his mournful tale. Before -going, I said: "Believe me, steward, we are safer than ever, for you -seldom hear of two accidents alike." - -"Very true, sir; but this boat seems unlucky. I can't tell you all the -mishaps we have had in her since I have been on board, and that is only -one month." She was then rolling at a tremendous rate. At each plunge, a -fearful noise was heard. Upon inquiry, some one on board informed me -that he believed they had projectiles for ballast, and these were -rolling and shifting at each plunge the steamer made. Such a cargo, -though quite in harmony with the martial trip, was anything but -pleasing. Everything rolled and tumbled about fearfully during the whole -of the night. At length day broke, with a glowing sun and a heavy sea -running mountains high; so much so, that it was dangerous to attempt the -passage. Such must have been the case, as the mail-boats are not allowed -to stop except in cases of extreme danger. Our careful commander gave -orders to bring up in the Bay of Ajaccio. After sixteen hours' -flirtation on the wild ocean, we entered this calm and peaceable port, -much to the relief of all. We then collected round the table; and while -partaking of a light lunch, we had time to become acquainted with each -other. Among our _compagnons de voyage_ were General Cannon, Captain -Arbuckle, Colonel St. George, of the Artillery, Captain Ponsonby, Major -Turner, Captain Gordon, ---- Murrogh, Esq., ---- Ball, Esq., the Queen's -Messenger, and three or four French officers, among whom was Captain -Boucher, aide-de-camp to General Canrobert, and afterwards to General -Bosquet. After some remarks upon our unfavourable start, we all blessed -our stars for the shelter we were then enjoying in the peaceable -harbour, so picturesquely surrounded by its beautiful _petite ville_, -the cradle of the first Napoleon--Ajaccio--so well situated in that -savage and energetic island of poetically ferocious heroism, habits, and -eternal vendettas, so interesting to all since the revival of that -illustrious dynasty in the person of Napoleon the Third. - -All of course were anxious to visit this celebrated spot; and on -inquiring of the commander, he told us he should sail the next morning -early if the weather was more favourable. We formed ourselves into -parties of five or six, and as it was only three o'clock, we had plenty -of time before us: our greatest anxiety was to visit the house in which -the great Napoleon was born. Our party arrived first, as we had a very -clever guide, who promised if possible to introduce us to La Signora -Grossetti, saying we should have a great treat, as the old lady, who was -then eighty-three years of age, had been all her life in the Buonaparte -family in Corsica. We luckily met the old lady just coming out, and upon -being introduced, she immediately returned to do us the honours of the -house. She has been housekeeper there for above thirty years. After -visiting the apartments which are always on view--viz., the -drawing-room, dining-room, concert and ball room, library, and the small -bed-room in which that almost fabulous hero was born, I asked the old -gentlewoman, as a special favour, to show me the kitchen. No one was -ever more astonished than she appeared to be at my request. "Why, surely -there is nothing to be seen there but ruins, and I don't even know where -the key is." - -All this redoubled my interest. We went up stairs, and found in an old -drawer three rusty keys, which we brought down; one of them opened the -door, which, on being pushed rather forcibly, fell from its hinges. We -then descended, and opened the shutters, which likewise tumbled from -their fastenings. After visiting the various departments which -constitute a gentleman's kitchen, I wrote upon the stove the following -letter to the public press, which, through the mismanagement of my -servant, who threw it into the post without paying the postage, never -reached its destination:-- - - -_Twenty Minutes in the Kitchen of the House of the Emperor Napoleon the -First._ - - MR. EDITOR,--It is an incontestable truism that "It is an ill wind - that blows nobody good;" but in this case it will be found the - reverse. Owing to most terribly rough weather, in fourteen hours - from our departure from Marseilles, _en route_ to Constantinople, - we are brought up here by our prudent Captain, sheltering us in the - bosom of the harbour of Ajaccio, the birthplace of the alliance now - existing between the two great nations of France and England. Such - reminiscences of the first of the great Napoleon's family caused - the shore to be invaded in a few minutes by the numerous - passengers, particularly the distinguished military men of both - nations. Many visited the Hotel de Ville, full of objects of - interest, reminding one of the late empire; others, the Letitia - House; and some inquired, with great coolness, if it were possible - to see either of the Corsican Brothers now in existence. In a very - few minutes my curiosity was gratified by a cursory examination of - the above-mentioned interesting subjects; and by a great deal of - courtesy and perseverance, I obtained from La Signora Grossetti - (who had been in the late Emperor's family from her infancy) the - rusted key of the kitchen-door of that interesting and now deserted - domicile--such a request having never before been made by the - numerous travellers who daily visit it. - - And it is, Mr. Editor, while writing upon the stove in this - celebrated kitchen--which first alimented the brain of that great - hero--that I beg to address you the following few lines at random, - as the weather bids fair and our departure is immediate. On my left - hand is a well-constructed charcoal stove, containing six nine-inch - square cooking-places, covered with glazed red tiles (a piece of - which I have procured, and intend placing in my kitchen at - Scutari); an oval one, about eighteen inches long by about six - inches wide, on which the most delicious fish, game, meat, and - poultry, were no doubt submitted to the highest perfection of the - culinary art. At the spot at which I am now writing, the roasting - by wood fire, and the broiling by red ashes, were carried on, as I - perceive, by the remains of the hearth. There is also the old Jack, - with the pulley that supported the rope and weights. On my right is - an old semi-circular oven, partly in ruins, with an old-fashioned - wrought-iron door, in which no doubt the cakes and choice pastry - were prepared to gratify the imperial infant's palate. Larders, - confectionery, and all the requisite appointments of a kitchen are - not wanting; which, though in a most dilapidated state, still left - an appearance of grandeur which none but a family of distinction - could afford--very different from what has been often reported and - believed by the vulgar--viz., that this great man had his origin in - the bosom of an indigent family. - - With the highest consideration, believe me, Mr. Editor, yours very - faithfully, - -A. SOYER. - - _March 13, 1855._ - -[Illustration: KITCHEN AT AJACCIO OF NAPOLEON THE FIRST.] - -The old lady seemed much pleased with the very extraordinary interest I -took in the place, and proposed to show us her private apartment at the -top of the house, which she assured us was full of reminiscences of -the Emperor's childhood. His wooden arm-chair and desk, inkstand, and a -few boy's toys--such as a small gun, soldiers, shako, &c.--are carefully -preserved by the old and faithful servant of her illustrious master. -Though of great age, she was very animated, and made all sorts of -inquiries about the war, and if we had seen the present Emperor; having -satisfied her curiosity, we retired, highly pleased with our visit to -Ajaccio. - -We were much indebted to La Signora Grossetti, who had really shown us -things that no former traveller could boast of having seen. I could not -part with the old dame without saluting her on both cheeks, which she -very kindly returned, it being the custom of the country, as she said. -This scene terminated, much to the surprise and enjoyment of my -_compagnons de voyage_--Captain Gordon and Mr. Munro of the Ordnance, -with several French officers--our interview with that kind and -extraordinary lady. - -I had taken (as I mentioned in my letter) a piece of tile from the -charcoal stove, and a rough wooden meat-hook which I found in the -larder, dating, as the Signora told me, from that epoch. Our time being -short, and the night rapidly approaching, we re-embarked, and related, -to the great delight of all, our amorous adventure with the nurse of the -first Napoleon. All regretted not having been of our party. We spent a -very charming evening on board, each one relating what he had seen. The -Town Hall, I must observe, is very interesting, being filled with relics -of the Buonaparte family, with full-length portraits of the father and -mother of the Emperor. I was also much pleased at seeing one of the best -statuettes of the late _arbiter elegantiarum_, the celebrated Count -D'Orsay, given by him to the present Emperor for the town of Ajaccio. It -is the well-known statuette of Napoleon the First on horseback; and in a -frame beside it is the original letter of presentation written by the -Count himself, which I can vouch for, "having many of his letters in my -possession." The style is so charming, that I regret not having had time -to take a copy. - -Next morning, with a fresh breeze, bright sun, and a clear sky, we left -this immortal and delightful spot, where avenues of orange-trees, loaded -with ripe fruit, ornament both sides of the streets; and at the same -time, "by the bizarrerie of nature," the chain of mountains which -surround this romantic spot are always covered with snow. In ten minutes -we were again launched upon the wide ocean. Though the sea was not so -rough, the waves dashed about furiously, and made the vessel roll even -more than the day before. This is always the case after a gale. We were -all much amused at the _restaurateur_ of the steamer, who kept cursing -everybody, because all his glass and crockery were smashed to pieces; -and all because, as he declared, the vessel had started before she had -been properly fitted up. The Captain, in trying to soothe him, drove him -raving mad, and he commenced throwing overboard all the plates, dishes, -and glass on which he could lay his hands. At length he caught hold of a -leg of mutton, and was about to serve it in the same manner. I happened -to be near him, and not quite approving of casting good victuals -overboard while at sea, I took upon myself to object to this part of his -proceedings. I was the more induced to do this because I had promised my -illustrious _compagnons de voyage_ to look after the cook and his -cooking, with which he really took much pains, and gave us great -satisfaction. The infuriated Marseillais poured a volley of the most -foul language in his Provencal dialect, while he and I were holding the -doomed leg of mutton. He then asked me who I was? - -"A passenger," I replied; "and one who has a most decided objection to -your feeding the fish--with legs of mutton," I continued, boldly. He -then gave it up; and, in acknowledging he was in the wrong, exclaimed, -at the top of his voice, "I wish you no harm, but I should be highly -pleased if you and all in the steamer were at the bottom of the sea." - -"Wherefore?" - -"You ask me wherefore! Because I shall lose above a thousand francs." - -[Illustration: COOKING ON THE MAGIC STOVE IN THE ACROPOLIS AT ATHENS.] - -"The directors will make that up," I said. - -"Not a sous," said he. - -The comical part of this scene was enhanced by the continual rolling of -the ship. - -This incident kept us alive till we reached Messina. The following -letter, addressed to the _Illustrated London News_, will explain my -subsequent proceedings:-- - - -ACROPOLIS, ATHENS, _March 18_. - - Having left Marseilles, on the 12th inst., for Constantinople, in - the prosecution of my mission to the Hospital at Scutari, owing to - a sudden and unexpected change from a beautifully calm to a rough - and stormy sea, M. Favre, the captain of our vessel (the _Simois_), - was compelled to seek shelter in the peaceable harbour of Ajaccio, - in Corsica, the birthplace of the immortal Emperor Napoleon I. - Since our departure from that celebrated port, a favourable breeze - succeeding a most tempestuous gale, soon brought us alongside the - Levrazzi Rocks, on which the French frigate _Semillante_ was - wrecked a few weeks ago, and all her passengers and crew lost. At - night we were gratified with the sight of a slight eruption of the - Stromboli Mountain, which rises immediately from the ocean to the - height of several thousand feet. Next morning we arrived at - Messina, the spring garden of Sicily, where, in the open air, - orange and lemon trees were in full blossom, and covered with - delicious fruit. Lilies, roses, and violets perfume the air; whilst - peas, beans, artichokes, and asparagus are gathered at the foot of - the lofty mountains covered with snow. Although Messina is well - known to travellers, yet they are not so well acquainted with the - productions of its early spring. After a few hours' ramble in this - interesting city, our party embarked, and rapidly passed on our - left the small but pretty town of Reggio, and on our right the - mighty Mount AEtna, covered with deep snow. In less than forty-seven - hours the _Simois_ brought us before the Piraeus, the voyage never - before having been accomplished under fifty. - - The _Simois_ is an English vessel, built at Liverpool by Mr. - Layward, and recently purchased by the Messageries Imperiales, and - this is her first voyage in this sea. From the unexpected quickness - of our passage, we were allowed to remain at this port four hours, - and availed ourselves of the opportunity of visiting Athens. At the - present time, in the ancient Parthenon, I am cooking, with my new - camp-stove, on a fallen capital of the stupendous ruins, a _petit - dejeuner a la fourchette_, with Greek and Sicilian wines, for my - distinguished fellow-travellers; amongst whom are General Cannon - (Behram Pacha); Colonel St. George, of the Woolwich Artillery; - Captain Gordon; Captains Turner and Ponsonby; G. Munro, Esq.; W. S. - Ball, Esq., Q.F.M.S.; Captain Arbuckle; Captain Boucher, - Aide-de-camp of General Canrobert; and Signor Pitaki, the Governor - of the Acropolis. - - We shall speedily re-embark for Constantinople. - -A. SOYER. - - - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE LAND OF THE MOSLEM. - - Departure from Greece--Amusements at sea--The - Dardanelles--Gallipoli--A philharmonic soiree--Approach to the - Bosphorus--First view of the Scutari Hospital--Reflections--The - deserted steamer--The lady and her maid--Beautiful scene--The - Golden Horn--Castle of the Seven Towers--Kadikoi--General and - Barrack Hospitals--Grand panorama--Various - edifices--Stamboul--Grand Oriental pageant--The Sultan's - kitchens--The Harem--Punishment for Turkish ladies--The Leander - Tower--A romantic tale--On shore again--The enchantment - dissolves--First glimpse of a pacha--The terrace of my hotel. - - -On leaving the Piraesus the weather was fine, and the sea as smooth as a -lake. All our party were themselves again--jovial, happy, and talkative -at meals; reading, writing, games at cards, draughts, dominoes, &c., -filling up the time. We were like one happy and united family. I paid my -daily visit to the _restaurateur_ and his _chef_, with whom I was soon -on good terms. Towards evening, we collected on the upper deck, where -many French sous-officiers from the second-class cabin joined us, and -sang most admirably, from the simple ballad to the gay gaudriole, the -high operatic solo, and comic or classic choruses. - -Next morning, we passed the straits and town of the Dardanelles, where -the Allied flags were gaily floating from the houses of the respective -Consulates. We made but a short stay in its cheerful and animated bay to -deliver the mail. The rapid current, with the numbers of Greeks, in -their gay costumes and slim caiques, trying to sell the passengers all -sorts of things, and so do them out of a few piastres, rendered our -short stay at that place highly amusing. Our next and last stay, before -reaching Constantinople, was Gallipoli, where every one of our party -landed, and remained on shore about an hour. General Cannon had an -excellent idea; he sent some oysters on board, which made a good -addition to our bill of fare. The Gallipoli oysters are small and -ill-formed, but very sweet. The same cannot be said of the town and its -inhabitants--both extremely dirty. Indeed, this first Oriental seaport -contrasts most outrageously with the grand paraphernalia of the "Arabian -Nights." The evening before our arrival, to our sorrow, we learnt from -the Captain that, owing to the favourable winds we had experienced -during the last sixty hours, if nothing happened, we should enter the -Bosphorus before daybreak. Thus all chance of the view of the grand -panorama of Constantine, so highly praised by travellers, and especially -by poets, which we had so long anticipated, was entirely lost. What can -be more charming and refreshing, after a long sea-passage, where life -has long been suspended in space between heaven and the mighty deep, -than the gradual development of a cheerful panorama, a view of which we -had been some time anticipating? - -The first quarter of the moon, forming the crescent--the favourite -emblem of the Moslem--was seen now and then peeping through the murky -clouds, which, in their swift career, cast a dewy shadow upon the ocean. -This did not, however, prevent our philharmonic party from mustering -upon deck in greater numbers than on previous occasions, probably -because it was the last. We kept it up till eleven o'clock, and then -retired perfectly delighted with our voyage, having already forgotten -our unfavourable departure, and regretting nothing but our too-early -arrival in the Bosphorus. The night was calm, and, on going on deck at -daybreak, I heard, to my great satisfaction, that we had proceeded very -slowly all night, there having been a thick fog, which was slowly -disappearing--"a thing," said the Captain, "seldom seen in the sea of -Marmora." I returned to my cabin, and only lay down that I might be -ready when Constantinople came in sight, as the Captain had promised to -send and let me know. - -About eight in the morning every one was on deck, and the crew busily -engaged getting up the luggage, as our arrival was fixed for nine -o'clock. We then commenced inquiring about the hotels. All fixed upon -Messerie's hotel, called "L'Hotel d'Angleterre," as being the best. By -this time, we were slowly approaching the mouth of the Bosphorus. The -weather was anything but favourable--rain kept falling--everything on -deck was wet, and the air very chilly. General Cannon said to me, "I am -very sorry, Mr. Soyer, for your sake, and that of Captain Ponsonby and -Colonel St. George, that we shall not see the famed view of -Constantinople to advantage. I have already witnessed it, this being my -third voyage. However, as the weather is very changeable here, it may be -a fine day after all." The great Oriental City was then opening to view, -but, owing to the thick atmosphere, appeared nothing but a confused -mass. Twenty minutes later we were entering the Bosphorus, the grandeur -and magnificence of which, though often described, I cannot pass without -a few remarks. - -My mind was quite overpowered when I learnt that the monster building -before us was the Scutari Hospital--a town in itself--and I reflected -that it was full of sick and wounded; that each patient would require -from three to four articles of diet daily, making a total of several -thousand per diem to be provided in some shape or other; and that I had -undertaken to reform and introduce a better organization in the cooking -department, where all was confusion, in so strange a country. I must -confess that, for an hour or so, I was quite at a loss to think how I -should commence operations. I did not know one official there. I had not -the least idea how I should be received; and, after all, I might -probably catch the fever, or some other complaint at the time raging -within its walls. Suddenly I recollected the plan I had explained to the -Duchess of Sutherland and her noble circle, which was to be tried upon a -hundred patients. This had entirely escaped my memory; and in a few -minutes my puzzled brain was as clear as a bell, and I felt confident of -success. "If I succeed with a hundred," said I, "in a very short time I -can manage a thousand, providing I meet with proper support." - -I afterwards learnt from the doctor on board, that the large red brick -building on the right, about half a mile from the Barrack Hospital, was -called the General Hospital, in which there were at least five or six -hundred patients. My resolution as to how I should act was then fixed; -nothing appeared difficult to me; and, instead of fearing the -undertaking, I was most anxious to begin. Having been advised to call at -Pera, to announce my arrival, and pay my duty to Lord Stratford de -Redcliffe, before going to Scutari, I ordered my people to go on shore -as soon as possible; for, during my reverie upon hospital duties, our -good vessel had anchored. - -There was only room at Messerie's Hotel for General Cannon and his -aide-de-camp. He had bespoken his apartments. Two young gentlemen -apprised us of the fact, and recommended their hotel, as we could not -get accommodation at the "Hotel d'Angleterre." As I had a letter of -introduction to Mr. Messerie, I directed my friend T. G. to call there -and make inquiries; and if he found that we could not be received, to go -to the "Hotel des Ambassadeurs," that establishment being the next in -standing. As I promised to remain on board till he returned, I was left -almost alone. There was only a lady and her maid. The former was going -by a transport-ship the same evening, to join her husband at Balaklava; -she therefore had no time to go on shore. Colonel St. George, Captains -Ponsonby and Gordon, Mr. Ball, and General Canrobert's aides-de-camp, -and others, had all left. - -By this time the weather had assumed a most brilliant aspect--the morose -and monotonous-looking clouds, which before monopolised the region in -the immediate vicinity of the famed city of Mahomet, had been chased -away by a strong breeze; the sun shed his golden rays in gorgeous -streams from the purple vault of heaven, and the utmost depths of the -lucid waters of the Bosphorus reflected his splendours. The entrance of -the Corne d'Or--so called, no doubt, because it takes the shape of a -horn of plenty--is in truth a Golden Horn, from the facilities it -affords for maritime and commercial intercourse, as well as navigation, -penetrating, as it does, into the very bosom of the imperial city. -Constantinople, like London, has no quays; and on every side this -immense metropolis plunges its feet, or banks, into the Bosphorus, from -which it rises, offering to the view the most magnificent spectacle -beneath the canopy of heaven. This is particularly the case from the -Seraglio Point, where the real city of Istamboul is seated. The soil -rises from the level of the water, presenting a vast amphitheatre of -myriads of houses, mosques, minarets, and monuments of all descriptions, -intermixed with forests of sombre cypress trees. - -A dragoman whom I engaged, and who spoke very good English, gave me a -description of the surrounding scenery. Nothing can be more ravishing -than the living panorama of the Bosphorus, covered with caiques and -their caidjees, darting about on all sides like water-flies. The -elegance of those frail barks, and the cleanliness of the light and -cheerful costume of their owners, so well develops the Oriental style, -that it cannot fail in forcibly striking every stranger. Numerous large -sailing-vessels, steamboats, Greek and Turkish barques, and even -men-of-war (many being then stationed in the Golden Horn), made me -forget for some time my mobile panorama, to dwell upon the nautical one, -which, so new to me, unexpectedly attracted my attention, when my -dragoman informed me that it was near eleven o'clock, and that my men -had returned for the luggage. - -"Very well," said I; "but pray explain to me the various places by which -we are now surrounded." - -"Certainly, sir, with great pleasure. I know every spot, palace, and -monument. On entering the Bosphorus this morning, you passed before the -Castle of the Seven Towers, where the ambassadors were formerly -imprisoned. Those islands to the left are the Isles des Princes. All the -Europeans go and spend their Sundays there. In summer many reside there, -and come to business in the morning, returning at night." - -"Those hills yonder, I suppose, are very pretty?" - -"Oh, very much so indeed. Almost facing them is the Asiatic shore: that -pretty place to the left is called Kadikoi--a very pretty summer -residence, inhabited by rich merchants, particularly Greeks and -Armenians. It is full of beautiful houses and gardens, and is much -celebrated for its fine fruits. A little further this way is the General -Hospital--that red brick building." - -"That I am aware of. And the other is the great Barrack Hospital, with -its hundreds of windows and four square towers. They are full of English -sick and wounded--that I of course knew." - -"Next to it is a splendid mosque called the Sultan's mosque. It is -frequented by his Majesty when he resides at his summer kiosque of Hyder -Pacha. That forest of cypress trees is the grand Champ des Morts, or the -favourite Turkish cemetery. It extends several miles. Several -generations are buried there." - -"Well, what follows?" - -"This beautiful and picturesque spot, sir, is called Scutari. It is full -of kiosques and Turkish families, pachas, &c. It contains about a -hundred thousand inhabitants, almost all Turks, and extends beyond the -front of the Sultan's new palace of Dolma Bachi. You can see it from -here. It is not quite finished, and is constructed chiefly of white -marble. Lower down is a palace inhabited by the Sultan. It is lighted by -gas--quite a new thing in Constantinople. That large building above, on -the heights, is the grand hospital of Pera, now used by the French; and -all the neighbourhood as far as the pointed tower is called Pera, the -Christian quarter, where are the foreign embassies and foreign -merchants' residences. The large yellowish building with the colonnade -you see facing us so boldly is the Russian Embassy. They are about to -convert it into a hospital for the sick French officers. The beautiful -mosque and large square you see at the bottom is called Tophane. It -contains a large cannon-foundry; and in the centre of the square is the -kiosque belonging to the Sultan's brother. His Majesty frequently -visits this place when he attends his favourite mosque. - -"This large tower is called the Galata Tower, and from the top the -fire-signal is made; and I can assure you that in the winter its -guardians have something to do, as there is a fire every day or night. -Lower down, towards the bridge, is called Galata, where all mercantile -and commercial, as well as naval, business is transacted. Every rich -merchant of Pera has a counting-house there. The building at the bottom -is the Custom-house, or, as it should be called, the confusion-house; -for if unfortunately you get goods in, 'tis a hundred to one if you ever -get them out again. The rough bridge you see yonder has only existed -these last twenty years. Before that was built, people were obliged to -cross from Stamboul to the European shore in caiques; and now, when -three or four large vessels have to pass through the bridge, it remains -open for several hours, keeping passengers waiting for that time. Two -more light bridges lower down cross the Golden Horn, and the navigation -terminates about two miles above the last bridge. In caiques you can go -as far as the sweet waters of Europe, which are about five miles further -up." - -"Thank you," said I; "pray be less prolix in your descriptions." - -"Well, now, sir, as we are come to Stamboul, or the real city of -Constantinople, allow me to explain to you the names of some of those -beautiful mosques with which you see this vast city is crowded. The -first and most important is the Mosque of Sultan Bajazid, very -remarkable for the number of its volatile inhabitants, consisting of -several thousands of beautiful tame pigeons. That high tower behind it -is called the Seraskier's Tower, and also serves the purpose of a -signal-tower in case of fire, the same as that of Pera. Then follow the -mosques of Sultan Selim, Mahomet, Sedya Tamissi, Solimaniek, Bayazid, -Osmanliek, Sultan Achmet, Irene, and the great Saint Sophia, which I -would in particular advise you to visit." - -"Of course I shall do that, you may be certain." - -"On the prominent part of this side of Saint Sophia the ceremony of the -Bairam is celebrated, at the close of the great feast of the Ramazan. -All the nobility of the Empire are in duty bound to appear in new and -most gaudy costumes at this magnificent Oriental pageant, which this -year will take place at the end of June, at about three o'clock in the -morning." - -"What a singular hour for so great a ceremony!" I remarked. - -"Oh, that cannot be helped," he replied, "as it is regulated by the -revolution of the moon. An old Turk, with whom I am well acquainted, -told me that he recollected its having happened at twelve o'clock in the -day, and in the middle of winter." - -"A strange custom," said I. - -"Well, sir, if you feel interested in Turkish habits and religion, you -should inquire about the six weeks of Rhamadhan, when they starve all -day, and get intoxicated to madness at night." - -"Thank you for your information; but pray continue your description." - -"I will. Near the very spot where this festival takes place is the -Sultan Mahmoud's palace, the top of which you can see through those high -trees." - -"Pray, what are those rows of small domes, like well-corked bottles?" - -"They are the kitchen chimneys." - -"What, all of them?" - -"Yes, sir; I have often been there, and know well enough that, although -the Sultan no longer inhabits it, two or three hundred men-cooks remain -in the kitchens." - -"For what purpose, my friend, if no one lives there?" - -"Oh, somebody does. I believe there is a college for some of the -favourite sons of high Turkish families. Here," he continued, "look at -this uneven row of houses with lattices. Do you know what they are?" - -"No; pray what are they?" - -"Why, Sultan Mahmoud's harem; and it is most probably still inhabited by -a few of his old favourites and their suites, which are very numerous." - -"Well, upon my word, those species of chalets put me very much in mind -of chicken-cages." - -The English officer's wife, to whom I have before referred, and with -whom I had some conversation during the passage, came upon deck while my -dragoman was describing the surrounding scenery, and listened with vivid -interest, taking notes of the most interesting passages. The dragoman, -turning quickly round--"Madam," said he, "you see that colossal spout -shooting out at a sharp incline towards the water. That is the spot from -whence, if any of the Turkish ladies prove disobedient or faithless to -their imperial lord and master, they are stitched up in a sack alive, -accompanied by a starving cat and a venomous serpent, and shot into that -mighty watery grave, the Bosphorus." - -"Monsieur Soyer, do you think that is true?" - -"I believe such things have been done, madam, for it was pointed out to -me the first thing this morning as having been used for that purpose. I -recollect some years since reading the same tale either in a French or -English work; I believe it was French. At all events, European manners -and customs are progressing throughout the world, and have even reached -Turkey. I hear from every one, that the Sultan is a most amiable and -humane man. I would therefore recommend you to reserve your look of -horror and indignation for more modern calamities. You may be certain, -if such things have happened, they will never happen again, for, thank -Heaven, we live in a civilized era." - -"We should, perhaps, doubt such reports." - -"You are quite right, madam." - -"There is another curious tale related of the Leander Tower," said the -lady. - -"There is; but my dragoman tells me the proper name for it is _La Tour -de la Jeune Fille_, as they say in French, or the Maiden's Tower." - -"I was here when a French tutor came to Constantinople," said my -dragoman, "and the first thing he asked me was--'Where is the Maiden's -Tower?' as the English call it. At all events, madam, the story runs -thus:--A great beauty, the daughter of some pacha, had her fortune told -by a celebrated gipsy, who apprised her that she would never marry, as -she was fated to die young. The girl, terrified at the prediction, ran, -and in tears related to her father the fatal destiny said to be in -reserve for her. He immediately sent for the old witch, and she repeated -the fatal prophecy, adding, moreover, that the young girl would die from -the bite of a serpent or some such venomous reptile. The pacha having -repeatedly asked the old woman if that was the only kind of speedy death -with which his daughter was menaced, and having received a reply in the -affirmative, parted upon very friendly terms with the hag, who was -possessed, as he said, by an evil spirit. He then caused this tower to -be built for his daughter's residence, and for several years she lived -in this picturesque place, without being visited by any one but her -father, who continually supplied her with provisions of the most -delicate kind, and nosegays of the finest flowers. It happened one day, -that, on taking up one of the bouquets in order to inhale the perfume, a -small insect stung her on the lip, and in a few hours she expired in -great agony, before any succour could be obtained, as there was no -communication with the land, nor any antidote in readiness. So awful an -event, in so secluded a spot, had never been contemplated. The pacha's -intention had been to keep his daughter there till she was of age to be -married, and thus break the spell of the old sorceress. The legend was -thus related to me by an Armenian gentleman who has lived here nearly -all his lifetime." - -"Well, I admit that I have not only heard the story before, but I -recollect the incident of the death of the young girl, from the bite of -a reptile, very well; and I also heard that the name of the Tower of -Leander is applied to it; but it has not the least relation to the -legend of the two lovers celebrated by Lord Byron, who also swam from -Sestos to Abydos." - -As my people had returned, and were waiting for me, I bade my fair -_compagnon de voyage_ adieu, expressing a hope to have the pleasure of -meeting her in Balaklava. Our two caidjees rapidly flew away with us -from the side of the _Simois_, and soon landed us at the Tophane -tumble-down stairs. We are now on shore; but what a contrast!--the fairy -scene has disappeared, and we appear to be in the midst of a penny show. -The Tophane landing place is nothing but a heap of rotten planks, parts -of which have given way, and the holes are rather dangerous, as one -might easily slip and break a leg. The very clean and picturesque -caidjees are waiting amidst heaps of manure and the carcase of a dead -horse, which had been thrown into the Bosphorus and had drifted on -shore. A number of ill-looking, half-famished dogs were feeding upon -that heap of corruption. On inquiring of the son of the proprietor of -the hotel, who accompanied me, he coolly told me that it had only been -there a day or two, and would probably remain for months--particularly -the skeleton--when the dogs had devoured all the flesh. The odour -arising from the carcass, and the filth daily cast into the water, was -very unwholesome, and quite unbearable; and very glad was I to quit the -great landing-place of Tophane--so called, no doubt, from the -extraordinary amount of daily traffic between the shipping above and the -Asiatic shore. About seventy or eighty caiques are always waiting there, -as it is the principal landing point at Constantinople. - -Following my guide, we passed through a number of dirty narrow streets, -full of a black liquid mud, very ill paved--if they could be called -paved at all, amidst which numerous leperous and villanous-looking dogs -were snarling and fighting. Donkeys loaded with tiles, stones, and long -logs of wood filled up the filthy road; besides gangs of powerful and -noisy Turkish hamals or porters, carrying enormous loads upon long -poles. The enchanting mirage of the panoramic Constantinople vanished -rapidly from before my disenchanted eyes; this ephemeral Paradise of -Mahomet changing at once into an almost insupportable purgatory. I could -not imagine how such a mass of ruins and of miserable wooden houses -could, from so short a distance, take such a brilliant aspect or create -such ravishing sensations, as the first view of Constantinople had -raised in my mind from the deck of the _Simois_. I now envied the fate -of our fair fellow-traveller who so much regretted that she could not -disembark--were it only for a few hours. Those few hours, nay, the -first, would have sufficed to break the spell. Reader, though this is an -exact description of our entrance into Constantinople, I reasoned -thus--It is an immense metropolis, and no doubt something great exists -within its walls. I must wait patiently and try to find it out. - -Reproaching my dragoman for bringing me through such a vile part of the -city, he quietly replied, in English, "There is no other road, sir; it -has rained very much lately, which is the cause of so much mud." I now -perceived, that as far as the names of pavements go, the difference -between Constantinople and London was not so great,--the former being -_muck-muddy-mised_, and the latter _macadamised_. - -At this moment we were turning the corner of the Grand Mosque of Sultan -Soliman; and a pacha, in all his obesity, mounted upon an Arabian horse, -and followed by his suite, six in number, rode full gallop through a -pond of liquid slush, splashing every one from head to foot on either -side the narrow street. An English soldier at once sent him his military -blessing; and the Turk, spurring his horse, exclaimed, "Not Bono Johnny; -Not Bono Johnny;" that being the name given to the English by the Turks. -After passing through several similar streets, consisting of ruinous -wooden shanties and shops of the lowest order, "viz., chibouque tube and -pipe-bowl makers," the interior of which were dirty and mean, with -scarcely any kind of stock, we arrived at a fountain, in front of which -was a semi-perpendicular and narrow street. My guide informed me that my -hotel was at the end of this street. "It is," he continued, "the Hotel -d'Angleterre, called by the English--Messerie's Hotel." - -"Thank God for that," said I. In about twenty minutes we arrived at the -said hotel. As I had sent my letter to Mr. Messerie, he soon appeared, -and very cordially shook me by the hand, and politely expressed his -regret at not being able to accommodate me. He recommended the Hotel des -Ambassadeurs. On my saying that I was going there, he made me promise to -call upon him the next morning, the distance from his house being but a -few paces. - -When I arrived, I at once retired to my apartment, quite worn out with -fatigue. Having taken some refreshment, I made up my mind not to dine at -the table d'hote. I learnt that Colonel St. George, Captain Ponsonby, -&c., had gone to the Hotel de l'Europe, and I therefore felt free for -that evening. About five o'clock, Mons. Pantaleone Veracleo, a young -Greek, the son of the hotel-keeper, came and informed me that the table -d'hote would be ready at six. Thanking him for his attention, I -proceeded to ask several questions about Constantinople, and also the -distance from the hotel to the British Embassy? - -"Not five minutes' walk, sir," said he; "you can see it from the top of -the hotel. Our house is the highest in Pera!" - -We mounted to the terrace, and my conductor pointed it out to me. From -this terrace I again beheld a similar panorama to that which I had -witnessed on board the _Simois_, and by which I had been so much -charmed. In order to enjoy it fully, I expressed my desire to remain a -short time alone. Having directed my attention to the different points -of view, Mr. Veracleo left me. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF CONSTANTINOPLE FROM PERA. - - An accomplished linguist--Le Petit Champ des Morts--Bird's-eye - view--Breakfast table of the hotel--English Embassy--Interview with - Lady Stratford de Redcliffe--The sanctuary of high diplomacy--Lord - Stratford de Redcliffe--Signor Roco Vido--His apartment--Importance - of a good dinner--Lord Stratford's diplomatic banquet - postponed--Probable consequences--Quotation from the _Gastronomic - Regenerator_. - - -The rays of the sun on that showery March day assumed, towards five -p.m., in the regions of the West, a most brilliant aspect. The vaporous -edges of the humid clouds seemed gilded with vermilion and silver tints. -The floods of light, like living fire, fell upon the rich masses of the -domes of various mosques, and hundreds of pointed and slender minarets. -While gazing in loneliness and contemplation, from the terrace of the -Hotel des Ambassadeurs, at this charming spot in the East, to which the -beautiful mirage of an Oriental sunset lent an indescribable charm, a -shrieking voice was heard from the lower terrace, saying, "Il signor, la -table d'outre est servi! et il se refroidit fortement! La soupe il etoit -tout a fait demenagee of the tureen!" Looking over the railing, I -perceived the interpreter of the hotel, who was unfortunately the -possessor of several tongues, addressing himself to me. He, no doubt, -meant to imply that the table-d'hote had been served, and the soup -already removed from the table. This _olla podrida_ of languages having -produced no effect upon my mind, half an hour after, the son of the -hotel-keeper made his appearance, who, though speaking French like -certain horned beasts in Spain, clearly gave me to understand that I was -too late for dinner. Taking advantage of his unexpected visit, I -inquired, looking towards the arsenal, "What part of the metropolis is -that opening near us?" - -"Le Petit Champ des Morts, or the Small Field of the Dead,--so-called, -though nearly two miles in circumference, which is now so full that no -further interments are allowed within its area,"--he replied. - -By the aid of an opera-glass, I plainly distinguished beneath us a large -pile of irregular stones, encircled by a railing. I, at first sight, -took this for the ruins of a kind of hippodrome which might have -succumbed to an earthquake, each stone having lost its perpendicular, as -though purposely to mock its fellow, and not making the slightest -attempt to perpetuate the grandeur of their solemn mission. Horses, -mules, and donkeys, were seen dragging loads of large planks to and fro, -six or eight on either side. The ends of the planks kept cutting rather -deep zig-zags into the soft ground, and were continually catching -against tombstones. The whole formed a kind of gigantic American -bagatelle board, where, when the ball is violently thrown to the top, it -descends by degrees, catching the points in every direction in its way -down. Next to it music was heard. Boys were romping, some playing with -marbles, or five para pieces, making use of the stones for their point -of departure. Lemonade, cakes, raki, and variegated bonbons, oranges, -lemons, &c., were briskly purchased by the promenaders, who, amongst -this _cohue-bohue_ of industry, were seen gaily crossing and recrossing -the green paths. Some reclined against the grave-stones, forming, as it -were, an arm-chair. Amongst them, however, were but few Mussulmans, some -turning Dervishes and Howlers, Greeks, Armenians, French, Perotes, -Smyrniotes, and here and there gazing with astonishing disapprobation, -some of the children of Albion. All excepting the latter might be seen -gaily fluttering from tombstone to tombstone, like busy bees from flower -to flower, in a perfumed pasture in summer. Here and there clumps of -cypress trees looked like the mournful guardians of this desecrated -spot. Some of the marble stones are still vividly stained with the blood -of the haughty and rebellious Janissaries, whose crumbling bodies lay -beneath. Such is the pious veneration of the Oriental population for the -remains of their ancestors in the Petit Champ des Morts at Pera. - -The principal buildings which grace this foreign quarter are the -English, French, Austrian, Russian, Sardinian, and Prussian embassies. -The former, called the Palais d'Angleterre, now the residence of Lord -Stratford de Redcliffe, interested me most, as I was in duty bound to -pay my humble respects to his lordship and her ladyship the next -morning. It brought to my mind from a distance the celebrated building -of the Reform Club, which gave Barry his high reputation as an -architect, and where your humble servant passed above two lustres of his -culinary career. - -While the new moon was faintly shining through transparent clouds, the -hundred minarets of Stamboul and its vicinity had been illuminated for a -festival, and their fiery collarettes a la Vandyke proudly carried those -rings of diamonds high towards the heavenly sphere. Eight o'clock was -striking at the Catholic church of Saint Mary. All was darkness and -silence. Hastily retiring to my bed-room, perfectly satisfied with -having fed my mind, although I had probably neglected internal -restoration, I soon fell into a most profound slumber, in which I saw -nothing but churchyards, clumps of cypress trees, mosques, and -illuminated minarets, till I awoke at daybreak. - -My wandering mind having fluttered all night about the Oriental -metropolis, I was not in the slightest degree surprised to find myself -in the morning in the land which had given birth to the _Arabian -Nights_. The sound of a cracked bell was heard from the bottom of the -staircase, inviting each traveller to his morning meal. There was a -goodly number present, and we sat down about thirty-five. The majority -were military men, of various ranks, mostly French and English. Some -expressed their regret at my absence the previous evening, fancying--so -much for imagination--the dinner would have been more choice had the -landlord been personally acquainted with me. At all events, the -breakfast-table was well supplied, and I made a hearty meal, amidst the -buzzing of various languages. - -As it was nearly eleven o'clock by the time I had finished, I started -for the Embassy, and after about twenty minutes of most laborious -gymnastic exercise over the ill-paved Rue (Ruelle it should be called) -de Pera, I entered the small wooden gate at the grand entrance of the -Palais d'Angleterre, which is majestically located in a fine open space -of ground, encircled by a large terrace, with parterres of shrubs and -high trees, from which spot a most favourable view of the rich mass of -building around is obtained. Modest grandeur, boldness, and simplicity -of execution, seem to have been the architect's sole ambition. I shall -probably, in another chapter, describe the beauty and comfort of its -interior. The porter having taken my card, I was immediately shown into -the library. A few moments spent in this sanctuary of belles lettres -afforded me a fair opportunity of closely examining a very excellent and -well-executed painting, the style of which assured me that it was a good -portrait of his Sublime Majesty, the present Sultan, Abdul Medjid. Ten -minutes had scarcely elapsed, when Lady Stratford entered, and addressed -me in French, with a smile of welcome difficult to forget. "Well, -Monsieur Soyer, we heard of your departure from England for the East." - -"No doubt you did, my lady." - -"And I sincerely hope that you will succeed in your laudable -undertaking. I have no doubt your suggestions will prove highly -beneficial, and be well received by the authorities at the various -hospitals, which, in your department, are much in want of some kind of -regulation. I also hope that the Minister-at-War has invested you with -power to act according to your own judgment." - -"I am happy to inform your ladyship," said I, "that her Majesty's -Government has not only granted me the power required to superintend -and, if possible, improve the diet at the Hospital, but have also -honoured me with their full confidence as regards ordering anything -extra which may be required, so long as it tends to the comfort of the -sick.' - -"Well, I am very happy to hear that such is the case," replied her -ladyship; "for without such power your services would not have been so -effective." - -"I can assure your ladyship that I would not have undertaken this task -if such powers had not been granted to me by Lord Panmure. I was well -aware of the numerous difficulties I should meet with, which are almost -unavoidable in every kind of administration. But so highly do I -appreciate the honour conferred upon me, that, far from taking advantage -of the unlimited confidence reposed in me, it will be my pride to try -and make all my contemplated improvements with the present governmental -allowance; and I have no doubt that in time, by judicious organization -and good management, as well as by using everything to the best -advantage, I shall economize, instead of increasing the expense to the -nation. Having heard that your ladyship has, from the commencement of -this serious war, devoted the best part of your time to the various -hospitals, in watching over the sick and wounded, I shall esteem it a -great favour if you will direct me how to act, in order to insure prompt -success, and what articles of diet are most required for the patients." - -"It will afford me great pleasure, Monsieur Soyer, to give you the -principal information; but Signor Roco Vido, my head manager and cook, -will furnish the details, as he daily prepares large quantities of -comforts,--such as beef-tea, mutton and chicken broth, calves'-foot -jelly, &c., &c.,--and distributes them himself at the Barrack and -General Hospitals, also at Hyder Pacha, where the officers are." - -"Indeed, my lady. Such information from Signor Roco would be invaluable -to me." - -"Very well; I will send for him." - -"I beg your ladyship's pardon, but I always understood that the -hospitals were on the other side the Bosphorus." - -"Yes, Monsieur Soyer, the great military ones are; but as at the -beginning of the campaign, after the battle of the Alma, none of them -had extra diet kitchens, we prepare food here and send it over." - -"I understand that the Bosphorus is sometimes so rough that no one can -cross it." - -"Such is the case; but we have a good-sized caique, and I can assure you -that, although it is so very dangerous, it has never missed going one -day; and since the battle of Inkermann, it often goes to Kululee, where -we have opened another hospital, nearly three miles from this. Before -you see Signor Roco, if you will follow me, I will inquire whether Lord -Stratford is disengaged, as I have no doubt he will be pleased to see -you." - -"I am your ladyship's most humble servant," was my reply. - -After walking over the best part of the grand square gallery, and -crossing before the magnificent marble hall and gigantic staircase, we -ascended to a loftier story. A gentle tap at the door gained us -admittance to the sanctuary of high diplomacy. A plain screen was all -the furniture to be seen. A few words from her ladyship soon brought me -in communication with his Excellency, who, though much engaged (being -surrounded by mountains of official papers), received me in a most -cheerful and friendly manner. After I had said a few words relative to -the mission entrusted to me by the British Government, and her ladyship -had briefly narrated our former conversation, Lord Stratford kindly -expressed the pleasure it would give him to hear of my success in that -important department. "A good diet," said Lady Stratford, "being of -paramount importance to every one in a state of debility. Monsieur -Soyer," continued her ladyship, "also wishes to see Roco, to learn from -him, as he has now had several months' practice making various aliments -for the patients, what kinds are most in request by the doctors." - -"No doubt," Lord Redcliffe replied, "Roco will be happy to give you all -the information you may require upon the subject. He is a very good man, -and exerts himself to the utmost for the hospitals." - -Lord Stratford again expressed his good wishes and promises of kind -support, whereupon her ladyship and your humble servant retired. The -ambassadress then ordered the footman in waiting to conduct me to -Signor Roco's apartment; expressing her desire to meet me with him the -next day at the Kululee and Scutari hospitals. I promised to attend at -those places on the following morning, and took my leave. - -A walk through the gallery and corridor of that noble mansion brought us -to Signor Roco Vido's door. An indication on the outside apprised me -that my cicerone was a child of _la belle Italie_, which at first caused -me some fear lest this should create impediments and delay in our -business transactions, as I only understood the language of the Italian -opera. A few words from the footman soon brought me in amicable contact -with the major-domo of the Palais d'Angleterre, who spoke excellent -English, and, like his illustrious master, was surrounded by archives, -but only of culinary and household affairs. The contents of these, -though not so important to the world, were nearly as substantial, more -especially the bill of fare, which in itself is capable of influencing -any diplomatic subject. A good one gratifies the stomach and soothes the -brain, which is necessarily influenced by the quality, succulence, and -scientific preparation of the aliments imparted to the first organ. - -Such was the important office entrusted to the guidance of Signor Roco -Vido. And who can say, after all, that the late destructive war was not -partly, or even entirely, caused by a dinner? Did not the French -revolution of '48 emanate from a banquet? and upon this occasion, 1854, -six years after, a most unaccountable gastronomic event occurred. Lord -Stratford de Redcliffe, on his return to Constantinople as -plenipotentiary, had for the first time invited his Excellency Prince -Menschikoff to a grand diplomatic dinner, where all the representatives -of the then united Courts were to assemble. The day was fixed for the -21st of March, 1854, and the invitations were cordially accepted, most -especially by the representative of the Czar; he being, no doubt, -anxious to read upon the brow of the diplomatist the political feeling -of his nation. That very day, towards noon, the Sultan's mother died. In -the morning she had written a letter to his Excellency, expressive of -her full confidence that he would study the future welfare of her son in -his relations with the British Government. On account of this mournful -event, and with a most profound feeling of respect and veneration for -the Imperial mourner, the dinner was postponed for a week; and while the -dark veil was laid over the banqueting-table, and the black seal was set -upon the _batterie de cuisine_, and numerous _bouches a feu de -l'Ambassade britannique_, his Excellency Prince Menschikoff was on board -a Russian man-of-war anchored at the mouth of the Black Sea, waiting -with all the dignity and defiance imaginable for the determination of -peace or war. The diplomatic banquet never took place! the war did! - -I consider a postponed diplomatic dinner to be an universal calamity, -especially when only a few hours' notice of the postponement is given; -and I cannot but quote the _Gastronomic Regenerator_, page 342, -published in the year 1842, in which I say-- - -"Rien ne dispose mieux l'esprit humain a des transactions amicales qu'un -diner bien concu et artistement prepare. Lisez l'histoire, et vous y -trouverez que, dans tous les temps et chez tous les peuples, le bien qui -s'est fait, et quelquefois le mal, fut toujours precede ou suivi d'un -copieux diner." - -_Translation._--"Nothing can prepare the human mind for amicable -intercourse better than a well-conceived and artistically-prepared -dinner. Read history, and you will ascertain that at all periods, and -amongst all nations, the benefits, and sometimes the evils, they -experienced, were either preceded or followed by a good dinner." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -FIRST VIEW OF THE SCENE OF ACTION. - - Cordial reception--Table-d'hote--Absence of the fair sex--Warlike - sentiments--Toasts--Scene at the Tophane landing-place--A chorus of - boatmen--Caiques and caidjees--Romantic illusions - dispelled--Crossing the Bosphorus--The Barrack Hospital--Lord - William Paulet--Warm welcome--Dr. Cumming's apartment--Plans - discussed--Melancholy sights--Return to Pera--Another conversation - with Signor Roco Vido--Articles supplied by him to the - hospitals--Wounded Russians--Origin of the hospital--An - appointment. - - -The same day, I despatched one of my men to the Barrack Hospital at -Scutari, to inform Lord William Paulet--at that period Brigadier-General -of the British army--of my arrival at Constantinople, and to inquire at -what hour his lordship would favour me with an interview. Upon my return -from the Palais d'Angleterre, I found that my man Julian had arrived -from Scutari, much, pleased with his lordship's reception, but terribly -frightened by his passage _en caique_ across the Bosphorus, which that -day was so rough that all his clothes were wet through. "The caidjee -would not take me there and back for less than five shillings," said he. - -"Well, never mind that, so long as you have seen his lordship and are -safe upon _terra firma_." - -"I must tell you, sir, that upon announcing your arrival, his lordship -seemed very much pleased, and observed, 'So Monsieur Soyer has arrived! -Where is he?' 'At Pera, my lord, at the Hotel des Ambassadeurs.' 'I had -the pleasure of knowing M. Soyer,' said his lordship, 'when he came to -Ireland in the year of the famine. Tell him I shall be happy to see him -any time to-morrow between the hours of nine and four.' 'Thank you, my -lord. I shall not fail to acquaint M. Soyer of the kind reception you -have given me on his behalf.'" - -Highly gratified at the kind reception I had received from Lord and Lady -Stratford de Redcliffe, and fixing my visit to Lord William Paulet for -nine or ten the next morning, I then visited General Cannon at -Messerie's Hotel, to inform him of the progress I was making, and to -tell him that all appeared encouraging. I felt it my duty to do this, as -he and all the officers on board the _Simois_ expressed considerable -interest in my undertaking. As General Cannon was out, I had the -pleasure of seeing his aide-de-camp, Captain Harbuckle, who promised to -inform the General of the subject of my visit. On inquiring for Mr. -Messerie, I found him busily engaged in the entrance-hall. He took me to -his private room, and we had a long conversation. He very kindly gave me -much valuable information respecting the products of the country, which, -he stated, differed much from those found in the English markets in -quality, though little in price, as all kinds of provisions had risen to -double, and in some cases triple, what they were before the commencement -of the war. - -"That," I answered, "could not fail to be the case, considering the -immense influx of troops daily arriving at Constantinople." - -"Any information or assistance you may require, Monsieur, I shall, as a -_confrere_, be happy to give you, and will also endeavour to render -myself useful as well as agreeable." - -I promised to pay him a visit now and then when I came to Pera, and we -parted. It would be difficult for any one to imagine the immense number -of persons who daily went in and out of this large hotel. The spacious -hall was crowded with baggage. In fact, there is but one hotel in Pera, -or we might say in Constantinople, and that is the one. - -I next called at the "Hotel de l'Europe," to see Captain Ponsonby and -Colonel St. George. I found they had just before left, with the -intention of dining at the table-d'hote at the "Hotel des Ambassadeurs." -Upon my arrival there, I found a number of my fellow-travellers, all -come, as they said, in expectation of finding a better dinner than at -their hotel, in consequence of my being there. We certainly had a very -tolerable dinner, which stamped for a time the reputation of the hotel -for having one of the best tables-d'hote in Constantinople. The room was -very spacious and lofty, the table well laid out, ornamented with -numerous fine bouquets of flowers, and lighted with wax lights. We sat -down about forty, principally military men. - -Over glasses of Greek champagne and Bordeaux wine, several laughable -anecdotes relating to our voyage were told. Expressions of admiration at -the view of the Moslem city from the Bosphorus--of disappointment at the -disenchantment experienced on landing--were freely uttered. In fact, we -all seemed to enter upon our campaign with most flourishing prospects; -but we could not help remarking, and feeling at heart, the want of -ladies at our board. Not one adorned our festival. This gave us a sad -_prestige_ of the deprivation of female society we should be condemned -to in the Crimea. Such was to be our fate throughout the campaign. At -the time, none seemed to feel the loss of those they loved or had loved -so dearly. No; all were for war! war! and glory at any risk. Bloodshed, -epidemics, destruction, loss of life, &c., were matters of little -moment. The very air we breathed seemed to smell of powder. All these -horrors had steeled men's hearts, and in so doing, seemed to have -banished all rational feeling for home. Men seldom thought of their -wives and families, or at least never spoke of them; and if a young and -tender-hearted warrior did think of his anticipated fair companion or -_fiancee_, he dared not talk of her--every one would have laughed at -him. - -In spite of this, one member of the fair sisterhood, and the ornament of -her sex, was not forgotten; and when the health of Victoria, Queen of -England, was proposed by a French Colonel, the shouts and hurrahs it -elicited did not cease for many minutes. Why such enthusiasm? Believe -me, it was not in honour of her Majesty's sex. No! it was an -acknowledgment of the martial glory of the country; for, a few minutes -after, the same sentiment was expressed for the Emperor of France; and -again, for the union and alliance of the three nations. This proceeding, -instead of opening the heart to feelings of love, and of calling forth -the last sentiment of the kind which might have lingered there, aroused -a sterner inspiration. Such are what I call the calamities, if not the -horrors, of war; where all is destruction, and humanity is rendered -inhuman. This was the prevailing feeling of about forty well-bred and -brave military men--fifteen of whom were French, and the remainder -Englishmen--sitting at the table-d'hote of the "Hotel des Ambassadeurs," -at Pera, on the 20th of March, 1854. Of that company, nearly a third, a -few months after, had sacrificed their lives for the glory of their -country. - -The next morning, at half-past eight, I went with my dragoman to the -horrid Tophane landing-place. There I was surrounded by at least twenty -caidjees, who added to the disagreeables of this spot an evil of which I -was not aware at my first visit. Just fancy twenty Turks screaming out -their to me unknown language, and performing, at the same time, a -peculiar pantomime with their fists so close to your visage, you might -almost fancy they were telling you that, if you dared to take any other -caique than theirs, they would punch your head for you, or throw you -into the Bosphorus. In such a scene of noise and confusion, it is -almost, if not altogether, impossible for one to make up one's mind -whether one requires one caique or several. The mistake occurs in this, -that they offer you a caique with one, two, or three caidjees. - -As the Bosphorus was very rough, my man hired a craft with three pair of -oars--the two and three-oared boats being the only ones that went out -that day--the small caiques with one pair of oars seldom venturing out -in such weather. We soon stepped into the boat; and, to my delight, we -had no sooner set foot in the one we had selected, than, as if by a -magic spell, every tongue was silent. About two minutes after, just as -we were pushing off, two English officers made their appearance, and -experienced more trouble than I had done, as I had with me a man who -spoke their language. We got afloat quickly enough, and the short -spiteful waves constantly dashed in our faces, and rocked us about in -all directions. To my astonishment, the rowers took quite a different -direction to the Barrack Hospital, which appeared to me close at hand. -On making a remark to this effect to my dragoman, he told me the current -was so strong that they were obliged to fetch up a long way to avoid -being dashed against the Seraglio Point, or the chains and hawsers of -the vessels at anchor. "Oh, thank you," said I, "let them go as many -miles round as they please, especially as I have till four o'clock to -see his lordship." - -After a long pull we came close to the Tour de la Jeune Fille, and I -told my man Auguste to inquire respecting the truth of the tale narrated -in a previous chapter. The only reply he could get from the three -caidjees respecting this wonderful story was, that they knew of no young -maiden who dwelt there; but that, on the contrary, an old Armenian -woman, in summer time, sold bad coffee and worse tobacco. A few weeks -afterwards the _cafe_ was opened, and, instead of _la jeune fille_, -there was an obesity of about sixty years old--_coiffee a la -grecque_--fresh flowers ornamenting the remains of what, no doubt, was -once a fine head of hair. - -The current here is so strong and rapid, that the waves inundate the -best part of the tower. Auguste told me this place was at all times the -most dangerous, and that in bad weather a single-oared caique could not -cross near it. A few minutes after, under shelter of the high Scutari -banks and out of the current, we were, comparatively speaking, in smooth -water. But our poor caidjees were in a violent perspiration, though the -weather was rather cold, and paused to take breath. It took us above an -hour to cross, though you could see the hospital close at hand at -starting. At last we arrived at the landing-place, which, thanks to the -English, was far better than the Tophane one. - -The hospital being on an elevated spot, and not more than a thousand -yards distant, appeared three times as large as it did from the deck of -the _Simois_; and here again, at sight of such a gigantic establishment, -my courage failed me, and for the second time I regretted having -undertaken such a difficult task. I immediately went to the grand -hospital entrance, the residence of Lord W. Paulet, thanking my stars -that I had the honour of being known to him. I was shown the general's -quarters, and sent in my card. I was desired to follow, and had no -sooner entered, than his lordship came to meet me, and shook hands -cordially. - -"Monsieur Soyer," said he, "we have not had the pleasure of meeting -since 1847, when I saw you in Dublin,--the year of the famine in -Ireland." - -These words recalled the scene to my mind. - -"I was at the Royal Barracks, with the Duke of Cambridge, when you -opened your kitchen in the Barrack Square--in fact, before our window. -The Duke and myself paid you a visit the day the Lord-Lieutenant opened -it. You had nearly a thousand visitors that morning, and fed between -four and five thousand poor people in the course of the day. The samples -of food prepared by you were excellent, though made at such a moderate -price, I assure you," his lordship continued, speaking to some gentlemen -present, one of whom knew me while at the Reform Club. - -"Indeed, my lord, you give me much pleasure by recalling reminiscences -of my success at that period; and I accept the same as a good omen for -my present undertaking, especially when taken in connexion with your -valuable support." - -"Monsieur Soyer, you may depend upon my support; but I tell you -beforehand, you will have no end of difficulties." - -"Well, my lord, with your support, a good will, and perseverance, I have -no doubt of doing some good." I then presented Lord Panmure's letter -respecting my mission. While his lordship was reading it, I was asked by -several officers present, "What are you sent out for?" Lord William -Paulet, overhearing them, replied, "To set us to rights in our kitchen -department, to be sure. This letter from the Minister-at-War shall be -closely attended to, Monsieur Soyer, and I will this day give orders to -that effect." - -From this I understood that Lord Panmure had given instructions for -everything I might require. - -"Well," said his lordship, "how many cooks have you brought with you?" - -"Four, my lord." - -"Only four! I thought you would want many more than that. However, let -me know what you require. You are staying at Pera?" - -"Yes; but I intend coming over to-morrow, to make a beginning." - -"I must get you a house in town; we are so full here, we have no room to -spare." - -"I'm not sorry for that--it will be a change of air--though I shall -require a small room in the hospital." - -"We'll see about that--but tell me, of how many does your staff -consist?" - -"About seven or eight." - -"I'll try and get you a house to yourself." - -"Many thanks, my lord. I assure you that the kind reception accorded to -me will never be forgotten by your humble servant. In order that no time -may be lost--and I am aware that your lordship's is highly -valuable--will you kindly instruct some one to show me Dr. Cumming's -apartment, as I have a letter of introduction to that gentleman from Dr. -Andrew Smith; and I am anxious to confer with the Doctor upon the -subject of the new diets, and submit them for his special approval." - -His lordship then directed Dr. Rutherford to show me to Dr. Cumming's -office, which we reached through a long corridor lined with beds on -either side, and occupied by sick and wounded. The apartment was full of -persons waiting to see the doctor. On sending in my card I was -immediately admitted, and very politely received. Dr. Cumming was, of -course, full of business. He read the letter from Dr. A. Smith, and then -said, "Monsieur Soyer, you may depend upon it that I will do all in my -power to assist you." - -I then stated my plan of commencing with a hundred patients, of which, -he highly approved. "The next thing," I observed, "will be to find a -suitable place for a kitchen." - -"I think," said he, "the General Hospital will be the best to begin at, -as it has always been used as an hospital. You will find everything more -appropriate there." I expressed a great desire to commence with the -Barrack Hospital, to which Dr. Cumming immediately consented. - -"Dr. Rutherford, you will perhaps be kind enough to show Mr. Soyer over -the hospital, and assist him in selecting a suitable spot to commence -operations." Doctor Cumming again repeated his promise of giving me -every support, and said, "You know my office, and I shall at all times -be glad to see you upon matters of business." - -"You may depend upon it, Doctor, that I shall only trouble you with -indispensable matters, and such with which it is most important you -should be acquainted." - -We then parted. The Doctor and myself walked round the whole of the -corridors, both sides of which were filled with patients. The numerous -wards round the barracks, each of which held about thirty patients, were -also full. These melancholy sights have been so often depicted in -letters in the public press, that it would only be reopening an old -wound were I to dilate upon them. There is a wide difference between -seeing the thing upon the spot, in all its painful and wretched truth, -and in merely reading a well-written description. This fact all who have -witnessed such spectacles have felt, without being able or willing to -describe. I must say that, in spite of the _sang froid_ and energy I -possess, the sight of such calamities made a most extraordinary -impression upon me, and produced an effect which lasted for several days -afterwards. At length I found a place on one of the large staircases, in -which I could make an excellent model kitchen, and of this discovery I -at once informed Dr. Cumming. The afternoon was drawing to a close, and -being obliged to return to Pera, I was compelled to leave without -seeing Miss Nightingale, for whom I had brought several letters--one in -particular, from the Duchess of Sutherland. - -In the evening I went to the British Embassy to have a little -conversation with Signor Roco Vido, respecting the Kululee hospital, and -obtained from him a list of the various sorts of diets he had been -supplying. He then informed me that our visit to Kululee with her -ladyship was deferred for a day or two on account of so many visitors -staying at the Embassy on their way to the Crimea. This news I received -with much pleasure, being anxious to commence operations at the Barrack -Hospital. As it was near Lord Stratford's dinner-hour, he requested me -to sit down, and gave me the book containing the account of all that he -had supplied from the beginning of the war. This I took for my guide. - -The list of articles supplied by Signor Roco Vido to the different -hospitals is so various that it would fill several pages, and would not -be interesting or useful. They consisted principally of beef-tea, -chicken and mutton broth, calves'-foot jelly, arrowroot, semolina, &c. -&c. The supply commenced four days after the battle of the Alma, on -which occasion several wounded Russians were taken prisoners and brought -to the Barrack Hospital. They were about twenty in number, among whom -was General Chekanoff, who died seven days after from his wounds. He had -received three bayonet thrusts, and two balls had passed through his -body: his age was sixty-five. He lies in the Cemetery near the General -Hospital at Scutari. A small piece of rotten plank marks the -resting-place of this brave defender of his country's cause, from which -in a short time the inscription will probably be erased.[8] Signor Marco -Vido, brother of Roco Vido, who afterwards acted as Miss Nightingale's -interpreter, informed me that at that time the barracks which were -afterwards turned into an hospital were entirely destitute of beds, -sheets, blankets, chairs, tables, cooking utensils, or food of any -description; the whole of which were supplied by Lady de Redcliffe; the -General Hospital was then used by the Turkish army. This was the origin -of the largest and most unique hospital in the world. Signor Marco Vido -did not quit the general's side till he had expired. The latter -expressed his sincere thanks to him, and also to her ladyship, for the -extreme kindness shown to him. - -Signor Roco re-entered, as I was about to leave, having just written a -few words of thanks. He said, "I have told my lady you are here. She -will be glad to see you before dinner, if you wish it." - -"No, my dear sir, I do not wish to disturb her ladyship; but pray tell -her that I am entirely at her orders respecting the Kululee or Hyder -Pacha Hospitals." - -"By-the-bye, I am going early to-morrow to Hyder Pacha,--perhaps you -would like to come with me?" said he. - -"I shall be most happy, if you go before twelve o'clock," I replied, "as -at that hour I have several appointments at the Barrack Hospital." - -"We will start at eight o'clock, if you like." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -COMMENCEMENT OF THE CULINARY CAMPAIGN. - - Good news--First meeting with Mr. Bracebridge--The Hyder Pacha - Hospital--Bad cooking--The General Hospital--Meeting with Miss - Nightingale--Plans discussed--Miss Nightingale's anxiety for a - change of system--A visitorial pilgrimage--Miss Nightingale's - dietary kitchen--Bad charcoal--Extra diet kitchens--Question of - seasoning--The general kitchen--Imperfect arrangements--An old - acquaintance--A promising commencement. - - -The next morning we started as agreed upon. On arriving at Scutari, I -met a soldier who informed me that a house in Cambridge-street was being -prepared for my reception. "It is not two minutes' walk from here," said -he; "will you go and see it?" - -"Thank you, not this morning; my friend is in a great hurry. When will -it be ready?" - -"To-morrow, or next day, at the latest." - -"That will do very well. Where can I find you if I want to see you?" - -"At the Engineers' office; my name is Corporal Hardy." - -"I thank you." - -On our way to Hyder Pacha, we met Mr. Bracebridge, talking to Dr. -MacHree, the head doctor at that hospital; both of which gentlemen I -very much wished to see. Upon being introduced to Mr. Bracebridge, I -recognised him as an old acquaintance of my friend, the late Baronet Sir -George Chetwynd, of Greedon Hall, Staffordshire, whom he frequently -visited. He informed me that Miss Nightingale had heard of my arrival, -and that she would be much pleased to see me. - -"I was going to pay my respects," said I, "to Mademoiselle this -afternoon after post-time." - -"Oh, that will do very well," he replied: "she will have great pleasure -in seeing you." - -As the Doctor was on his way to head-quarters, and Mr. Bracebridge was -going in another direction, we continued our journey, which, though -short, was very fatiguing, the roads being very bad in consequence of a -continuance of heavy rain. At last we arrived at the hospital, which, -although the smallest, is certainly the most elegant. It was one of the -Sultan's Kiosques, and was divided into three departments--one for the -officers, and two for the men. About three hundred and forty men and -twenty officers were there at the time, as I was told; the latter -complained very much about their cooking, the inferiority of which was -unavoidable, as there was only a very small kitchen, badly built, which -smoked all day, and was without ventilation. It was there that the Duke -of Cambridge and staff remained during his indisposition; but I must -observe that the Duke had a first-rate culinary artist, who went through -the campaign with him. The Duke was only attended by a few gentlemen, -and consequently it had not at the time of my visit twenty occupants. -Nothing could be done properly for them, till I had built a rough wooden -kitchen, and placed a civilian cook under the orders of the doctor and -purveyor who had the regulation of the diets. This hospital, though very -pretty, was never considered healthy, it being surrounded by gardens and -marshy meadows. - -After inspecting the mess-kitchen, we retired, and thence went to the -General Hospital. The doctor-in-chief not being there, we were shown -round by a staff-doctor. I found the kitchen very dark, and badly built, -for such a number of patients; but the distribution of food and the -regulation of the same were on a much better footing than at the Barrack -Hospital. On noticing this to the head cook, he gave the credit to Dr. -O'Flaherty. Upon being introduced to that gentleman, I recognised him as -one of my visitors in Dublin, at the same time as Brigadier-General Lord -W. Paulet. I promised to have the kitchen altered as soon as it could -possibly be done, and started for the Barrack Hospital to visit Miss -Nightingale. As Signor Roco had settled his business, he left me and -returned to Pera; consequently, I entered the great Barrack Hospital -alone. The entrance was crowded with officers of rank and medical -gentlemen. The High-street, facing the General's quarters, was literally -crammed with soldiers, more or less conscious of the state of warlike -affairs. Most of them kept vandyking from the gin palace to their -quarters, their red jackets forming a strange contrast to the quiet -dress and solemn air of the Moslem soldiers upon duty. - -After shaking hands with some officers and doctors whom I had the -pleasure of knowing in England, I inquired of a sentry for Miss -Nightingale's apartment, which he at once pointed out to me. On my -entering the ante-room, a Soeur de Charite, whom I addressed, informed -me that somebody was with that lady. She added, "I am aware that Miss -Nightingale wishes to see you, so I will let her know that you are -here." I hoped to have a few minutes to myself in order to take an -observation of this sanctuary of benevolence; but my project was -defeated by my being immediately admitted; and this compels me to trace -this picture from memory. - -Upon entering the room, I was saluted by a lady, and not doubting that -this was our heroine, "Madam," said I, "allow me to present my humble -respects. I presume I have the honour of addressing Miss Nightingale." - -"Yes, sir. Monsieur Soyer, I believe?" - -"The same, Madam." - -"Pray take a seat. I hear you had a rough voyage out." - -"Very much so, especially from Marseilles to Ajaccio." - -"So I heard, Monsieur Soyer." - -"I have brought several parcels and letters for you; among the latter, -one from the Duchess of Sutherland." - -After having perused this epistle, Miss Nightingale remarked: "I believe -her Grace is right; you will no doubt be able to render great service in -the kitchen department." - -"For which I shall need the good-will and assistance of all the heads -of this monster establishment; and I must beg, above all things, that -you who have already done so much for the sick and the wounded, will be -kind enough to give me the benefit of your valuable experience." - -"I will, Monsieur Soyer; but first of all, I should advise you to see -Lord William Paulet, Dr. Cumming, and the Purveyor-in-Chief, Mr. -Milton." - -"Many thanks for your kind advice. I had the pleasure of seeing Lord -William yesterday, as well as Dr. Cumming. To Mr. Milton I shall pay my -respects upon leaving you." - -"You had better do so; for the principal part of your business you will -have to transact with those gentlemen." - -"A very excellent remark, which I shall not fail to attend to." - -"Another gentleman you must see in the purveyor's department, is Mr. -Tucker. You will then be able to commence operations." - -"Very true: I shall not think of commencing before I am well acquainted -with every one in each department that has reference to the cooking. I -shall submit every sample of diets, with a statement of the quantity and -kind of ingredients of which they are composed, for the approval and -opinion of the medical authorities; as I shall have to deal with -patients, and not with epicures. - -"Perfectly right," said Miss Nightingale. - -"That no time may be lost, I should very much like this afternoon to -visit the kitchens now in use, inspect the stores, and procure a -statement of the daily rations allowed to each patient, if I can have -one of the inspectors to go round with me." - -"Certainly you can; I will send for somebody who will be happy to -accompany you." - -"Perhaps you would favour us with your company, as I should be most -happy to attend to any suggestion you might like to make." - -"I will go with you with great pleasure; but here comes Doctor -Macgregor, the under-superintendent, who will be our guide. He told me -that he had met you before." - -"Yes; we met yesterday at Lord William Paulet's." - -"Doctor," said Miss Nightingale, "Monsieur Soyer wishes you to accompany -him round the various kitchens and store-rooms." - -"I will do that with the greatest pleasure; but he had better be -introduced to Mr. Milton and to Mr. Tucker. Mr. Milton is out, but Mr. -Tucker will do instead." - -Our visitorial pilgrimage then commenced. We first visited Miss -Nightingale's dietary kitchen, in which I immediately recognised the -whole of the little _camp batterie de cuisine_ which my friend Comte -told me that the Duke of Cambridge had presented to the hospital. -Justice was indeed done to it, for every separate article of which it -was composed was in use. Miss Nightingale had a civilian cook as well as -an assistant. Everything appeared in as good order as could be expected, -considering what there was to be done. I noticed the very bad quality of -the charcoal, which smoked terribly, and was nothing but dust. Of -course, this interfered materially with the expedition of the cooking, -which is a subject of vital importance in an hospital, where punctuality -is as essential as quality. Addressing the Doctor, I said, "Suppose you -have fifty or a hundred patients under your direction--according to the -disease you vary the diet, and according to the state of the patient you -vary the hour of his meal." - -"Of course we do." - -"Then, this defect, simple as it may appear, should be reported and -immediately remedied." - -"The only excuse I can find for the rations and diets not being ready at -the time required is entirely owing to the bad quality of the charcoal, -which, as regards time, would deceive the best of cooks, and is quite -sufficient to upset the best of culinary arrangements. However, I will -take note of the various things which strike me as being out of order -or bad, and this will give me a good chance of effecting an immediate -improvement." - -"You are perfectly right," said Miss Nightingale. "I assure you that -Dumont, my cook, is always complaining of the charcoal, which, as you -see, is so full of dust that it will not burn; and some days he cannot -manage to cook at all with it." - -"Well, I will endeavour to remedy this great evil." - -"Doctor," said Miss Nightingale, "you had better tell Monsieur Soyer to -whom he is to apply in this matter." - -"Oh, Mr. Milton or Mr. Tucker will be able to give him the necessary -information. We will now visit another." - -About half-way down the long corridor, we found another extra diet -kitchen, managed by soldiers; but it was far from being in good -order--on the contrary, all was in the greatest confusion. The kitchen -was full of smoke, and everything was boiling too fast. In consequence -of the bad quality of the charcoal, a wall of bricks had been raised -round each stove, and thus wood and charcoal were used _ad libitum_, -burning the rice-pudding, and over-doing everything. In fact, everything -had the disagreeable flavour of being burnt. As I did not wish to alarm -them, I merely remarked that the fire was too fierce; and, on the -following morning, I took one of my men with me to teach them how to -manage better. - -We then visited several other kitchens, all of which were, more or less, -in the same state. To this there was, however, a single exception, to -which I must do justice by observing, that, though not quite perfect as -a model--being short of cooking utensils--still it was clean, and -everything we tasted was far superior in flavour. Nothing was burnt, -except a slight catch in the rice-pudding; but this was a mere trifle, -compared with the way the viands were spoilt in the other places. The -beef-tea, chicken-broth, &c., were nicely done, although they all wanted -seasoning. At my first visit to the various diet kitchens, I tasted the -soups made for the patients, which I found quite free from the slightest -suspicion of seasoning, and consequently tasteless. I then asked to have -a couple of basins filled with this. To one I added the requisite -seasoning, and requested Doctor Cumming to taste of both. The Doctor -complied with my request, and could scarcely believe it possible that -such an improvement could be effected by so trifling an addition. He -then expressed his approval and decided that in future the cook should -season the soup, instead of leaving the same to the irregular tastes of -the patients. - -"Well," said Doctor Macgregor, "this is by the doctor's order, you may -be sure." - -"I have not the pleasure of knowing that gentleman, yet, though I admire -his kitchen very much, and must admit that he keeps it in good order, I -shall certainly tell him when I see him that I do not agree with his -method of not seasoning the broths, &c., while in course of preparation. -It is very true they ought not to be too highly seasoned; but it is the -province of the cook, as I before said, to season for the patient, and -not the patient for the cook. Instead of giving so much salt in the -ward, I would allow each patient but little or none at all; because in -all cookery it is the combination of good and wholesome ingredients -properly blended which constitutes the best of broths or diets; and this -rule holds good for the bill of fare of all nations." - -"This seems logical enough," said the Doctor; "nor do I approve of the -quantity of salt and pepper given in the wards." - -"But, Doctor, there is another evil; some people are more partial to -salt than others, and, only a few minutes ago, I saw a patient begging -his neighbour to give him a portion of his share." - -"I am aware they do that, Monsieur Soyer." - -"Be kind enough to favour me with the name of the doctor." - -"His name is Dr. Taylor; he will be glad to see you, Monsieur Soyer," -said Miss Nightingale, smiling. "I can assure you he is a great cook, -and manages his own kitchen. He comes down here two or three times every -day. He is attending a board this morning, or he would certainly have -been here." - -"If that is the case, we shall have no difficulty in understanding each -other. I will do myself the pleasure of calling upon him." - -"You will be sure to find him in his office at nine o'clock to-morrow," -said Dr. Macgregor. We then crossed the yard to the general kitchen, as -Miss Nightingale called it. Upon entering it, I found, to my surprise, a -superb kitchen, built, I believe, by the Turks, and fitted up with -twenty copper boilers, set in white marble, holding about fifty gallons -each. About sixteen soldier cooks were employed cleaning the boilers, to -make the tea, as the men's dinners had just been served. - -"This is a magnificent kitchen," I observed to Miss Nightingale. "I was -not aware there was anything of the kind here." - -"So it is, Monsieur Soyer; but see how badly everything is managed." - -"Well, this can be remedied." - -On going to the top of the marble steps, about eight in number, I -perceived that every boiler was made of yellow copper, and screwed to -its marble bed. I immediately inquired about the tinning, as I perceived -the boilers were much in want of this. Copper is, as I have before -remarked, the worst metal which could possibly be employed for hospital -uses. I took notes of all, and having inquired of the men how they -cooked the patients' dinners, I told them to go on as usual; and that I -would be with them at seven the next morning, to put them in the right -way. As it was getting late, I was about taking my departure, when Miss -Nightingale informed me that there was a similar kitchen on the other -side of the yard, and advised me to go and see it. - -"Like this one, do you say, Mademoiselle?" - -"Yes, exactly like it." - -"You astonish me. Of course I will go directly. I shall, however, be -sorry to trouble you to come so far." - -"Oh, no trouble at all, Monsieur Soyer. I am much interested in any -improvement or amelioration which may be introduced in so important a -department." - -We did, indeed, find just such another kitchen as the last, partitioned -off in the centre. "This one," said I, "will be large enough for all -that we require." - -"You don't say so," observed Dr. Macgregor. - -"Quite large enough, I can assure you; the only inconvenience is its -great distance from the building. However, I shall try and manage -somehow. This kitchen is cleaner than the other, and the head man -appears more intelligent; still there is a great deal to be done, in -order to set the whole to rights." - -"I was certain you would say so," Miss Nightingale observed. - -"Oh, but I am far from despairing. Indeed, I feel confident that I shall -succeed. All I require is, that they will go on just as if I had not -arrived. I shall come to-morrow at seven o'clock, and watch their -proceedings, without removing any one from his post, and have no doubt I -shall be able to introduce a much better system." - -After we had examined this kitchen, Miss Nightingale prepared to leave -us. I promised to call upon her the following day, to go round the -wards, and see the dinners served. - -As the lady was leaving, I said, "I have an appointment with Lord W. -Paulet at eleven, and one with Dr. Cumming at half-past--therefore I -will afterwards do myself the honour of fetching you, Mademoiselle." - -"That will be the best plan; and probably his lordship will come with -us." - -With this the lady withdrew. Dr. Macgregor and myself next went to the -purveyor's department, to see Mr. Tucker, whom I found to be an old -London friend of mine, of ten years' standing. "You are about the last -person, friend Soyer," said Mr. Tucker, "whom I should have expected to -see here." - -"I am indeed in luck, as I hear you are the gentleman from whom I shall -probably require the most assistance." - -"Anything you may require, M. Soyer, I have orders to let you have; and -you may rest assured that Mr. Milton and myself will assist you to the -utmost of our power. There is another person here who knows you--Mr. -Bailey, the storekeeper." - -"These are indeed good tidings. To-morrow, Mr. Tucker, I shall be here -early, to see how they manage the cooking. Perhaps you will be kind -enough to allow some of your men to show me the various store-rooms and -the fresh provisions." - -"I will make that all right, you may depend upon it." - -As my house was not quite ready I crossed over to Pera, and in the -evening went to the English Embassy, to settle some business with Signor -Roco Vido, and to ascertain whether Lady Stratford had fixed the day for -our visit to the hospital at Kululee. This was to be my last night in -Pera, as my house at Scutari was to be ready the following day. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -A TOUR ROUND THE KITCHENS. - - Inspection of stores--Methods pursued--Interview with Lord W. - Paulet--Scene in a kitchen--Terrible confusion--Only one - plate--Underdone and overdone--Receipt for nourishing fare--Mr. - Milton--Cordial reception--Plans for a better system--Dr. - Taylor--Conversation upon cookery--Importance of culinary science - in the medical department--A pleasant night--Value of a - greatcoat--Operations commenced--Question of copper - vessels--Curious method of marking the lots--A decent trick--Wilful - waste--Experiments upon the extra diets--My first-class - interpreter. - - -At half-past six the next morning I was in the kitchen. The soldiers -were at that hour making the coffee and tea for breakfast. I went with -the serjeant on duty to inspect the quality of the meat, the quantity -allowed, and the place of distribution. I found the meat of a very -inferior quality, the method of distribution too complicated. When the -weight of the quantity allowed was explained to me I found it correct. I -was at first much puzzled at finding that some patients upon full diet -received three quarters of a pound, some half a pound, and some a -quarter of a pound of meat, accordingly as they were placed upon full, -half, or quarter diet allowance--a system unavoidable in a hospital, but -which would deceive the best cook. On some days, in providing for a -hundred patients, this would make a difference of from ten to twenty -pounds of meat, according to the number of half or quarter diets. Yet -the same quantity of soup would nevertheless be required. - -I made a note of this, and next perceived that every mess took their -meat separately. Some messes numbered fifteen, twenty, or even thirty. -The meat was spitted upon a rough piece of wood about two feet long, -and then tied as tight as possible with a strong cord. Although this was -a very bad method, I did not choose to interfere, as it was important -for me to show them the evil effects of their system, and ensure a -reform by pointing out a better. We then went to the store-rooms, and -looked over what the contractor called the mixed vegetables, though they -were principally of one kind, and half of these unfit for use. After -having seen the rations weighed, I sent orders to the cooks not to -commence operations until I arrived. We examined all kinds of preserved -meats, soups, sweetmeats, &c. I next went to see the poultry, which I -found of very inferior quality, consisting principally of old fowls, -badly plucked and drawn. The gizzards, heads, and feet, which make such -good broth, were thrown away. Mr. Bailey, whom I had not yet seen, then -entered. When I had explained what we had already done, and the plan it -would be most advisable to adopt for the future, he promised to bring -the contractor, that we might talk the matter over. I examined the -bread, which was very good indeed. - -Mr. Bailey accompanied me to the various kitchens, where I had ordered -the men to proceed as usual, and the same in the extra diet kitchen. -During our progress I had the pleasure of meeting and being introduced -to most of the medical gentlemen as they were visiting the patients in -the corridors and wards. Having been informed that Mr. Milton, the -purveyor in chief, had arrived, I called at his office, but -unfortunately he had just gone to some storeroom--no one could tell -which. I left my compliments, and a message to say that I should call -again. I went to see Dr. Cumming, and report progress, and engaged to -let him taste some of my cooking the following day. My next visit was to -Lord W. Paulet, whom I found surrounded by military gentlemen of all -ranks. He called me in, and, in a most good-natured manner, introduced -me to his visitors, saying, "Now M. Soyer is come, I fear he will feed -the sick soldiers so well, that they will be sorry to recover and leave -the hospital." - -"Should such prove to be the case, it will be the best of all bad -complaints." - -Some of the company inquired whether I was going to the Crimea. - -"I must first make my _debut_ here," was my reply, "and then we shall -see." - -"Monsieur Soyer, what can I do for you?" - -"Your lordship can do what I require in two minutes. Will you be kind -enough to send me a carpenter or two, and a bricklayer, to do some -little matters I wish to have attended to?" - -"Certainly; I will drop a line to Captain Gordon, the chief engineer, to -that effect. His office is over the way--you had better go and see him." - -"Captain Gordon," said a soldier, who brought some letters, "is gone to -Pera." - -"I am happy to be able to inform your lordship that I am progressing -very fast, and that every one is very obliging to me." - -"I am glad to hear that, Monsieur Soyer." - -"I suppose you could not spare time about one o'clock, to go round and -see the meals served out?" - -"I will try; but I fear I shall hardly have leisure. See what I have to -do," he continued, pointing to a pile of letters which the soldier had -just brought in; "as Doctor Macgregor is going round with you, he will -give me an account of everything." - -It was then noon, and about dinner-time. So I returned to the kitchen, -where all was in the greatest confusion. Such a noise I never heard -before. They were waiting for their soup and meat, and using coarse -language, without making the least progress in the distribution. The -market at old Billingsgate, during the first morning sale, was nothing -compared to this military row. Each man had two tin cans for the soup. -They kept running about and knocking against each other, in most -admirable disorder. Such confusion, thought I, is enough to kill a dozen -patients daily. As a natural consequence, several must go without -anything; as, owing to the confusion, some of the orderly waiters get -more and others less than their allowance. Any attempt to alter this at -the time, would have been as wise as endeavouring to stop the current of -the Bosphorus. As I did not wish to lose the chance of seeing the -rations served out in the wards, I went for Dr. Macgregor, and we called -for Mr. Milton--but the latter had not returned. I then fetched Miss -Nightingale, and we went through the wards. The process of serving out -the rations, though not quite such a noisy scene as that I had before -witnessed, was far from being perfect. In the first place, the patients -were allowed to eat the meat before the soup. As I was confident that -this could not be by the doctor's order, I asked the reason. The reply -was, "we have only one plate." (What they called a plate, was a round -and deep tin dish, which held a pound of meat and a pint of soup.) I -therefore recommended them to cut the meat as usual into small pieces, -and pour the pint of boiling soup over it. This method had the advantage -of keeping the meat hot. - -"It will enable the patients," I said, "to eat both the soup and meat -warm, instead of cold--the daily practice, in consequence of the slow -process of carving." - -"Very true," said Dr. Macgregor. "Nay, more, the soup will comfort and -dispose the stomach for the better digestion of the meat and potatoes. -When the men are very hungry, they will often swallow their food without -properly masticating it, and the meat is also probably tough." - -We then tasted both the soup and meat. The former was thin and without -seasoning; the latter, mutton, tough and tasteless. The potatoes were -watery. All these defects I promised to rectify the next day. We -proceeded to a ward where they complained bitterly that the meat was -never done; in fact, it was quite raw, and then of course the cook was -blamed. - -"Now," said I to Miss Nightingale, "I will wager anything that we shall -find some parts very well done, and some, no doubt, too much done, -though it is all cooked in the same caldron." - -"How do you account for that, Monsieur Soyer? is it owing to the bad -quality of the meat?" - -"Not at all; that may come from the same sheep, and yet vary." - -At another mess, the meat was well done; a small piece at the end only -being over-cooked. - -"I will explain this to you, madam," said I. "I remarked this morning -that the man tied all the joints together very tight, after having put -them upon a 'skewer,' as he calls it, almost as large as a wooden leg. -The consequence is, that when the meat is thrown into boiling water, it -is not properly done; the meat swells, and it is impossible for the heat -or the water even to get at it." - -"Ah, I noticed that several of the men did exactly as you say this -morning," said Miss Nightingale. "The parts which are well done were -placed loose upon the stick; and this explains the mystery--but I shall -alter that to-morrow." - -Having afterwards inspected several extra-diet kitchens, and tasted -various things, I perceived what I could accomplish, both as regarded -convalescents and extra diets. Miss Nightingale having again offered to -render any assistance in her power, left us; as she had a great deal to -attend to. I retraced my steps to Dr. Cumming's, and stated my opinion -of the present system of cooking; and explained what I proposed doing, -of all of which he approved highly. I then returned to the kitchen, and -sent a requisition for six rations of everything allowed for making the -soup. I proceeded thus:-- - -To eight pints of water I put four pounds of meat, a quarter of a pound -of barley, a little salt and pepper, and the allowance of vegetables, -and in about an hour I produced a very good soup--some of which I sent -to several doctors. They tasted and praised it highly, as being very -nourishing and palatable. I then carried some to Dr. Cumming, who -approved of its composition; but expressed his opinion that it would -probably be too expensive. I then informed him I had made it with the -ration allowance, taking the meat at half-diet scale. He was much -pleased with the meat, which he pronounced highly palatable, and thought -that the seasoning should be put in with the other ingredients. I -explained that I could still improve it by the simple addition of a -small quantity of sugar and flour. - -"The purveyor will not, I am certain, refuse that," said he. - -"Oh, I am aware of that; but I wish to manage it without increasing the -expense. I must accomplish that, if possible." Miss Nightingale and Dr. -Macgregor, to both of whom I sent some, praised it even more than the -others had done, particularly the meat, which they stated to be of a -very excellent flavour, and they had the opportunity of tasting the -former. Mr. Milton came in, and though I had not had the pleasure of -seeing that gentleman, from the description I had heard of him, and his -pleasing manner, I knew I was not mistaken in saying--"Mr. Milton, allow -me to have the honour of tendering my best compliments and thanks for -your prompt visit." - -"No person could be more welcome here than you are, Monsieur Soyer. I -only regret I was not in my office when you called. I should have been -happy to have accompanied you round the wards. Your very just remarks -have been repeated to me and the plan you mean to adopt explained, but I -fear you will meet with so many difficulties that you will get tired -before you have achieved much good." - -"Not at all," I replied; "you will see a great change by to-morrow, -which must be attributed chiefly to the politeness and cordial -assistance I have met with from the members of every -department--especially your own--which to me is the most important." - -"I have given orders that everything you may require is to be placed at -your disposal, if in store; and any alteration or suggestion which is -likely to be beneficial will be immediately attended to. You have only -to ask for anything you need in the way of cooking utensils, and it -shall, if possible, be procured." - -"My great object and delight will be to effect a change with the daily -allowance." - -"That would certainly be as well; but I fancy it cannot be done. The -provisions here are of a quality very inferior to what we get in -London." - -"You are quite right, if they are all like those I saw this morning. -Favour me by tasting these two soups. Julien! please to give Mr. Milton -two small basins of soup--one of mine, and one of that made at the -hospital." On tasting mine first he pronounced it very good and -palatable, and of an excellent flavour. The other, although made with -exactly the same materials, he could hardly swallow. It had no -seasoning, had a blackish appearance, and was quite tasteless. - -"There is no comparison," said Mr. Milton. - -"All the soup will in future be like the sample I have made, and I can -greatly improve it by the addition of a few pounds of brown sugar and a -little flour extra." - -"Monsieur Soyer, I beg you will not regard such trivial expenses, at any -rate for the present; what is required you shall have." - -"I see the fresh vegetables are very bad--as you have a quantity of -preserved ones, I shall mix them." - -"In future we must try and get better meat, poultry, and eggs; and, -above all, charcoal. I am aware you have justly complained of them. Have -you seen our bread?" - -"Yes, I have, and very good it is too." - -"That is really all we can manage to my satisfaction. As regards the -meat and poultry, I will send you the contractor; but the charcoal is in -the commissariat department. I shall write an official letter respecting -it. I see," he continued, looking at some, "it is all dust, and seems -quite wet." - -"Pray send off a letter; and if you will give me the name of the -gentleman who is at the head of that department, I shall be happy to -make his acquaintance; and beg of him not to allow any delay, as I -consider this the most important matter of all." - -I repeated the reason for saying this which I have before mentioned. - -After listening attentively to my remarks, Mr. Milton said:-- - -"You may well call it the most important, and the sooner it is altered -the better." - -We parted. I then told the soldier cooks to have the boilers thoroughly -cleaned, and everything in from the stores by eight o'clock the next -morning, as I intended making the soup myself. I left Julien, my head -man, with them to superintend matters. - -Having called upon Doctor Taylor, I had a long conversation with him -upon cookery. In the course of this he said,-- - -"On finding that the cooking was so badly done, I took upon myself, not -only to superintend the men, but also to cook and teach them; and I must -say I found them very willing. How could I expect them to know anything -about it? they had never been taught to do it." - -"True, Doctor; and, as soon as they begin to know a little about it, -they are recalled to their regiments, and replaced by new-comers as -ignorant as they were themselves at first." - -"Exactly; and I tell you what, Monsieur Soyer, though we may be very -good doctors, and possess a thorough knowledge of medical science, we -still need the aid of culinary science; for the one without the other -will produce but very unsatisfactory results. Since I have turned my -attention to it, I am more and more fortified in the opinion which I -have expressed before several medical boards, that a doctor, to be well -qualified, should have some knowledge of the art of cookery, and this he -ought to acquire in the first stage of his medical education." - -"Indeed, Doctor, it is not with the view of elevating my profession, to -which I have now devoted my attention for more than twenty-seven years, -that I say I am persuaded that this science has been too lightly -treated. In corroboration of your just remark, I have, as you will find, -already stated in my various works upon cookery, that to make a good -cook it is of paramount importance that a man should possess some -chemical as well as medical knowledge." - -"I agree with you, Monsieur Soyer," said he. - -"As soon as my kitchen is ready, Doctor, I hope you will favour me with -a visit." - -"With much pleasure. Let me know when it is finished." - -To my great regret, I was obliged to see about returning to Pera, some -delay having taken place in the completion of my house. On reaching the -landing-place not a caique was to be had, the weather was so bad they -could not cross. A friend offered me shelter for that night at a small -restaurant kept by a Greek called Demetri. There were seventeen of us -lying on straw sofas, with the privilege of covering ourselves with our -great coats, if fortunate enough to possess one. Rooms were at a premium -in Scutari. It was also necessary for anybody who wished to have the -benefit of his great-coat to keep awake all night; for no sooner did you -begin to doze than some of your sleeping partners, who happened to be -wide awake, endeavoured to appropriate the coveted garment to their use; -and the weather being very chilly, this proved anything but pleasant. -Unfortunately, after passing an uncomfortable night, I did not feel much -refreshed, and was almost unfit to undertake the difficult task I had -before me. However, I was up at six, and in the kitchen by seven. None -of my orders had been attended to. My own people were not there as they -ought to have been; and the men told me they could not get the rations -till ten o'clock, that being the usual time for issuing them. - -"Really," said I; "and pray who told you so?" - -"The serjeant and some of the orderlies," was the reply. - -"We shall see all about that; come with me." - -The truth is, I did find it very difficult to get anything; but, in less -than half-an-hour after I had been to the purveyor's head-quarters my -new regiment began to manoeuvre admirably under my command. By eight -o'clock everything was ready for the cooking, except my cooks, who had -been sleeping in a store-room upon some straw, and had a regular fray -with the allied rats. These animals, it appears, had come to welcome -them to Scutari. - -Upon inspecting the boilers, my first fear was realized--there was -nothing but copper--all the tinning had worn away. And very difficult -was it to ascertain this fact, these immense and deep caldrons being -securely screwed to the marble basement, and extremely difficult, not -only to remove, but also to tin when removed. I consider it most -advisable that all large establishments should have their cooking -apparatus made of malleable iron, which is extremely clean, is much -cheaper, and does not require tinning: the lid may be made of copper for -appearance' sake, but not so the boiler. The kitchen battery of the -wealthy alone should be copper, as they can afford to employ -professional persons for the preparation of their diet, who never would -attempt using them when coppery. (For my important visit to the -Consumptive Hospital at Brompton, see Addenda.) - -That day I was obliged to use them. Having put the proper quantity of -water into each copper, with the meat, barley, vegetables, and salt and -pepper, we lighted the fires; and after allowing the ingredients to -simmer for two hours and a half, an excellent soup was made; I only -adding a little sugar and flour to finish it. - -The receipt for this excellent soup, so highly approved of and -immediately adopted by the medical men, will be found in my Hospital -Diets, with a scale of proportions from ten to a hundred. - -The meat was so poor that there was no fat to skim off the soup. It was -therefore served out at once, as described in the receipt. Several -doctors went round with me, and asked the men how they liked it. They -were all highly delighted with it, and praised it very much. I also took -care that the rations of meat should not be tied together on the skewer. - -The orderlies were now ordered not to tie their rations of meat so -tight. Upon inspection I found that they had a most curious method of -marking their different lots. Some used a piece of red cloth cut from an -old jacket; others half a dozen old buttons tied together; old knives, -forks, scissors, &c., but one in particular had hit upon an idea which -could not fail to meet with our entire approval. The discovery of this -brilliant idea was greeted with shouts of laughter from Miss -Nightingale, the doctors, and myself. It consisted in tying a pair of -old snuffers to the lot. - -All this rubbish was daily boiled with the meat, but probably required -more cooking. On telling the man with the snuffers that it was a very -dirty trick to put such things in the soup, the reply was--"How can it -be dirty, sir? sure they have been boiling this last month." - -When all the dinners had been served out, I perceived a large copper -half full of rich broth with about three inches of fat upon it. I -inquired what they did with this? - -"Throw it away, sir." - -"Throw it away?" we all exclaimed. - -"Yes, sir; it's the water in which the fresh beef has been cooked." - -"Do you call that water? I call it strong broth. Why don't you make soup -of it?" - -"We orderlies don't like soup, sir." - -"Then you really do throw it away?" - -"Yes, sir; it is good for nothing." - -I took a ladle and removed a large basinful of beautiful fat, which, -when cold, was better for cooking purposes than the rank butter procured -from Constantinople at from ten to fifteen piastres per pound. The next -day I showed the men how to make a most delicious soup with what they -had before so foolishly thrown away. This method they were henceforward -very glad to adopt. Not less than seventy pounds of beef had been daily -boiled in this manner, and without salt. It would hardly be credited, -but for its truth I can appeal to Miss Nightingale and others who were -present. - -Nothing was needed but a sharp look-out after the cooks in order to -ensure complete success. The day after I had the coppers tinned. The -next thing was to have a charcoal stove built, an oven, a store-room, -and a larder partitioned off; and a kitchen dresser and chopping-block -made. Through the kindness of the Chief Engineer, Captain Gordon, these -things were accomplished in a few days, and at a trifling expense. If -not a very magnificent, it was, as will be seen, a very spacious and -handy kitchen. - -In a few days I made experiments in small quantities upon all the -various extra diets, such as chicken, mutton, and veal broth, the -cooking of fowls, beef and mutton tea, &c. I did not forget the -beverages, such as rice water, lemonades, arrow-root, panada ditto, -barley water, sago jelly, &c.; rice pudding, sago, bread, vermicelli and -macaroni ditto. The receipts will be found in the Addenda, under the -head of "Hospital Diets." - -A gentleman, Mr. Black, who was a first-class interpreter, was then -introduced to me by the Purveyor-in-Chief, and appointed to assist me in -any way I might require his aid. He was highly recommended by Miss -Nightingale, and a number of first-class doctors, as well as by Lord -William Paulet. It is with gratitude that I acknowledge the great -assistance I received from that gentleman during his stay with me, and -the energy he displayed in procuring everything I required. He spoke -French fluently, also the Turkish, Greek, and Armenian languages. This -rendered him invaluable to me, as I was obliged to employ people -speaking those different languages in my numerous kitchens. And what -was more remarkable still, he was the husband of the celebrated Maid of -Athens, whose company I had the pleasure of enjoying several times; and -although this interesting personage is now in her tenth lustre, some -remains of the eulogy of the great Byron seem still engraved on the -physiognomy of the once celebrated Greek beauty; and she informed me -that when Lord Byron wrote his poem on her, she was but ten years of -age, he at the time residing opposite the house of her parents at -Athens. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -FIRST OPERATIONS. - - Plan of proceeding--Inconveniences--Too many cooks spoil the - broth--Supplementary scale--How to make tea--The Scutari - Teapot--Soyer House--Kululee Hospital--Beautiful view of the city - of Constantine and the Bosphorus--Lady Stratford de Redcliffe's - arrival--Bad cookery--General and Riding-school Hospitals--Miss - Stanley--Hit upon an entirely new plan--Temporary - indisposition--Depression of spirits--Happy recovery--Opening - day--Grand success--Lord W. Paulet's letter--Take one wing of the - hospital--The old system--Dissatisfaction of the patients. - - -In a short time, and without much trouble, I initiated the soldier cooks -into my method, and taught the serjeant to see it properly executed. I -shall here describe the process fully, as it will be generally useful -for hospitals or public institutions. In the first place I drew up two -receipts--the one by weight and the other by measure, the former for -beef and the latter for mutton soups. Mutton was the principal meat used -for patients in a state of convalescence. These receipts I had carefully -copied and hung up in the kitchen, at the same time supplying the cooks -with weights and scales. I also taught them how to stew the meat well, -and to manage the fires so as to prevent over-boiling or burning, as -well as to economize the fuel. It was no longer a matter of much -difficulty. Every soldier had become a cook; and if in case of any of -them being removed to their regiments, one of the initiated, under the -direction of the above-mentioned serjeant, who was not changed, soon -made a new recruit capable of cooking for any number. So simple was this -plan, that it was as easy to cook for thousands as it had before been -for hundreds, and to do it to perfection.[9] - -Although this was as perfect as possible, a great difficulty still -remained, as the number varied daily, some days increasing, others -decreasing; and as the whole was cooked by messes, the same caldron, was -required to cook for two hundred and fifty persons one day, and perhaps -for one hundred and seventy the next. This caused great confusion and -delay, as well as continual quarrelling, among the cooks and orderlies, -the latter complaining of not getting their full share; and if this -happened, it was a matter of vital importance to the patient, who was -thus deprived of the proper quantity of sustenance ordered by the -medical man. In fact, it led to many very serious results. I therefore -settled that all the caldrons should be filled every day; and as each -boiler would cook for one hundred and fifty, in one only was it -necessary that the quantity should vary. As it was most probable that -this one would vary daily, I made a supplementary scale for it, from -five diets to one hundred, leaving only a few pounds to be guessed. If -any mistake occurred, it could be of no material consequence. I also had -tinned iron, skewers made, with numbers to each, to prevent the meat -being mixed in the boilers, as expedition, cleanliness, and proportion -should be the motto of all such establishments. This plan was followed -to the last. - -As all the boilers had been well tinned, I showed the men how to make -tea on a large scale. Their plan was to tie the tea in a piece of cloth, -and throw it into the boiling water. In a few minutes the cloth had -shrunk so much, that the aroma of the tea, instead of being diffused, -was retained in the centre, the inside of the bag being scarcely soaked. -This I proposed to remedy by having fine nets made for the purpose. Miss -Nightingale immediately had this done, and they were a great -improvement. This, after all, was not quite satisfactory, as the tea had -to be made in the same boilers as the soup and meat. The coppers were -fixtures, and of such large dimensions, that it was almost impossible to -clean them properly. I therefore invented my Scutari Teapot, with its -valuable and economical improvement upon the old system, the model of -which is given at the end of the book. (See Addenda.) - - -DESCRIPTION OF TEAPOT. - -I had a large kettle made, holding eight quarts, and put a coffee filter -to it. I then placed the rations of tea for about twenty men in the -filter, poured in the boiling water, and, to my astonishment, made about -one-fourth more tea, perfectly clear, and without the least sediment. -Four of these kettles made enough tea for all the hospital, and this at -once induced me to order some upon a smaller scale for the various -wards, where at night it is often of the greatest importance that tea -should be prepared quickly, in large quantities. I cannot too strongly -recommend it to large families, institutions, and other establishments, -for its economy of time, and a saving of at least twenty-five per cent, -upon the quantity of tea required. I tried it in Miss Nightingale's room -at Scutari, before several persons; and the Reverend Mr. Blackwood, the -chaplain, persuaded me to bring them out for the benefit of the poorer -classes, as much for its cleanliness as its economy. This, reader, I -claim more as a happy thought than an invention; but I always had an -idea that tea should be suspended in the water, instead of being allowed -to fall to the bottom, as is generally the case. Coffee may be made in -these vessels, as the construction is the same as that of a coffee-pot. - -By this time my kiosque, or, as it was afterwards named, Soyer House, -was ready. It was situated in Cambridge-street, near the Scutari Grand -Champ des Morts. Thanks to this, my daily trip across the Bosphorus was -at an end, and as the March winds had a great influence upon its -current, I preferred _terra firma_, to rolling about in its whimsical -stream of daily pearls, evening diamonds, and shoals of immense -porpoises, which towards sunset commence to accompany you with their -nautical summersaults. These at first terrified the uninitiated, who -could not help fearing the sudden appearance of an unexpected passenger -on board the caique. - -The time having been fixed by Lady Stratford de Redcliffe for our visit -to Kululee, in company with a doctor from that hospital I rode over -there. It is about five miles from Scutari, along the edge of the -Bosphorus; and from an ancient Jewish cemetery on the top of one of the -hills the beauty of the panorama is such as to defy description. My -opinion is, that such another view does not exist in any other spot -under the canopy of heaven. Under its inspiration I entirely forgot the -annoyance I had endured in that labyrinth of ruin and filth. From this -spot the metropolis of Constantine, backed by a sky of fire, presented -so sublime and picturesque an appearance, that in an enchanted dream -alone could one hope to realize the effect of the mirage. It embraced -the city and the whole length of the Bosphorus, down to the entrance of -the Black Sea. Leaving this beautiful landscape, we passed through -several dull, though very pretty villages, and shortly after arrived at -the hospital and barrack of Kululee. It is surrounded by kiosques and -country seats. The country appears very rich and fertile, but owing to -the indolence of the inhabitants, "which may be adopted as a proverb," -produces little. Although Nature has done so much for the Moslem race, -she seems also to have deprived them of the faculty of exertion, and -consequently of doing anything for themselves. - -Shortly after our arrival we saw, through the golden rays of a dazzling -sunlight, several caiques gaily dancing on the turbulent waves of the -Bosphorus. They darted swiftly towards us; the caidjees wore white -jackets with flowing sleeves. In a few minutes Lady Stratford landed, -attended by several of her fair companions. "Have you been over the -hospital, Monsieur Soyer?" said Lady Stratford, on landing. - -"No, I have not, my lady." - -"I am glad of that, as I wish to explain everything to you respecting -the various kitchen departments myself. You must know, Monsieur Soyer, -that we have three separate hospitals here. Although they are under the -direction of one doctor, they form three distinct establishments. We -will now visit the Barrack Hospital, as we are so close to it, and then -the other two." - -Several remarks were made upon the delightful situation of Kululee. Lady -Stratford in the meantime sent Signor Roco to apprise Dr. Humfries of -our arrival. We commenced visiting the store-rooms, provisions, -kitchens, larders, &c. I found in the extra-diet kitchen several very -good and well-prepared diets; and amongst these some very nice -calves'-foot jelly, and excellent rice pudding made by the Sisters of -Mercy. I took notes of what was required in kitchen utensils--alterations -and improvements in that department; and as one of Captain Gordon's best -men was with me, our business proceeded very rapidly. - -Lady Stratford proposed that we should next visit the principal kitchen. -"I think, from its appearance, Monsieur Soyer, that it is in a very bad -state." Such proved to be the case. It was in perfect darkness, full of -smoke, and the stoves, as large as those at Scutari, required -considerable alterations, the furnaces being inside, instead of out, as -at Scutari. The brick-work was quite burnt out, and all the smoke came -in the kitchen, blinding the men, who could not support the extra -fatigue caused by this nuisance, even preferring their dangerous duty in -the trenches to this kind of culinary inquisition, as it might very -justly have been called. They were in consequence changed every week, or -even oftener. The result of this was bad cookery and the consumption of -about 170 per cent. more wood than was necessary. The men actually -piled small trees, cut into lengths of five or six feet, upon the fires; -and when the soup boiled too fast they threw pailsful of water upon the -burning wood, thus filling the place with dust and steam. As the boilers -were screwed down in the same manner as those at Scutari Barrack -Hospital, they had never been tinned since first used. I at once had the -furnaces put in order, and the skylight over them repaired. I gave them -my receipts, and sent one of my men over for a few days to teach them -how to make the soup. I also promised Lady Stratford, who took so much -interest in the success of that hospital, to call as often as I could; -and, after the opening of my kitchens at Scutari, to spend a few days -there, and superintend the cooking myself. - -We then went to the General Hospital, on the top of the hill, which -contained three hundred patients. Having had the honour of being -introduced to the Sisters of Mercy, I took notes of all that was wanted -there, and we lastly proceeded to the Riding School Hospital, -appropriated to the convalescents. There I had the pleasure of being -introduced to Miss Stanley, who had the superintendence of the Sisters. -This establishment had neither kitchen nor cooking utensils. However, by -the aid of the engineer who accompanied us, everything was soon settled. - -Yet, after all, I ordered nothing that was not indispensable; and I must -remark that, with all the power with which I was invested by the War -Department, coupled with the willing assistance of Captain Gordon, I -found it a difficult matter to get a plank, or even a nail, fixed in any -of the hospitals. At the same time, I may add, with pride and gratitude, -that throughout the Crimean campaign I was most highly favoured by every -department; for if anything I required was procurable, I had it. - -Lady Stratford and visitors having expressed their satisfaction at the -success of our visit, I was on the point of retiring with Signor Roco -Vido, when Lady Stratford asked what day the kitchen at Scutari would be -opened. "On Monday next," was my reply. "I presume we shall be honoured -with your ladyship's presence, and that of your suite."--"I shall not -fail to attend, Monsieur Soyer," were her ladyship's words. - -The Sisters having thanked me, we retired. We returned in a beautiful -Oriental moonlight by the same road--the panorama of the morning being -now tinted by the reflection of the soft rays of the moon. - -Just as I had set everybody to work in the various hospitals, and my -Scutari kitchen was nearly finished, an entirely new plan suggested -itself to my mind. It was as follows:--Instead of commencing with a -hundred patients at a time, as I had at first intended, I changed my -mind, and preferred making a grand opening, resolving to invite all the -heads of the medical department in the various hospitals, as well as -some of the most eminent among the French and Turkish medical staff. -This, I was aware, was a bold experiment; for had I failed--and many -unforeseen events might have caused such a result--my reputation would -have suffered. I was, therefore, well aware that I was risking the -labour of twenty years against an uncertainty; as all those I was about -to invite would come to watch my proceedings with the eyes of Argus, and -would judge of my plans accordingly. At all events, my sample trials had -already given great satisfaction to two eminent doctors. In pursuance of -this plan, I went to Lord William Paulet, explained it, and begged him -to send, or cause to be sent, invitations to all the principal officers -to honour me with their presence upon the occasion, which his lordship -kindly promised to do. I also apprised the doctor-in-chief, who promised -to attend himself, and invite the principal medical gentlemen to do the -same. - -The opening day was fixed for the following Monday--it was then -Tuesday--leaving me till Thursday to finish my preparations. On the -Friday morning, after having inspected several kitchens, and gone -through a number of wards, I was suddenly taken ill. I seemed to have -forgotten everything, and experienced at the same time a sensation of -brain fever. There were, however, none of its symptoms. Although I was -quite conscious of what I had to do, I was entirely incapable of doing -it, or of ordering anything or directing any one. In fact, I began to -fear that all my former endeavours would prove useless, and the opening -of my kitchen be a marked failure. The day appointed by Lord Paulet -could not easily be changed, and such a course would have caused the -success of my project to be doubted. Though I had a couple of -assistants, neither of them could carry it out for me, as they did not -know my plans. This sudden indisposition I only mentioned to my people -and to Doctor Macgregor, who told me to keep quiet, and gave me some -soothing medicine. It was Sunday afternoon before my head was clear, -and, after a good night's rest, I felt myself again, and quite able to -open my kitchen on the day appointed. - -The doctor attributed this mental disorder to the effect produced by the -immense number of sick and wounded I was in the habit of seeing daily, -and the numerous dead bodies passing before the windows to be buried. I -had also witnessed several cases of autopsy and some operations. "This," -he said, "with the constant worry of business, has unnerved you to that -extent, that had you unfortunately taken the fever, you would perhaps -never have recovered your senses." However, thanks to a kind Providence, -I was able to open my kitchen at the appointed time. It met with perfect -success, and the entire approbation of all the medical gentlemen and -visitors present. They all expressed themselves highly gratified, and -declared that the various samples of diets I then submitted for their -opinion were much preferable to those produced under the old system, -besides having the merit of being concocted with the same ration -allowance. - -The plan I adopted was this:--my samples of diets and extra diets being -prepared, I arranged the basins containing the different diets on the -table, and in juxta-position I placed those prepared by the soldiers, -affixing a number to each, to enable the people present to make a -comparison. All was ready by eleven o'clock, and one being the time -appointed for the arrival of the visitors, I fetched Doctor Cumming, and -requested him to taste the several samples, and give me his candid -opinion; observing that everything was made from the usual allowance, -and cost about the same, or even less, when made in large quantities. - -No. 1, was beef-tea. Tasting my sample first, Doctor Cumming pronounced -it good; the other, without taste or flavour. No. 1 was adopted. - -Then followed chicken-broth, mutton-broth, beef-soup, rice-water, -barley-water, arrowroot-water, ditto with wine, sago with port, -calves'-foot jelly, &c. Everything was found superior, and so highly -commended by the doctor-in-chief, I no longer had any doubt of success, -nor of the general approval of all the faculty. I promised to lay the -recipes for my new diets before the doctor the next day, and he -retired.[10] - -About half-past twelve, the kitchen was crowded to excess with military -and medical men. Lord William Paulet entered, followed by his staff, and -accompanied by Mr. Milton, Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge, &c. They were much -pleased with the cleanly appearance of the kitchen, and equally -surprised at the alteration which it had undergone in so short a time. I -then showed his lordship round, carefully pointing out to him the simple -but useful alterations I had effected; and requested him to taste the -various samples, compare the one with the other, and give his candid -opinion thereupon. Having done this, Lord W. Paulet expressed his high -satisfaction, and to confirm it, while in the kitchen, wrote the -following letter:-- - - -_Lord William Paulet to Monsieur Soyer._ - - It is with great pleasure that I state I have carefully viewed and - tasted the new diets introduced by Monsieur Soyer in the hospitals - this day; and had I not seen and tasted them, I could not have - believed that such an amelioration could have been produced from - the same materials as allowed by Government. - -W. PAULET. - - - -[Illustration: THE BARRACK HOSPITAL KITCHEN, SCUTARI.] - -Above a hundred officials from the various hospitals were present, and -many of the Sisters of Mercy. Not one person had anything to say in -disapproval; but, on the contrary, praised everything. This was -sufficient to stamp it with success. The only thing I regretted was, -that--owing to the rough state of the Bosphorus that day--Lady Stratford -de Redcliffe, as well as a number of military men and medical officers -from the French and Turkish hospitals, were not present. However, they -visited my kitchen some days after, and having inspected everything, -added their testimonials of approbation to those I had already received. -They were particularly struck with the cleanliness and order in a place -where so much was done daily. - -The day after the opening, I proposed to Doctors Cumming and Macgregor, -the superintendent, to take one wing of the hospital, which contained -one-fourth of the patients, and supply these with all which they might -require. This I did with the greatest ease, and without the least -confusion, much to the satisfaction of the patients. I continued to do -this for three days, and then took half of the hospital in hand. As I -wished fully to impress the patients with the superiority of my -newly-adopted diets, I then took the other half in hand, and put the -first back to the old _regime_, for a day or two, as I was not quite -prepared to undertake the whole at once. The patients immediately became -dissatisfied, so I was obliged to go with Dr. Macgregor to them and -explain the reason of the sudden change, which was only momentary, three -cheers from my numerous guests closing my laconic, though effective, -speech. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE SCUTARI MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. - - The extra-diet kitchens closed--One large kitchen--Plan for keeping - the dinners hot--General satisfaction--The General - Hospital--Summons to Kululee--Labours there--Palace and Hyder Pacha - Hospitals--Ordered to proceed to the Crimea--Model - field-stove--Conversation with Lord W. Paulet--A new - Purveyor-in-chief--Companions for the voyage to the Crimea--An - evening at Dr. Macgregor's--Return home--A midnight scene--The - dying soldier--The guardian angel--Mr. Robertson, the new - purveyor--Final tour of inspection--General Vivian and his - aide-de-camp--Parting testimony. - - -A few days afterwards, I closed all the extra-diet kitchens, with the -exception of the one under the direction of Miss Nightingale, and -another under the direction of Dr. Taylor, having discharged about -twenty soldier cooks, who consumed daily ten times more fuel than was -required; this at the same time much deteriorated the quality of the -extra diets, which required the greatest attention as regarded the -regulation of the heat. We prepared everything in the one large -kitchen--viz., breakfast, dinner, tea, extra-diets, the cooking for the -orderlies, &c., included. Having got all under my own eye, I placed two -civilian cooks in charge of the extra-diets, with six soldiers to assist -them, who might at the same time be instructed, instead of the twelve -before required--thus simplifying the whole process. - -The only difficulty that remained was, how to send the dinners hot to -the various wards, on account of the distance being so great. Miss -Nightingale submitted a very excellent plan, which was adopted with -success. It is very similar to that in use in the French hospitals, with -this difference, that we introduced double cases in which to carry -boiling water, thus keeping the contents of the several divisions hot -much longer. Two of these cases were sufficient for each ward, and -after they had been in use for a week, no establishment could be in -better order. Had there been room in the hospital we could have -accommodated as many more patients with the greatest ease, the receipts -being regulated by weight and measure, from an ounce for certain -articles, to seven or eight cwt. for others. I must also observe, in -thanking Mr. Milton, the purveyor, that he rendered me the full amount -of assistance he had promised, and without such powerful aid, as well as -that of Mr. Tucker, it would have been impossible for me to have made so -much progress in so short a period. - -In the first place, the provisions were improved--the old fowls got -unexpectedly younger, and the fuel was better. I was thus perfectly -satisfied, and so was everybody else--medical officers as well as -patients. As soon as the alterations at the General Hospital were -completed, and which made a very good kitchen, being clean, light, and -commodious, instead of being ill-adapted for the purpose, as I at first -found it, I paid a second visit to Doctor Lawson, the chief medical -officer of this hospital. I then tried some experiments before him and -numerous other doctors similar to those I had previously made at the -Barrack Hospital, and with the same success; and I must say, as far as -the extra diet went, in justice to Doctor O'Flaherty, the -under-superintendent, with a great deal less trouble than I experienced -at the Barrack Hospital; Doctor O'Flaherty having carefully watched over -and disposed of that very important department. I next went to Kululee, -then in charge of the new lady manager, Miss Hutton, who had replaced -Miss Stanley. I received the following letter from that lady, and at -once placed myself at her disposal. - - -KULULEE HOSPITAL, _April, 14th, 1855_. - - MONSIEUR,--I hear that you are on the point of leaving Scutari. - When may we hope that you will come to Kululee? A few days of your - instruction and superintendence might effect more good than I can - express. - -I am, yours, &c., -EMILY HUTTON. - - - -The day after the receipt of this I went to Kululee, where I had the -pleasure of seeing Miss Hutton for the first time, and met with a most -gracious reception from that lady and her assistants. We next visited -the General Hospital upon the heights, where I was introduced to the -matron and the Irish Sisters of Charity. These ladies were very anxious -to obtain some utensils and have a new extra-diet kitchen built. Captain -Gordon's assistant made a small sketch of the place, and undertook to -have it done at once, being aware of its necessity. I left quite -satisfied that it would be immediately put in execution. - -It only remained for me to give a list of the utensils required to the -purveyor-in-chief; and shortly after, in company with that gentleman, I -paid another visit to the hospital, where, thanks to his attention, they -had a most effective kitchen. I regretted that the large kitchen for the -convalescent belonged to the Turkish authorities, as it could not be -altered to my liking. Nothing could be altered without an order from the -Turkish officials, and to obtain this, would have taken as long a time -as the duration of the war. Upon leaving the General Hospital, we -visited the Barrack Hospital, where we found every department -perfect--the orders given upon our former visit with Lady Stratford de -Redcliffe having been carried out to the letter. I was now introduced to -Doctor Humphrey, who had been appointed in lieu of another medical -gentleman. He accompanied us round the hospital, and kindly offered me a -bed for the night, which I accepted--having to cook for the patients the -next morning, as well as to instruct some soldier-cooks who were at the -convalescent hospital, called the Riding School. The next day I was in -full action, and received visits from every doctor and Sister of -Charity, who all approved of the diets, as well as my new teapot, in -which I made in the space of ten minutes, out of the ration tea, enough -strong tea for about thirty persons; thus effecting a saving of at least -ten per cent. At the desire of Miss Hutton, I afterwards sent a civilian -cook to the Barrack Hospital, to carry out the system, and to set the -various kitchen departments in order. But I must observe in full -justice to that lady, who had succeeded Miss Stanley, that since my last -visit to these hospitals, every department under her care was so much -improved that hardly anything was required to perfect them. Although the -hospitals were full of patients, the lady assistants who attended this -duty appeared to devote their utmost energies to the benevolent and -humane cause for which they had left their native homes. - -Thence I went to the Palace Hospital, Hyder Pacha, and having had a new -kitchen built for the use of the officers, placed a good civilian cook -in it, and with the assent and assistance of Doctors Cumming and -M'Elray, the doctor-in-chief, composed a bill of fare for their mess. -Having arranged everything in the various hospitals to my satisfaction, -I was honoured by several visits from Lady Stratford de Redcliffe, who -expressed her own and Lord Stratford's approbation of my management, and -both afterwards took a most lively interest in the success of my -proceedings. I then was requested by Lord Panmure to proceed to the -Crimea for the same purpose, and also to try and improve the system of -camp cookery for the soldiers. I therefore informed Lord William Paulet -of my anticipated departure for the seat of war, showing him, at the -same time, my small model field stove. Having explained its principle, -he expressed his approval of its simplicity. I said, "I expect ten of -those stoves, which, upon arrival, I wish to have forwarded to the -Crimea. I have managed to make use of the Turkish coppers at the -hospital, which answer perfectly well, and of the existence of which I -was not aware before leaving England. They are the same as those adopted -in the hospital at Smyrna, and, although too large for camp use, would -do very well for my trial before the Crimean authorities. If these -stoves are approved of, those for the army on march or in camp can be -made thus--viz., two for a company, both of which can be carried on the -back of one mule, with sufficient wood inside for two days. When on -march, they will cook either under cover or in the open air, and in all -weathers, and the quantity of fuel required will be a mere trifle -compared with the present consumption. Thus you perceive, my lord, that -two small ones will cook for a full company of a hundred or a hundred -and twenty men, though I am aware a company seldom exceeds a hundred in -number. This will not matter much; and it is better to have them too -large than too small. We can also have smaller ones for picket and -outpost duty." - -"You are right, Monsieur Soyer; and I must say your plan appears very -sensible and well conceived. I heartily wish you the same success in the -Crimea that you have met with here." - -"In order to prevent any inconvenience from my departure from the -hospital, I will put all in good trim, and leave the whole under the -superintendence of a corporal who is now well acquainted with my system; -and I shall request several doctors to send occasionally for soup, -broth, pudding, &c., unknown to the cook, to see if any alteration takes -place after my departure; and perhaps your lordship would oblige me by -doing the same. This will make them attentive to the proportions -required and the proper management of the cooking." - -"I assure you I often send for a basin of the soldiers' soup for my -lunch, it is so very good." - -"I do not think you will find any difference after my departure, -although, many persons say that it is all very well so long as I am -here, but that as soon as my back is turned it will be as bad as ever. -Colonel Dennis, in particular, will not be persuaded; I will vouch for -the contrary, as my receipts are all done by weight and measure, and -that causes much less trouble. Before I came they had never done -working, and all for want of a proper system of management. Doctor -Cumming and myself have talked over the subject, and we have no fear of -the result. The only thing required is for the serjeant in charge to see -all properly attended to in the morning." - -"I shall be happy to give you a letter to Lord Raglan, with whom I -suppose you are acquainted." - -"I am; but it is above twelve years since I had the pleasure of seeing -his lordship, and that was at the Reform Club; therefore a letter from -your lordship, in addition to one from the Minister-at-War, cannot fail -to be very acceptable." - -"It shall be ready for you to-morrow morning. By the way, I hope you do -not intend to go before the new purveyor-in-chief comes. It is most -important that you should see him." - -"Indeed! I was not aware that we were to have a new purveyor-in-chief. I -very much regret it--but is Mr. Milton going?" - -"Of course he is: he only came out here till another could be appointed. -He cannot remain, as he holds a very important appointment at the -War-Office, and his presence is required in London. I should advise you -to see him, and mention about your stoves. He will forward them to -Balaklava for you." - -"I will do so, my lord. I much regret taking up so much of your valuable -time." - -"Do not mention that, Monsieur Soyer. This is business, and to my mind -of great importance." - -"A fresh tribulation!" thought I; "a new purveyor-in-chief, who, in my -absence, may upset everything I have done!" I went immediately to Miss -Nightingale, to inquire whether she had heard of this change. I met Mr. -Bracebridge there, and he told me that he had known it for some time. He -informed me that Miss Nightingale and himself were going to the Crimea, -and proposed that we should all start together. I, of course, was much -pleased at the news, as I knew that Miss Nightingale would be of great -assistance to me in the hospitals in the Crimea. I then promised Mr. -Bracebridge to be ready on the day fixed for our departure. Mr. -Bracebridge said, "Miss Nightingale is engaged at present. Do you wish -to see her?" - -"No; I am going to Mr. Milton, to speak about the stoves I mentioned the -other day, and to inquire when the new purveyor-in-chief is coming." - -"Oh, I can tell you that--he will be here to-morrow without fail." - -"That will do nicely. We shall just have time to become acquainted, and -settle everything before my departure to the seat of war." - -I found Mr. Milton preparing for his departure. - -"Well, Monsieur Soyer, have you any message for London?" said he, with a -jovial face and a smile. - -"It is with great regret that I have just heard of your intended -departure, and the arrival of a new purveyor-in-chief." - -"I assure you that I have had quite enough of Scutari and its bother, -and much prefer the London fog to the bright sun of the East and its -accessory annoyances. The fact is, I was only here _pro tem._, till some -one could be permanently appointed, but I did not expect to be recalled -so early. Yesterday I received my _feuille de route_, as you call it in -French, from the War Office. I hope to have the pleasure of introducing -you to Mr. Robertson, my successor, to-morrow, and the day after I shall -probably be off." - -"I shall start a few days after you, but not exactly in the same -direction." - -"Where are you going, Monsieur Soyer?" - -"Why, are you not aware that Miss Nightingale, Mr. Bracebridge, and -myself are going on Saturday next to the Crimea?" - -"Oh, that's right! Some one was saying you would not go to the camp." - -"What could make them say so? Not fear on my part--for of that I never -dream; besides, our lives are more in danger here in the hospital than -in the open air. The observation I made to the Minister-at-War, -respecting the camp, was this,--that unless I could invent a cooking -apparatus for the army to supersede the tin kettles I had seen at -Chobham, it would be useless to attempt to teach the men to cook. An -officer who happened to be present observed, 'You're right. Monsieur -Soyer; they appear very unfit for a heavy company.--I have remarked that -myself.' By-the-bye, have you seen the French canteens--_marmites_, as -they call them? They are very superior, and much larger than ours, -besides being made of better metal. One soldier is, however, required -to cook for every sixteen men with them, and they present the same -difficulty with respect to open-air cooking.[11] This is especially the -case on a long march--while those stoves, the model of which I had -submitted to the War Office, were quite free from any such -inconvenience." - -"They will be ordered," said Mr. Milton, "as soon as they are approved -of by the Crimean authorities." - -"I am glad to hear you say so; but my greatest anxiety now, Mr. Milton, -is to see the new purveyor-in-chief, and have a fair understanding with -him, so that during my absence he may not undo what you and I have so -successfully commenced." - -"You may depend upon it that I shall advise him for the best on that -subject," said Mr. Milton. - -The evening was spent cheerfully at Doctor Macgregor's. The American -clock upon the doctor's chimney-piece deceived his guests, if not the -doctor, who was at once good-natured, amiable, and uncommonly fond of -anecdote, and, like a true Scotchman, professed an immense deal of -veneration of, and attachment to, his whisky-toddy. "The day," he used -to say, "is for manual labour, the evening for comfort and sociality; -but, alas! in my case, night and day are the same--I may be called at -any hour; therefore, the longer you favour me with your company, my -friends, the better I shall like it, you may depend." - -We now perceived that the clock was under the powerful influence of the -doctor's "treatment;" nevertheless, common sense induced us all to rise -and leave, and after a hearty shaking of hands, and no end of good -wishes, we parted. On arriving at the second door, which opened upon one -of the grand avenues of sick and wounded, we retired in a silent and -mournful procession--except the groans of the sufferers, nothing was -heard but the friction of our boots upon the stone floor, already worn -into a kind of groove between the rows of beds upon which lay the sick -and wounded, caused by the constant passing and repassing of the -doctors, Sisters of Mercy, orderlies, and other officials in attendance -upon the patients. - -As we turned the angle of the long corridor to the right, we perceived, -at a great distance, a faint light flying from bed to bed, like a -will-o'-the-wisp flickering in a meadow on a summer's eve, which at last -rested upon one spot; or as a bee sporting from flower to flower, till -it at length lights upon a delicious floral banquet, which the insect -determines not to leave till it has extracted the last drop of honey -from the devoted pistil. - -But, alas! as we approached, we perceived our mistake. A group in the -shape of a _silhouette_ unfolded its outline in light shade. As we came -nearer and nearer, the picture burst upon us. A dying soldier was half -reclining upon his bed. Life, you could observe, was fast bidding him -adieu; Death, that implacable deity, was anxiously waiting for his soul -to convey it to its eternal destination. - -But stop! near him was a guardian angel, sitting at the foot of his bed, -and most devotedly engaged pencilling down his last wishes to be -despatched to his homely friends or relations. A watch and a few more -trinkets were consigned to the care of the writer; a lighted lamp was -held by another person, and threw a painful yellowish _coloris_ over -that mournful picture, which a Rembrandt alone could have traced, but -which everybody, as long as the world lasts, would have understood, -felt, and admired. It was then near two o'clock in the morning. - -[Illustration: MISS. NIGHTINGALE AND THE DYING SOLDIER.] - -Approaching, I made inquiries of Miss Nightingale as to the complaint of -her patient, when she replied in French, that the poor fellow was given -up by the doctors, and was not likely to get through the night; "so I -have been engaged noting down his last wishes, in order to forward them -to his relatives." - -The next morning, Miss Nightingale, Mr. Bracebridge, and myself had a -long conversation respecting our plan of operations in the coming -campaign. Having settled everything to our satisfaction, I once more -went round the hospitals; and, upon reaching home, I heard that Mr. -Robertson had arrived. He had been represented to me, by some person or -other, as a very old and infirm man, wearing green spectacles. At the -time I heard this, I was in the company of a very illustrious personage, -who was visiting my kitchen, and he also listened to the serjeant giving -this description, and very justly observed, that for such a fatiguing -situation a young man was required. "Now," he continued, pointing from -the kitchen door to the building, "observe the tremendous distance it is -from one end of the building to the other. A purveyor should go round -once a-day, independent of the business of his office. I tell you -what--I have found out this much myself, that the head, when properly -screwed on, lasts much longer than the legs; and when both are required -at the same time, there is an additional strain." - -While we were discussing this important subject, in walked Mr. Milton, -accompanied by an old gentleman, as described by the serjeant, and a -third person. To my surprise, Mr. Robertson was not the reverend old -man. He happened to be one of Mr. Robertson's friends, instead of -himself.[12] Instead of being an old man, I found him the very person -wanted--about thirty years of age--full of vigour and intelligence. In -a short time I was perfectly acquainted with his qualifications for the -office to which he had been appointed--requiring, as I said before, so -much bodily exercise. The few days I had to remain at Scutari enabled us -to come to a perfect understanding. - -"Monsieur Soyer," said Mr. Milton, "I now leave you in very good hands. -I have explained everything to Mr. Robertson respecting your department, -and I am certain he will be kind enough to attend to it in your absence. -I am off for England to-morrow; therefore, fare you well; take care of -yourself in the Crimea. I have also spoken to Mr. Robertson about your -stoves; he will forward them to the Crimea as soon as they arrive." - -"I wish you a pleasant journey, Mr. Milton. I hope to have the pleasure -of seeing you in London." - -Mr. Robertson accompanied me round the various stores, and after passing -all in review, and noting what would be required in future, we parted. I -felt fully convinced that my former efforts would not be destroyed, as I -had at first feared. The next day we went to the General and the Palace -Hospitals and Kululee, and made similar arrangements. I now felt almost -free of the hospitals, though my intention was to run down from the -Crimea now and then to have a look at them, as the least mismanagement -would create confusion. I then requested Lord W. Paulet to devote a few -hours, before my departure, to visiting the other hospitals, and he very -kindly fixed upon that afternoon. Mr. Robertson, Lord W. Paulet, the -Hon. Captain Bourke, his lordship's aide-de-camp, and myself rode over -to the various hospitals, and I pointed out the improvements I had made, -all of which Lord W. Paulet considered very effective and judicious, and -promised that they should be followed up, referring me at the same time -to Mr. Robertson. "That gentleman," he said, "is now major-domo in the -purveyor's department." - -I told Lord W. Paulet that Mr. Robertson and myself had already settled -everything, and we rode back to the Barrack Hospital. Lord W. Paulet -very kindly invited me to dine with him, and I much regretted that time -did not allow of my accepting the invitation, as we had to leave the -next morning, and I wished to see Miss Nightingale and Mr. Bracebridge; -but I promised to return and spend a part of the evening with him, which -I did, and very merrily too. I must say that, in all the transactions -connected with my mission to the Crimea, to no gentleman am I more -indebted than to Lord W. Paulet, whose gracious reception, continued -kindness, and the extreme confidence he placed in me, gave me such -extraordinary encouragement that it greatly tended to my success: a -failure might have been the result, had he treated me otherwise. Lord W. -Paulet gave me the promised letters, and signed the following paper:-- - - -SCUTARI BARRACK HOSPITAL, CONSTANTINOPLE, - -_May 1st, 1855_. - - TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL LORD WM. PAULET.--Important regulations to - insure for the future a good, clean, wholesome, and nutritious - class of food, and delicate beverages, to be daily produced for the - comfort of the sick and wounded in all the hospitals of the East, - as well as for the standing army, which will prove economical both - in a saving of time, and also a pecuniary sense. Monsieur Soyer - most respectfully solicits the assistance of Brigadier-General Lord - Wm. Paulet in granting the following requisites, which Monsieur - Soyer considers indispensable to carry out the objects of the - important mission conferred on him by the Government of her - Britannic Majesty Queen Victoria the First, and of which his - lordship has already given proofs of his high approval and - satisfaction, as well as his assistance in facilitating the - introduction of a completely new system of diet, which has met with - the approval of Doctor Cumming, the chief medical officer, and - every medical gentleman connected with his staff in the various - English hospitals at Constantinople. - - First requisite.--That for every important hospital, a professed - man-cook shall be engaged, with a civilian assistant, instead of - military, as is now the case, and the principal to be under - military rules and regulations. - - Second.--That all military men now engaged cooking in the hospitals - and barrack kitchens shall be immediately instructed in the art of - camp-cooking. As they are already acquainted with the plain mode of - cooking, it will only require a few lessons from Monsieur Soyer, - under his new and simple style, to become thoroughly conversant - with this branch of culinary operations, highly essential at the - present crisis, and about which the Right Honourable Lord Panmure, - her Majesty's Minister-at-War, expressed the greatest anxiety - personally to Monsieur Soyer, on his mission to Scutari, with a - view to disseminating the system throughout the army. Monsieur - Soyer feels assured that if present in the camp for a few weeks he - will be enabled to carry out this important object, at the same - time introducing wholesome and nutritious food made out of the - usual allowances of provisions supplied to the army, so soon as his - field or bivouac stove shall be adopted by the Crimean authorities. - -A. SOYER. - -Approved. W. PAULET, B.-General, Commanding Troops. - -_Scutari, May 1st, 1855._ - - - -I then returned my thanks and bade his lordship adieu. Thus terminated -my Scutari duties, which were afterwards carried on to my entire -satisfaction under the direction of Mr. Robertson, and supported by Lord -W. Paulet; later by General Storks, now Sir Henry, who succeeded his -lordship. - -Shortly after the opening of my kitchen, I received a visit from General -Vivian and his aide-de-camp, Captain Ramsey. During his visit, Miss -Nightingale entered the kitchen. I then introduced the General to her, -and we had a very animated and interesting conversation relating to -hospital treatment, &c. The General expressed his high gratification at -being introduced to Miss Nightingale, and I then had the honour of -showing him through the hospital, not omitting the other kitchens, where -the cooking was still carried on upon the old system, as I had not had, -in that short space of time, an opportunity to remedy it. The General -and Captain Ramsey expressed their high approval and satisfaction of the -great improvement I had already made in the culinary department of that -monster establishment. I may, perhaps, be pardoned for being vain enough -to quote the gallant General's remark prior to his leaving my kitchen, -which remark encouraged me so much in the prosecution of my labours. It -was thus:-- - -"Monsieur Soyer, Miss Nightingale's name and your own will be for ever -associated in the archives of this memorable war." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -DEPARTURE FOR THE CRIMEA. - - Departure--Bosphorus gulls--The Sultan afloat--The _Robert - Lowe_--Splendid scene--Godfrey Tower--Sweet Waters of - Asia--Therapia--Buyukdere--The Giant's Mountain--The Euxine--Naval - cookery--Miss Nightingale and the sick soldier--Divine service at - sea--Conversation with Miss Nightingale--Plans for the - future--Dinner on board the _Robert Lowe_--A travelling - gentleman--P. M. and the looking-glass, an anecdote--A mutiny--The - prison--View of the Russian coast--Bay of Balaklava--The - harbour--Cossack Bay--P. M.'s horror--At anchor--Moored for the - night. - - -The 2nd of May was the day on which we set sail for the Crimea. It was -indeed a lovely day--the air was redolent with perfume and freshness; -not a ripple seemed to ruffle the surface of the mighty Bosphorus, whose -ever-foaming current appeared to have buried itself deep in the bed of -that turbulent stream. A few caiques were seen here and there swiftly -gliding over its calm surface, occasionally disturbed by the dipping of -the sea-gulls. The Bosphorus gulls have a peculiar chalky colour, -differing from that of the ocean bird, which circumstance, no doubt, -caused Lord Byron, in his beautiful poem, to call them the ghosts of the -Houris, launched to eternity in the depths of that solemn flood of -romance, poetical love, and tragic reminiscence. While skimming its -surface they darted now and then with the rapidity of lightning down -upon a rash little denizen of the deep who had ventured too near the -surface of the limpid element to bask in the warmth of the generous rays -of that friend of the whole world, the sun. All was peace, love, and -repose. A vaporous golden tint seemed to envelope the world-famed city -of Constantinople--its mosques, forests of minarets, Golden Horn, and -European and Asiatic shores, with the Oriental atmosphere so peculiar -to the Bosphorus. Nature seemed to be in its most sublime humour; -heaven, earth, and ocean had that day agreed to be in love with -humanity. - -On a sudden, the report of cannon is heard, and the roar of this fatal -messenger of war is echoed and re-echoed from every part of the city. -Caiques of large dimensions, gorgeously decorated with gilding and rich -silken hangings, manned by numerous oarsmen, leave the marble staircase -of the Dolma Bachi Palace. Numbers of smaller caiques follow in the wake -of this nautical procession, which directs its course towards the Moslem -city of Stamboul. As the flotilla passed close to us, we perceived that -it contained the Sultan and his suite, proceeding to the Mosque of -Sultan Mahomet--it being Friday, and the Turkish Sunday. His Sublime -Majesty is always saluted with about fifty guns at his departure, and -the same number on his return from that ceremony. - -This startling shock awoke me from a kind of lethargy, and made me -recollect that I had embarked in a caique at Tophane, and that I was -then afloat. Of a sudden we were hailed several times from a large ship -close at hand, with the words "Chabouk! Chabouk! Balabak!" which means, -"make haste, boatman." At the same time, the hissing of a steamer, just -getting under way, was heard. In a trice we were alongside, and a minute -after I was upon the deck of the _Robert Lowe_. A few words of -remonstrance were addressed to me by the captain. "Indeed, Monsieur -Soyer, we were going without you! You are full half an hour behind time. -Mr. Bracebridge and Miss Nightingale have inquired several times after -you." - -"Well, captain, I assure you they told me at Major Macdonald's office, -that you would not start till noon." - -"That was our intention; but having shipped all the troops, I wished to -leave earlier, as we must make our time for entering the harbour of -Balaklava, which is now so full that if we were to miss our turn, we -might be kept outside for a day or two, and that would not be at all -pleasant, especially if we happen to have rough weather. Here is Mr. -Bracebridge; he is, no doubt, looking for you." - -The screw was by this time propelling us slowly out of the Golden Horn. - -"Good morning, Monsieur Soyer; have you all your people on board?" said -Mr. Bracebridge. - -"Yes, I have." - -"I have only seen your secretary." - -"Oh, I am sure they are here; I sent them on board this morning before -nine o'clock, previous to going to Pera. Pray how is Miss Nightingale?" - -"She will be on deck directly. By-the-bye, is Mademoiselle a good -sailor?" - -"Tolerably good; with this weather no one need fear being ill at sea," -said I, "though I hear the Black Sea is so very changeable, and that a -tremendous hurricane often comes up suddenly even in the middle of -summer. At all events, we have a good start." - -We were then passing between lower Scutari and the Sultan's palace, and -facing us was the Sound of the Bosphorus, presenting a most delightful -view of the European and the Asiatic shores. When I observed to Mr. -Bracebridge that it was a pity Miss Nightingale was not on deck, he -answered, "You're right; I will go and fetch her." - -A few minutes afterwards that lady made her appearance. - -"What a delightful day! and did you ever see a finer panorama?" - -"Never, Monsieur Soyer." - -"What a glorious mine of subjects for a Claude Lorraine, mademoiselle! -It is much to be regretted that he never visited these Moslem shores." - -The vessel was now going at full speed. - -"We are near Kululee," said Mr. Bracebridge. - -"Yes, we are," said I; "and there is our friend the Bey on the palace -steps. Look at him, Miss; he is in his grand costume. I wonder what is -going on there to-day?" - -"To-day," replied Mr. Bracebridge, "is Friday, the Turkish Sunday. Did -you not hear the cannon just now, when the Sultan went to the Mosque?" - -"Oh, yes, I not only heard it, but also saw the procession, and very -nearly lost the boat." - -"I was told you were rather behind." - -"So much so, that you were upon the move." - -Miss Nightingale observed that although the Kululee hospitals were so -well situated, it was reported by medical men that they were very -unhealthy, more especially the lower one. - -"So I hear, Mademoiselle; but my opinion is, that it is owing to -defective drainage. They were making fresh ventilators in the wards of -the lower one yesterday, which will be a very great improvement. Miss -Stanley is gone?" - -"Yes," said Miss Nightingale; "she has been very unwell for some time." - -We then passed before the Godfrey Tower, proudly standing on its rocky -shore, at the base of which myriads of tombstones stagger about in -pompous disorder, under the shady wings of multitudes of dark -cypress-trees, the solemn guardians of this land of repose. Then we came -to the Sweet Waters of Asia, where thousands of Turks and Turkish ladies -resort on their days of festival. We next passed Therapia, where all the -foreign ambassadors reside in summer; and I exchanged a few words with -Miss Nightingale respecting the Naval Hospital there. Buyukdere, the -Brighton of Constantinople, came next; and the large marble palace on -our right, built, but never finished, by Ibrahim Pacha, and that of the -Sultan Valide, the Giant's Mountain. Ten minutes after, we entered the -Euxine or Black Sea, full sail, with a fair wind and fine weather. - -The Oriental coast had partly disappeared, and every one was anxious to -inspect his fellow-passengers, and find out whether he had any friends -on board. The vessel was crammed with military men and Government -officials, besides about six hundred troops. Having the pleasure of -knowing many of the officers, a general conversation relating to the war -soon commenced. Miss Nightingale had retired, with, several of her -Sisters, to their apartment, and very few persons were aware of the fact -of her being on board, and they were all very anxious to see her; but -evening came on, and we were not again favoured with her presence that -day. The next day being Sunday, Miss Nightingale and myself, accompanied -by the captain, went round the lower deck to visit the soldiers, who -were busily employed making their pudding. Having questioned them upon -their method of cooking, and visited the cook-house, I at once perceived -what facilities were offered to me for making an immense amelioration in -the present system of naval cookery, especially in the method of cooking -salt meat, &c. (See naval recipes in Addenda.) I took the opportunity of -giving them a few hints. Miss Nightingale heard that there were some -invalids on board, and she asked to see them. One poor fellow, who had -been suffering from an attack of fever since our departure, refused to -take his medicine. Miss Nightingale asked the reason of his objection. -He replied, "Because I took some once, and it made me sick; and I -haven't liked physic ever since." - -We could not help laughing at his simple remark. Miss Nightingale said, -"But if I give it you myself, you will take it, wont you?" - -The soldier, looking very hard at her, replied, "Well, sure enough, -ma'am, it will make me sick just the same." For all that he took the -medicine, and seemed to feel very grateful. None but an eye-witness or a -disinterested observer can judge of the effect produced by a female's -attention to the sick soldier. Far from home, he seems to hear the voice -of her who nursed him in childhood--a mother or sister. He will listen -to and receive advice, finding sudden relief from the cheering accents -of a woman's lips, while he would scarcely take the slightest notice of -the kindest orderly's attentions. The man was not aware that it was Miss -Nightingale. A woman's friendly voice had spoken to his heart, and he -felt more composed. - -The sun darted his rays almost perpendicularly upon the deck of the -beautiful ship, the _Robert Lowe_, which glided rather than floated -over that inconstant ocean--the whimsical Mother Black Sea, called in -French "La Mere Noire," who safely bore her children upon her tranquil -bosom in the morning, and at night rocked the cradle with such furious -love, that she changed the smile of comfort to sickness and tears in the -evening. The sails were furled, and the awning was now stretched -amidships. About twelve o'clock all the soldiers, under command of Major -Campbell, about six hundred in number, met upon deck; and divine service -was read by the Major himself. Miss Nightingale, Mr. Bracebridge, -myself, and all the officers on board, were present. Nothing recurs more -vividly to my recollection than the impression made upon my mind by that -religious ceremony, performed so solemnly, between heaven and the ocean. -It appeared as though all were impressed with the sacred mission they -were called upon to fulfil, and that every brave fellow present was -saying his last prayer, and preparing himself in case of emergency, -should it be his fate to succumb on the field of battle in the defence -of his country, to appear with a free and pure conscience before his -Creator, in whose hands alone are the issues of life and death. Many of -those poor fellows afterwards paid that tribute to their country. Such -are the chances of war. This ceremony, though not performed by a -clergyman, had such an effect upon my mind, that I shall never forget -it. - -The remainder of the afternoon was passed on deck, and as it was a day -of rest and delightful weather, we were favoured with the company of the -ladies, including that of Miss Nightingale. - -Although I had frequently conversed with Miss Nightingale upon business -transactions, this was the first and best opportunity I had of -appreciating her amiable character and interesting powers of -conversation. For more than an hour I talked with her, upon the deck of -the good ship _Robert Lowe_. The subject was her duty, not of what she -had already done, but of what she was about to do. She gave me good -advice as to the best way for me to proceed in my new undertaking. -"Monsieur Soyer," she said, "you will find everything very different in -the Crimea to what it was at Scutari, though you had there a great many -difficulties, the distance from supplies being so much greater." We then -arranged that as soon as we were a little organized, our first visit -should be to the General Hospital and the Sanatorium, next to the -General Camp Hospital before Balaklava. The first thing Miss Nightingale -did after our arrival was to write to the commander-in-chief, Lord -Raglan, announcing it. I remarked that I had an official letter to his -lordship from the War Department. - -"I am aware of that, Monsieur Soyer, and that you and Mr. Bracebridge -should go to head-quarters together the day we arrive; but it is -important his lordship should be immediately acquainted by letter of our -arrival." - -"Well, Mademoiselle," said I, "you have been in the military service -longer than I have, and I am not surprised at your being better -acquainted with the rules of war than myself." Miss Nightingale smiled -kindly at the remark. - -Having had the honour and the opportunity of seeing Miss Nightingale -almost daily for above a year, my readers will no doubt be pleased, and -feel interested, by my giving a short description of this estimable -lady, whose fame in this war has been almost universal. - -She is rather high in stature, fair in complexion, and slim in person; -her hair is brown, and is worn quite plain; her physiognomy is most -pleasing; her eyes, of a bluish tint, speak volumes, and are always -sparkling with intelligence; her mouth is small and well formed, while -her lips act in unison, and make known the impression of her heart--one -seems the reflex of the other. Her visage, as regards expression, is -very remarkable, and one can almost anticipate by her countenance what -she is about to say: alternately, with matters of the most grave import, -a gentle smile passes radiantly over her countenance, thus proving her -evenness of temper; at other times, when wit or a pleasantry prevails, -the heroine is lost in the happy, good-natured smile which pervades her -face, and you recognise only the charming woman. Her dress is generally -of a greyish or black tint; she wears a simple white cap, and often a -rough apron. In a word, her whole appearance is religiously simple and -unsophisticated. In conversation no member of the fair sex can be more -amiable and gentle than Miss Nightingale. Removed from her arduous and -cavalier-like duties, which require the nerve of a Hercules,--and she -possesses it when required,--she is Rachel on the stage in both tragedy -and comedy. - -During the voyage Miss Nightingale conversed with the captain, Major -Campbell, and one or two more gentlemen on board. Dinner-time -arrived--four bells apprized us of the fact--the deck was soon cleared, -and the table surrounded. The _pieces de resistance_ were attacked on -all sides. The last decent piece of roast beef we were to see or partake -of for some time was that day before us. Miss Nightingale and the -Sisters of Mercy dined in their cabin. The conversation was so very -lively, that one might have fancied that we were going on a pleasure -excursion instead of the solemn pilgrimage from whence so many were -never to return. All bore testimony to the good fare provided by the -captain, and exquisite pale sherry flowed in the glasses, in honour -first of her Majesty, then Miss Nightingale, next the ladies, and last, -not least, the army and navy. Some good old port, with a fine crust, -properly decanted without shaking, was then introduced, with the -inseparable and justly-famed Stilton cheese and fresh plain salad. - -This sudden change of countenance in the happy homely groups, who only a -few minutes before were as grave as grave--in fact, morally and properly -grave, exchanging peaceably word for word while upon deck, cannot be -attributed to the walk down, nor to the temperature of the room, or even -the charming architectural paintings upon glass which adorned the chief -cabin of the _Robert Lowe_, nor the laying out of the table, "which was -perfect." No, not at all. It was the dinner--yes, the dinner!--which -made me heartily second the opinion of my illustrious compatriot, -Brillat Savarin, when he justly remarks in one of his immortal -aphorisms, that if there is one hour spent more pleasantly than another -in the course of the day, that one is the first hour at the dinner -table. Though he intends his remark for epicures, it can easily be -applied to all classes of society, according to the difference of time -each man can afford from his occupations or peculiar habits. But out of -this reunion of hilarity I will here give an anecdote which will -probably amuse, if not interest, the reader. - - -P. M. AND THE LOOKING-GLASS. - -On the eve of my departure from Scutari I fell in with a travelling -gentleman named Peter Morrison, a personage of no small importance in -his own estimation, who was very desirous of accompanying me through my -Crimean campaign, and of making himself useful to me should his services -be required. Remuneration was to him a secondary consideration. -According to himself, "moving accidents by flood and field, and peril in -the imminent deadly breach," excited his martial ardour, and these had -no terrors for him--while he was far removed from their sphere of -action. He afterwards gave us to understand that he was courting a -wealthy lady, who, being decidedly of opinion that - - None but the brave deserve the fair, - -had declared that none should wed her who had not both "fought and bled -for his country." P. M., as I shall designate this redoubtable hero, -needed some such stimulus to risk his life in his country's cause, as -the sequel will show; for he preferred, with due regard to his -complexion, albeit none of the fairest, the shelter of the _bays_ used -in my kitchen, to any laurels he might reap on the field of Mars, as, -when in front of the enemy, his courage, like that of Bob Acres, "oozed -out at his fingers' ends." But to our anecdote. - -During a gale a few weeks before we went on board, a looking-glass had -been broken in the cabin, the steward, as the ship made a heavy lurch, -having sent his head through it while carrying a dish to the table. -Probably the glass was not set flat in the frame, as his head had made -a perfect star of a hundred jets. The circular hole looked just as if a -shot had passed through it. Three small boards were fixed across to keep -it together. - -Whilst at dinner, P. M., who was sitting next me, inquired how the glass -had been broken. - -"Upon my word," said I, "I do not know; but one of the mates says it was -done by a round shot." (_This the mate had said in joke._) The captain, -who was very jocular, perceiving P. M. was rather uneasy at the -information, merely replied, "Ah, and I had a very narrow escape on the -occasion. I was sitting at the head of the table at the time, nearly -opposite the spot." - -P. M. exclaimed, in great trepidation, "What do you say, captain?--it -was a cannon-ball which broke the glass?" - -"I did not say so," replied the captain, "but such, unfortunately, is -the case." - -"Well," said P. M., "I do not like the job I have undertaken. You don't -mean to say our lives will be endangered at Balaklava?" - -"Oh dear, no; not in the least, except they fire upon us." - -"I tell you what it is, I shall not stand it; for I bargained for -nothing of the kind." - -"At any rate," said I, looking at the captain, who was laughing in his -sleeve, "if you are killed by a shot or shell, or die by illness, all -your former bargains will be of no avail, and off you must go." - -"Had I been aware of that, I certainly should never have left Scutari." - -The next morning we heard that some of the men having raised a kind of -mutiny or fight on board, had been imprisoned. Being anxious to see a -prison on board a ship, I proceeded with Major Campbell to visit them. -The prison was upon deck, in the open air, and instead of being in -chains, the prisoners were made fast with ropes to the deck. Two of them -seemed in great trouble, having entirely lost their senses the night -before. They were trying to recollect and inform the commander how the -quarrel began, when another, who imagined he had completely recovered, -stated the fact thus: "General, if you will allow me, I will tell you -the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth; and instead of -kissing the good book, which I have not got by me, but which I had when -I paid my last visit to his Majesty the Lord Mayor of London, let me -kiss your glove instead." - -"We want no nonsense here; so look sharp, and tell us what it was all -about." - -"Yes, Colonel, I will, as far as I know. You see, Jarvis, who is a -relation of Martin's wife, called her ugly names, and said she wasn't -proper. Upon that we fought--Joe fought--I fought--till we couldn't -fight any longer, and being dark we found it very troublesome, as we -didn't know whom we might be hitting. I do not know who said she wasn't -proper--I don't know the wench--she might be proper, after all, for what -I know--that's all." - -"Corporal," said the Major, "don't let those men land till I see you." - -By this time the Russian coast was in view. Breakfast was just over, and -everybody was on deck--the weather being beautiful. Miss Nightingale, -Mr. Bracebridge, and myself, with telescopes, were looking at the -convent and the monastery, still inhabited by Russian monks. The first -reports of the cannon of Sebastopol were here faintly heard--the wind -being favourable, as the captain informed us. On the right hand, on a -lofty high peaked mountain, the Russian picket was plainly seen mounting -guard. An hour after we were in the Bay of Balaklava, in view of the -Genoese Tower, planted on a high rock, at the elevation of about two -hundred feet above the level of the sea, at the spur of a range of -mountains extending along the shore. A few topmasts are all that can be -seen on entering the gorge; and no one can imagine, though so near, that -such a harbour is in existence as the one we were approaching. The -signal having been given by hoisting the flag on the top of the Genoese -Tower, we entered the far-famed, and now universally known, grand, -though small, Harbour of Balaklava, the entrance to which seems -impracticable. We then slowly threaded our way through that forest of -masts and huge vessels piled and packed so close together in the little -harbour. The principal vessels at that time lying there were.,--the -_Himalaya_, _Jura_, _AEtna_, _Leander_, _Star of the South_, _London_, -_Baraguay d'Hilliers_, &c. It is impossible to describe the animation of -the scene better than by comparing it to the emigration of a large -colony of ants from their habitation to a new quarter. Many people were -aware that Miss Nightingale was coming that day in the _Robert Lowe_, -and the decks of all the large vessels at anchor were crowded with -curious spectators, in expectation of seeing that lady, of whose -devotion to the sick and wounded they had heard so much. - - -COSSACK BAY. - -We had no sooner entered the harbour than, to P. M.'s horror, he saw -painted on the rock in large letters--"Cossack Bay." At this moment, -five or six ill-looking Bashi Bazouks, and as many Turks, with their -large turbans, yathagans, kresses, daggers, firelocks, &c., were -descending the mountain to the rock upon which the fatal name was -written, and immediately caused P. M. to inquire if they were enemies. I -replied that I thought they were, being upon Cossack Bay. - -"I say, Monsieur Soyer," said P. M., "this is beyond a joke; for if -those ugly fellows choose to fire upon us, they can do so as easy as -possible." - -"No doubt they can," said I. - -"I shall not give them a chance," cried P. M., and off he bolted. - -The _Robert Lowe_ had anchored, and was moored in her new berth on the -right-hand side of the harbour, nearly opposite the commandant's house. -Although the operation of getting in had taken nearly two hours, so -interesting was the sight that no one had thought of making preparations -to leave the vessel, which is generally the first thing thought of. Miss -Nightingale pointed out to me the hospital called the "Sanatorium," -situated on the top of the hill, near the Genoese heights and -fortifications. Turning round, she next pointed to a row of white -buildings, which constituted the General Hospital, which she said she -should like to visit that day if time allowed. Mr. Bracebridge came and -informed us that the captain would be happy for us to stay on board as -long as he remained in harbour, which might be a few days--or till we -found a ship to suit us. As it was impossible to procure either a house, -hut, or even a tent, in Balaklava, we of course accepted the offer. The -day was drawing to a close, and, as we were rather fatigued, we -postponed our visit to the hospital till the next morning. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -COMMENCEMENT OF MY CAMPAIGN IN THE CRIMEA. - - Visitors to Miss Nightingale--The floating drawing-room--Terrible - cannonade--A sortie--Second series of visitors--Young Thomas, the - drummer-boy--His devotion to Miss Nightingale--Balaklava - mud--General Hospital--The Sanatorium--Rugged ascent--Extensive - view--Dr. Henderson--Storm of the 14th of November described by an - eye-witness--Tour round the hospital--An officer patient--Return to - the _Robert Lowe_--Off to the camp--A party of equestrians--A - perfect Babel--Small hospital at Kadikoi--Splendid array of - camps--A regimental hospital--Lord Raglan's house--Colonel - Steele--General Hospital before Sebastopol--"The good lady of - Scutari"--An ovation--A peep at Sebastopol--The Three-mortar - Battery--P. M. dodging a shell--A striking scene--Losing the - way--The Zouaves--Various adventures--A casualty--Once more on - board. - - -No sooner was it known that Miss Nightingale had arrived, than hosts of -visitors poured in from all directions, amongst whom were Commissary -Filder, Mr. Henderson, Chief Doctor at the Balaklava Hospital, the -Clergyman, Doctor Sutherland, Mr. Anderson, &c., &c., which caused her -to hold a kind of floating drawing-room. Mr. Bracebridge was also busily -engaged, so I did not see him again till dinner-time. I despatched the -four soldier cooks I had instructed and brought with me to the -Sanatorium, as the troops were landing, and they were required on shore. -Having settled my future plan of operations with my secretary, and -closed our post for the next day, I was quite at liberty to accompany -Miss Nightingale in the morning on her visit to the various hospitals, -as we had previously decided. - -The same evening, about nine, a terrible cannonade was heard from the -besieged city, which produced more effect upon us than upon the -initiated. The report of the fusillade was also plainly heard. This -proved to be a sortie, which it appeared often happened, and produced -no effect upon the inhabitants. Such, however, was not the case with P. -M., though I tried to persuade him that there was no danger, "except," -said I, "in case the enemy should prove victorious, and retake -Balaklava, which might happen through some _ruse de guerre_ unknown to -the allied army." "Well," said P. M., "but I did not bargain for that, -and I assure you I very much regret having come at all. Oh, give me -London and Red Lion Square before any of your seats of war, for I see no -fun in glory." - -"Now we are in for it," I said, "we must go bravely through it. Screw -your courage to the sticking point, and Wigham Ward for ever!" - -The next morning, at seven, everybody was up and busily engaged, when -Mr. Bracebridge came and told me that Miss Nightingale had been up, -writing since daybreak, and would be ready immediately after breakfast. -About eight o'clock, in poured a second series of visitors. Among the -earliest arrivals were Sir J. Macneil and Captain Tulloch; the former -gentleman I had the pleasure of knowing at the Reform Club a few years -back. We then had a short conversation touching the soldiers' food, and -cooking in general. Colonel Harding, Admiral Boxer, Commissary Filder, -&c., came next. Miss Nightingale had given notice that she must be at -the hospital by half-past ten, and was then upon deck ready to start. I -took the opportunity of impressing upon her the necessity of leaving the -ship at once, or the day would pass without our doing anything. We -embarked in a small boat and went on shore, followed by young Thomas, -the drummer-boy, whom I must introduce to my readers as a little wonder; -and, although he had not taken time to grow to manhood, he did not like -to be called a boy. Although but twelve years old, he always called -himself Miss Nightingale's and Mr. Bracebridge's man. He was a regular -_enfant de troupe_, full of activity, wit, intelligence, and glee. He -had quitted his instruments and sticks, as he called them, to devote his -civil and military career to Miss Nightingale, that lady having claimed -his services. To her he was as devoted as an aide-de-camp to his -general. Before the enemy could have approached his adored mistress, the -drummer boy, would have been cut to pieces. This he told me himself at a -later period, when a report was in circulation that the Russians were -likely to attack Balaklava by the Kamara side. Miss Nightingale's hut -being the nearest that way on the Genoese heights, would certainly have -been attacked first. - -Though the weather was fine overhead, there was about ten inches of mud -in the unpaved and uneven streets of Balaklava, which caused us to be -half-an-hour going a distance that might, under ordinary circumstances, -have been accomplished in ten minutes. On our arrival at the General -Hospital, we were received by Miss Wear, the matron of the hospital, -"under Miss Nightingale." Miss Nightingale requested me to try and find -Doctor Henderson, who unluckily, as we thought through a mistake, was -waiting for us at the Sanatorium on the Genoese heights. In his absence, -Miss Wear and the medical superintendent showed us over the wards, which -were crammed full of sick and wounded. We then visited the general -kitchen, which, though rather short of cooking utensils and -accommodation, was kept tolerably clean. A civilian cook was engaged -making rather good soup, but it had boiled too fast. At all events, it -was a satisfaction to me to find some one willing to improve, as he -observed. Promising to send him my receipts and have his kitchen -comfortably arranged, and to supply him with a few tin utensils, we left -him. - -We next went to the extra-diet kitchen, which was anything but a -comfortable one, though Mrs. Davis, who made the extra diets, managed -pretty well, by dint of perseverance and a deal of trouble. She was -compelled to use preserved soups, which are not wholesome for delicate -or weak stomachs, and are, moreover, generally served up too strong, as -scarcely any one who uses them will take the trouble to read the -instructions pasted upon each case, and add the proper quantity of water -required. These are at all times better adapted for persons in health -than for the sick, always excepting the essence of beef (see Hospital -Diets), which, when properly seasoned according to my receipt, is really -very good. I made a list of what apparatus and kitchen utensils were -required, and then we left Miss Davis, much pleased with Miss -Nightingale's kind remarks, my approbation of her services, and, above -all, very proud of having, two days before, been visited and highly -complimented by Lady Stratford de Redcliffe and the other ladies. Lord -Stratford and family had passed us at sea the day before, on their -return to Constantinople, on board the _Caradoc_; a circumstance I much -regretted, as I had anticipated the pleasure of accompanying Lord and -Lady de Redcliffe to the various camp and hospital kitchens. We then -left the General Hospital, and ascended to the Sanatorium by a narrow -and almost perpendicular road cut out of the rock; in consequence of the -ups and downs, it took us full three-quarters of an hour to accomplish -the distance, and very uncomfortably too, the roads being so dirty. The -view during the ascent is transcendently beautiful and refreshing--the -sight of the harbour beneath filled with ships, the chain of rocky -mountains, distant view of the Guards' camp, the village of Kadikoi, its -Greek church, the Zouave camp, and the traffic of thousands below, -busily running to and fro, formed a naval and military tableau which -well repaid us for our trouble. On reaching the verge of the hill facing -the grand tower, which proudly bore the British flagstaff, Miss -Nightingale and myself made an involuntary halt to admire this splendid -view. - -"Did you ever see anything more picturesque than this, Mademoiselle? And -were it not for the everlasting report of the cannon, could you not -believe you were in the Land of Promise, redolent with the green bloom -of nature, which almost covers those rocky mountains? Turn your eyes on -that side towards the busy harbour--can you not imagine you are looking -at Landseer's celebrated pictures on one side of Peace and the other -side of War?" - -Miss Nightingale replied, "I had heard Balaklava was a very pretty -place, but I did not expect to find anything so beautiful." - -"I believe, Mademoiselle, that gentleman coming down from the Sanatorium -is Dr. Henderson? I recollect having seen him inquiring after you last -evening." - -"So it is, Monsieur Soyer; I suppose he has waited so long for us, that -he is coming back to the General Hospital." - -"Thomas," said I to the boy, "run and tell that gentleman Miss -Nightingale is coming, or he may take another road, and miss us." A few -minutes after, we met the doctor, who very much regretted not having met -us at the General Hospital, according to promise. Several important -cases sent from the trenches (among which was the amputation of an arm) -had delayed him. - -"I suppose, doctor, you use chloroform in all cases of amputation?" - -"Yes, we do, Monsieur Soyer, and with very great success, not having -lost a single patient since its application." - -By this time we had arrived at the hospital, which is composed of -immense rows of huts, erected on the crest of the lofty mountain facing -the sea, commanding a beautiful view of the bay. Miss Nightingale -observed that no doubt the site was a healthy one, but that it would be -very hot in summer and equally cold in winter. - -"Well," said the doctor, "we thought of that ourselves; but really -Balaklava is so mountainous, that for the life of us, we could not pitch -upon any other spot. However, the least breeze from the sea will be felt -in summer, and in winter we must contrive to screen it somehow. Should -we have another storm like that of the 14th of last November, we should -be blown away." - -One of the men, hearing the storm mentioned, told me that he had -witnessed it from beginning to end. I then asked him a few particulars, -and he related the circumstance as follows, while Dr. Henderson and Miss -Nightingale were walking among the ruins, talking over business matters. - -"Would you believe it, sir--the furious waves seemed to fly right over -the tower, and the shipping in the bay was almost invisible for a long -time. In fact, we thought that all the vessels were lost; from the mass -of water blown into the air, we took it to be the level of the sea or -the beginning of a second deluge." Pointing with his hand towards the -bay, "That is the spot where the _Prince_ was lost, and further on you -see the place where the _Retribution_ was at anchor, with the Duke of -Cambridge on board. The storm lasted above ten hours. We were quite wet -in the tower, and could not get out. Had we done so, we should probably -have been blown down the hill or into the sea. In the ravine above sixty -large poplar trees were torn up by the roots by one gust of wind." - -"How was it, in the first place, that you came to be there?" - -"Why, you see, sir, we were stationed there to manage the signals for -ships to enter the harbour, and I happened to be on duty at the time." - -"It must have been a fearful sight," said I. - -"Sight, sir!--there was nothing to be seen for many hours; and it was -only towards night that it cleared up a little, and then we could see -the masts of the shipping in the harbour, rolling about like a forest -under the influence of the shock of an earthquake. The next day, I was -put on fatigue duty, to bury the corpses washed on shore from the wreck -of the _Prince_, and a dreadful job it was, I assure you, sir." - -"Where were they buried?" - -"Over the way, on the edge of Leander Bay. You may see the spot from -this," pointing it out. "There are above twenty there, to my knowledge; -but some were never found." Thanking him for his information, I invited -him to come and see me when my kitchens were open, and get a basin of -good soup whenever he pleased. I then rejoined the doctor and Miss -Nightingale, who were returning to the hospital. - -We visited the various wards, each of which contained about thirty -patients. Miss Nightingale had a kind word for all, and many a -conversation with those who had been severely wounded. Having seen five -or six of the wards, I begged Miss Nightingale to excuse my accompanying -her through the others; as I wished, in order to lose no time, to go and -visit the kitchens, and set my men to work, which plan she much approved -of, saying that when she had seen the hospitals, she should like to -visit the kitchens also. As I was going out, I met Mr. Bracebridge on -horseback, coming to meet us. We went to the kitchens, which we found -were built of mud, exposed to the open air, unroofed, and burning much -fuel. I immediately fixed upon a spot to build a kitchen, and sketched a -plan, which I submitted to the doctor and Miss Nightingale, who had then -joined us. We also visited those mud mounts called cook-houses, looked -over the provision stores, and departed. Miss Nightingale, Dr. -Henderson, and myself, returned together by the same road, Miss -Nightingale intending to visit an officer patient who was at the -doctor's house. Mr. Bracebridge being on horseback, was compelled to -take another road. On reaching the doctor's house, Miss Nightingale was -introduced to the patient, who was suffering from a very severe attack -of typhus fever. I stayed in the front room, making my sketch for the -new hospital kitchens. At length Miss Nightingale retired, after giving -words of consolation to the patient, and promising the doctor to send a -nurse who would set him to rights. - -As we were returning to the vessel, I could not help remarking that Miss -Nightingale seemed much fatigued; upon which she replied, "I do feel -rather tired, those roads are so bad." I inquired about the patient she -had visited. - -"The poor young man," said she, "is very ill. I very much fear for his -life." She then stated what a bad attack of fever it was. Upon this, I -remarked, that it was very imprudent of her to remain so long near him. - -"Oh, Monsieur Soyer, I am used to that." - -"Very true, Mademoiselle, but then it is in large airy wards, and not in -small rooms, like the one you have just left." - -"I must say that I have been very fortunate through my Scutari -campaign, and I hope to be as fortunate in the Crimea." - -"I hope so too, but would recommend you to be careful of your health, as -I am sure the army cannot spare you." - -By this time we were near the _Robert Lowe_--a boat was ready to take us -on board, and Mr. Bracebridge was anxiously waiting our arrival, to -inform Miss Nightingale that Lord Raglan had been on board, and also to -the General Hospital, in order to see her, and was very much -disappointed at not having had that pleasure. It was arranged that we -should visit the camp next day, and that I should go and deliver my -official letter, and present my humble duty to Lord Raglan. Miss -Nightingale decided upon taking that opportunity of returning his -lordship's visit. Doctor Sutherland and Mr. Anderson, of the Sanitary -Commission, who happened to be on board, arranged about the horses, and -the time of our departure the next morning. - -At nine, we were all on shore and mounted. There were about eight of us -ready to escort our heroine to the seat of war. Miss Nightingale was -attired simply in a genteel amazone, or riding-habit, and had quite a -martial air. She was mounted upon a very pretty mare, of a golden -colour, which, by its gambols and caracoling, seemed proud to carry its -noble charge. The weather was very fine. Our cavalcade produced an -extraordinary effect upon the motley crowd of all nations assembled at -Balaklava, who were astonished at seeing a lady so well escorted. It was -not so, however, with those who knew who the lady was. - -On the road to head-quarters, we met several officers whom I had the -pleasure of knowing in England. All made inquiries respecting the lady -in our party. As I knew that Miss Nightingale wished to preserve her -incognito as much as possible, and especially in the camp, I referred -them to Mr. Bracebridge. At that time the number of the fair sex in the -Crimea numbered four, always excepting the Sisters of Mercy, who were -never seen out. - -It took us about half-an-hour to go from the Col of Balaklava to Kadikoi -(about a mile distant), having to fight our way through a dense crowd -of Greeks, Armenians, Jews, Maltese, &c.--hundreds of mules, horses, -donkeys, artillery waggons, cannon, shot and shell, oxen and horses -kicking each other, waggons upset in deep mud-holes, infantry and -cavalry passing and repassing. The road was execrable, and not nearly -wide enough for the immense amount of traffic. Amidst this Babel of -tongues and deafening noise, we were obliged to speak at the top of our -voices in order to make ourselves heard. Our horses, by way of enjoying -the fun, kept prancing and kicking in all directions, particularly our -fair lady's palfrey, which could not be kept quiet. Many females would -have felt very nervous in such a position; but Miss Nightingale appeared -to rise above such weakness, and even, on the contrary, to take -considerable interest in this her first introduction to the turmoils of -war. We at length emerged from the crowd, without having sustained much -damage. One of our cavaliers had part of his mackintosh carried away by -a log of wood that projected from the back of a mule, and P. M. lost a -strap, which nearly unseated him. His mule kept kicking and prancing -about, which, one is constrained to confess, is not over pleasant, -especially in a crowd--and such a crowd. As we were at last out of -danger, we could not help laughing at the misfortunes of our friends. -Such was our debut on the soil of the seat of war. - -Our first visit was to the hospital at Kadikoi, in a small Greek church -at the end of the village. Upon our arrival, we were informed that the -doctor was not in, so we promised to call again. We then galloped to the -top of a high hill on the left, on which we could not help making a -halt, as we were quite struck by the grandeur and novelty of the scene. -We could plainly distinguish everything for five miles around us. The -camps, with their myriads of white tents, appeared like large beds of -mushrooms growing at random. The sound of trumpets, the beating of -drums, the roar of cannon from Sebastopol, made a fearful noise, whilst -military manoeuvres, and sentries placed in every direction, gave a -most martial aspect to the landscape, backed by the bold and rugged -range of mountains by which Balaklava is surrounded. - -Having gazed for some time, highly delighted with the scene, so novel to -us, we proceeded on our journey. As Miss Nightingale wished to see one -of the small regimental hospitals, Doctor Sutherland recommended us to -visit that of the 11th Hussars. We were received by the doctor, who very -kindly showed us over. Miss Nightingale and myself inspected the -kitchen, which, though far from being comfortable or convenient, was, at -all events, very ingeniously contrived. Having made my notes, we called -at two other regiments, and afterwards proceeded direct to -head-quarters. Mr. Bracebridge and myself at once rode to Lord Raglan's -house, the front of which was crowded with staff officers and gentlemen -on horseback. On asking whether his lordship was within, we were -answered in the negative, and were informed that he would probably not -return before dinner-time. I then inquired for Colonel Steele, his -lordship's secretary, for whom I also had a letter. That gentleman -received us cordially, and having read Lord Panmure's letter, promised -to give me his utmost support. Mr. Bracebridge stated he had come to -thank Lord Raglan in Miss Nightingale's name, for his kind visit of the -day before. I next inquired when I could see Lord Raglan. Colonel Steele -replied, "When you like, Monsieur Soyer, but for a day or two he will be -very much engaged, as he is preparing for the reception of the Sardinian -army, which is shortly expected. Lord Raglan is aware of your arrival, -and I will give orders for anything you may require in order to enable -you to commence operations." - -"As I have a great deal to do at the Balaklava Hospital, I shall -commence operations there, and will call in a few days to see the -Commander-in-Chief." - -"Come whenever you like, Monsieur Soyer; Lord Raglan will be glad to see -you. He has often spoken of you at the dinner-table." - -"Really! I am glad to hear that. I had the honour of knowing his -lordship many years ago." - -"So he was saying." - -After having conversed with several officers whom I knew, I was about to -retire, when Colonel Steele said that he would write a note that -afternoon to the Chief Engineer, ordering him to send me some -carpenters, and give me all the assistance I might require. I thanked -the colonel, and retired. - -Mr. Bracebridge had in the meantime joined Miss Nightingale, and -informed her that, owing to Lord Raglan's absence, he had not mentioned -her intended visit, but merely mentioned his own. Dr. Sutherland then -inquired if Doctor Hall was at home, and on being told he was not, we -started direct to the General Hospital before Sebastopol, in -anticipation of meeting him there. He had, however, been and left. The -chief doctor was also absent on duty, as no previous appointment had -been made. We were shown round by the superintendent. The hospital was -quite full, having at the time about four hundred sick and wounded. The -place was in consequence rather crowded, but, nevertheless, well -ventilated, and everything seemed in good order. Dr. Sutherland made -several remarks upon an improved system of ventilation. I went to see -the kitchen, which I did not find in a better state than the one at the -Sanatorium. - -A short time after, Mr. Bracebridge came and informed me that Miss -Nightingale wished to speak with me. Having passed a close review, I was -about returning to our party, when I met Miss Nightingale coming towards -this gipsy cooking encampment, in which there was considerably too much -to do for so important an establishment. We promised to call next day, -or the one following, to see Doctors Taylor and Mouatt, and retired -through a long row of huts. Some of the men had found out that it was -"the good lady of Scutari," as they called her; for Miss Nightingale was -then but little known by name, it being her first visit to the Crimea. I -heard afterwards, that some of them had been patients at the Scutari -Hospital, and had experienced the full benefit of that benevolent lady's -kind care and attention. A great number were waiting at the doors--sick -and convalescent--and gave her three hearty cheers as we passed, -followed by three times three. Miss Nightingale seemed much affected by -so unexpected a reception, and, being on horseback, could only bow -gracefully to them by way of returning thanks. Her horse being very -restless, in consequence of the shouts of such a number of men, Mr. -Anderson dismounted, and taking Miss Nightingale's nag by the bridle, -led it gently along. - -We then proceeded through the English and French camps, which, for -miles, surrounded the doomed Sebastopol. The scene, though more -extensive, was not nearly so picturesque as when beheld from the top of -the hill at Balaklava. The afternoon was then drawing on, and Dr. -Sutherland advised us to go home, as it was a very difficult matter for -one to find the way in the dark through the camp; but Mr. Anderson -proposed to have a peep at Sebastopol. It was four o'clock, and they -were firing sharply on both sides. Miss Nightingale, to whom the offer -was made, immediately accepted it; so we formed a column, and, for the -first time, fearlessly faced the enemy, and prepared to go under fire. -P. M. turned round to me, saying quietly, but with great trepidation-- - -"I say, Monsieur Soyer, of course you would not take Miss Nightingale -where there will be any danger." - -We soon after reached the flag-staff at the head of the Woronzoff Road, -and the sentry informed us we must dismount, as we were in danger, at -the same time pointing to the marks of a number of cannon balls and -splinters of shell, which, he said, they sent whenever they saw a group -of people, especially on horseback. He added that they would send a shot -or a shell in a moment. Fortunately, P. M. did not hear this, or we -should have lost his agreeable company. I mentioned this to Miss -Nightingale and to Mr. Bracebridge, who both laughed heartily. - -We then dismounted. The sentry begged of us to go into a kind of -redoubt, built of stone, where there was a telescope. "There," said he, -"you will be in safety, and have a good view of the town." - -This was true enough; the day being clear, and the sun pouring its rays -on the city, we could plainly discern the large buildings, Greek temple, -church, club-house, hospital, barracks, the harbour of Sebastopol, and -the fortifications--viz., the Malakoff, Redan, Quarantine, Fort -Constantine, and the Flagstaff batteries--and could see every shot sent -by the allied armies as well as by the enemy. The bursting of shells -could easily be distinguished. We were about to retire, when Mr. -Anderson proposed going a couple of hundred yards further--to the -Three-mortar Battery. Miss Nightingale immediately seconded the -proposal, but the sentry strongly objected, saying it was too dangerous; -that only a few days before those mortars had poured a very heavy fire -into the city, and that the Russians kept a good look-out upon them. - -"Oh, never mind," said Mr. Anderson; "I was there two days ago, and they -have no powder to waste upon a few individuals." - -Although I was very anxious to get so far, and to go with them, I could -not help observing to Miss Nightingale that there was a picket in the -Woronzoff Road, to indicate the limits, and it was very imprudent of her -to run such a risk for no purpose. I further remarked that, should any -accident happen to her, no one would pity, but, on the contrary, blame -her--that all the good she had done would fall into oblivion, and she -would scarcely be regretted. - -The sentry then repeated his caution, saying, "Madam, even where you -stand you are in great danger; some of the shot reach more than half a -mile beyond this." Mr. Bracebridge, though of my opinion, did not say -much to dissuade her. The sentry then said, "Well, madam, if you do not -fear risking your life, I cannot prevent your going; but remember that, -if anything happens, I have witnesses to prove that it was not through -my neglect in not informing you of the danger you incur by going to the -Three-mortar Battery." - -"My good young man," replied Miss Nightingale, in French, "more dead and -wounded have passed through my hands than I hope you will ever see in -the battle-field during the whole of your military career; believe me, I -have no fear of death." She then started with Mr. Anderson, who was very -impatient at so much time being lost. Mr. Bracebridge and myself -followed. P. M. was still in the redoubt, ensconced behind a gabion, -looking through the telescope, when I suddenly called him. He came -running out, as I had taken him by surprise, and he exclaimed, "I say, -where the deuce are you all going!" - -"Oh, not far--only to the second trench." - -"But, my dear sir, there is a great deal of danger." Taking him by the -arm, Mr. Bracebridge and myself commenced talking upon indifferent -topics, and so got him to advance. As he saw Miss Nightingale before us, -he managed to raise courage enough to keep from running away, while the -cannonading and bursting of shells was heard plainer, and could be seen -much better. He again said, "Why should we go to the trenches? This is -very rash to risk one's life for nothing; it is what I call giving a -chance away." - -To comfort him, I called Mr. Bracebridge and Miss Nightingale. "P. M.," -said I, "seems to fancy there is some danger in the trenches, and I wish -to impress upon his mind that there is much less danger there than where -we are", when a shell came whistling over our heads, and Mr. Anderson -hearing it, cried out, "A shell! a shell!" upon which P. M. immediately -caught me by the shoulders with both hands, and placed himself in a -crouching position behind me, which made us all laugh heartily at his -expense, as the shell was not directed anywhere near us. I have -frequently laughed since with Miss Nightingale at his idea that if the -shell had struck me, he would have been any safer than if he had stood -by himself. - -At all events, we arrived in the Three-mortar Battery without accident. -It contained three large mortars, and instead of being two hundred -yards, as Mr. Anderson had called the distance, was full half a mile -from the Flagstaff, going towards Sebastopol, and quite exposed to fire, -had they thought it worth while to play upon us. We had, however, an -excellent view of the besieged city, such as very few amateurs can boast -of having obtained. Before leaving the battery, I begged Miss -Nightingale, as a favour, to give me her hand, which she did. I then -requested her to ascend the stone rampart next the wooden gun carriage, -and lastly, to sit upon the centre mortar, to which requests she very -gracefully and kindly acceded. I then boldly exclaimed, "Gentlemen, -behold this amiable lady sitting fearlessly upon that terrible -instrument of war! behold the heroic daughter of England--the soldier's -friend!" All present shouted, "Bravo! bravo! hurrah! hurrah! Long live -the daughter of England!" - -As the cannonade increased instead of diminishing, this gave a kind of -martial note of approval to our solemn and enthusiastic ceremony. - -We then left the spot, again to risk our noble selves, as I observed to -our friend P. M. - -"Oh," said he, "I shall run." - -Upon this I observed, "You may do as you like; but you will thereby -incur more danger, as they will take you for a deserter." - -"Oh, that's true again; well, but you may say what you like about -bravery--let me tell you, Monsieur Soyer, that I did not bargain for -being brave, and I think the sooner we get out of this the better. Only -listen to the roaring of the cannon." - -We all laughed heartily at his fears and wry faces. Such were never -before seen in the Crimea. At last we regained the redoubt, quite safe -and sound, which the French corporal on duty attributed to their not -thinking it worth while to fire upon us, and partly to the presence of a -lady. He remarked that ladies often came to this spot to get a view, and -that he had never known the enemy to fire while they were present. - -"Well," I replied, "we certainly cannot extol their gallantry too -highly. But can they distinguish persons at this distance from their -camp?" - -"Of course they can, from their advanced batteries. Persons coming this -way can be seen plainly five minutes before they reach this spot, unless -they come by the Woronzoff Road." - -The sun was by this time fast sinking in the vast ocean in front of -Sebastopol, giving us to understand that night was about to spread its -gloomy wings over the camp, and that in less than two hours it would -envelope us in its mysterious darkness, as well as the besieged and -their assailants. Alas! how many of those brave fellows who saw that sun -set never beheld it rise again. Such was the subject of our conversation -while remounting our horses, with hearts full of emotion, and of the -awful grandeur of this great war, which, instead of comprising four or -five battles, might well be called a single one, or the hundred battle -war, lasting nearly fifteen months without intermission, excepting only -the few hours when the flag of truce was hoisted, in order that the last -religious rites to the mortal remains of the noble departed might be -performed. Oh war! war! where is thy fair side? Thou art only a -paraphernalia of destruction and misery! - -We started at a sharp trot, and were hardly half way to Balaklava when -the dusk of evening was settled over the noisy camps, through which we -were then passing at full gallop. Mr. Anderson, knowing the road, as he -thought, endeavoured to cross the camp by a short cut, when we were -overtaken by night, and lost our way. What with the regiments sounding -their bugles and the drums beating the retreat, it would have puzzled -the coolest head and annoyed the best field-horses. Finding ourselves in -one of the Zouave camps, we inquired of the men in which direction -Balaklava lay. A group of about ten collected round us, and very -politely pointed out the road. It was in a straight line, and not so -much out of the way. - -"But," said they, "you cannot cut across the camp, as this is the first -day we hold the ground, and you are certain to be arrested by the -sentries, and clapped in the violon for the night." They also informed -us that it was imprudent to gallop through the camp, for if the colonel -was about, or it was reported to him, he would be sure to stop us. - -Another exclaimed, in French, "Don't be afraid, friends; the colonel is -not very severe in cases in which ladies are concerned. The officers are -now devouring their popottes and taking their evening grog. There is no -danger, captain; make the best of your way, as it is getting late, and -there are a set of scamps prowling about who would think nothing of -waylaying you for the sake of a five-franc piece." - -Miss Nightingale, Mr. Bracebridge, and Mr. Anderson were riding slowly -in front; P. M. was anxious to know what the Zouaves said, so I -translated it as above, for the edification of my brave companion. We -then started at a smart pace, but could not come up with our _avant -garde_. We made another halt near a group who were sitting on the grass -close to their tent, playing some game with a set of mutton bones, and -drinking coffee. Others were singing their favourite African song, the -"Beau Zouave d'Afrique--Vlan--sont toujours en -avant--Vlan--Vlan--Rataplan--plan--plan." Upon inquiring if they had -seen two gentlemen and a lady on horseback, they replied, "Yes," and -pointed out the road they had taken. - -On asking them how they liked camp life, their answer was, "Oh, very -much in Algeria, but not at all here; the weather is so bad, and that -trench business is such dull work. We should prefer a battle once or -twice a-week in the open field to being shot at like so many rabbits in -the trenches." - -Upon asking what they were drinking, they said, "Coffee; would you like -to taste it?" "With great pleasure," said I. Upon which they gave me -some. It was not bad, but required a little more sugar. "Well," they -said, "we sometimes buy some, as we are only allowed about enough for -breakfast." I requested their acceptance of a few shillings to drink _la -goutte_, which one of them immediately refused, saying, "No, no, -Bourgeois; we did not ask you to taste our coffee wishing to make you -pay for it." - -"I know that, my dear fellow; this is to drink our health." - -"We will do that, then, and no mistake." - -"Good evening, my men, and thank you," said I. P. M. then started off at -a gallop. I immediately stopped him, pretending that if we were seen we -were sure to be locked up all night, our lady fair not being with us, -the colonel would not joke. - -"Well," said he, fiercely, "it would only be for one night, I suppose." - -"Yes, one at least." - -"I should prefer being locked up all night in the guard-house to -venturing in the dark among so many brigands as the Zouaves say there -are roaming about. There we should be in safety; while here we may be -shot at any moment." - -As we were descending a deep ravine, we heard a female voice, and then -the voices of gentlemen. I had no doubt but that these proceeded from -Miss Nightingale and party, who were going slowly down the rocky side of -the ravine. Leaping from our horses, we went faster on foot; and in -about ten minutes succeeded, thanks to the light of the stars, in -catching them. When within hail, I called out, "Who goes there?" The -reply assured me they were our fair lady and her two cavaliers. On our -joining them they said they almost felt afraid that we had been made -prisoners; and Mr. Anderson said he had already given us up. Miss -Nightingale and Mr. Bracebridge were of the same opinion, and they -laughed heartily at P. M.'s description of our dreadful adventure, as he -called it. We were then at the other side of the ravine, and close to a -road which Mr. Anderson recognised as the one leading from Balaklava to -head-quarters. - -At last, we were in a fair way of reaching home that night, which P. M. -had long despaired of. The conversation became very animated; and I much -amused Miss Nightingale and party with my recital of what the Zouave had -said respecting his colonel. I also related the coffee business--Miss -Nightingale made particular inquiries as to its quality. Having replied -to her questions, and being a little ahead, I arrived first at the top -of a high hill, and immediately caught sight of the hundreds of lights -in the little low shops at Kadikoi. We were all right at last; but the -road being steep and very greasy, Miss Nightingale's pony slipped -fearfully, which induced Mr. Anderson, who was nearest to her, to -dismount and lead it down the hill as far as the village. We then passed -through Kadikoi, which presented a different scene to that of the -morning, but still animated, from the groups of Turkish and Greek -labourers returning to their quarters, and a quantity of drunken men -rolling about. We reached the watering-place at the end of the harbour -at last. Miss Nightingale's pony, which was again led by Mr. -Anderson--this spot being, night and day, full of horses--suddenly -turned round to get to the trough, very nearly throwing Miss Nightingale -off, and probably would have done so, had it not been held by Mr. -Anderson, who received a tremendous knock in the face from the brute's -head. This accident made him bleed profusely, and gave him a pair of -black eyes. Of this we were not aware until we arrived at the hospital, -and could scarcely believe it when we did. - -Miss Nightingale and a doctor attended him immediately; and upon -inquiring when it happened, he coolly replied, "About ten minutes ago, -while we were watering the horses." - -"But," said Miss Nightingale, "you never mentioned it." - -"Of course not," he replied; "why should I? it would only have made you -nervous; and I knew that nothing could be done till we arrived here." -After his wound had been dressed, he declared that the shock was so -violent at the time, he actually thought his head had been split open. - -We regretted that, after having gone through such an adventurous day -without accident, a casualty should have happened just at our return. -Our valiant friend, P. M., quietly vowed never to go camp-ranging again, -especially on a mule who was always bolting before or lagging behind, -but never kept parallel with our steeds. Indeed, we called the animal -Clockwork, as, when wound up, he would go fast enough, but when run out, -nothing but re-winding would move him. - -A few days after, by the merest chance, I found a leaf from our friend -P. M.'s diary, of which, no doubt, a copy had been sent to his fair -Dulcinea. It read as follows:-- - - Balaklava, Thursday.--Got up at five o'clock. Off for the day, - accompanying M. Soyer and other friends. My mule very restive. - Accident the first--broke a strap. Weather very hot, water scarce, - wine and beer more so. Ride up a ravine--nearly spilt. Quarrel with - a Bashi-Bazouk. Gallop away from my friends. Splendid view of - head-quarters. Visit the sick and wounded at General Hospital: Miss - Nightingale present--troops greet her with cheers. First glance of - Sebastopol, peeping through the gabions. Dangerous visit to the - Three-gun Battery. A shell! a shell! Barely have time to lie flat - upon the grass. One of our party wounded by a splinter. Dangerous - travelling at night. Take coffee with the Zouaves. Arrive home - safely, but very hungry, after our perilous expedition. - -We left Mr. Anderson, the horses were taken from us, and we went on -board the _Robert Lowe_. The captain was in great anxiety about us, -thinking that something had occurred to Miss Nightingale, who, indeed, -appeared much fatigued with her glorious excursion. She made no remark -on the subject; but, on the contrary, requested me to accompany her -early the next morning to both hospitals. This I promised to do with -great pleasure; and so ended that lady's first visit to the camp -hospitals in the Crimea. - -Seven bells was striking--all was silent and at rest in the -harbour--nothing was heard save the noise of the bells from the -different ships, the booming of the cannon at Sebastopol, with now and -then the sharp rattle of musketry, and the gloomy voice of the -sentinel's challenge--"Who goes there?" - -"A friend." - -"Pass, friend. All's well." - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -THE ENGLISH AND TURKISH COMMANDERS-IN-CHIEF. - - Miss Nightingale indisposed--More visitors--Admiral Boxer--A - valuable receipt--The admiral's indefatigable industry--Miss - Nightingale's perseverance--Off to the hospitals again--Genoese - Heights--Return--Last day on board the _Robert Lowe_--Removal to - the _London_--A rough ride to Balaklava--Meeting with Lord - Raglan--Introduction--Omer Pacha--Conversation--Arrival at - Kadikoi--Reception of General della Marmora--Fraternization. - - -The next morning was wet, chilly, and uncomfortable; and I heard with -sorrow that Miss Nightingale was rather indisposed. It did not, indeed, -surprise me, considering the fatigue she had undergone the previous -day--more especially as she had taken no refreshment the whole of the -time. I made sure that she would postpone her visit to the hospitals. -Numbers of visitors poured in as usual; amongst them was Admiral Boxer, -Chief Admiral of the Port of Balaklava. Mr. Bracebridge was upon deck, -and directly he saw the admiral waiting, he went and spoke to him. "Good -morning, admiral," said Mr. Bracebridge, and then did me the honour of -introducing me. - -"Oh! so you are the Monsieur Soyer I have often heard of; and I made -sure you were a much older man than you appear to be." - -"Did you, indeed, admiral?" - -"Yes, that I did. I bought one of your large cookery books about fifteen -years ago, and in your portrait you are represented as a man of about -forty years of age." - -"I must have grown ten years younger since then; as I am only forty-five -now, admiral." - -"I wish you had put that receipt for growing younger into your book. I -should have tried it long ago, and have been satisfied with five years, -knowing as much as I do." - -"Well done, admiral," said a friend of his. "If Monsieur Soyer could -give such receipts as that, everybody would like to take a leaf out of -his book." - -"At all events, Monsieur Soyer, you are welcome to Balaklava, and when -you like to come and see me upon business--mind, I don't invite you for -anything else at present, as all here is business, business, from -morning till night, and sometimes all night." - -"I assure you, Monsieur Soyer," said his nephew, "the admiral is always -out first and on his rounds; and I, who seldom leave, often find him -writing when every one else is fast asleep." - -"Well, well, business must be attended to," said Admiral Boxer. "At all -events, recollect that I give you the _entree_ of the admiral's ship." - -"Many thanks, admiral. You may rest assured I will not trouble you -often, and then only upon special business." - -"Monsieur Soyer, several officers from Scutari have spoken very highly -of your services there; and I sincerely trust you will be as successful -here.--By-the-bye, I must be off." Looking at his watch. "Oh, I have ten -minutes yet; but could I not see Miss Nightingale?" - -"Certainly, admiral. Some gentlemen are with her now--Doctor Henderson -and your Balaklava chaplain." - -"Oh, never mind, if the lady is engaged; but I believe you came on board -the same ship, and wish to remain together. I must look out for another -vessel for you, as the _Robert Lowe_ will be off in a day or two." - -"In that case, admiral, pray see Mr. Bracebridge about it. He is there -talking to Thomas, his servant. I will fetch him." - -"Pray, Mr. Bracebridge," said the admiral, "give my compliments to Miss -Nightingale, and tell her from me that I am sorry to disturb her, but -the _Robert Lowe_ will sail in a day or two; however, I am going my -rounds, and will try and get her quarters upon one of the best vessels -in the harbour, and let you know, Mr. Bracebridge. Good-bye! good-bye!" - -In a second he was in his boat, holding the helm, and talking to every -one he met. His boat was seen in every part of the harbour, and often in -the bay, even in rather rough weather. From daybreak till sunset, he -might be seen rowing about like a hunted pirate--very active, quick, and -expeditious--though very sailor-like--rather rough and straightforward--by -report generally liked. Such I found Admiral Boxer. - -The weather having cleared up a little, and as I made sure that Miss -Nightingale would not go out as it was so very dirty on shore, I -prepared to visit the hospitals alone, in order to see how the workmen -were going on; intending to ride thence to head-quarters. I purposed -getting there about one or two o'clock, his lordship's lunch-time--the -most likely hour to obtain an interview. On my way to Mr. Bracebridge's -cabin, to inform him of my design, and ask him at the same time to go -with me--he having expressed a wish that we should go together--Thomas, -Miss Nightingale's page, came and inquired if I was ready to go with her -to the hospitals. - -"Pray, my lad, tell Miss Nightingale that I was going alone; but that, -if she is well enough to go, I shall be very happy to accompany her." -Before I had time, however, to finish the sentence, Miss Nightingale had -ascended the cabin stairs, and, I must say, looked very well. - -"Good morning, mademoiselle; how are you after your long journey of -yesterday? I heard you were rather indisposed." - -"I did feel unwell this morning, but am much better now. I am extremely -sorry about Mr. Anderson, who, I am afraid, will be very much disfigured -by last night's accident." - -"I hope it will not prove very serious." - -"It may not; but it will be very disagreeable, as he is obliged to see -so many people." - -"No matter; all wounds are honourable in time of war, excepting, -perhaps, a pair of black eyes." - -"But what has become of your brave _compagnon de voyage_, P. M.? Has he -recovered from the effects of his fright?" - -"All I know is, that he was not at breakfast this morning, and he told -everybody last evening that he would not, for any amount of money, again -accompany you, mademoiselle, or even her Majesty, through such danger as -he incurred yesterday." Every one who knew him laughed at his bravery, -particularly Miss Nightingale, who, turning to Mr. Bracebridge, -said--"Monsieur Soyer and myself are going to the General Hospital, and -thence to the Sanatorium, where I wish you to be kind enough to meet -us." - -"About what time?" inquired Mr. Bracebridge. - -"Two o'clock, as at that hour Mr. Anderson and Dr. Sutherland will be -there about the ventilation." - -We then started. The roads were very muddy. I observed to Miss -Nightingale that she ought to have had boots made on purpose for such -rough walking, to which, she assented, saying, "I will do so, Monsieur -Soyer." - -As we were passing, I left my card at Colonel Hardinge's, the commandant -of Balaklava. I had the pleasure of meeting many officers there with -whom I was acquainted; they all gave me pressing invitations to visit -them in camp, and others to dine with them. As I had no time to stay, I -promised to call upon every one, and rejoined Miss Nightingale. On -arriving at the hospital I found the workmen in full activity. Miss -Nightingale remained there about two hours. We went next to the -Sanatorium, and, in going up the hill, called upon the sick officer who -was in Dr. Henderson's hut. The nurse said that he was a little better, -but far from being well. He was delirious at times. - -"You had better go back to the hospital this evening, Mrs. ----, and tell -Miss Weare to appoint another nurse to attend in your stead." - -"Thank you, madam, I will do so; and am rather glad of it, as I feel -very tired." - -We then proceeded to the Genoese Heights, where I had the pleasure of -meeting Captain King, the chief engineer, whom I found very ready to -assist me in every way. - -"You are aware," said he, "that we are not in London; and I cannot build -a kitchen in the Crimea such as you had at the Reform Club." - -"I should be very sorry if you could, as in that case you would have to -get somebody to manage it, for I assure you I should not like to begin -my gastronomic career again; and I must say I feel every bit as proud in -having to cook for the soldiers, if not more so, than ever I did in -cooking for the greatest epicures or the first lords of England." - -"Then," said Captain King, "we shall work well together." - -"I have no doubt of it, captain, as I only require a few workmen, such -as carpenters and bricklayers; some planks, nails, and a few bricks and -a little mortar. If my new field stoves were finished I should not -trouble you at all, as they will cook in the open air, and do not -require any fixing." - -"If you do not need anything more elaborate than your kitchen here, we -shall be able to give you satisfaction. Have you seen the plan I have -drawn out for you?" - -"Yes, I have--it will do very well." - -I then went to look after our party. Miss Nightingale, Dr. Sutherland, -the hospital surveyor, and several other doctors, were all together, and -they had nearly finished their rounds. They informed me that they were -going to see a small naval hospital, situated nearly at the top of the -high mountain to the left of the Sanatorium. - -The boy Thomas came, and said Miss Nightingale was going home -immediately, inquiring, at the same time, for Mr. Bracebridge. - -"He has been here," I said, "these two hours; and I saw him ride with -Captain King towards the heights, as if he was going to the naval -hospital." - -"Very well, sir, I will tell Dr. Sutherland." - -We were then all going towards the new kitchen. I showed my plan to Miss -Nightingale and Dr. Sutherland, who both admired its simplicity and -expedition as regards cooking. I observed that this one, when -completed, would serve as a model for any others which might be -required in the camp. - -"Where are the utensils?" asked the hospital purveyor; "we have nothing -in store." - -"I assure you you are mistaken," said I, "because it was only yesterday -that I saw them in Mr. Fitzgerald's store-room." - -"I declare," said he, "that for days and days I have been asking for -kitchen utensils, and the only things I could get were some spoons, a -frying-pan, and large forks." - -"Oh," said I, "very likely; but they only arrived with us, and were -ordered, at my suggestion, by Mr. Robertson, the purveyor-in-chief at -Scutari." - -"I beg your pardon; that's all right; but I can assure you that if you -had depended upon the Balaklava or Kadikoi tinkers, they would have made -you pay as much as five or six shillings for an article worth one in -London." - -Miss Nightingale and party were by this time half way to Balaklava, but -we soon caught them. The weather was bad, the road worse, and rain kept -falling. In fact, the mud was so deep in front of the ship, that we were -obliged to form a kind of bridge across the road for the lady to get to -the boat to go on board. Dr. Sutherland, the captain of the _Diamond_, -and the doctor of the Naval Brigade, then made an appointment to go and -visit the new hospital building for the sick sailors on the Leander Bay -side, facing the Genoese Tower. After this we parted--to meet early the -next morning. Upon our return, a message was delivered from the admiral, -to the effect that there were two ships at our disposal, and requesting -Mr. Bracebridge to go and see them, and choose the one he liked best -without delay, as probably the _Robert Lowe_ would leave the harbour for -Constantinople. - -Mr. Bracebridge attended to the order immediately, and having inspected -both, selected the _London_, as she was likely to remain the longest. -The captain informed us that it had at one time been called the _Great -London_, and that it was launched in the beginning of the reign of -George the Third. The inhabitants of London used to go and view it as a -curiosity; but when it sailed from the Thames the crowd was immense. It -was built by Mr. Green. - -This being probably our last day on board the _Robert Lowe_, we invited -a few friends to dine with us, and, despite the bad weather, we passed a -very pleasant and sociable evening, enlivened by the sound of merry -glees and national songs. Our hearts and souls were fluttering either in -France or England, according to the style of harmony. As Miss -Nightingale's state cabin was at a good distance from the saloon, she -could not be in the slightest way disturbed by the double harmony which -reigned among us. The conversation was turned chiefly upon the arrival -of the Sardinian army, and of the destruction by fire of one of their -vessels, called the _Capitole_. She was filled with troops, but I -believe none were lost. This made a sad pendant to the French vessel, -the _Semillante_, wrecked some time before. - -The next morning, some large vessels were reported in sight, supposed to -be the Sardinian fleet, though, from their great distance and the -contrary winds, they were not expected in till late in the afternoon. -This led to the departure of the _Robert Lowe_ that day, and earlier -than the captain had expected. We all left her early, and Miss -Nightingale installed her nurses in the Sanatorium at the Genoese -Heights, near the Tower, a sketch of which appeared in the _Illustrated -London News_, of the latter end of May, 1855, where we accompanied her -with a numerous escort. - -As it seemed probable that Miss Nightingale would be engaged the whole -of the day classing her ladies in their various departments, we -postponed our visit to the Leander Bay naval hospital till the morrow. -It was also necessary for us to take up our quarters on board the -_London_. The morning had been gloomy, and about one o'clock it began to -rain. I thought this would be a good opportunity for obtaining an -audience with Lord Raglan at head-quarters. Having mentioned the matter -to Mr. Bracebridge, he approved it, and proposed accompanying me. We -dressed to face the weather. I rode the mule, and off we went through -the rain and deep mud. - -In going, we took the longest way and the worst road, and were nearly -two hours on our journey instead of three-quarters of an hour, which is -about the time required, and even less in fine weather. We had almost -reached the general's house, when we perceived, at a short distance, a -kind of squadron of cavalry coming towards Balaklava. Mr. Bracebridge -exclaimed, "If I am not mistaken, Lord Raglan and his staff are going -out." - -We perceived that some of them wore their rough weather coats. We -immediately galloped towards them, and found that it really was Lord -Raglan and his staff, with about thirty mounted officers, amongst whom -were some attached to the French and Turkish army. - -Our first intention was to retire, but seeing Colonel Steele, I rode up -to him, told him I had called, and requested him to fix an hour for an -audience. Colonel Steele replied, "You could not have come at a better -time. Come with me; I will introduce you to his lordship; he will be -delighted to see you; he has been inquiring daily after you and Miss -Nightingale." - -While this conversation was going on, we had got quite close to Lord -Raglan. Colonel Steele addressed him, "I beg pardon, my lord; Monsieur -Soyer is here." Lord Raglan turned suddenly round, and, before I had -time to salute him, said, "Ah, Monsieur Soyer, how are you? I am indeed -very glad to see you." I assured his lordship I felt highly flattered at -his kind reception. - -"You are welcome to the seat of war, Monsieur Soyer. It is many years -since we had the pleasure of seeing each other." - -"It must be about ten years, my Lord." - -"More than that; let me see--it cannot be less than fourteen, I am sure. -I recollect going with some friends of mine, to visit you in your -interesting kitchen at the Reform Club. You remember?" - -"So well, that I recollect your lordship saying you never had a good -dinner excepting when they gave you the _pot-au-feu_ made after my -receipt, and that I was one of your great benefactors." - -"Perfectly right, Monsieur Soyer. You have been one not only to me, but -the public at large, in making all your receipts known. Since we met, -you have worked very hard, and, although I did not see you, I watched -your progress and industry." - -"I am still quite ready to render myself useful, and willing to work -harder than ever, under your direction." - -"Well, well, you may depend upon it I shall do all in my power to render -your services available." Turning to an officer on his left, Lord Raglan -said, "Will you allow me to introduce Monsieur Soyer?" Then addressing -himself to me, Lord Raglan said, "Monsieur Soyer--His Excellency Omer -Pacha." - -I bowed to the distinguished Turkish commander, who said in French, "Ah, -Monsieur Soyer, I have frequently heard Beyram Pacha speak of you; only -yesterday he mentioned your name. He is acquainted with you?" - -"Yes, your excellency; I had the honour of sailing from Marseilles to -Constantinople in company with the general." - -"He told me you were about to open a large hotel at Eupatoria." - -"No, no, your excellency; Monsieur Soyer is come to show our soldiers -how to make the best of their rations, which I consider very kind of -him; and no doubt they will improve under his tuition. They will not -change their old style of cooking for anyone else. Myself, several -colonels, and even generals, have taken a deal of interest and trouble -in trying to teach them a better way of cooking. They adopt our plan -while we are present, but when once our backs are turned, they go on in -their old way." - -"Very true, very true," said Omer Pacha. "It is just the same with my -men. Show them anything better than their pilaff, they will not adopt it -for the world." - -"You have done wonders, Monsieur Soyer, in the hospitals at Scutari, as -I perceive from the report and the letter addressed to me by Lord -William Paulet." - -"I am very happy to have succeeded so well; and hope the system will in -time be followed out by every hospital, as it is less trouble than the -old one, not more expensive, and has been highly approved by all the -medical authorities." - -"Oh," said Lord Raglan, "if it has been approved of by the faculty, -there is no doubt of its being adopted at home." - -"I have great numbers of testimonials from the heads of the medical -departments." By this time we had arrived near Kadikoi, which then -consisted of only a few wooden huts. The rain never ceased, and we went -at a foot-pace all the way, which gave us an opportunity of conversing. -I had the honour of riding on Lord Raglan's right side, and Omer Pacha -was on his left. No sooner did we come within view of the plain of -Balaklava, than his lordship pointed out the spot where the battle was -fought, and asked me if I could see a small church at a distance. - -"Perfectly well," was my answer. - -"From this spot, on a fine day, you can see the enemy quite distinctly," -said Lord Raglan; "and on that large mound which appears so close to us, -you can easily see their sentries." - -"So I can, my lord. Is that a Russian picket?" - -"Yes, it is." - -I thanked Lord Raglan for the information; saying, "As I have no -particular fancy to have the honour of being made a prisoner of war, I -shall take care not to go too near our friends the enemies." His -lordship turned round and made some remark to Omer Pacha, who laughed -heartily; but I did not distinctly hear what he said--the road was -rugged, and Lord Raglan wore a mackintosh with a hood over his head--it -was, however, to the effect that the Russians could not secure a more -useful prisoner than myself, especially for---- (the name escaped me), -who is a great epicure. - -We were by that time near the Col of Balaklava. Lord Raglan asked me if -I had seen the Sardinians land. I replied that, although I knew they -were expected, I was not aware of their arrival. - -"Oh yes, General della Marmora has arrived, and I am going to receive -him." - -A large crowd had by this time gathered round the general and his staff. -When near the harbour, I took leave of his lordship, who kindly invited -me to call at head-quarters, whenever I liked, and told me that Colonel -Steele would give me all the information and assistance I might require -to carry out my views. I followed the brilliant _cortege_, being anxious -to witness the reception of the Sardinian general, which was most -cordial and effective, especially when the band struck up "God save the -Queen;" such an animated and enthusiastic _tableau_ never met my eyes. -The sketch was worthy the pencil of the great Horace Vernet. - -Mr. Bracebridge, who had been introduced to Lord Raglan at the same time -as myself, but who drew back and conversed with Colonel Steele, left us -at the small bridge leading from the Col into Balaklava, and went direct -to the town side, while we turned to the left hand, where the Sardinian -fleet was anchored. The arrival of the Sardinians had created quite a -stir in Balaklava. Towards dusk, they might be seen in all directions. -Their dress, manner, language, &c., all formed a marked contrast to the -usual daily routine. The fraternization between them and the English -took place immediately; they were like brothers who, not having met for -many years, were at last united in order to defend the same cause and -brave the same dangers. All was joy, heroism, and thirst for glory. The -incessant roar of the cannon of Sebastopol had for the first time -re-echoed on board the English and Sardinian men-of-war, producing a -double impression upon the feelings of both armies. The evening closed -with the vibration in the ear of "God save the Queen," "Partant pour la -Syrie," and the grand Sardinian national air, which was performed by -their band. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -A NEW ENEMY. - - A comfortable berth--A skirmish with the rats--A doubtful - victory--Arrival of reinforcements--Abandon the field--The - Sardinian contingent--Naval hospital in Leander Bay--Victims of the - wreck of the _Prince_--A Maltese cook--Magnificent - bouquets--Another brush with the rats--A captain in undress--How to - catch them--A receipt worth knowing--A good joke--Castle of a king - in Balaklava. - - -A quarter to eleven had struck when I made my first appearance on board -the _London_. All had turned in and were asleep, and the lights were out -in the chief cabin. The night watch showed me my berth, which I could -feel, but not see; so I crept into it half undressed, the best way I -could, and in a few minutes, from the fatigues of the day, I fell into a -deep slumber. This lasted for several hours; and I was at last aroused -by several persevering rats, who tried, at the risk of their lives, to -pull a piece of Sardinian biscuit out of my great-coat pocket. This I -had obtained on board the _Carlo Alberto_ as a sample. - -The presence of such unwelcome visitors made me spring quickly out of my -slice of a bed, which is very judiciously called cabin-berth; and, as I -found it too small for one, I had a great objection to extra lodgers. I -therefore stood upon the offensive and the defensive, which caused my -assailants to flee in the greatest confusion, and with such celerity -that I was unable to make any of them prisoners. Relying upon the -effects of their defeat, fatigue enticed me to try another dose of -sleep, when all at once, with the perseverance of Zouaves, the rats -returned to the assault, and running over my face, made me capitulate -immediately, and leave them in possession of my nautical bedchamber. I -spent the remainder of the night uncomfortably enough upon the narrow -cabin benches, falling now and then on the floor by way of variation. -The light at last began to peep through the cabin windows, and I could -look after my garments, which I at once rescued from the teeth of my -enemies, the Zouave rats. Not a morsel of the biscuit was left; they had -gnawed two large holes in a new great-coat, no doubt to save the -buttons, which they had not swallowed, but very nearly nibbled off. When -I was dressed, I rushed upon deck, and began to breathe freely. The sun -shone, and the morning gave promise of a fine day. At eight we had -breakfast, and I related my night's sport to the captain, Mr. -Bracebridge, and others. Every one laughed heartily at my tribulation, -which was poor consolation for such a victim as I had been. - -On inquiring about Miss Nightingale, I learnt from Mr. Bracebridge that -she had come on board late in the evening. I remarked that it was very -imprudent of her remaining so late out in such bad weather; and I told -Mr. Bracebridge that he ought to prevent it, as she was sure to be taken -ill. "So I told her," Mr. Bracebridge replied, "but she says it will not -be for long--only till the sisters are installed; then she will be able -to come home sooner. You were highly honoured yesterday, Monsieur Soyer; -how you seemed to amuse Lord Raglan and Omer Pacha!" - -"Yes, indeed, his lordship is very lively and jocular." - -Having explained all that took place, I asked him where he went after -leaving us. - -"As I did not see Miss Nightingale return from the Genoese heights, I -went in search of her. By-the-bye, are you going with us?" - -"Going where?" - -"Why, to Leander Bay, to visit the sailors' new hospital." - -"Of course I am," I replied. "The present Admiral (Lushington), Captain -Hamilton, Doctors Smart and Sutherland will accompany Miss Nightingale." - -The Doctor of the _Diamond_ called for us in his boat, and beneath a -glowing sun, on a fine spring day, we crossed the busy harbour. The -Sardinian man-of-war was the greatest attraction. The band played a -fine march and some original melodies, which enlivened our short trip. -All the shipping had hoisted their flags, and other vessels were seen in -the offing, conveying the remainder of the Sardinian army. - -While we were crossing, Miss Nightingale inquired about my doings of the -previous day, which I carefully related to her, dwelling particularly -upon the kind reception I had received from Lord Raglan and Omer Pacha, -and the willingness of the former to assist me in my undertaking. - -"I am very glad to hear it," said Miss Nightingale; "but, for all that, -you will have innumerable difficulties to contend with. Not a man is at -work at your kitchen. They say they have no more planks, and all do just -as they please. The engineering department is over-burdened with work. -For my part, I can get nothing done, nor can the Purveyor-in-chief. I -don't blame any one; but if delays of this kind occur for such trifles, -what will it be for so important an affair as your general and -extra-diet kitchens?" - -"You are right, and I thank you for the hint. Upon our return, I will go -and see Captain King." - -We had then arrived in Leander Bay. I pointed out the spot at which the -poor victims of the wreck of the _Prince_ were buried--the sight of -which made a singular impression upon every member of the party, -especially when I told them the number which lay there. There was -scarcely any earth over them; and the workmen told us the stench from -the bodies was so dreadful, they were often compelled to leave their -work in consequence. Another said we did not perceive it because the -wind was in another direction. Mr. Bracebridge took note of this, in -order to mention the matter to Dr. Sutherland, who knew nothing of it at -the time. On reaching the green mountain, at the top of which is -situated the new Naval Hospital, we were greeted by the sight of a -complete garden of wild flowers, vines, and aromatic plants. This repaid -us for the dismal scene below. Several French soldiers were picking the -flowers, and gathering salad and wild sorrel. - -At the hospital we met Dr. Sutherland and Mr. Anderson, who had not -recovered from the effect of his accident, and still had a pair of black -eyes. The Commander had been waiting some time for us, and was on the -point of retiring, when our arrival induced him to change his intention. -We visited the hospital, which, though a small one, was delightfully -situated. The huts were built on a new principle, with a new style of -ventilation. The kitchen had then only just been commenced. I gave the -sailor cook, a Maltese, who seemed very intelligent, a few hints, and -promised to send the doctor a plan, and to give him my hospital -receipts. The latter I had been expecting for some time from -Constantinople; but they had been lost, and I was obliged to have them -reprinted. The plan, however, I sent. It was adopted, and, upon my -second visit, everything was going on very satisfactorily. - -We then separated into groups, and enjoyed a delightful ramble over the -rocks and mountains, herborising for a couple of hours. When we again -reunited, we all had enormous bouquets of flowers, collected in honour -of our fair lady, who could not help laughing at the appearance of her -beaux and their bouquets. Only one was accepted, and the fortunate -candidate was our worthy friend the invalid, Mr. Anderson. We carried -our botanical harvest home, and descended the hill full of health and -spirits. Even the cannon of Sebastopol was silent, at least to our ears, -the wind being the wrong way for the report to reach us. In a few -minutes we were once more afloat, and were about conducting Miss -Nightingale on board, when she said that she wished to go to the General -Hospital; so Captain Hamilton landed us as near to it as possible. We -then separated--Dr. Smart and Mr. Anderson inviting me to go and see -them often, as they had much to inform me of relating to the food of the -army. - -Dr. Smart accompanied Miss Nightingale to the hospital, and I went to -find Captain King; but he had gone to the Sanatorium--at least so they -told me at his office. I went up there, being anxious to have this -kitchen completed, as it was really much wanted. The hospital was -getting fuller every day, and I had a great desire to commence -operations at the camp. The Captain was not there, nor could I find a -single workman. To my great sorrow, I met Miss Nightingale coming down -the hill, attended by a nurse or two, and the page-boy. She was walking -through the mud in thin boots. The weather had entirely changed, and a -heavy rain was falling. Upon meeting her, I could not refrain from -expressing my fear that she would catch cold. She had been to ask the -nurse at Dr. Henderson's how the officer patient was. Upon reaching the -harbour, we took a Maltese boat, and arrived on board the _London_ -almost wet through. - -A different cabin to the one I had occupied the night before was -allotted to me. All the rat-holes had been stopped, and by special -favour I was allowed a night-lamp. I had the pleasure of seeing the rats -run about, which afforded me the opportunity of hunting them at my ease. -I then perceived that several escaped through the bull's-eye, which I -immediately closed, and so captured three. I then commenced killing them -with a stick, and in so doing made noise enough to arouse everybody. -Some of the crew came to see what was the matter, while the Captain, who -was half asleep, and rather deaf, told the mate to send for the police -and turn the drunken man out. - -Having explained to the first mate the cause of my nocturnal -disturbance, he told me that they were sure to come in at the -bull's-eye, if left open, that being the easiest way for them when in -harbour. "And," said he, "they travel that way from one ship to another -in bands of ten or twenty at a time." He then showed me how to close and -fasten the bull's-eye, after which he retired to his berth. All at once, -one of the brutes, which had remained concealed, in attempting to escape -upset the lamp upon the floor and extinguished it, and thus compelled me -for the second time to seek to repose upon the hard and unsophisticated -cabin bench, when the Captain made his appearance rather in a state of -_neglige_, holding, a rushlight in one hand and a sword in the other, -with a nightcap tied round with a red riband upon his head. In great -anxiety, he inquired what the row was about. - -"The row, Captain," said I, "is nothing. It's only the bull's-eye in my -cabin, which being half open, the rats have got in again." - -"What do you say, Monsieur Soyer?" - -"Nothing," again I shouted. - -"Call that nothing? I never had such a row in my ship before. Bless my -soul," said he, "what a nuisance those rats are! They make quite as free -in my cabin; but, being used to it, I do not care so much about them. -The worst of it is that we can never keep a bit of cheese or a candle; -they eat them up as fast as I buy them." - -"It is certainly very provoking, Captain; but why not try and catch -them?" - -"Oh, bless you, we have tried everything--poison, traps, broken glass. -We caught a few, but I would give the world to have them all caught." - -"I can give you a receipt which will enable you to have them almost all -caught in a few days." - -"The deuce you could!" said he, coming and sitting opposite to me. "Tell -me how it is done--I shall be so much obliged to you; but I must go and -put something on first, I am so cold." As he said this, I perceived that -the skylight over his head was open. - -"Oh, never mind that; it won't take two minutes to tell you--listen to -me." - -"So I will," he said. - -"The place where you keep your cheese would be the very spot to make the -trial. The thing is quite easy. Have your cheese and candles removed." - -"So I will; but I wish you would let me put a coat on--I am getting so -very cold." - -"Never mind about that; I shall not keep you a minute--listen to me." - -"So I will." - -"When the cabin is perfectly empty, have it cleaned and well scrubbed." - -"That will be done." - -"When it is dry, take half a pound of good Cheshire cheese, scrape it -fine, and mix it with about two pounds of rough bread-crumbs." - -"Yes, I will." - -"Perhaps you think it is a pity to give them half a pound of good -cheese." - -"Not at all, because the vermin eat pounds of it daily." - -"Mix both well together." - -"Yes, I understand--and make them into balls." - -"No, not at all--only spread the lot upon the floor, leave the door and -window open, and go to bed. Of course they will come and eat." - -"I should say they would," he observed. - -"The next evening do the same, cutting the cheese a trifle larger. They -will come again and eat it." - -"What next?" said he. - -"The third night, leave the doors and windows open; go to bed as usual, -and put nothing at all in the cabin." - -"What then?" he asked again, in a state of anxiety. - -"Why, of course, when they come and find nothing to eat, and being in -still greater numbers than the two previous nights, they will be all -caught." - -"How," said he, "will they be all caught?" - -"Why, of course, finding nothing to eat, they will be all taken in." - -"That be d----d! I have made a nice fool of myself, standing here half -naked to listen to such rubbish as that." - -Having said this, he ran into his cabin, and for a long while I heard -him sneezing and muttering to himself. The word "fool" was all that I -could catch; and soon after all was silent till daybreak. - -On waking, I at first regretted having carried the joke so far, when all -at once I heard the good captain burst out laughing and sneezing. The -first visit I had in the morning, while shaving in my cabin, was from -the captain. As it was then only six o'clock, I made sure he was coming -to challenge me, and began to think of choosing my favourite weapons, -which I had so successfully employed on a similar occasion in London, -after a serious discussion with a red republican on the subject of -monarchy. - -One afternoon, at a French restaurant in the Haymarket, a rather -animated discussion, _apropos_ of the new republic of the year '48, took -place between myself and a person whom I afterwards ascertained to be -the duellist Cournet, an officer in the French navy, who has already -been mentioned in the earlier pages of this work. - -My entire disapproval of the conduct of the friends of liberty, as shown -by their wanton destruction of everything, both useful and ornamental, -even to the court breeches and white inexpressibles of the National -Guard (which were exposed to dry at every window of the Palace of the -Tuileries, thus giving to that noble building somewhat the appearance of -Rag Fair), was so strongly expressed, that Cournet, "taking umbrage -thereat," after calling me a monarchist and an enemy to liberty, -insisted upon my meeting him the next morning, to give him the -satisfaction due from one gentleman to another. - -I replied to his challenge by desiring that the matter should be settled -at once. - -He answered, in a haughty tone, "Comme vous voudrez, monsieur. C'est a -vous le choix des armes. Nous tirerons ce que vous voudrez!" - -"Eh, bien," said I, "puisque c'est a moi le choix des armes, sortons a -l'instant meme, monsieur, et nous allons nous tirer les cheveux." - -"As you please, sir. The choice of weapons is yours." - -"In that case, I suppose we must pull triggers for it." - -"Sir," replied he, "we will pull any mortal thing you please." - -"Good," said I; "then we will at once proceed to pull each other's -hair." - -The roar of laughter which followed this sally somewhat calmed the ire -of this rabid and irascible duellist, more especially when he was -informed who I was, and that my province was to make people live well, -and not die badly. - -The Captain, however, entered with a smile on his countenance, and -looked altogether pleased. He begged of me to say nothing about it, as -the crew would laugh at him, and it was necessary on board ship to be -very severe. Moreover, he declared that he wished to catch some of his -brother captains, who, like him, were very much pestered with rats. - -As I was extremely anxious to see Captain King respecting the slow -progress of the kitchen, I started about seven o'clock, expecting to -find him at home. After a long and disagreeable mountainous walk, I -arrived too late. "But," said his man, "you will very likely meet him at -his office about nine o'clock, or else at the Sanatorium or -head-quarters, or at Kadikoi, as he told me he was going to those -places." - -"I suppose I have a chance of finding him anywhere, except at -Sebastopol," I replied. - -More fortunate than on former occasions, I met the captain on horseback -going to his office. We mounted the tumble-down rotten wooden staircase -of this late palazzo, now converted into one of the principal and most -important departments in the British army in the Crimea--viz., the -office of the chief engineer. The large room which was dedicated to the -captain would hold, at a pinch, seven or eight people of a very moderate -size standing; the second about five; and the third none, being filled -with plans, models, and drawings. - -Such was the castle of a king in Balaklava; and I have seen from thirty -to forty people waiting in the mud to have an interview with his -Majesty, who, I must confess, received his loyal subjects with a most -humorous and happy countenance, having always a smile for a friend and -kind words for everybody. When we got in, I immediately locked the door, -informing him that he, the king, was my prisoner for at least ten -minutes, as that was all the time I should require. We went earnestly to -business. I submitted my various plans, and requested him to have the -Sanatorium kitchen finished. To this he agreed, promising to do all he -could for me, at the same time observing they were short of materials -and good workmen. - -I then set the captain and king at liberty. - -I next went to see Commissary Filder, being anxious to fix a time for -inspecting the provisions in general use. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -RECEPTION AT ENGLISH AND FRENCH HEAD-QUARTERS. - - Question of fuel--Saving of hundreds per cent.--Miss Nightingale's - indisposition--Mr. Upton--Who caught the rats?--Lots of - acquaintances--A short cut--Arrive at head-quarters--General Della - Marmora's visit--Interview with Lord Raglan--Inspection of - field-stove--Conversation--Model admired--Omer Pacha on army - cookery--Valuable suggestions--Lord Raglan's cook--Golding's - preserved meats--Various methods--Dr. Hall--The eccentric - Louis--Dr. Cumming's letter--French head-quarters--A flying - visit--Fraternization--Ride home. - - -On my return to our ship, I left my card at Colonel Hardinge's. He -kindly invited me to breakfast; and I regretted that I could not accept -the invitation, having promised Colonel Steele to be at head-quarters at -eleven o'clock. After a little business conversation respecting the -arrival of the fuel, he gave me an estimate of the number of vessels -required daily for that purpose alone, the number of men employed in -loading and unloading the ships, the encumbrance it caused in the -harbour, the room required for storing it, the number of mules for -carrying it to the various camps, and the difficulty of distribution. -"No one," said he, "can imagine the immense quantity of labour that is -required for keeping up the supplies of fuel." - -"I am going to-day," I remarked, "to see the Commander-in-chief; and I -intend to submit a small model of my camp kitchen for his inspection." -In a few words I explained its principle, and stated the small quantity -of fuel it would require. Colonel Hardinge remarked, "Why, you will save -at least between three and four hundred per cent.; for it is not the -cost of the coal or wood which is the principal item, but the labour, -expense, and inconvenience of transport. All these will be greatly -reduced." - -"I am much obliged to you," I said, "for your very encouraging remarks." - -"Any more information you may require I shall at all times be happy to -afford; and as you have no horses yet, whenever you want a pony, let me -know." - -"I feel grateful, Colonel, for your kind reception." - -Crowds of people were waiting for an audience, yet I managed to escape. -Balaklava House was indeed a palace compared with the rest of the -Tartaric habitations. On arriving on board the _London_, I heard with -regret that Miss Nightingale was indisposed. Mr. Bracebridge did not -think it was anything very serious. Mrs. Roberts, Miss Nightingale's -head nurse, who always accompanied her and attended her during the -voyage, informed me that Miss Nightingale was not going out, having much -writing to do, it being post-day. - -Mr. Bracebridge wished me to go with him to see Mr. Upton, the son of -the architect who built the harbour and docks of Sebastopol. On my -reminding him of my appointment at head-quarters (which he had -forgotten), Mr. Bracebridge proposed going the next morning, as he had a -particular desire to see Mr. Upton and family. "I hear," said he, "Mr. -Upton is a Warwickshire man. His father was born at the small village of -Grendon, close to my place and that of your late friend, Sir George -Chetwynd, of Grendon Hall." - -"Really! I know the place very well; and to-morrow I shall be happy to -accompany you, unless fresh orders from head-quarters interfere with the -arrangement." - -"Your pony is ready, Monsieur Soyer," said the steward of the ship. I -sent for Miss Nightingale's page, Thomas. - -"Do you want me, Monsieur Soyer?" asked the boy. - -"Yes, my lad, I do. Tell your mistress I am going to head-quarters; give -her my best compliments, and say I shall have the pleasure of seeing -Lord Raglan; and ask her if I can take any message for her to him, or to -any one else in the camp." - -The Captain, who was smoking on the upper deck, called out, "Who caught -the rats?" - -"You mean, who caught the captain," said I, "who could not smell a rat?" - -The boy returned, and informed me that Miss Nightingale was very much -obliged to me, and that she had written to Lord Raglan upon business -that very morning. - -I then started. The roads were still very heavy from the immense -quantity of rain which had fallen, but the weather was fine overhead, -and everybody seemed to be out. People, in fact, sprang up like -mushrooms in a green field after a little rain and a few hours of August -sunshine. I met numerous friends and acquaintances between Balaklava and -Kadikoi. Many of these--military as well as medical gentlemen--I had -seen at Scutari. Indeed, the excursion put me more in mind of riding in -Hyde Park on a Sunday afternoon, than being in a distant country, and at -the seat of war. For above a mile it was a constant nodding of heads and -shaking of hands. As my time was short, I felt anxious to get on my -journey as fast as possible. I did not know the way to head-quarters, so -I inquired of an officer which was the shortest road. He kindly informed -me that he was going there, and knew the short cuts, but that he was in -a great hurry, and if I could ride fast, he should be much pleased to -show me the way. Of course I expressed my willingness to accommodate my -pace to his, and away we went across country. After riding for -twenty-five minutes, we arrived near the ever-celebrated farm which -constituted the head-quarters. Its appearance was by no means grand nor -imposing, and put me very much in mind of Shakspeare's house at -Stratford, or the humble cot of the poet Burns in Ayrshire. - -My readers are too well acquainted with the locality and the -non-architectural design of the house and its dependencies for me to -attempt giving a description. The well-known spot was first taken as the -English head-quarters, and retaken by drawing, daguerreotyping, -engraving, photographing, lithographing, &c.: in fact, it became, as -well as the wooden French head-quarters, so celebrated during the -war-time, that the Tuileries, Windsor, and the marble palace of Dolma -Bach were actually cast into the shade, and a very deep shade too. Even -cities were at a discount compared with Sebastopol. Yes, Sebastopol, -pretty, picturesque Sebastopol, with its few thousand inhabitants, was -in everybody's mouth and thoughts. - -The court-yard at head-quarters that morning presented a very lively -scene. I found it, to my great disappointment, filled with officers' -chargers, which were being slowly led about by the orderlies. There were -some belonging to Sardinians, French, and Turks, besides English ones. -This sight made me despair of seeing the General that morning, and I -feared that I should lose another day. Time was then precious to me. - -Upon inquiry, I was informed that the Sardinian General, Della Marmora, -was returning a visit to Lord Raglan and to General Canrobert, and that -they would all be off directly, as a grand review of their troops was to -take place the following day. This afforded me an opportunity of paying -my second visit to Dr. Hall, the chief superintendent. He was out, but I -was told that he would be home by one or two o'clock. On retracing my -steps to head-quarters, I found, as I had been at first informed, every -one on the point of departure. The different uniforms formed an -exquisite contrast in the military cavalcade. The court-yard was soon -cleared, and I went in, and had the pleasure of seeing General Airey, -Colonel Steele, &c. Colonel Steele said I was just in time to see Lord -Raglan, and I was at once ushered in. - -"What have you to show me, Monsieur Soyer?" said Lord Raglan, after a -kind greeting. - -"I wish to submit to your lordship's inspection the model of my -field-stove, and if you approve of it, the progress of my undertaking -will be greatly accelerated." - -"Very well; explain it at once." - -"In the first place, here is a simple plan of the kitchen in course of -erection at the Sanatorium Hospital." I pointed out the details, which -his lordship seemed to understand at first sight. - -"If that is all you require, surely you can have it done without much -delay." - -"That is all; but I require men as well." - -"You shall have them--orders will be given to that effect." - -"This one will serve as a model for all the others: they will be upon a -similar scale. For example, the General Hospital before Sebastopol does -not require one on so extensive a scale, though the most important." - -"Well, what you require must be done. By-the-bye, Monsieur Soyer, you -are very fortunate in having had the honour of escorting Miss -Nightingale to the seat of war." - -"I am fully aware, my Lord, that it is a great honour." - -"The lady mentioned you in her letter to me, as well as Mr. Bracebridge, -whom I know very well. I went to Balaklava the other day to visit her." - -"So I heard; but Miss Nightingale was at the Sanatorium whilst your -lordship went to the General Hospital." - -"They could not tell me where she was--therefore I did not go to the -Sanatorium. I saw a poor lady who seems very ill. I told her she had -better take care of herself, and have some one to nurse her, instead of -nursing others. She spoke very good French, and a very lady-like person -she is." - -"I know whom your lordship means--the lady is Miss Wear." - -"I almost forget the name, but I believe that was it." - -Lord Raglan made many inquiries respecting Miss Nightingale, whose -character he seemed to admire very much. We then returned to business -matters. I expressed my desire to visit the hospital kitchens in the -camp, in company with some of the authorities. To this Lord Raglan -immediately acceded. - -"No person could be better than Dr. Hall. Do you know him, Monsieur -Soyer?" - -"No, my Lord, I have not that pleasure; I called upon him twice, but -unfortunately he was out." - -"He lives close at hand, and I will send for him." - -I told Lord Raglan that I had just left his hut, and that he was -absent, but would be certain to be back by three or four o'clock. - -"Very well; then you can settle that together." - -As I perceived that numbers of persons were waiting to see his lordship, -and that messages were continually being sent in, I said that I should -be happy to wait, and would call again. - -"No, no, not at all," said Lord Raglan; "if you were to wait, you might -do so for a month. What is that you have under your arm? Is it a cooking -apparatus?" - -"Yes, this is the model of the field stove I have invented, and which I -wish to submit for your lordship's opinion and approval, by command of -Lord Panmure, who approved of it very highly. Mr. Brunel, the great -engineer, did the same. They are now in use in various hospitals, -particularly at Smyrna, and at Scutari, where they answer admirably. -They can also be used in the field, as they will cook either in or out -of doors. Those for out-of-door purposes only require to be made smaller -and lighter than the hospital ones." - -Having carefully explained the principle upon which it was constructed, -Lord Raglan thought it would answer perfectly, and asked, "Do you wish -to have them adopted immediately?" - -"Not before you have seen them at work, my Lord." - -"Ah, that will do better." - -"I am expecting some of them shortly; in fact, they should have been -here before." - -"Well, you had better make inquiries about them, or they may be delayed -somewhere, as this happens almost every day." - -Several gentlemen were present when I explained the principle of the -stove, in which Lord Raglan seemed much interested, showing the model -and taking the trouble to explain its principle to them himself. Colonel -Symonds said, "Monsieur Soyer, I will go and fetch his Excellency Omer -Pacha; he is much interested in this kind of thing." - -"Do, Colonel," said Lord Raglan. Then turning to me: "I am much pleased -with what I have seen, and have no doubt those stoves will prove a -great boon to the army; but mind, they must not be made too heavy, and -they must be adapted for companies. Neither must you forget the smaller -ones which I mentioned to you, for picket and outpost duty." Omer Pacha -entered. "Now," said Lord Raglan, "form your own opinion of Soyer's -field stove, and let me know what you think of it." - -"Monsieur Soyer," said Omer Pacha, "what have you good to eat there?" - -"Nothing at present, your Excellency; but by-and-by, when my plans are -adopted, we shall be able to cook for and feed the army with ease." - -"Ah, this is a matter of great importance. Pray explain your plans to -me." When I had done this, Omer Pacha said, "It will first be necessary -to have something to cook." - -The truth of the observation I respectfully admitted, with a low bow, -adding, "Your Excellency is right; but as the probability is that -something to be cooked never yet entirely failed, and in expectation of -better times coming, we confidently hope that the provisions for the -army will shortly be on the increase instead of the decrease. This hope -has induced me to invent this apparatus, of which, when its principle -has been fully explained, I have no doubt you will, with Lord Raglan, -approve." - -"Monsieur Soyer, I have no doubt that, as regards cooking, you are a -very clever man; but if you could manage to cook a dinner out of -nothing, you would be more clever still." - -"Not having tried the experiment, I really cannot say whether I could do -so or not; but I will try, and then report progress to your Excellency." - -A hearty laugh from all present terminated this _petite plaisanterie_. -This brought to my mind the story of a very promising schoolboy, who, -when asked by a learned man whether he could speak Latin, replied, "I -cannot tell, sir." - -"Why can't you tell, my boy?" - -"Because I never tried, sir," was the answer. - -"At all events," I continued, addressing Omer Pacha, "you will perceive -that if I cannot make something out of nothing, I am able to do a great -deal with a little, which in war-time is a very important matter." - -"Very true; but pray show me the interior of this little model." - -Having shown and explained the apparatus, Omer Pacha admitted its -practicability, and, after giving me a few hints on the Turkish system -of camp cookery, retired, followed by his staff, wishing me every -success. Lord Raglan met Omer Pacha in the passage, and they exchanged a -few words, which I could hear bore reference to the subject we had -discussed. I was leaving, when Lord Raglan re-entered. - -"So you are going, Monsieur Soyer?" - -"Yes, my Lord. I fear my visit has been too long." - -"No, not at all--this is rather a quiet day, and before you go I wish -you would be kind enough to look at my kitchen." - -"I shall be most happy to do so." - -"Do you know my cook?--his name is Armand--he is not a _cordon bleu_, -but he is a good man, and does his best with what he can get." - -"The French proverb _a la guerre comme a la guerre_ is very applicable -to the circumstances--nay, rather too much so to permit one to hope to -obtain a good dinner." - -"Very true," said Lord Raglan; "and we are really so tired of those -preserved meats." - -"Indeed; but some of them are not bad." - -"The great fault is, that the meat is always overdone. How do you -account for that, Monsieur Soyer?" - -"If it were not so, they would not keep. When I was sent for to Deptford -to report upon Golding's preserved meats--which, no doubt, your lordship -recollects----" - -"I do, indeed; they were too bad to be forgotten." - -"I assure your lordship the fault was more in the cooking than in the -bad quality of the meat--some of which I found in a state of liquid -putrefaction. No doubt, the meat was not of prime quality, and many -improper things were introduced. Nevertheless, if the articles had been -properly preserved, they would have been found as sweet when taken out -as when they were put in. For example, the entrails of any animal might -be enclosed in these tin cases in the state in which they came from the -animal, and, if well preserved, upon opening them a couple of years -after, they would be found pretty much in their original state, -excepting being slightly discoloured by the cooking--but whole, and not -in a liquid state, as those were. The meat was, therefore, either not -cooked enough, or some atmospheric air had remained in it which caused -putrefaction." - -"Could not any other way of preserving be introduced?" - -"Many experiments have been tried, but almost all proved unsuccessful. -I, at one time, made several myself, the results of some of which I -submitted to Captain Miles, Admiral Berkeley, Sir Charles Napier, &c., -and they were found very good. They were then about a month old, but the -time the government wished for the test was a twelvemonth. I was certain -they would keep any length of time, but as I was then very much engaged -at the Reform Club, and also writing my cookery-book, _The Modern -Housewife_, I did not pursue it further. The principal improvement in my -method was the omission of the liquids previously introduced, either -broth or water. I only put the meat in well seasoned, and left it to -cook slowly in its own gravy; and when opened, it turned out surrounded -by a firm jelly, and cut solid." - -"I should advise you to turn your immediate attention to that subject." - -"I will, my Lord, as soon as time permits. I shall now go and see your -kitchen, and pay a visit to your _chef de cuisine_." - -"Pray do, and see whether you can contrive to improve it. I believe it -is a very bad one, for he is always complaining. When you return, lunch -will be upon the table, and you can take some refreshment." - -Thanking Lord Raglan for his extreme kindness, I took my leave. I was -anxious to see Colonel Steele, to inform him of the result of my -interview; but as he was out, I proceeded to the kitchen, which was -some distance from the house, across the courtyard. The _chef_ had gone -to Kamiesch to market: I therefore postponed my visit, and returned to -the dining-room to take some refreshment. Afterwards I went in search of -Doctor Hall, whom at last I had the good fortune to find at home, if -such a small place could be called a home. It was about ten feet square, -and the height of a sentry-box, affording about enough room for four -persons to stand up in, and only for two to sit down. This _petit -chalet_ was for all that nicely furnished, and the spot where most of -the hospital business was transacted both for the East and the Crimea, -it being the general head-quarters for the various medical departments. -Such was the habitation, office, and chateau of the present Sir John -Hall. - -At the door I was received by his major-domo, a Frenchman named Louis, a -very intelligent man, and one as well known in the camp from his -extraordinary look, shrewdness, eccentricity, and style of riding, as -the doctor himself. On alighting, Louis took my horse by the bridle, and -walking to the entrance, introduced me to the doctor, who was very busy -writing. He got up and requested me to enter, which I did. - -"Pray be seated, Monsieur Soyer--I am very happy to see you. I heard of -your arrival, and also of your former visits." - -"To-day, doctor, I have been more fortunate." - -"You see, Monsieur Soyer, I have so many places to visit every day, -particularly in the morning, that I am very seldom at home." - -I could but smile at the word "home," which, as my readers will -understand by my description, was but a humble one. Such was the general -amount of luxury in the establishments in the Crimea. - -"As I am aware, doctor, of the value of your time, do not let me disturb -you in the least. A few minutes will settle our business. First of all, -I have a letter of introduction from Dr. Cumming." - -"Let me see it." - -It contained only a few lines, and was to the following effect:-- - - -To DR. HALL, _Chief of the Medical Department, Crimea_. - - DEAR SIR,--Monsieur Soyer, who you are well aware has rendered us - important service in the culinary department of our hospitals on - the Bosphorus, prior to going to the Crimea begs of me to give him - a letter of introduction to you. Hoping that his services may prove - as successful in the Crimea as they have been here, - -I remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully, -DR. CUMMING. - - - -When Dr. Hall had read the letter, and expressed his satisfaction at the -contents, I related the result of my interview with the -Commander-in-chief, and my desire to visit the camp hospitals with the -doctor at his earliest convenience. Dr. Hall immediately fixed the next -day for the purpose, and kindly offered to send a pony for me about -eight the next morning. - -After having exchanged the usual compliments, we parted. Before I left, -the doctor called Louis and gave him the order for the pony. As it was -only three o'clock, and I had a few hours to spare, I felt inclined to -visit the French camp, in order to compare their system of cooking with -that in use among the English, as well as to make some inquiries about -their provisions. - -The French head-quarters did not bear the slightest resemblance to the -English. The pile was entirely constructed of wood, and thus gave a wide -scope to the architects to distinguish themselves in the modern science -of joining and building, and to render as convenient and comfortable as -possible this seat of important business transactions. It was in fact a -well-built village, of which the General-in-chief was the lord; and, -though not gaudy, still luxuriously comfortable, with every department -distinct and well arranged. This was, to a certain extent, the case at -the English head-quarters, but a farm did not afford sufficient space -and accommodation. At the commencement of the campaign, it was no -uncommon thing for a general to rest from the fatigues of war in a -small dilapidated room, something like a good-sized English pig-sty. - -The French head-quarters, like the English, were surrounded by the staff -and principal business offices, which, though answering the same -purpose, presented quite a different appearance. In the arrangement of -the offices and the manners of the inhabitants, one could in fact -distinguish France from England, and England from France. - -The vicinity was well guarded--several regiments being encamped round -that select group of habitations. It was only with a silver key one -could open the doors of the field kitchens and _popottes_, which key was -always to be found at the regimental canteen. A few bottles of wine, -glasses of absinthe or vermouth, were enough to initiate me in less than -two hours in all that I required to know relating to my mission. - -After settling my account with three or four coquettish and -cavalier-like _vivandieres_, wishing them all the commercial prosperity -imaginable, and shaking hands with several companies of the various -regiments, including those of the Imperial Guard, who had just arrived, -I cheerfully retired with the gratification of having conquered a -portion of the _elite_ of the French armies--of course, I only mean in -pure friendship. Moreover, I gained most honourable titles, from -lieutenant to captain, colonel, and now and then general. At all events, -my passport through that important part of the French camp was signed by -several hundreds of those brave fellows, as well as by innumerable -smiles from the fair and dark heroines, the _cantinieres_ of the first -French division. With a promise to return soon, I retired, having -experienced much gratification and enriched my budget of anecdote. - -In this interesting visit to the French camp, head-quarters, canteens, -&c., and becoming well acquainted with the officers' and soldiers' -_popottes_--which name I immediately added to my gastronomic bill of -fare--the three hours I had to spare nearly expired. The sun was -rapidly descending to the level of the ocean in the direction of -Kamiesch. - -Having paid my bill at the canteen, and shaken hands with nearly a whole -regiment, I jumped on my pony and galloped all the way home, perfectly -satisfied with my day's work, which at the time I felt was one of the -most interesting of my life. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -A UNIVERSAL CALAMITY. - - Miss Nightingale dangerously ill--Her removal to the - Sanatorium--Worst form of Crimean fever--General - consternation--Conversation with the Captain--Better news--Visit - the Sanatorium--Disembarkation of the Sardinians--Bridge over the - _London_--Admiral Boxer--Act as interpreter--Overwhelmed with - complaints--Soda-water for horses--All right at last--Alexandrian - horse-flesh--A character--An interesting ride--The General - Hospital--Reasons for my return to Turkey--Letters--Head-quarters - again--Lord Raglan's anxiety for Miss Nightingale--Return to - Balaklava--Admiral Boxer and the Sardinians--All in the - wrong--Quieted at last. - - -Alas! how short are the moments in which real happiness favours us with -its charms, and how quickly it deserts one in the midst of mirth and -joy! On this eventful day, I was doomed to experience the truth of the -saying that "sorrow treads upon the heels of joy;" for I had scarcely -set my foot upon the deck of the _London_, when P. M. came and apprised -me that Miss Nightingale was not expected to live. It appeared that -after my departure she had a terrible attack of fever, and was obliged -to be immediately removed to the hospital. On asking to which -establishment this excellent lady had been taken, I was told the -Sanatorium. P. M. continued, "Several doctors, Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge, -and myself, accompanied her there--I have only been back a few minutes." - -"Why did you not take her to the General Hospital? It was much nearer." - -"Don't you know that cholera is raging there?" - -"There certainly are a few cases. Do you think I can do anything for -her?" - -"No, I am sure you cannot; she is not allowed to take anything, and the -doctors have forbidden any one to be admitted, except her private nurse, -Mrs. Roberts." - -It was then getting late--Mr. Bracebridge had not returned. The captain -and P. M. gave me a full account of this lamentable event. It appeared -that about noon Miss Wear had come on board to see Miss Nightingale upon -business. She found that lady very poorly, but thinking it was a slight -indisposition, took no notice of it, more especially as Miss Nightingale -did not complain in the least. About two, by the orders of Mrs. Roberts, -they were obliged to send in a great hurry for a doctor. Mrs. Roberts -stated that her mistress had been suddenly taken dangerously ill--that -she was in fact attacked by the worst form of Crimean fever. The first -thing ordered by the doctor was her instant removal to the hospital on -the heights. - -"So," said the captain, who was relating this part of the sad history, -"I set all my men to work. We got a stretcher from the hospital, and she -was carried very carefully by my men and some soldiers sent by the -governor." - -"I followed through Balaklava," said P. M., "amidst a regular procession -of soldiers, holding a white umbrella over her face. The crowd was so -great, we could scarcely pass, and it took us nearly an hour to get up -to the heights. I assure you, all Balaklava was in an uproar." - -"What do the doctors say of the case?" - -"That the lady is dangerously ill, and that no one must go near her, not -even Mr. Bracebridge." - -"What mournful tidings!" I said. "I should not be surprised if she -caught the fever from the patient at Dr. Henderson's. I warned her of -the danger of exposing herself so much several times." - -"By-the-bye, where is Mr. Bracebridge?" - -"I left him there." - -"Does he intend to come back, or stay where he is?" - -"I don't know, but I do not see what good he can do there." - -"I hope we shall hear better news when he returns." - -"Now, Mr. Soyer, tell us about your visit to head-quarters. Did you see -Lord Raglan?" - -"Certainly I did." - -"And how were you received?" asked the captain. - -"Admirably," I replied. - -"I hear his lordship is a most amiable and kind man." - -"He is indeed, I assure you; and I cannot but express my gratitude for -the reception he afforded me. I am certain he will be very sorry to hear -of Miss Nightingale's serious and sudden illness, for he inquired very -kindly after her this morning." - -My companions made many more inquiries respecting the events of the day; -but I had forgotten all, I was so absorbed by this unexpected blow. It -seemed likely to upset all our plans. I spoke to the captain of the -several visits Miss Nightingale had paid to the sick officer at Dr. -Henderson's at the time he was so dangerously ill, remarking upon her -neglect of herself by going all day without refreshment, and braving all -weathers. We could not help noticing how singular it appeared, that -after her hard labours at Scutari, and escaping both the cholera and -fevers which raged there, she should be so suddenly taken ill at -Balaklava. It was indeed very melancholy and remarkable. At last Mr. -Bracebridge returned. He informed us that Miss Nightingale was a little -better, but that such a violent case of fever required a certain time. -"Mrs. Roberts," he continued, "is with her, and the boy to go for the -doctor, in case he should be needed." - -"Poor boy!" said the captain, "how he cried when he saw his mistress -carried upon a stretcher by soldiers!" - -"Yes," said Mr. Bracebridge, "he is a very affectionate lad." - -After a few questions about my visit to Lord Raglan, being all very much -fagged, we retired for the night. Upon that occasion, owing to excessive -fatigue and the absence of rats, which had at length been successfully -turned out of my cabin without making use of my receipt, I enjoyed a -comfortable night's rest. The next morning, at eight precisely, Louis -was at his post with the pony, of which I could not, however, make use, -not knowing what alteration Miss Nightingale's illness might cause at -both hospitals, where, no doubt, my presence would be required. I sent -Dr. Hall a note, apologizing for not waiting upon him that day, and -postponing our visit to the day following, if agreeable to him. Louis -promised to send me an answer at five o'clock by the doctor's courier. -No news had been received at the General Hospital from the Sanatorium; -therefore Mr. Bracebridge and myself went up the first thing, instead of -going to Mr. Upton, as we had previously arranged. On our arrival, the -report was anything but favourable; and this seemed to paralyse all our -energies. Indeed, for a few days no business of consequence was -transacted. My kitchen at the Sanatorium alone progressed. I offered my -services to Drs. Henderson and Hadley, in case I could be of use to Miss -Nightingale. Dr. Henderson said, "I am the only cook she requires at -present. We must wait nearly a week before I can leave her in your -hands, even should her illness take a favourable turn." I then begged of -him to give me his private opinion of her state. - -"She is suffering, I assure you, Monsieur Soyer, from as bad an attack -of fever as I have seen; but I should say the chances are in her favour, -because she does not fret in the slightest degree, but is perfectly -composed." - -On calling at the General Hospital for Dr. Hall's reply, I found that he -had fixed the same time the next day for our visit. We then returned on -board the _London_. Many inquiries respecting Miss Nightingale had been -made by almost all the authorities, amongst whom were Sir John Macneil, -Captain Tulloch, Admiral Boxer, the Governor, Commissary Filder, and Dr. -Sutherland. The latter went at once to see her. Finding she had all -proper attention, he came in the evening, and requested us to leave her -as quiet as possible. He told Mr. Bracebridge on no account to go near -her, not even if sent for, as any excitement might be fatal. This -request was of course punctually attended to. - -The remainder of the Sardinian army had now arrived. The disembarkation -kept the harbour in a constant bustle, morning, noon, and night. It -was, in fact, a real maritime bivouac, and our vessel very much -resembled the famed metropolis from which it takes its name. During the -night a strong bridge was built over it, communicating with the shore on -the one side, and one of the Sardinian ships, which had been towed -alongside, on the other. This was made for the purpose of landing men -and horses. At five in the morning I was up and on deck, as from the -noise it was impossible to sleep. The first person on board was Admiral -Boxer, as busy as could be, giving his orders. On seeing me, he inquired -about Miss Nightingale. - -"What a good job," said he, "they were able to remove her from here!" - -"You are right, admiral. I perceive you are about to put the troops from -one of the vessels on shore." - -"From one, say you? I am landing the whole of the Sardinian army, and -some of our own troops besides." - -"At any rate, I think this is one of the greatest curiosities of the -Crimean war." - -"Why?" asked the admiral, talking to twenty others at the time. - -"Why, admiral, pray who would have thought of seeing while in the Crimea -a Sardinian army cross London Bridge?" - -"Ha! ha! ha! true enough; that's not bad; singular things are seen and -done in time of war. What do you think of their soldiers, Monsieur -Soyer?" - -"Fine fellows!" - -"They are fine fellows. But I wish they spoke English--we should get on -much quicker." - -"I'll speak to them for you, if you like, admiral." - -"Ah, to be sure, so you can." - -I immediately set about acting as interpreter between the English -admiral and the Sardinian captains. In his anxiety to get rid of them as -quickly as possible, Admiral Boxer asked whether they had pretty much -what they required; a question which brought about ten complainants on -deck, who surrounded me. One had no hay, barley, or water for his -horses. They all spoke at the same time, and made a hubbub which could -only be feebly imitated at the Paris Stock Exchange. - -"What's all this row about? This will never do," said the admiral. "Pray -don't tell them who I am, or they will bother my life out." - -"I have told them, and that's why they are making such a row. I asked -them, as you wished me, whether they had everything they wanted." - -"I said pretty much what they wanted." - -"I know you did, admiral, and so I told them; but they say they don't -know the meaning of that." - -"Tell them they are fine fellows--fine fellows, and that there is a -beautiful camp ready for them, where they will find everything they -require, without any drawback. I will send lots of men to wait upon them -directly; but they must get out of the harbour before night." - -General della Marmora sent for the admiral; so he left me to settle the -matter, which I did in a very few words. - -"My dear fellows," said I to them, "your valuable services will be much -better appreciated by your sovereign and General-in-chief if you put up -with a little inconvenience for the present, and remain quiet, than if, -on the contrary, you are too particular." - -"Do you know, monsieur, that our horses have not had a drop of water -to-day?" - -"Colonel," said I, "I am not at all surprised at that; and more, you -must put up with it." - -"Why?" he asked. - -"Simply because you can't get it, unless you like to do as I did -yesterday--give them soda-water." - -"Do you mean to say there is no water at all in this grand vessel?" - -"None, except soda-water." - -"Eh bien," said another, "give de soda-water alors." - -"What, for the horses?" - -"Oui, for the chevals!" - -"Here, my man," said I to one of the crew, "tell the steward to bring a -dozen of soda-water for the colonel's horse. Mind, colonel, it costs a -shilling a bottle; but, as you are a good customer, and take a dozen, no -doubt he will let you have it cheaper." - -"I will not pay a sou for this bubbling water. I know what you mean. It -fizzes like champagne, but it is not good to drink. The horses will -never touch it. I thought it was spring-water that you called -soda-water." - -At all events, the soda-water was brought, to the great annoyance of the -colonel, who thought he should have to pay for it; but I sent for some -sherry and a few glasses, and we drank a bottle or two, instead of -giving it to the horses, to the great gratification of the colonel, who, -after partaking of it, said he liked it much better with sherry than -brandy. About twenty banabaks soon after arrived with water in skins and -leathern horse-buckets. The horses were properly watered; and thus ended -the Sardinian revolt in the harbour of Balaklava, on the 14th of May, in -the year 1855, beneath the ruins of the Genoese Tower and fortifications -built by their ancestors. - -The Sardinian troops and horses soon after crossed new London Bridge; by -eight o'clock I was mounting my horse to go and meet Dr. Hall. The -troops that had then landed were in full march towards their very -picturesque camp at the top of the mountain; a band of music was playing -at their head, and their artillery train and baggage-waggons followed. -The weather was brilliant, and the heat of the sun intense. Louis was -mounted upon a fine black horse, which the doctor had brought from -Alexandria. Nobody but Louis could ride him, on account of his tricks. -His appearance was worthy of the finest circus in the world for the -performance of the high school of equitation. To this splendid animal -Louis owed his reputation and popularity; and, as he lived at -head-quarters, all the Staff knew him. It is hardly possible to describe -his personal appearance. He was short in stature, with extraordinary -large ears; his long moustaches, hair, and eyebrows were between the -colour of a canary bird and that of the dun pony I was riding. His dress -was of a similar colour, with the exception of his cap, which was, if -possible, of an intenser yellow. This contrast of colours in an -individual mounted upon such a splendid charger, caused him to be -remarked by every one throughout the camp. - -Our ride seemed very short, for Louis, who is a very clever fellow, was -full of anecdote, and related some that were really very amusing. He -spoke several languages, frequently mingling one with another. He spoke -his own language, the French, worse than any other, he had been so long -away from his native land. He was present at the battles of Alma, -Balaklava, Inkermann, and the Tchernaya, where his charger was wounded -close to the Traktir Bridge, he, as usual during an action, keeping in -close attendance on his brave master, more especially if danger was -imminent; and no better fate had he at the battle of Inkermann, where he -was seriously wounded in the leg, and the traces of both wounds are, I -regret to say, still apparent. On the eve of my departure from the seat -of war, I, out of veneration for this once splendid charger, purchased -him of his owner, who would probably have been obliged to abandon his -faithful steed to the tender mercies of the hungry inhabitants, who, -doubtless, had they got him in their clutches, would have given him a -dressing _a la Tartare_, or perhaps converted his body into those -suspicious articles of food, sausages. On his voyage home, in charge of -a careful groom, Neptune had no more respect for this four-legged hero -than for the commonest quadruped; for not only was he pitched, bit, and -tossed about in all directions, but worse still, when the ship -_Clarendon_ arrived off Cadiz, she struck on a sunken rock, and the most -valueless animals were thrown overboard; but "Inkermann," with his usual -luck, in spite of Mars and Neptune, escaped the plunge taken by his less -fortunate companions, and is now in London, enjoying, as hitherto, his -full feed, though in the profoundest retirement, having sold out of the -army. Louis spoke very highly of his master, and never seemed to be -pleased or displeased at anything--good news, bad, or indifferent, were -all the same to him. If you said to him, "The weather is very bad," he -would answer, "I have nothing to do with that, no more than if it were -fine." On asking him, at our first interview, if he was a Frenchman, -"Of course I am," he replied; "all my family were Frenchmen." I must say -that, with all his eccentricity, he was very obliging; and I feel very -grateful for the kind attentions he paid me, particularly during my -serious illness, when he often visited me. Upon our arrival, the -doctor's horse was at the door, and his master soon made his appearance. - -"Good morning, Doctor! I fear we are behind time." - -"I can always employ my time here," said he, looking at his watch; "you -are only a few minutes late." - -We then, started. Louis asked whether he was to accompany us; to which -the doctor answered, "No: I expect Dr. Henderson from Balaklava, so be -in the way; tell him we are gone to the General Hospital." - -During our ride, I told my companion about the Sardinian insurrection -near our new London Bridge, which seemed to amuse him very much. He -informed me that Miss Nightingale had passed a better night, but was far -from being out of danger. The cannon of Sebastopol made a fearful noise. - -"Have you seen Sebastopol yet, Monsieur Soyer?" - -"Yes, I have, Doctor, and was rather close, too!" and I related our -Nightingale campaign. - -"To-day you will have another view, quite as good, though not so -dangerous." - -We then began talking upon business, and I was speaking of my having -visited the military and civil hospitals in France, when Dr. Henderson -galloped after us, and a conversation ensued relative to the arrival of -the armies, and the fact that many of the men had been attacked by -fever, before their hospitals were ready. Dr. Hall decided upon a course -of action, and we alighted at the General Hospital. The doctor, Mr. -Mouatt, was unfortunately out, but was expected back shortly. Dr. -Henderson left us, and I accompanied Dr. Hall round several huts. He -visited all the worst cases, which were at that time very numerous. We -then repaired to the kitchen, which, as I have before said, was far from -being equal to the requirements of such an immense hospital. It was in -the open air, and ill provided with things necessary for the -establishment. Having pointed this out to Dr. Hall, he immediately -agreed that one similar to that at the Sanatorium should be erected; but -Dr. Mouatt was not present. The want of materials and of workmen was so -great, that, previous to its erection, I was obliged to leave the Crimea -and return to Scutari for a short time. My head man there had been taken -ill, and his life was, as he thought, in great danger. Several times -prior to my return he had threatened to run away, which would quite have -upset all my former efforts. - -I remained in the Crimea about ten days longer, and my reader will -perceive that every minute of my time was occupied. I devoted some of it -to the most important hospital of all--the one before Sebastopol; a plan -for the improvement of which I immediately made and forwarded to the -proper parties, so much was I impressed with the necessity of having a -kitchen erected immediately. Fearing that I should be obliged to leave -the Crimea for Scutari before it could be even commenced, the day after -my visit I wrote two official letters, one to Lord Raglan, and the other -to Dr. Hall. The General-in-chief and Dr. Hall had both visited the -spot, and agreed with me that it was one of the most important hospitals -in the East. It was situated under the very walls of Sebastopol, subject -to a divided attack, or to a _sortie_, and might at any moment be -suddenly encumbered with a large number of wounded, requiring a great -quantity of nutritious articles, more particularly beverages, after any -surgical operation. In reply I received the following communications:-- - - -BEFORE SEVASTOPOL, _30th May, 1855_. - - SIR,--I am directed by Lord Raglan to acknowledge the receipt of - your several communications of the 25th and 28th instants, and to - express to you his lordship's thanks for the valuable information - contained therein. - -I have the honor to be, Sir, -Your obedient servant, -THOS. STEELE, -_Lieut.-Col., Military Sec._ - - Mons. Soyer. - - MY DEAR MR. SOYER,--I have this day received your letter of the - 22nd June, and am much obliged to you for your thoughtful care of - our wants in the all-important business of cooking for both sick - and well. Our new hospital is nearly fit for the reception of - patients; but you know how tedious the want of labor makes - everything here. I was out at the Monastery yesterday, and was glad - to see that they had commenced on the kitchen, and were going to - fit it up after your excellent model at the Castle. - -Very truly yours, -J. HALL. - - _5th July, 1855._ - -I also had several interviews with Dr. Mouatt, who took my suggestion -during my absence in hand, but never apparently succeeded in carrying it -out, although the materials requisite were simply planks, nails, and -bricks. - -I merely advert to the foregoing in answer to some observations that -were wafted about the camp to the effect that I never took much trouble -about this particular hospital, while in reality it was the very first -which attracted my attention, as the above letters will convince my -readers. - -Upon our return from the hospital to head-quarters, I called at Colonel -Steele's. Lord Raglan was just going out, and the first question he -asked, even before I had time to pay my respects, was--"How is poor Miss -Nightingale?" - -"A little better to-day. Dr. Henderson, whom I have just seen, says she -has passed a better night." - -"Well, I hope she has; I shall pay her a visit as soon as possible--that -is, when she is a little better. Was she ill at all at Scutari?" - -"Not, my Lord, while I was there, and, I think, not before. It is rather -remarkable that she should catch the Crimean fever just after her -arrival." - -I told Lord Raglan of her imprudence in visiting a patient at Dr. -Henderson's, who had been attacked by the worst form of Crimean fever; -also, of her remaining out so late, and not taking any refreshment. - -"She appears," said Lord Raglan, "to have no fear." - -"None whatever." - -I recounted her visit to the three-gun battery, and the scene that took -place upon the centre mortar. Lord Raglan remarked--"It should be -called the Nightingale mortar." - -He then jumped upon his horse, and I had but a few minutes to explain -the result of my visit with Dr. Hall to the various hospitals. I -mentioned that the most important thing was the immediate erection of a -kitchen for the General Hospital, in case of a decided attack upon -Sebastopol. - -"Very true, Monsieur Soyer," said Lord Raglan. - -I stated that I had addressed a letter to his lordship to that effect. - -"Yes, I have seen it, and it shall be attended to." - -Lord Raglan and his staff then started in the direction of the French -head-quarters, and I towards Balaklava, where I arrived about dusk. I -left my pony at the General Hospital, and walked to the opposite side of -the harbour, which I had in the morning left all in confusion, and, to -my astonishment, found quiet and almost deserted. The only person I saw -was Admiral Boxer, who came and thanked me for the assistance I had -given him in the morning. - -"Don't mention it, admiral," said I; "I shall at all times be happy to -do everything in my power to render myself agreeable to you. Pray tell -me, where are they all gone?" - -"To their camp, to be sure." - -"What--regiments, horses, and all?" - -"Yes, the vessels alongside this morning have not only discharged their -cargoes, but are, I believe, out of the harbour and anchored in the bay. -We shall have two more in, which must be discharged to-morrow." - -"This silence is almost inconceivable after so much noise and bustle." - -"It is," said the admiral. "I don't understand those Sardinians, they -speak so fast and loud; but they are fine fellows for all that, and no -mistake." - -The words were hardly out of his mouth, when two Sardinians attached to -the commissariat came towards us, and inquired whether we understood -French or Italian. I informed them that I spoke French. - -"Then, pray, sir, can you tell us where to find ce diable d'amiral -Anglais?" - -"What do they say?" asked Admiral Boxer, addressing me. - -"Nothing particular," I replied. "Gentlemen," said I, turning to the -Sardinians, "what could the admiral do for you? It is very probable that -I shall have the pleasure of seeing him this evening." - -The one who had as yet scarcely spoken exclaimed--"A truce to the -pleasure! I wish I could get hold of him, I would tell him my mind in a -few words." - -"Pray be calm, gentlemen." - -All this time Admiral Boxer kept asking--"What do they say? They are -speaking about me, I know they are. Tell them they are a fine set of -fellows, and I will do anything for them, but they must be out by -to-morrow night." - -"Very well; but first let me inquire what the row is all about." - -"Do so." - -"Now, gentlemen, what is it you want? for here is a person who can do as -much for you as the admiral himself, and perhaps more." - -"Ah, pray ask him, then." - -"But you have not yet told me what you require." - -"Eh bien!" they said, both speaking at once, "pray, my friend, ask this -gentleman to tell the English admiral to postpone the order for our -landing to-morrow morning till the next day. It is impossible for us to -land our men and horses so early. We have above four hundred horses on -board; not half of which have been watered to-day, nor can they be, till -we find some water. There is only a small pump to draw it from the hold -of the vessel, and it takes hours to water a few horses." - -Having explained this their chief trouble to the admiral, he said--"Tell -them there will be plenty of water for them by four o'clock in the -morning." - -When I had done so, they inquired whether they could depend upon that -gentleman's word. I assured them that they might. - -"With respect to the other matters, we ought to see the admiral -himself." - -"Oh, don't trouble yourself; I will do the rest for you." - -This was merely a request concerning themselves. I did not like to -trouble the admiral about it, and I thought the best way to get rid of -them was to show them his flag-ship, telling them they might go there if -they liked, but that it was a hundred to one if they found him on board. - -"No, no!" said one of them; "it is dinner-time, and the English like -their dinner too well; he is sure to be at home, so we will go and see." -Having their boat with them, they went across. - -The admiral asked--"What do they want besides the water for their -horses?" - -"Oh, they were inquiring about the camp." - -I then related all our conversation, at which the admiral laughed -heartily, saying he could understand some of it, but they spoke so very -fast. - -"When they come on board to-morrow, they will be sure to recognise me." - -"Oh no! having only seen you in the dark, they will not know you again; -and I shall be there. Don't trouble yourself; they will be quiet enough -when they get all they want, and they have a very fine camp." - -"Have you seen it?" - -"No, admiral, not yet." - -"Then you ought to go and see it; they are building a large hospital -there. Mind, they have reason to complain. I am aware they ought to have -more time; but see what a fleet I have in such a small harbour, and -every day there are more troops coming. Perhaps an expedition of our own -troops will sail shortly, so I must be prepared for everything. That is -what has kept me on this side of the harbour to-night; besides, I wished -to see how they were going on with the new quay." - -"You have done wonders, admiral, on this side of the harbour since my -arrival." - -"Remember, Monsieur Soyer, we cannot always do as we like. We are not in -England." We parted for the night. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -HAPS AND MISHAPS IN CAMP. - - Dinner on board the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_--Bread-biscuit--Good news - of Miss Nightingale--Operations at the Sanatorium kitchen--A - borrowed pony--Don't lose the saddle--No police nor - newspapers--Difficulties at Balaklava--Dry vegetables in cake--A - receipt--Promise of support--A new mother--Mrs. Seacole's - enthusiasm--The lady's sons--Advice--My pony lost--A friend in - need--Mr. Russell--Mr. Angel--Crimean _Hue and Cry_--Useless - inquiries--Monsieur Armand's difficulties--A dinner at the - Post-office--A jovial party--Festivity and song--Break up at last. - - -On reaching the _London_, I found Mr. Bracebridge dressed and waiting -for me to go and dine on board the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_, with Sir John -Macneil and Captain Tulloch. We had that evening a most interesting -conversation on all kinds of army stores and provisions. Sir John, who -took a vital interest in my mission, gave me several important hints, -and I submitted my opinion of the salt as well as fresh meats--fresh and -dried vegetables, and especially the bread, which at that period arrived -daily from Constantinople, but which, in consequence of its being -sometimes put on board ship before it had got quite cool, lost a great -deal of its nutritive quality during the passage. Had it been made in -the Crimea of the same materials, it would have been very good. I was -informed that bakeries were to be established. I told Sir John that I -had made a kind of bread-biscuit, somewhat like common bread, but baked -in flat cakes about twelve times the size of an ordinary biscuit; it -would keep for months, and then eat well, though rather dry; it would -soak well in tea, coffee, or soup, and be very palatable; it was made of -three parts flour and one of peameal, and was reported upon by the -medical gentlemen as being very nutritious and wholesome. A few days -later I had the pleasure of showing some to those gentlemen, and they -both highly approved of it. I afterwards had some made on board the -_Abundance_. I submitted it to them, and they pronounced it -excellent.[13] - -The evening we spent on board the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_ will not be soon -forgotten. After a short nautical and nocturnal trip upon the water, we -arrived safely in our old _London_. On our way to the _Baraguay -d'Hilliers_, Mr. Bracebridge informed me that Miss Nightingale was -pronounced out of danger, and that the news had been telegraphed to -London. The medical men were of opinion that she should return to -Scutari, and after a few days' rest proceed to England. Although out of -danger, she would not be able to quit Balaklava for eight or ten days. -The next morning, at seven o'clock, I was at the Sanatorium kitchen, -which was finished. I set my soldier-cooks to work, and all went on -admirably. It was then ten o'clock, so I called upon Dr. Hadley (the -chief doctor at the Sanatorium, who had succeeded Dr. Henderson, and to -both of these gentlemen I must return my sincere thanks for their -assistance and kindness), and requested him to come and taste some extra -diets and soups I had prepared for the convalescents. Recollecting that -I had not called upon Lord Raglan's _chef de cuisine_, I mentioned the -circumstance to Dr. Hadley, stating how much I wished to do so, but that -I had no horse. Dr. Hadley very kindly offered me his pony, a fine grey, -smartly caparisoned, which I at once accepted. When I had mounted, Dr. -Hadley said--"Soyer, if you fall off, mind and get up again; for," said -he, "joking apart, though the pony is very quiet, recollect the road to -Balaklava is a queer one, therefore take care of yourself. We should not -mind so much if we had done with, you; but as we really require your -services, for our own sakes take care of yourself." - -"I will do so," said I, laughing, "were it only for the sake of your -pony, which might get loose if I were to fall off, and you might not -recover him again." - -"Never mind the pony," said he: "you may lose him; but, whatever you do, -don't lose the saddle. We had better have a bit of supper on your return -this evening, off that Yorkshire ham--you can cook it on your bivouac -stove." - -"So we will, Doctor. I shall be back at six." - -"Don't stay in the camp after dark; I can assure you it is a very -dangerous place. Robberies and murders are of frequent occurrence, -though we hear but little about them. We have no police, and no -newspapers are published here, so we know nothing but what passes in our -own circle." - -"You are perfectly right, Doctor; though I am not afraid, as I never -travel without a revolver; yet it is best to be upon the safe side." - -Having fixed upon six o'clock for my return, and seven for supper, I -started. There were about twenty convalescents outside the wards, -enjoying the warmth of the sun's rays. They were all in high glee at -hearing our dialogue, which seemed to revive them from a state of -lethargy to the consciousness of life. - -The ride from the top of the Genoese heights to Balaklava harbour, by a -new road, through mud, over rocks, rivulets, &c., and mounted upon a -strange nag, was anything but pleasant to my feelings as a horseman. At -all events, after numerous slippery evolutions on the part of my new -charger, I found myself safe at the bottom of the ravine; but here -another difficulty presented itself. The quay of the harbour was -encumbered with French and Sardinian waggons, mules, and horses. The -French, who had a wine depot there for the troops, were strongly -fortified with about a hundred pipes of wine, instead of gabions. So -crowded was the road from the immense traffic and the unloading of -shipping stores, that it took me nearly half-an-hour to ride a few -hundred yards. This brought me as far as the Commissariat, where I had -to call upon Commissary Filder. I found that he had just returned from -head-quarters. We had about ten minutes' conversation upon business. I -related the result of my visit to the various provision stores--made -remarks upon the same, and particularly upon the dry vegetables at that -time issued to the troops. He then referred me to Under-Commissary -Adams, to whom I promised a scale for a fresh composition of dry -vegetables in cake, more suitable for the troops, in lieu of the finer -and more expensive quality then issued in boxes. They were composed of -one vegetable only, and were much too highly dried, having thus lost -their aroma as well as their nutritious qualities. I therefore proposed -that the firm of Messrs. Chollet, in Paris, should prepare a sample of -cakes of dried vegetables, to be called coarse julienne, for the army. -Each hundredweight of fresh vegetables was to consist of the following -proportions:-- - -Twenty pounds of carrots, twenty pounds of turnips, ten of parsnips, -fifteen of onions, twenty of cabbage, five of celery, and ten of leeks; -with one pound of aromatic seasoning, composed of four ounces of thyme, -four of winter savory, two of bayleaf, four of pepper, and an ounce of -cloves; the whole to be pulverized and mixed with the vegetables. - -Each cake was to serve for one hundred men, and to be marked in -compartments of ten rations each, like chocolate cakes, instead of being -marked upon the wrapper, which is always torn off when the vegetables -are issued, and the soldiers cannot tell about quantity. This plan will -obviate that evil; for I had seen in camp piles of this excellent -vegetable rising pyramidically from the soldiers' canteen pan while -cooking, in consequence of their having put in the best part of three -days' rations instead of one. The dry rations are issued for three days -at a time. - -My proposition having met with the approval of the authorities, was at -once forwarded to the War Office. - -I also promised to submit to Commissary Filder's notice several plans -for improvement in the distribution of the meat. - -"Monsieur Soyer," said he, "anything you may propose or point out as an -improvement will, so far as it is practicable, be carried out. Lose no -time; the sooner you let us have it the better." - -After this interview, I went to inspect the kitchen, where I saw Mr. -Fitzgerald, the purveyor, to whom I also made my report. As this is the -first time I have had the pleasure of introducing this gentleman to the -notice of my readers, it would be an omission on my part were I not to -return my grateful acknowledgments for the readiness with which he at -all times assisted me to obtain what I required for the hospitals in the -Crimea. It is true he was at first rather reluctant; this I attributed -to his not having received the proper instructions from the authorities. - -Having the best part of the day before me, I set off at a gallop towards -head-quarters, intending to keep the promise I had made Lord Raglan -respecting his dilapidated culinary department, and also to make the -acquaintance of M. Armand, his _chef de cuisine_. As I was not well -acquainted with the road across the country, I made up my mind to follow -the high one which passes close to head-quarters. When about half-way, I -perceived a group of officers standing by the road-side round a kind of -tent much like a gipsy tent, but considerably larger. This excited my -interest, and I was riding towards it, when, to my astonishment, several -voices called out--"Soyer! Soyer! come here--come this way!" I readily -complied with the invitation, and found two or three gentlemen whom I -had the pleasure of knowing. During our conversation, an old dame of a -jovial appearance, but a few shades darker than the white lily, issued -from the tent, bawling out, in order to make her voice heard above the -noise, "Who is my new son?" to which one of the officers replied, -"Monsieur Soyer, to be sure; don't you know him?" - -"God bless me, my son, are you Monsieur Soyer of whom I heard so much in -Jamaica? Well, to be sure! I have sold many and many a score of your -Relish and other sauces--God knows how many." - -"My dear lady," said I, "don't blame me for that; I assure you I am not -at all offended with you for so doing, and shall allow you to sell as -much more in the Crimea." - -"So I would if I could only get them. Bless me, I had a gross about ten -days ago, and they are all gone; nor can I get any more for another -month perhaps. Come down, my son, and take a glass of champagne with my -old friend, Sir John Campbell." - -I immediately alighted, and Sir John came towards me and shook me -heartily by the hand, saying, "Welcome to the seat of war, Monsieur -Soyer!" - -"Many thanks, general, for your kind wishes. I had the pleasure of -leaving my card at Cathcart's Hill the other day." - -"You did; and I was very sorry that I was out when you called; but mind, -you must come and dine with me some day." - -"Thank you, general, I shall do myself the honour." - -"Now, Mrs. Seacole, give us another bottle of champagne." - -"Mrs. Seacole," I exclaimed; "is that lady the celebrated Mrs. Seacole?" - -"Of course," said the general. - -She then came forth from her bivouac cellar, with two bottles in her -hands, exclaiming, "I shall stand mine, and no mistake." - -We all declared it would never do for a lady to stand treat in the -Crimea. - -"Lord bless you, Monsieur Soyer," said the lady, "don't you know me?" - -"Yes, I do now, my dear madam." - -"Well, all those fine fellows you see here are my Jamaica sons--are you -not?" said she, opening the champagne, and addressing the general. - -"We are, Mrs. Seacole, and a very good mother you have been to us." - -"I have known you, general, for many years." - -"Well, here's a health to all." - -We emptied our glasses, and returned the compliment. The general then -left, again expressing his desire to see me at Cathcart's Hill. - -"Walk inside, walk inside, my sons; you will be better there--it is not -so hot. Go in, Monsieur Soyer." - -No sooner had we entered than the old lady expressed her desire to -consult me about what she should do to make money in her new -speculation, in which she had embarked a large capital, pointing to two -iron houses in course of construction on the other side of the road. She -told me that her intention was to have beds there for visitors, which I -persuaded her not to do, saying, "All the visitors--and they are few in -number--sleep on board the vessels in the harbour, and the officers -under canvass in the camp. Lay in a good stock of hams, wines, spirits, -ale and porter, sauces, pickles, and a few preserves and dry -vegetables--in short, anything which will not spoil by keeping." - -"Yes," said she, "I mean to have all that." - -"In that case you will no doubt make money, as you are so well known to -all the army." - -"I assure you, the last time Lord Raglan passed here, he spoke to me for -more than ten minutes, and promised to do all he could for me." - -"That's right," we all said. - -"I know Miss Nightingale too. She was very kind to me when I passed -through Scutari, on my way here; she gave me lodging and everything I -required, in the hospital." - -"We passed this way a few days before Miss Nightingale was taken ill," -said I. - -"I know you did; and I am sure, if the lady had known I was here, she -would have called to see me. Thank God, I hear she is quite out of -danger." - -"Yes, she is improving." - -"When you see her, present my best respects, and tell the dear lady that -I shall go and see her." - -"I will, Mrs. Seacole. Good-bye." - -"Good-bye, my son." - -On getting up in a hurry to be off, I missed my horse, and found one of -the officers' chargers, which had been left in charge of the same man to -whom I had given mine, led by a Zouave. Upon inquiring of the Zouave -where the man had gone, he informed me that he did not know, but that he -had given him a shilling (which he showed me) to hold this animal for, -as far as he could understand, about an hour, while he went on the grey -in the direction of head-quarters. I called Mrs. Seacole out, and told -her what had happened. She stepped up to the Zouave, and he began -talking so fast, that I shall not forget the expression he made as long -as I live. His speech may be thus translated: "By the name of Jupiter! I -have neither stolen nor sold your horse. Look at me! (showing his -corporation.) If you like, captain, to lend me this quadruped, I will -soon find the voyiou (meaning a low rascal). There is my name and the -number of my regiment. We are encamped near the French head-quarters." - -All this time Mrs. Seacole had been looking about, and every grey pony -she saw far or near was mine--at least in her eyes. The two officers -mounted their horses, and went one one way and the other another, but -soon returned, having found nothing. Having sent in all directions -without being able to obtain any trace of the pony, we concluded that -the animal was lost. I take this opportunity of publicly thanking those -two gentlemen for the vivid interest they took in trying to find the -borrowed steed. I very much regret that I do not recollect their names. -They will no doubt remember the circumstance if this little work falls -into their hands.[14] - -All our efforts to find the pony being useless, I made up my mind to -walk back to Balaklava. Just as I was thanking Mrs. Seacole for her -extraordinary exertions, Mr. Day, her partner, came in, and he advised -me to go at once to the _Hue and Cry_, at head-quarters. - -"How am I to do this?" I asked. - -"Take my pony. It is not twenty minutes' ride from hence; and you will -stand a good chance of getting it back, especially if the man who held -it was an Englishman. He is sure to be found in the English camp." - -Thanking him for his kindness, I mounted, and started full gallop for -head-quarters. I made inquiries at the Post-office, where I had the -pleasure of meeting Mr. Russell, who introduced me to Mr. Angel, the -postmaster. I then inquired for the _Hue and Cry_, and related the -circumstances under which I had lost my pony. All seemed highly amused. -They laughed heartily at my expense, and I could not help joining in the -merriment. Mr. Angel invited me to dine with him, having a few friends -that evening to join his popotte. - -"I am much obliged, my dear sir; but I am staying at Balaklava, and I -suppose you dine late." - -"About six o'clock," replied Mr. Angel. "You can sleep here. We have no -bed, it's true; but I can lend you a blanket; and there is a small hut, -which is empty, you can have all to yourself. Mr. Bracebridge slept -there the night before last, when on a visit to Captain Boucher, a -friend of his." - -"Oh, as far as that goes, I shall be comfortable enough." - -"Then you will dine with me?" - -"I will," said I, "and am much obliged for your kind invitation." - -I thought by accepting it, I should have an excellent opportunity of -looking out for my pony in the morning, if I did not happen to find it -that night; I therefore went to the _Hue and Cry_, and gave the best -description, to my knowledge, as I had not had the honour of his -acquaintance long, and did not know of any private marks by which he -might be recognised. They gave me but faint hopes of seeing it again, -and by way of comforting me, showed me a long list of missing horses, -mules, and ponies, enough to fill half a column of the _Times_. - -"I don't care so much about the pony, as that can be replaced; but the -saddle is a new one from London, and neither the animal nor the saddle -belong to me." - -"You may, perhaps," said one, "find the horse, but not the saddle, -especially if it is gone to the French camp, for, believe me, the -Zouaves are very fond of English saddles, as well as everything they can -get hold of which does not require feeding; so they will probably keep -the saddle and turn the horse loose. At all events, we will do what we -can for you; but I advise you to look out for yourself." - -It was then about four o'clock, and I had an hour's ride about the camp, -but it was all in vain. Every inquiry proved fruitless; and I could not -obtain the slightest clue to the lost pony. I could not help smiling -when I recollected Dr. Hadley's last words, "You may lose the horse but -don't lose the saddle." Hoping for better luck next day, I returned to -head-quarters, and begged Lord Raglan's groom to give Mr. Day's pony a -night's lodging. Making sure Monsieur Armand would be in, I went to see -him. He was rather busy, but he received me very politely, and showed me -what he called his kitchen, though it had not the slightest claim to the -title, as it was all but destitute of culinary utensils. The provisions -were of inferior quality; but, as he told me, the best he could procure. -I then offered my services if I could be of any use in getting stoves or -a small oven erected. - -"Ever since I have been here," he replied, "I have been asking for one -or two charcoal stoves and a few shelves, but not a thing can I obtain -for love or money." - -"Upon my word you surprise me! How can that be in the house of the -Commander-in-chief? Truly, every one has much to do." - -"Such is the case." - -"Never mind; I think I shall be able to get something done for you, as -his lordship has spoken to me upon the subject." - -"I shall be much obliged to you if you will," said he; and then pointed -out the principal things he required, which were soon afterwards -furnished. - -As it was nearly six o'clock, I left him, and returned to the -Post-office, where a sumptuous table was laid out. There was actually a -tablecloth and real plates, knives, forks, and various kinds of glasses. -In fact, for the Crimea, it was as the French say, _epatant_. We sat -down six to dinner; and had some very strong preserved soup, a very nice -tough fowl--the remainder of the bill of fare was made from the ration -meat. We had very good wine; and, perhaps, never was a dinner better -relished, or accompanied with more mirth and jokes. Russell the great -was the hero, besides having an Angel for the host. Towards eight -o'clock, the party amounted to about fifteen, as far as we could discern -through the clouded atmosphere with which the room was filled. Every one -was smoking; some large chibouques, long and short pipes, a few cigars, -but no cigarettes. The unexpected increase to our party, I must observe, -was partly owing to our vocal abilities, several lively choruses having -attracted Mr. Angel's illustrious neighbours, as the denizens of the -woods were allured by the melody of Orpheus. - -Our mirth at last became so boisterous that it not only brought around -us men of all ranks, but attracted the attention of the -Commander-in-chief, who sent to inquire what the noise was about. This -we considered a rather inharmonious inquiry, but found that, by -decreasing the pitch of our vocal organs from allegro to piano, we -should produce as much effect, with less noise, as his lordship wisely -called it; though I heard the next day, that Lord Raglan, who was -sitting at his door enjoying the fresh air with several gentlemen of his -staff, enjoyed it, and gave orders that we should not be disturbed. -Complaints poured in from the numerous tents which surrounded -head-quarters. It was then about ten o'clock, which is equivalent to -twelve or one p.m. in London. The _mot d'ordre_ from our chairman was, -"Tell those who cannot sleep to join our bacchanalian party." So many -took the hint, that no room could at length be obtained in the modern -Crimean Temple of Momus. - -At last the order took a more positive character, for the very Angel who -was presiding, observed, and very justly, that they were all playing the -devil with him, and still more so with his cellar, which being but -meagerly stocked, could not long stand so severe an attack. He therefore -begged all new comers to go back to their quarters, and bring or send -the liquid requisite to keep up the spirits of the guests till -midnight--which was done. Every one, like Cinderella, disappeared, by -slipping quietly out at the most convenient opportunity. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -EXPEDITIONS ON HORSE AND ON FOOT. - - Comfortable couch--A terrible _sortie_--The borrowed animal - reclaimed--A bad position--Lord Raglan lends me another - steed--General Estcourt--Female improvements--Visit to the French - camp--A French canteen--A lively vivandiere--French regimental - kitchens--Discoveries--Interview with Colonel Steele--Pertinent - remarks--A carriage--Mrs. Estcourt and her sister--General Camp - Hospital--Cathcart's Hill--Strange reports--Concert _a la_ - Soyer--Receipt for a stew--Conversation with Sir John Campbell--A - flag of truce--A good peep at Sebastopol--A cavalcade of - amateurs--A sad spectacle--A narrow escape--Noisy night. - - -Next morning, I found myself wrapped up in a horse-cloth, with a pair of -top-boots for a pillow. The unfeeling and ungrateful board to which I -had intrusted my precious limbs, had by the morning stamped his patron's -seal upon my back. The following day we learnt that a terrible sortie -had taken place in the night, and that there had been a severe loss of -men on both sides. At an early hour the court-yard was thronged with -officers; despatches were flying in every direction; the cannon was -roaring as usual, but the fusillade had ceased. I then went to the -stable for my pony, when I found the owner, Mr. Day, upon his back, just -going home. - -"Ah, Monsieur Soyer, I made sure that you had lost my pony as well as -your own. I expected you back immediately, being in want of it." - -"I was not aware of that, or I would have walked from your place sooner -than have deprived you of it." - -"Oh, never mind. Have you heard anything of your animal?" - -"No! but I am going to look after him this morning. That is the reason -why I slept at head-quarters last night." - -"I am going about the camp," said he, "and will inquire for you." - -He then started, of course leaving me without a horse, and with dreadful -pains in my back and legs, which I attributed to the softness of the bed -with which I had been favoured; though I could not boast of a single -feather, like that Tocrisse of a recruit, who took one out of his -master's feather bed, laid it down on the boarded floor of his hut, and -next morning told his companions that his master must be foolish to -sleep upon a feather bed. - -"Why?" asked they. - -"Why, if one feather is so hard, what must the lot the captain sleeps -upon be?" - -The worst of my position was, how to get another horse, as it was -impossible for me to walk all day about the camp, being so stiff and -tired. I went to Lord Raglan's coachman, and inquired if he had one to -spare. He replied-- - -"Monsieur Soyer, we can spare a pony for you, but you must ask -permission of the master of the horse or Lord Raglan, as I have special -orders not to lend one upon my own responsibility. I am sure his -lordship will let you have it immediately." - -At this moment I caught sight of Lord Raglan's valet, and I begged him -to make the request; which he did, and came to tell me that his lordship -desired I should have it by all means. Once more mounted, I made an -early call upon the friends of the previous night, most of whom resided -round head-quarters. I had the pleasure of being introduced to General -Estcourt, who took me to see the printing press where my receipts for -the army were done--some of which have appeared in the public press. -Afterwards I went with him to his quarters, which, though small, were -very neatly arranged. The taste was not military, and I thought that I -detected the work of a female hand, which I could not help remarking to -the general. - -"You are right, Monsieur," said he, smiling--"it has only lately been -arranged by ladies. Mrs. Estcourt and my sister are here, and this is a -little bit of their handywork. They are staying on board ship at -Balaklava, and come here every day. Before they arrived I had only this -small room (showing me his bed made upon boards) where I sleep as well -as ever I did in my life. The only thing which awakes me in the night is -when the cannon ceases firing--I am so used to it." - -"I believe that, general, and have no doubt you seldom miss hearing a -report. In fact, you are the nearest of those at head-quarters to -Sebastopol." - -I then inquired about the sortie of the previous night. The general said -he did not know the result of it, and very kindly invited me to -breakfast, which I declined, having to go round the French camp in -search of my pony. - -"I shall be happy," said General Estcourt, "to do anything I can for -you; and if you call in the afternoon, my wife and her sister will be -here, and I will introduce you to them." - -Thanking him kindly, I retired, and proceeded round the French camp -making inquiries; then to their head-quarters, where I met Captain -Boucher, General Canrobert's aide-de-camp, with whom I had the pleasure -of travelling. He promised to introduce me to the general, who, he said, -would be very glad to see me. Upon my telling him about my pony, he -remarked-- - -"If he is in our camp you are sure to get him back, for we have put a -stop to that kind of piracy by very severe punishment. They used to come -and steal our horses from our very stables; but tell me what sort of a -horse he is, and I will advertise him with the others, and we shall know -in less than five or six hours if he is in our camp? the plan we have -adopted cannot fail." - -Having described the animal to the captain, I thanked him for his -kindness. - -Considering my French review terminated, I thought of returning at once -to the English head-quarters, having to see several of the authorities -upon business. On my way I happened to pass by a nice French canteen. I -inquired if I could get any breakfast? A rather stout vivandiere, -dressed in the uniform of the Imperial Guard, very politely said to me: - -"What a stupid question to ask! Do you think we have not everything -required for the purpose here? Perhaps, Captain of the Lord knows what -regiment, you think we have come out merely to thread pearls, sing -'Partant pour la Syrie,' and dance the Fandango." - -On my way I visited several regimental kitchens and tasted the soup. -Some was better than at others. They had no vegetables excepting some -vegetable marrow--more likely to spoil the soup than improve it. I made -several important discoveries respecting the system of cooking pursued -in the French camp, after visiting, with some of my new acquaintances, a -row of twelve kitchens, which number, they informed me, was required for -each regiment--being at the rate of one per company. One man was told -off as cook for every squad or mess of sixteen. The buildings were -composed of mud and stone, and covered an extent of about four hundred -yards. I bade my brave companions farewell, and left them quite a happy -man, having entirely forgotten horse and saddle, in making the discovery -that in lieu of four hundred yards of space, a dozen buildings, and -about eighty men for each regiment, an immense consumption of fuel, and -smoke enough to blind three parts of the army--as the men were all cooks -in turn--my system was simple, effective, and vastly superior to that -even of the French, which had hitherto always been considered as -preferable to the English. This was indeed the case, for all French -soldiers understand a little cooking, and their canteen, pan was far -superior to that in use amongst the English troops, which I condemned at -first sight in the camp at Chobham. - -I returned to head-quarters, intending to communicate my discovery to -Lord Raglan; but learning that he was very busy, and would not be -disengaged till evening, I went to Colonel Steele, who, in spite of the -pressure of business, gave me an immediate audience, and promised to -speak to Lord Raglan on the subject. Head-quarters were that day, in a -manner, taken by storm. They were literally besieged, and this gave me -an opportunity of getting acquainted with several officers and other -officials whom I had not the pleasure of knowing--or, at least, only by -sight. Amongst these were Sir George Brown, Sir W. Codrington, Sir Colin -Campbell, Lord Rokeby, Captain Whitmore, and Brevet-Major A. Macdonald. - -Lord Raglan passed me in the passage, and said, "You wish to see me, -Monsieur Soyer?" - -Knowing his lordship was much occupied, I replied, "Colonel Steele will -give you the particulars that I came to communicate." - -"That will do; but have you found your horse?" - -"No, my lord." - -"I have been to visit Miss Nightingale. She is still very ill. Bad job, -bad job, poor lady!" he continued, walking away towards Colonel Steele's -office, with his hands full of papers. - -After this I called upon Doctor Hall, with whom I had a few minutes' -conversation upon business. Louis was somewhere about, busily engaged, -and, as usual, unwilling to give a direct reply, no matter what question -you put to him. He came to see me. I inquired if he knew anything about -the sortie of the previous night, upon which he answered that the black -horse he rode the day before had thrown him in the mud, and made him in -such a mess. I replied in his style: - -"The sun is very hot to-day." - -Upon which he observed, "he never was there in his life." - -I begged of him to tell me how he was to-morrow. - -"Don't believe that," said he; "it is quite false." - -An interesting young man indeed was Louis. - -A very great curiosity then made its appearance, breaking the thread of -our scientific conversation. What, reader, do you think it was? A -carriage!--a thing unknown in the camp--or at least a bad imitation of -one--drawn by two very obstinate mules, one pulling against the other, -which seemed to amuse my intelligent friend Louis, who never liked to -see anything going on smoothly. General Estcourt went out to meet it, -and two ladies alighted. To this Louis thoroughly objected, -saying--"Ladies, indeed! they are the two female Zouaves who performed -in the _Anglaises pour Rire_, at the theatre in their camp. One," said -he, "is Jean Huguet--the other Panaudet, aide-de-camp to the drum-major -of a regiment of cavalry. The first plays Lady Painbeche in that -tragedy--the other, Lady Don't-you-wish-you-may-get-it." - -Very fertile indeed was the brain of Louis at composition of the higher -school; and, like Marplot, never wishing to see anything in its right -light, he succeeded admirably. The sight of a carriage was something -wonderful, but two ladies at once, and fashionably dressed, was too much -good-luck. I advanced towards them, and had the honour of being -introduced by the general to Mrs. Estcourt and his sister. The general -invited me to walk in, and I had the honour of taking a glass of wine -with the fair--who might well be called fairies at the time--ladies -being so scarce, in fact, all but invisible, in the Crimea. - -After a short, but very interesting, conversation with the ladies, I -retired, leaving some copies of my receipts with Mrs. Estcourt, who -kindly undertook to look at the proofs before printing. Thence I -proceeded to the General Camp Hospital, and there met Doctor Mouatt, who -told me he was waiting for the bricks for his oven from the Ordnance -Office at head-quarters. I informed him that I had given in the plan for -a kitchen, and endeavoured to convince him of the necessity of having it -done at once. - -"I am well aware of that, and it shall be attended to." - -All inquiries respecting my pony were fruitless. At last, upon asking at -a canteen, a soldier told me he had heard of one being found in some -regiment, but could not tell me which one, though he thought it was -somewhere about Cathcart's Hill. - -On arriving at Cathcart's Hill, I met Sir John Campbell, who invited me -to take some refreshment and a glass of Bordeaux. We descended to his -rocky abode in front of Sebastopol, whence you could trace every shot or -shell which passed, as well as view the whole city. On recounting my -adventure of the lost pony, and of my being absent two days from -Balaklava, - -"We heard," said the aide-de-camp to Sir John, "that you had lost two -ponies." - -"No! no!" said I, "one at a time is quite enough, captain." - -"I can assure you that is the joke at head-quarters. I also heard of -your concert _a la Soyer_." - -"We spent a regular London evening," I replied. - -"I wish I had been there," said the general; "we are getting very dull -in our division. Before you go, Mons. Soyer, come and see my kitchen." - -"I will, general." - -Though very small, it was more deserving that title than the one at Lord -Raglan's. - -"Here," said Sir John, "is our ration meat; I am sure you cannot make a -tempting dish out of these materials, especially from the salt meat, -which requires so much soaking, it is so hard." - -"Well, general, I will not say I can make a dish worthy of Lucullus out -of this; but I will try to make something palatable and fit to eat." - -"I can assure you, Monsieur Soyer, that if you succeed, it will be -conferring a great boon upon the army; and you must give them the -receipts." - -I did as follows: I cut about two pounds of salt beef, and as much salt -pork, in pieces of about a quarter of a pound in weight, placed them, in -a canteen pan with cold water, and set it on the fire. When lukewarm, I -took the pan off, washed the meat well, and threw the water away. I then -added three pints of fresh water, a quarter of a pound of onions sliced, -two ounces of sugar, a teaspoonful of pepper, and two ounces of rice. I -set it to stew and simmer gently for two hours. The general said:-- - -"You must come and dine with us about that time." - -"I should certainly much like to taste it, general; but I must be at -Balaklava before seven o'clock to-night. To-morrow I am coming over to -the General Hospital, and if you will be kind enough to order some to -be saved for me, that I may taste it when I come, I shall esteem it a -great favour." - -"I will do so, Monsieur Soyer, but try and be here to dinner. We shall -dine about five o'clock." - -The stew by this time began to simmer, and upon tasting the broth, I -found it already very palatable, without being too salt. I begged of the -cook to let it simmer very gently, which he promised to do. - -We prepared to separate. Before leaving, I said, "The soldiers will be -able to do their rations the same way. I have recommended it to -Commissary Filder, who has agreed to it, and consented that the salt -rations should be issued the night before, thus giving the soldiers time -to soak the meat well. In consequence of this, it will require less -sugar; although it is rumoured that a quarter of an ounce is to be added -to their daily rations. They will then have as much as they require; and -when my new field-stoves are issued, they will admit both of the soaking -and the cooking of the meat; and various messes can be made, almost -impracticable in the small tin canteens now in use." - -I then told the general of my visit to the French kitchens, and what I -had seen there. He agreed with me that they employed too many men, -especially in time of war. It is true that the French soldiers -understood cooking much better than our men did, but, nevertheless, -their system admitted of great improvements. We were then standing in -front of Sir John's cave facing Sebastopol. Of a sudden all the -batteries ceased firing, and Sir John exclaimed, "Hallo! there is a flag -of truce hoisted on the Russian side, and it is accepted. No doubt it is -for leave to bury the dead. Now is the time to have a good peep at -Sebastopol, Mons. Soyer; you have two hours for that purpose." - -The generals, staff officers, and a number of military men who were -present as lookers-on, started off; and I of course followed, making -sure Sebastopol was not more than a mile and a half or two miles -distant--which, _a vol d'oiseau_, it was not; but there were four or -five deep ravines, which made the distance much longer. The few who -started from the hill were joined by many on the road, and we soon -formed a small cavalcade of amateurs. I understood, from several parties -of whom I inquired, that we should have plenty of time to go and return -before the recommencement of hostilities, and that there was not, -therefore, the slightest danger. As it was on the French side the sortie -had taken place, some went one way and some another; and only about six -of us went towards the French trenches. Upon our arrival we experienced -some difficulty in getting in, and it was full twenty minutes before -they would admit us. - -One of the gentlemen present--an English officer, unknown to me--wrote -our names upon his card, and, by order of the commandant of a battery, -we were allowed to enter. The sight is too painful to dwell upon, from -the immense numbers of dead and wounded piled one upon the other. They -were mostly young men, who had fallen so bravely in defence of their -country in this glorious, though disastrous, combat. I could not help -remarking, both in the French and Russian dead, that those who had been -killed by gun-shots passing through the body lay as if they had fallen -in to a sweet slumber, with a smile upon their cold lips, and a happy -and pleasing expression of countenance, very different to the fearful -and contorted appearance generally presented, when from our comfortable -homes we are summoned by that "strict serjeant--Death," in consequence -of old age or illness. This induced me to say to my companions in the -trenches, "It appears to me as if death had not time to convey them to -his mournful shore, but that the genius of glory had unexpectedly -stepped in, and taken possession of their souls, which were now happily -ascending to heaven and a better world; while, on the contrary, those -who have lost a limb or received serious wounds in the head, appear to -have expired in the most painful torture." - -The funeral service was going on rapidly and solemnly on all sides. The -main attack had been against the French, and their newly-arrived -Imperial Guard suffered considerable loss. The greater part of the time -allowed for the armistice had now elapsed, and we therefore thought of -retiring. None of us were, however, acquainted with the French trenches, -and it took us a considerable time to find our way out. I must have -taken a wrong turn, or at least the man to whom I had entrusted my pony -had done so, although I had given him a franc, and promised him another -on getting out all right, merely to see that no one untied the pony. As -he was on duty at the time, and agreed to do this, I trusted him with -it. My friends found their steeds where they had left them. Pondering -upon my ill-luck, and fearing the pony, which belonged to Lord Raglan, -was also lost, I felt much perplexed, so I scrambled up between the -gabions, and perceived, to my great joy, a man leading my pony about in -the ravine. I met the person with whom I had left him, and he told me -that his commanding-officer would not allow the pony to remain there any -longer, as hostilities would begin again immediately, and being in sight -of the enemy, they might think it belonged to a superior, and direct -their fire that way; and having some other duties to perform, he gave my -steed in charge of another man, and requested me to give the other man -the franc I had promised him. - -I ran off to the man, making sure I should reach him in two minutes, but -it took me above twenty. Instead of going towards him, I got near the -Russian side, and had it been dark instead of day, I have no doubt I -should have been taken prisoner, from being unable in the short time -left of the suspension of hostilities to retrace my steps. One of the -sentries who had seen us came and advised me to be off as soon as -possible, as the firing would begin again directly. Thanking him, I got -my pony, and was no sooner mounted than the cannonade and fusillade -thundered in every direction; and some missiles passed me much too close -to be pleasant. - -A regiment of French soldiers who had just been relieved from duty, and -were on their way to their quarters, told me they were going to the -Clocheton, a place of which I had heard, but did not know. I followed -them, as the night was fast setting in and rain was falling. I passed -it, with a jolly set of fellows, full of song, cognac, and rum; and, as -I stood some drink, I was set down in their estimation as a gentleman. I -afterwards slept upon some straw, on the floor of the canteen. My horse -had a very good meal, and plenty of water, but was compelled to remain -out all night, which annoyed me very much. It could not, however, be -helped. We had a very noisy night, and several shots were heard hissing -over our heads, as we were only a few hundred yards from the small house -called the Clocheton, so celebrated and well known in the French camp. -It was from that picturesque spot that Monsieur de Bazancourt wrote his -popular history of the war. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI. - -MATTERS GRAVE AND GAY. - - Kitchens in the Turkish and Sardinian camps--Triumphal entry into - Balaklava--Missed for three days--Telegraphed for--Lots of news--My - secretary in trouble--Arrival of Lord Ward in the _London_--The - Queen's birthday in the harbour of Balaklava--Baking on board the - floating batteries--Miss Nightingale ordered home--"Who lost the - four horses?"--Lord Raglan and Mrs. Roberts--His visit to Miss - Nightingale's sick-bed--Dinner-parties--A Crimean banquet--Sick - Sardinians--The dying officer--The last request--An expedition to - Kertch--A change of quarters--Samples of - bread--Bread-biscuit--Letters to the _Times_. - - -At six the next morning I started, and made it my business to visit the -kitchens in the Turkish and Sardinian camps, on my way home. At eight I -made my triumphal entry into Balaklava. My return seemed to be quite an -event, as it had not only been reported that I had lost three horses, -but also that I had lost myself. I found, when I got on board the -_London_--which was still vomiting forth troops, horses, guns, and -projectiles of all kinds, to feed the voracious appetite of mighty, -grand, but very unsociable and terrible Mr. War, with whom I had lately -had the unexpected honour of being on a little too familiar terms--that -every one had missed me for three days, and the last they had heard of -me was that I had been seen going towards Sebastopol at the time the -flag of truce was hoisted. No one had seen me return, and they concluded -that poor Soyer had either been killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. - -I was told that Mr. Bracebridge had been anxiously inquiring for me in -every direction, and that P. M. had just gone in a great hurry to the -telegraph office, to send word to head-quarters. Seeing the affair was -getting rather serious, I set off at full gallop to stop him, and found -him in the office, writing the following lines:-- - -"Monsieur Soyer has been absent from Balaklava these last three days, -and has not been heard of. An answer will oblige." - -My unexpected arrival put him in good spirits. I convinced him that I -was neither killed, wounded, nor taken prisoner, and having related my -adventures, I inquired about business. - -The first thing he told me was that Miss Nightingale was getting better. -This I knew, having made inquiries on board. Then he informed me that -Lord Raglan had visited her. This I also knew. Then that Thomas, my head -man, had been all over the camp, hunting for me; that the hospital -kitchens were all going on well. He next informed me that Dr. Hadley was -morally in deep mourning, not so much on account of his pony, or even -myself, but his saddle and bridle, which he said no money could replace, -it having been made to order in London. I observed that I was worse off -than he was, as from his kindness in lending me the pony, I had been so -long away. - -"But, P. M., will you be kind enough to jump on that pony, and go to -him. Say I will see him in the afternoon, and of course that I shall be -happy to pay for both pony and saddle." - -"I will do so; but he told me yesterday that he didn't care a fig about -the pony--it was the saddle he regretted." - -"When did he first hear I had lost it?" - -"Why, not four hours after you left. Mrs. Seacole sent all over the camp -for it, and some officers who were present at the time brought the news, -at which every one laughed; but I assure you the case was getting very -serious at last." - -"Never mind--_a la guerre comme a la guerre_--we must expect something a -little out of the way in campaigning." - -"I tell you what, Monsieur Soyer, I began to think it was a great deal -out of the way. You have only one life, like the rest of us, and you -cannot be spared by us, not even to go to the Russians." - -P. M. started on his mission to Dr. Hadley, and I returned to the -_London_, and wrote the receipt for the composition of the preserved -vegetables, which I had promised to Commissary Filder, and took it over -myself. On my way I met about a score of friends, or at all events -persons who knew me, and had heard the false report. I was informed that -Admiral Boxer was much put out about my absence, and at not receiving -any tidings about me. - -To my great astonishment, I met my secretary on foot, and at once -inquired what he had done with the pony, making sure that he had lost -it, or that he had been thrown, and the animal had run away, as it was a -very mettlesome little creature. - -"It is nothing of the kind; it was worse. The brute is marked 'L. R., -head-quarters;' and before I reached Dr. Hadley's house, a policeman -stopped me and took it away, saying it had been stolen from Monsieur -Soyer; and there was a regular row at head-quarters about it. The fellow -wanted to take me up, though I told him I was your secretary. And mind -you, had it not been for an officer--a friend of yours, who knew -me--having dined with us on board the _Robert Lowe_, I really cannot -tell how I should have managed." - -"Where is the pony now?" - -"God knows. Perhaps that fellow has stolen it." - -"I hope not. Describe the man. Who was he?" - -"A soldier, I believe; but let us go to the Commandant's, and inquire, -for I think he took the pony to the stable-yard." - -Upon making inquiries, we heard the animal had been sent direct to -head-quarters. Thus terminated the adventures connected with my first -interview with the good and benevolent Mrs. Seacole, whom I have ever -since christened La Mere Noire, although she has a fair daughter. - -Before the evening was over I had visited the various hospitals, -inspected a fresh arrival of provisions--particularly fresh vegetables, -which were sent from Constantinople weekly, for the use of the hospitals -and camp. These often arrived in a bad state, owing to the heat of the -weather, which was intense. The difficulty of transport and distribution -throughout the camps rendered the dry composition I had submitted to the -Commissariat much preferable, more especially for issue to the troops in -camp. - -The great event during my unexpected and adventurous absence was the -arrival of Lord Ward in his beautiful steamer, the _London_, filled with -all kinds of provisions, to be gratuitously distributed among the -soldiers, more as a luxury than a necessity. Provisions were not at this -time so scarce as they had been--the soldiers were receiving ample -rations. Facility and method in the cooking was what was most required. - - -THE 24TH OF MAY,--THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY IN THE HARBOUR OF BALAKLAVA. - -At midday a royal salute was fired; shouts were heard in all directions, -and about noon the band struck up "God save the Queen." The ships were -gaily dressed out with their flags, and this put every sailor in good -humour. They were regaled with plenty of roast beef and plum-pudding, -and abundance of rum. Tunes struck up in every direction--"Drops of -brandy," "Barley bree," hornpipes, &c.; but the "Ratcatcher's Daughter" -would have been most in harmony. I was then dining with Captain Shepherd -and a party of about ten, on board his superb ship, the _Triton_. When -dinner was over, we left the jovial board to smoke our cigars upon deck. -We went to breathe the fresh air, and to watch the frolics of the joyous -but rather tumultuous crew, who were performing their nautical steps -between decks, to the shrieking sounds of a damaged fiddle and still -more damaging fiddler. The tunes we listened to produced upon our ears -the effect we anticipated, but the air we were breathing quite the -contrary effect upon our noses. Captain Heath, the harbour-master, who -was then living on board, also gave a dinner-party that day; and as his -numerous guests appeared upon deck, there was quite an array of naval -and military men. - -I seldom smoke, and I remarked that the air we were so anxious to -breathe was anything but wholesome or agreeable. Thereupon the commander -of the _Diamond_ observed that an unpleasant odour arose from the sea. - -"It does not come from the water," I replied, "but from the shore." - -"What can it be, Monsieur Soyer?" said he. - -"Don't you know, captain--you who daily visit your naval hospital on the -heights, that on that bank are the bodies of the poor unfortunate -fellows lost in the _Prince_, and the sea has washed away the earth -which covered them? Some of them are actually on a level with the -ground." - -"Impossible," said he; "I can't believe it." - -"If you like," I replied, "I will convince you of the fact." - -Some of those who overheard our conversation begged Captain Shepherd to -let us have a boat, with which request the captain complied. It was a -fine moonlight night when we started, and we soon reached the spot. The -smell had disappeared; so he said I was mistaken. - -"Not at all, captain," said I. "Pray thrust your oar through the soil we -are standing upon." - -It was covered with lime, and he did as I requested, and found that what -I had stated was correct. We then returned on board, and mentioned the -fact. All admitted that it was a dreadful thing, and might bring on -cholera. Captains Heath and Shepherd observed that it was intended to -throw a mound three feet deep over them, and that it was likely the -heavy weather had washed away the gravel. The remains of some of these -bodies were plainly visible, the most singular thing being their -extraordinary state of preservation. - -I noticed that the Board of Health were aware of this, and had taken -sanitary measures by having great quantities of lime thrown over the -remains. Captain Heath observed that the mound would very likely be -completed the following day. I believe that such was the case, for a -short time after I saw it was done. - -This unpleasant discovery broke up our party sooner than was intended, -but it did not disturb the mirth of the sailors; their fun lasted till -daybreak. This corner of the harbour was seldom frequented, which no -doubt was the reason that the exposure of the bodies had not been -noticed sooner. In pointing out this fact to Colonel Hardinge, he -observed that under the water his power ceased. Admiral Boxer's nephew, -who was there, remarked that above the level of the water he had no -power; so that the tide, alternately washing over and receding from the -bodies, led me to infer that neither the naval nor military authorities -could remove the nuisance, as it must have been well known to many that -the bodies from the wreck were deposited there. - -The floating bakeries called the _Bruiser_ and the _Abundance_ were now -ready to commence baking, and were visited by all the authorities--Lord -Raglan, Sir John Macneil, Colonel Tulloch, Commissary Filder, Dr. -Sutherland, the Admiral and the Commandant, &c. The vessels were so -crowded, that Captain Thompson, with whom I had the pleasure of being -well acquainted, expressed his fears of never being able to make a fair -beginning. Good bread was at that time, I must say, the most important -thing wanted. Bakeries were in course of erection at Kadikoi, so that -between the steamers and them about twenty-five or thirty thousand -rations could be made, producing a supply of bread four days per week, -and the other three biscuit. No one could then wish for better field -rations. - -While at the Sanatorium, making inquiry about Miss Nightingale, I heard -from the purveyor that the doctor's advice was that she should go direct -to England, when able to travel. My friend, Dr. Hadley, whom I was going -to face boldly, and scold for causing me so much trouble with his saddle -and bridle, had been waiting anxiously for my return. In despair, he had -gone out in search of them. I therefore did not see, though I heard much -about him. - -Having met Mr. Parker, the clergyman, he informed me that he had been -told that I had lost four horses in three days--viz., three myself and -my secretary one, and that none of them belonged to me. Upon this I -replied, "Therein lies the merit of being trusted. Had they been my own -it would have been nothing, as any fool can manage to lose his own -horse, but it requires a good deal of skill and standing in society to -lose four belonging to other persons, in so short a space of time." - -My mishap afforded much amusement; and the standing jest in camp for -some time was, "Who lost the four horses?" I was very anxious to know -the actual state of Miss Nightingale's health, and went to her hut to -inquire. I found Mrs. Roberts, who was quite astonished and very much -delighted to see me. - -"Thank God, Monsieur Soyer," she exclaimed, "you are here again. We have -all been in such a way about you. Why, it was reported that you had been -taken prisoner by the Russians. I must go and tell Miss Nightingale you -are found again." - -"Don't disturb her now. I understand Lord Raglan has been to see her." - -"Yes, he has, and I made a serious mistake. It was about five o'clock in -the afternoon when he came. Miss Nightingale was dozing, after a very -restless night. We had a storm that day, and it was very wet." - -"Pray go on, madam," said I, seeing she made a pause. - -"Well, sir, I was in my room sewing, when two men on horseback, wrapped -in large gutta-percha cloaks, and dripping wet, knocked at the door. I -went out, and one inquired in which hut Miss Nightingale resided. He -spoke so loud, that I said, 'Hist! hist! Don't make such a horrible -noise as that, my man,' at the same time making a sign with both hands -for him to be quiet. He then repeated his question, but not in so loud a -tone. I told him this was the hut.' - -"'All right,' said he, jumping from his horse, and he was walking -straight in, when I pushed him back, asking him what he meant and whom -he wanted. - -"'Miss Nightingale,' said he. - -"'And pray who are you?' - -"'Oh, only a soldier,' was his reply; 'but I must see her--I have come -a long way--my name is Raglan--she knows me very well.' - -"Miss Nightingale overhearing him, called me in, saying, 'Oh! Mrs. -Roberts, it is Lord Raglan. Pray tell him I have a very bad fever, and -it will be dangerous for him to come near me.' - -"'I have no fear of fever or anything else.' said Lord Raglan. - -"And before I had time to turn round, in came his lordship. He took up a -stool, sat down at the foot of the bed, and kindly asked Miss -Nightingale how she was, expressing his sorrow at her illness, and -thanking and praising her for the good she had done for the troops. He -wished her a speedy recovery, and hoped that she might be able to -continue her charitable and invaluable exertions, so highly appreciated -by every one, as well as by himself. He then bade Miss Nightingale -good-bye, and went away. As he was going out, I wished to apologize. - -"'No! no! not at all, my dear lady,' said Lord Raglan; 'you did very -right; for I perceive that Miss Nightingale has not yet received my -letter, in which I announced my intention of paying her a visit -to-day--having previously inquired of the doctor if she could be seen.'" - -"No doubt," I said, "his lordship quite enjoyed the fun." - -"I think he did, for they were laughing so when they went away. However, -it did my mistress no good. She became very nervous afterwards, and was -worse for a day or two; but she is doing well now. I am sure his -lordship would be very sorry if he knew that such was the case." - -"That he would; for he did it out of pure respect and kindness." - -"Exactly. I never heard a gentleman speak more kindly to any one. But -only fancy, sir, what fun for me to try to turn the Commander-in-chief -out of doors." - -"How were you to tell who it was? And supposing you knew, even then you -would have done right, as you had not received his lordship's letter, -and had special orders from the doctor to let no one in, not even Mr. -Bracebridge." - -"Mr. Bracebridge came two or three times a-day. The doctors recommend -Miss Nightingale to go to London as soon as possible; but, Lord bless -you, sir! she will not be in a fit state for removal for a fortnight or -three weeks." - -"I am sorry to hear that, because I should have liked to go back to -Scutari with her. My field-stoves have not arrived, and Jullien, my head -man at Scutari, has been ill; so I must look sharp after the hospitals -on the Bosphorus, as my principal object in coming out was to set them -to rights. In fact, I only offered my services for the Barrack Hospital, -as I had not at that time heard of the others,--viz., Kululee, the -General, and the Palace Hospitals." - -"You must not rely upon what I say, Monsieur Soyer; for we might be off -sooner." - -"How are my kitchens going on?" - -"Oh, very well indeed now, sir." - -"I am sure to see Mr. Bracebridge on board to-day; and when Miss -Nightingale is better, I will come daily and make some delicate broth, -pudding, or jelly for her. Doctor Henderson tells me that as soon as he -can put his illustrious patient under my care he will do so; then I -shall require your assistance, as I consider you an excellent extra-diet -cook." - -The weather having set in fine, everything became more cheerful. Small -dinner parties were given by the Guards and the Cavalry. Several -gentlemen, at the head of whom was Colonel Carleton, clubbed together -and engaged a man cook, who turned out a tolerable good dinner. He -cooked almost _al fresco_. Those regiments stationed close to Balaklava -fared the best, as they could procure provisions from the stewards of -the vessels in harbour. Colonel Carleton, one of our modern epicures, -whom. I had the pleasure of dining with while encamped there, gave us an -excellent dinner; and, for several reasons, never invited more than five -guests to dine with him:--firstly, from his good sense as a _gourmet_; -and, secondly, having no room for more. Dinner invitations poured in -from all quarters, both from sea and land. For some time, it appeared as -if the champagne corks were firing instead of the cannon at Sebastopol, -as the wind was in the wrong direction, and the report of the guns was -scarcely heard at Balaklava. It took me about an hour every morning to -write apologies to invitations--so numerous were they, and my duties -would not admit of my dining out every day. Moreover, the medical -gentlemen then strongly recommended moderation and care in the use of -food. - -There was, however, one unexpected invitation I could not decline. One -evening, as I was returning late from the camp, I met several of the -heroes of Balaklava; amongst these Colonel Peel and Major Cook of the -11th Hussars, with whom I had the pleasure of being acquainted at -Scutari. They would take no refusal, so I was compelled to accompany -them to their mess-room and dine with them, which invite I was not long -accepting, requiring at the time no end of restoratives for myself and -charger, after a hard day's duty. It was indeed a splendid place for the -Crimea--the camp being still in the infancy of luxury. A table was laid -for sixteen guests, who had wisely opened a kind of club in a large hut. -The rations were artistically turned to good account, and numerous -little extras were procured from Balaklava, particularly fish. Two fine -clout, or knotted turbots,[15] with the et-ceteras, gave an appearance -of luxurious festivity; and though no one could boast of the elegance of -the service, at all events there were a few plates, knives, and forks -upon the table--at that time luxuries were not requisite. Good health--a -ferocious appetite--lots of capital ale, porter, sherry, port, -champagne--laughter, puns, and fun in abundance--witty anecdotes, and -plenty of songs, good, bad, and indifferent, prevailed. The sixteen -officers were joined by about twenty more after dinner. They sat down -anywhere and everywhere, even out of doors. It was, in fact, the most -martial festival I had seen during my visit to the Crimea, and quite -cast in the shade our former semi-banquet at head-quarters. - -It was midnight ere this jovial party broke up; and a few minutes after -I was on my way home. The sentry on duty at the Col of Balaklava was -calling out, with the lungs of a Stentor, "Who goes there?" to a group -bearing lighted torches coming towards him; and several voices, in a -mournful tone, replied, "Friends." - -"Pass, friends." A sudden change of scene and sensation soon took place! -On approaching the group, and inquiring what was the matter, I perceived -four Sardinian soldiers bearing a sick officer upon a stretcher. He was -followed by several others. The Sardinians at that time suffered -terribly from fever and cholera, and their daily loss of men was -something fearful. They were admitted to the General Hospital, as there -was not sufficient room in their own. - -Following the group with solemn interest as far as the General Hospital, -I learned that the precious burden they were carrying was one of the -bravest officers of this small though perfect model of an army. It was a -Major Crossetti, in the bloom of life, his age only six-and-thirty, who -was suddenly attacked by cholera; and Miss Wear (the head lady under -Miss Nightingale) begged of me to go and offer consolation, as well as -to interpret and explain to the doctors what his servant required. He -had then only just been attacked. In less than two hours, the fatal -malady had increased to that extent that no hope was entertained of -saving him, though every attention had been immediately afforded. Alas! -all was of no avail. - -The contraction and sudden change of one of the finest and noblest -military faces I ever beheld, graced by a beard of an auburn tinge, to -the hideous transformation caused by that awful disease, will never be -effaced from my memory, and is far too piteous to be described. I -remained with him more than three hours, but he died during the night; -his poor servant, a Savoyard, who had been with him from his boyhood, -wept bitterly. Miss Wear, though very unwell, remained at his side till -he had expired. He kept asking, his moist hand clasped in mine, -"Pensez-vous que je vais mourir?"--Do you think I am about to die? - -"No, no! impossible, so young!" I ejaculated. - -"I would not care if it were on the field of battle; but I have done -nothing for my country in this war." - -The words I addressed to him seemed to console him greatly. Miss Wear, -however, informed me privately that the case had taken such a turn that -nothing could save him. - -A few days prior to my departure from the Crimea, my final reminiscence -of this noble departed soldier was to see his name engraved on marble in -letters of gold on the grand national Sardinian Monument so -picturesquely situated on the summit of the high rock above the -Sanatorium. - -A few days after this, the _London_ and its bridge was in more confusion -than ever, and the landing of the Sardinian troops appeared a mere -trifle compared with this unexpected movement. It was the departure of -the fleet for Kertch, and the whole of the troops, horses, provisions, -ammunition, &c., passed over our then almost uninhabitable _City of -London_. I must say, the precision and celerity with which this fleet -was embarked and despatched was admirable. The evening before, I had -promised to go early and superintend the cooking of one of the -regiments, when, to my great surprise, I found the colonel, his -officers, and men upon deck just embarking. I was with them the -afternoon before till three o'clock, and they then knew nothing about -it. Admiral Boxer came and informed me that the _London_ was to follow -the expedition, and he was under the necessity of removing us, not much -to our sorrow, for the everlasting thoroughfare made our nautical -_London_ very disagreeable; and it was with great delight that we left -_town_ for a quieter and better habitation, observing at the same time -to the admiral, that I feared I was in disgrace both with the army and -navy. - -"Why so, Monsieur Soyer?" - -"Because the Minister-at-War turned me out of London at a few days' -notice, and you, admiral, do the same kind of thing in as many minutes. -You are about transferring me, it seems, to the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_." - -"Ah, and a fine ship she is, too, Monsieur Soyer." - -Sir John Macneil and Colonel Tulloch had quitted the _Baraguay -d'Hilliers_, a very fine vessel, and we had their apartment in the state -cabin, so called because it was so large and commodious. The _Baraguay -d'Hilliers_ was moored next to the _Abundance_, and so close that we -were able to walk from one ship to the other, which gave me the facility -of watching the process and system of that important floating bakery, as -well as the perfection of its mechanism. The first two samples of bread -made were, one very white, and the other rather brown. Captain Johnson -asked me which I liked best. I replied, "The brown, by all means, for -the troops; and I am sure that Lord Raglan, Sir John Macneil, Dr. Hall, -and other competent gentlemen, will express the same opinion." - -"Monsieur Soyer, I must differ from you, for this is much finer and -whiter." - -"It is because it is so white that I object to it. The change from -almost black Turkish bread to the very white will create a bad feeling -amongst the troops, who will fancy they have been imposed upon. For my -taste, give me the whitey-brown; there is less show and more nutriment -in it: besides, it is better adapted for the purpose." - -"Well," said Captain Johnson, "for my own eating, I prefer the white; -though I must say the other is very good." - -"Depend upon it, captain, the soldiers want food, not luxuries. I'll -tell you what I will do for you: I am going to head-quarters, and will -take the samples to Lord Raglan and Dr. Hall." - -"I shall be much obliged if you will," said he, "as we want to commence -supplying to-morrow." - -On reaching head-quarters, I met Dr. Hall going to the general. I -showed him the samples; we convassed their respective merits for a few -minutes, and the Doctor was of the same opinion as myself. I saw Lord -Raglan in the camp; and he said, "The whitey-brown, by all means. I -never wish to have better bread upon my table." - -The good done by this bakery was incalculable. They baked from fifteen -to sixteen thousand rations daily, with perfect ease. In justice to the -system, I must say, it answered admirably. I carefully watched its -progress, and though the quality of the bread often varied, which was -entirely owing to the difference in the quality of the flour -supplied--and this is unavoidable in so large a supply as is required -for an army,--I can certify that the working of the flour in the -bruiser, the process of manipulation, and the baking were carefully -attended to. In the beginning, it is true, yeast could not be procured -in sufficient quantities. At last, they discovered a way of making it -themselves. It is due to their exertions to say, that the bakery at -Kadikoi was not making as good bread as the _Abundance_. It is true, -they did not possess the same facilities. We had made on board the -_Abundance_ several samples of bread-biscuit, which I had the honour of -submitting to the Duke of Newcastle during his visit to Scutari. He -tasted it both in its dry state, and also soaked in broth, three months -after having been baked, and highly approved of it, considering it an -excellent invention for the soldier's camp meal, as well as for the -navy. - -This is the same bread-biscuit mentioned by a correspondent in the -following letter, addressed to the _Times_. - - -MISS NIGHTINGALE AND M. SOYER. - -_To the Editor of the Times._ - - SIR,--The sympathies of the British nation being at this moment - directed to the army of the East, I feel that information as to the - hospital department will interest many. Miss Nightingale returned - to Scutari on the 4th inst., having left it on the 4th of the - preceding month. Miss Nightingale, on her arrival at Balaklava, - immediately began an active investigation of the state of the two - hospitals there, as well as of the sailors' hospitals and the field - hospitals in the camp, in which she had the invaluable assistance - of the Sanitary Commissioners and M. Soyer, as well as the advice - and the moral support of Sir John M'Neil and Colonel Tulloch, - commissioners, and of Dr. Hall and the medical staff. The affairs - of the sisters and nurses were arranged, new huts built, kitchens - erected and arranged, and a vigorous action in the whole department - begun, with the full assent and aid of the medical officers, when - Miss Nightingale was seized with the Crimean fever and carried up - to the hut hospital on the Genoese heights. - - She became convalescent after about twelve days, and was - recommended to take a voyage to England; she, however, though in a - state of extreme weakness and exhaustion, refused to entertain the - idea of going beyond Scutari, trusting that she might be enabled - the sooner to return to her advanced post at Balaklava. Lord Ward, - with a generous perseverance in well-doing, forced Miss Nightingale - to accept his steam-yacht the _London_, which was placed at her - disposal on the 3rd inst., and in this vessel she happily and - rapidly performed the voyage to Scutari. The Hon. W. Wellesley, Dr. - Curgewan, Lord Ward's medical man, Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge, M. - Soyer, whose enterprise has been associated with that of Miss - Nightingale at Balaklava, besides Mrs. Roberts, chief nurse, and - servants, were on board. Miss Nightingale was visited while sick by - Lord Raglan at the huts, and again on board the _London_, and was - received on landing at Scutari by Lord W. Paulet, Commandant, Dr. - Cumming, Inspector-General, and Dr. Macgregor, Deputy Inspector. - The house of the chaplain is placed at her disposal by the Rev. Mr. - Sabin, and she has been offered the use of the British Palace at - Pera by Lord and Lady Stratford de Redcliffe. Miss Nightingale is - extremely weak, but has no remains of fever, and no danger is - apprehended. - - The sanitarium, in huts on the Genoese heights at Balaklava, is now - in full action, and will accommodate about six hundred, at the - elevation of seven hundred feet above the sea. The wounded are - doing well there, and the kitchen has been perfected by M. Soyer. - One of the large huts is used as a chapel, and the whole staff of - medical men, purveyors, chaplain, sisters, and nurses (Mrs. Shaw - Stewart[16] superintendent), are well chosen and practically - zealous. A second sanitarium, on St. George's Monastery heights, is - ready for one hundred and fifty, and rapidly progressing. Good - water is found in both situations. - - In the General Hospital, above the head of the harbour, with its - huts adjacent to the main building, about two hundred and fifty - patients (chiefly sick) are attended (two huts being given up for - cholera). The medical men are especially active there, the - orderlies have been much improved in number and quality by recent - regulation, the kitchen and chief cook have been recommended by M. - Soyer, and the chief purveyor has shown anxiety to make ample - provision of requisites, now happily to be found in abundance; but - the situation is not a good one; the heat is great, and the crowds - frequenting the purveyor's stores inconveniently near to the sick - wards. The sisters and nurses (Miss Warre superintendent) are - actively employed, and inhabit a hut adjacent to the main building. - - The ship _Abundance_, lately arrived, has its bakery at work day - and night, turning out excellent bread, which will take the place - of the sour and mouldy article often sent from the contractors at - Constantinople. M. Soyer has invented a most important kind of - bread, which seems to unite the advantage of the loaf and the - biscuit, and has found out a method of cooking salt rations which - makes them most palatable and entirely removes the salt. His - receipts have been highly approved, and will be printed by the - authority of head-quarters. The camp kitchens he has invented for - field hospitals will soon be in activity, as those of the chief - hospitals already are; but his suggestions and their application - are of so practical and extensive a nature that they will require a - second letter from, - -Sir, your obedient servant, -C. H. B. - - _Scutari Barrack-hospital, June 7._ - -_To the Editor of the Times._ - - SIR,--I shall do myself the pleasure of forwarding you by the next - post a _resume_ of my culinary progress in the Crimea, adding to it - the promised receipts, as well as some of those which I have - already very successfully introduced into the camps, made out of - the rations issued to the troops. I am also happy to inform you, - that though so close to Sebastopol, I have not yet met with a - single enemy; and were it not for the continual roaring of the - cannon, the bursting of shells, and the heat of the sun, I could - fancy myself in England's happy land. But instead of enemies, on - the contrary, from head-quarters to every camp and regiment, the - officers and medical gentlemen have rendered me the utmost - assistance, so ready are they to improve the cooking of the food - for their brave companions in arms. The provisions allowed by - Government I consider bountiful, and only require to be applied to - the best advantage. With the highest consideration, - -I have the honour to be, Sir, -Your most obedient servant, -A. SOYER. - - _Camp before Sebastopol, June 3._ - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -PREPARATIONS FOR ANOTHER TRIP. - - Preparations for my departure--French, Turkish, and Sardinian - camps--Lord Ward--A visit to Mr. Upton--The lost pony--A bright - idea--A famous piece of roast-beef--Mrs. Seacole and her - daughter--News of the lost pony--A merry group--My beef in - danger--A _ruse de guerre_--Safe at head-quarters--Sir George - Brown--Interview with Lord Raglan--Letter in the _Illustrated - London News_--Curious mistake--A night cruise--Explanations--Lord - Raglan's affability--The late Madame Soyer--Lord Alvanley and - Ude--Singular birthday anecdote--Pleasant gossip--Ride home--News - from Kertch--Visit to the Tchernaya--An invitation--Miss - Nightingale on board the _Jura_--Mishaps--Midnight visitors--The - _London_--A kind offer--Acceptance--Ready to start. - - -Miss Nightingale was at this period gradually recovering, and the time -for her departure drew near. That lady and Mr. Bracebridge had both -expressed their wish for me to return to Scutari with them, which I was -also very anxious to do. I wanted to give an important _coup d'oeil_ -at the hospitals there, which were still very full. So I made the most -of my remaining time; visited the French, Turkish, and Sardinian camps, -and their hospitals, from each of which, I am proud to say, I gleaned -some important and useful dietetic information. It was, however, better -suited to the camp than to the permanent hospitals. What struck me most -in the French and Sardinian treatments, which are based upon a similar -system, was this--viz., that too much liquid of a weak nature was -administered to the patients, and in too great quantities--especially as -the climate had so great a tendency to produce diarrhoea, dysentery, -and cholera. - -I had remarked during my stay at Scutari, and when the hospital was -filled with patients suffering from those diseases, that the succulent -mutton and barley broth I had introduced was selected daily from the -dietary by the English doctors, in preference to beef-tea, -chicken-broth, &c.; as well as the receipts for plain boiled rice, -savoury rice, slightly curried rice, rice-pulp, ground rice-pudding, -sago-jelly, sago-panada; and for beverages, strong rice-water, -barley-water, and arrowroot-water, in preference to lemonade during the -first stage of those diseases; and that numbers of these light though -nutritious dishes were selected by the doctors when the disease was at -its height. - -Though I am aware that in different countries men have different -constitutions, I also remarked that the Turkish system of diet closely -resembled the English, as they used a great deal of rice, flour--stewed, -broiled, and boiled meats, &c. &c. In giving this opinion, _en passant_, -it is only with the intention of submitting to the public, if not to the -faculty, things which struck me forcibly during my visits to those -important establishments, in which everybody has and ever will take a -national interest. Nor can I bring these few remarks to a close without -returning my grateful thanks to the authorities in these various -establishments for their very courteous attention upon all occasions. - -We remained about a fortnight longer in the Crimea, which time I spent -in attending to my duties both in the camp and in the hospitals. One -morning I had the pleasure of being introduced to Lord Ward, who was -very anxious to see Miss Nightingale, as he had a number of letters as -well as parcels for that lady. On my informing his lordship that Miss -Nightingale was ill, and would not be able to see any one for some time, -I believe he forwarded them to her. As I was very desirous of seeing his -vessel, he very kindly invited me to visit him on board; and we -parted--I to meet Mr. Bracebridge, and to accompany him on our -long-promised visit to Mr. Upton; and Lord Ward, to pay his first visit -to head-quarters and the camp. - -In a short time we arrived at Mr. Upton's house, and were very kindly -received. Mr. Upton is a very short, fair man, still young, and very -pale. His daughters are two of the prettiest little girls I ever saw, -aged respectively nine and eleven years. He seemed to have suffered much -from his confinement, but spoke highly of the treatment he had received -from the English while in captivity. His goods were exposed on view, and -the sale was to take place a few days after. Having been set at liberty, -he was about to return to his native place, near Atherstone in -Warwickshire. Everything connected with that gentleman and his family, -as well as what relates to his late father, is too well known to require -to be repeated. - -Six days had elapsed, and I had received no news of the lost pony. The -endeavours to find his saddle were also fruitless; and the pony was -quite a secondary consideration. This put me in mind of a most -extraordinary case of absence of mind in a man who had been gambling, -and unexpectedly found himself in great distress, having nothing left -but his horse, which was starving for want of provender. On a sudden, a -bright idea flashed across his mind. In order to save it, he went and -sold the horse to buy some hay. Had the Doctor found the saddle, it was -ten to one against his being able to purchase another pony, they were so -scarce at the time. - -On the seventh day, I happened to be riding triumphantly through the -camp with my tall guardsman Thomas before me. He was carrying a fine -piece of roast-beef--or at least beef for roasting--which I had begged -of the captain of a vessel who came from Alexandria, and intended for -Lord Raglan. But I must here observe that it would have been dangerous -to cross the camp with such a precious treasure unguarded, as some of -those marauding Jack Sheppards of Zouaves would have thought nothing of -taking possession of it. They always went in strong bodies, and were -ever on the look-out for prey. I said to myself, "If, in the middle of -the road, and under my own eyes, they will steal a horse, nothing is -more certain than they will try to borrow this"--the word "steal" was -not allowed to be mentioned in the French camp, the word "borrow" -sounding more genteel. - -The loss of the beef, added to the rumoured loss of the four horses, -would indeed have afforded abundant materials for fun; so I sent my -avant-guard by the road on foot, instead of across country, and followed -him on horseback. This plan gave me an opportunity of seeing Mrs. -Seacole, to thank her for her kind exertions, although the missing pony -had not been found. On reaching her place, I found several mounted -officers taking refreshment; when Miss Sally Seacole (her daughter), -whose name I have not yet introduced, called out--"Mother, mother! here -is Monsieur Soyer!" This announcement brought her out immediately, and -she exclaimed, "Good luck to you, my son! we have found your pony: come -down. Here are some officers who say they have had a grey pony like -yours in the stables of their regiment these last few days. Didn't you -say so, gentlemen?" - -"Yes, Monsieur Soyer!" said one, "but you must look sharp, for they are -going to sell it to-morrow, if no one claims it." - -"Many thanks for the warning. I will ride over directly. Pray, what is -the number of the regiment?" - -"The 93rd--fourth division--near the Woronzoff-road. I am almost sure it -is yours." - -"Well, my son," said Mrs. Seacole, "didn't I tell you that it would be -found?" - -"Really, Mrs. Seacole, I don't know what I shall give you for the -trouble you have taken in this affair. At all events, here is something -on account,"--saluting her upon her deeply-shaded forehead, at which -every one present laughed and joked. - -"Gentlemen," said I, "I knew you would be surprised; though it is very -natural for a son to kiss his mother. At any rate, you cannot say that, -upon this occasion, I have shown my love and taste for the fair sex." A -hearty laugh concluded this innocent bit of fun. - -My guardsman, Thomas, who had continued his journey, had by this time -nearly reached his destination. After a sharp gallop I caught him, and -just in time to rescue the piece of beef he had carried safely so far. I -found him drinking brandy with several of the French Imperial Guard, at -their canteen; and he was exhibiting the choice piece, which I had -wrapped up so carefully in a cloth and packed in a basket. It was the -admiration of all who formed the merry group. They said to him, "Anglais -roast-beef--bono Johnny." This was all their conversation upon the -subject previous to its capture, which I have no doubt would have been -the case had I not made my appearance. Seeing the imminent danger in -which the choice morsel was placed, and aware that nothing but a _ruse -de guerre_ could rescue it from the hands of the enemy-- - -"Thomas," said I, in French, "how dare you stop drinking in this way, -when you know that General Canrobert must have that beef roasted for his -dinner; and it is already past three o'clock. ("By Jupiter!" said one of -them, "it's no go--it's for the Commander-in-Chief.") Go along with you! -(He began to inquire what I said.) Don't answer me, sir, or you shall -have a night in the guard-house. Pray, my fine fellow, which is the -nearest way to the French head-quarters? I had better carry it myself--I -shall be there first. Give it me," said I, taking the basket, and -ordering Thomas to follow. - -Bidding the astonished soldiers adieu, I galloped off with my prize. -Upon arriving at head-quarters, I rated Thomas for his stupidity, and -went to the kitchen to ask for a large dish to put the beef on. It quite -astonished Monsieur Armand, as he had seen none of that quality before. -Indeed, it contrasted strangely with some beef he had upon the table. - -"You are more comfortable now," I said, "since those few additions have -been made to your kitchen?" - -"Very much so; and I am extremely obliged to you for what you have -done." - -"You have a very good roasting fireplace. Will you be kind enough to -have that piece of beef roasted to a turn for Lord Raglan's dinner -to-morrow, as it is Sunday?" - -"Yes," said he; "it comes quite _a propos_; and I will roast it as well -as I can, but must suspend it by a cord, as I have no spit." - -"Do so--that will be more camp fashion; but pray don't bake it, for that -would spoil it, and you don't know the trouble I had to get it as far as -this in safety." - -I then told him about Thomas and the French soldiers, at which he could -not help laughing, saying, "It has had a narrow escape, for those devils -of Zouaves will steal the coat from your back. A few days ago they stole -a whole sheep from that bit of a larder I have here in the yard." - -"You had better give it to the steward to keep in his pantry till -to-morrow--it will then be safe." - -"I will do so." - -As Thomas was carrying it into the house, we met several officers, who -inquired whence it came. I went and showed it to Colonel Steele, begging -that he would be kind enough to offer it to Lord Raglan, with my -respects. While I was in Colonel Steele's room, in walked Sir George -Brown and his aide-de-camp. - -"Bravo," said the latter, looking at it; "you have indeed improved the -ration meat, if this is a specimen." - -"It is," I replied; "but I am sorry to add that it is both specimen and -stock." - -"It is certain," said the general, "I have seen no such meat since I -left England. Where does it come from?" - -"Alexandria, general." - -"Oh, that's a long way to bring it in large quantities." - -"Truly, general; but this is only an out-of-the-way piece. I think we -may shortly have plenty, and at a moderate price, and from a nearer -place. No time is lost; but, as the proverb says, 'the world was not -created in a day.'" - -At this moment Lord Raglan came in, quite by chance. "Hallo, Monsieur -Soyer," said he, "what have you got there?" - -"A piece of ration beef, my lord, with a certain addition of fat; and I -beg your acceptance of it for to-morrow's dinner. I have seen Armand -about it, and he has promised to do it to a turn." - -"That's very kind of you," said his lordship, giving his orders to the -colonel, and inquiring, at the same time, about a very important -telegraphic despatch. - -"But I must again tell you, as I mentioned once before, you will not -find my cook a first-rate _cordon bleu_." - -"Well, my lord, no doubt he does his best, according to the quality of -the provisions, which, your lordship must be aware, are not first-rate. -At all events, I shall trust this marvel to his skill; and if he does it -to a turn, as he has promised, he will prove the correctness of my -countryman's words--Brillat Savarin--who says, in his _Physiologie du -Gout_, 'On devient cuisinier, mais on est nait rotisseur.'" - -"That is a charming work of Savarin's," said his lordship. "Well, -Soyer," continued he, "this certainly looks like English beef. Where -does it come from?" - -"From Alexandria, my lord. I dined the other day on board the _Etna_, -and we had a splendid piece of roast beef for dinner. I at once claimed -a portion for your lordship's table; and the captain ordered the best -piece to be put by--and here it is." - -"Very kind of him, very kind--and of you too, Monsieur Soyer." As Lord -Raglan said this, he turned and gave his orders to Colonel Steele. - -"Have you found your pony?" - -"I believe so. I hear it is in the stables of the 93rd Regiment, and I -am going to look for it directly." - -"You are lucky," said he; "for some fellows have actually stolen thirty -live sheep and several mules from here." - -"Have they indeed?" - -"Yes, I assure you it is too true. Is it not, Steele?" - -"So I was told." - -"Oh, I hear Miss Nightingale is soon going back." - -"Yes, as soon as she is sufficiently strong to bear the voyage." - -Lord Raglan then left the room. Never was there a man at all times more -composed and collected than he was; and he always had a kind word and -smile for those around him, even at the most critical times. - -Several days had by this time elapsed since the departure of the -expedition for Kertch, and no news of its movements had been received. -The harbour looked very dull. Not knowing how to spend my evening, I -went with a friend to Kadikoi, and dined there. Whilst at table, an -officer who knew me, and who was reading the last number of the -_Illustrated London News_, addressed me with a "Hallo, Monsieur Soyer, -they have got you in the _Illustrated_ this week." - -"Have they?" said I. "Oh, I see--it is the last letter I sent from -Scutari." - -"Yes, it is," he replied. - -"About the opening of my kitchen? Yes, and here is the sketch. I did not -notice that before." - -He then passed the paper to me. On perusing the letter, I perceived that -the printer had made a slight mistake, and one of vital importance to -me, as it operated to the detriment of the purveyor-in-chief at Scutari, -as well as to the authorities. The blunder was as follows. In one -passage of my letter I made special remarks upon the inferior quality of -the provisions to be _obtained_ at Constantinople. They had inserted the -inferior quality of provisions _purchased_ at Constantinople. I hardly -knew how to rectify such a serious mistake, so I at once resolved to go -and explain the matter to Lord Raglan, before he could hear from any -other quarter, of what he might suppose to be my ill-feeling towards a -party from whom I had previously informed his lordship I had received -the greatest assistance and kindness. I immediately returned to the -_Baraguay d'Hilliers_, and found Peter Morrison on board. I showed him -the paper; and he at once approved of my resolve, and offered to -accompany me to head-quarters. - -Though rather late--it was dusk--I borrowed a pony from the Commandant -and a mule from Colonel Dennis. By way of a change I rode the mule, and -off we went in true campaigning style. We were overtaken by night before -we could reach head-quarters. It was at all times imprudent to be out -after dark, as violence and robbery were of daily occurrence. At length, -after a detour of about a mile, we saw the gleam of several lights, and -riding towards them, found ourselves safe at head-quarters, having -fortunately hit upon the place. The party were at dinner. After waiting -a short time, the steward came and told me that dinner was over, and the -gentlemen were taking their wine. I then begged him to inform Colonel -Steele of my arrival, and say I should feel obliged if he would step -into his room for a few minutes, as I had something important to -communicate. Upon receiving my message, Colonel Steele immediately came -out. - -"Good evening, colonel. Very sorry to disturb you." - -"Never mind that, Monsieur Soyer. But what brings you here so late at -night? Are you staying here?" - -"No, my dear colonel; I am still at Balaklava, but on the _Baraguay -d'Hilliers_ instead of the _London_." - -"Indeed. Well, she's a much better vessel. But what can I do for you?" - -"I will tell you. I am much annoyed at a mistake which has occurred in -the printing of a letter of mine which has appeared in this number of -the _Illustrated London News_. There are only two words misplaced, but -they entirely alter my meaning. Pray read those few lines, colonel," I -continued, giving him the paper, and pointing them out; the letter being -to the following effect:-- - - That in the description they gave of the opening of my kitchen at - Scutari, in the number of the 14th inst., an error crept in, - occasioned by the omission of a word, which entirely alters my - sentiment, and if not contradicted would reflect much discredit - upon the authorities at Scutari, [and thereby inflict a serious - injustice. The sentence to which I referred appears in the paper - thus--] "That I prepared my bill of fare according to the - provisions allowed, which are at all times of an inferior quality;" - whilst the passage should run as follows:--"_That I prepared my - bill of fare according to the provisions allowed, which at all - times are of an inferior quality at_ CONSTANTINOPLE in comparison - to English provisions." - -"I suppose you meant to say, the provisions to be obtained." - -"Exactly, colonel." - -"What do you wish me to do?" - -"Merely to be kind enough to explain the error to Lord Raglan -to-morrow, as it would appear very ungrateful on my part to the -authorities at Scutari; more especially as I informed his lordship that -those gentlemen had done everything in their power to assist me." - -"I had better do it at once. His lordship has just done dinner. I will -go and show it to him; you can walk in with me." - -"No, I thank you; I had rather wait here." - -In a few minutes he returned with the paper, saying, "I have shown it to -Lord Raglan, and he will make a note of it." - -He had scarcely uttered the words, when I heard his lordship inquiring -in the corridor, "Where is Monsieur Soyer? where is he?" and in he -walked, followed by his Staff, seven or eight in number, among whom was -Dr. Pennefather. The Commander-in-chief was dressed in plain clothes, -and looked very well, full of health and vigour. His fine open -countenance, so characteristic of the man, was more brilliant than ever, -and his conversation quite jocular. After alluding to the step I had -just taken, and which, he observed, was very thoughtful on my part, he -promised to have the parties informed of the mistake, and of my -explanation. - -"Monsieur Soyer," (Lord Raglan, as he said this, was standing in the -doorway, leaning on his right shoulder, with his legs crossed, and -surrounded by several gentlemen, forming a group which I shall not -forget as long as I live,) "you must have known my old friend Ude?" - -"I did, my lord." - -"How many years were you at the Reform Club?" - -"Above twelve. It was old Mr. Ude who gave the late Madame Soyer away -when we were married; so we often visited him." - -"Lord Alvanley, who had apartments at Mr. Ude's, lived there for years, -and I frequently visited him," said Lord Raglan. - -"If so, no doubt your lordship will recollect a very interesting picture -of a country girl going to market, with a basket of poultry under her -arm?" - -"I do, very well indeed, and I know it was painted by your wife. It was -very cleverly done. But you had all her best pictures at the Reform -Club. You showed them to me yourself." - -"I recollect doing so perfectly well." - -"She was a very talented woman indeed!" observed several of the -gentlemen present, who had seen her pictures. - -"She was an Englishwoman, was she not, Monsieur Soyer?" said his -lordship. - -"Yes, my lord; her maiden name was Emma Jones." - -"Of course," rejoined one of the group, "her paintings were well known -by that name." - -"So they were, captain, and fetched high prices too. I do not sell any -now; on the contrary, I still have my gallery complete, and have bought -in several since her death. I offered old Ude fifty guineas for the -painting in his possession called 'La Jeune Fermiere;' but he would not -part with it, as it was presented to him by her. Previous to my -departure from England for the East, I was advised by the chaplain of -the cemetery to insert on the monument the country of her birth, as many -believed her to be a foreigner. The inscription was simply 'TO HER.' I -then composed the following laconic epitaph:-- - -'TO THE MEMORY OF MADAME SOYER. -England gave her birth, -Genius immortality.'" - -"Very good indeed," said his lordship. "I myself have seen the monument, -which is considered one of the finest in Kensal-green Cemetery. - -"I was saying, Soyer, that I frequently visited Alvanley; and we always -knew when Ude and his wife were at home, for they never ceased -quarrelling. They kept five or six dogs, and what with their barking and -the quarrelling of master and mistress, I never heard such a noise in my -life. I often wondered how Lord Alvanley could put up with it; but he -said he was used to it, and could hardly feel comfortable anywhere -else." - -"Talk of quarrelling, I believe they could not exist without it--not -even on birthdays; and if you will allow me, I will relate a singular -birthday anecdote." - -"Pray do, Soyer." - -"You must know that the old gentleman, though very avaricious, now and -then came out in first-rate style with his gastronomic parties; but the -great day of all was the 15th of August in each year--being the fete and -birthday of the illustrious and far-famed Louis Eustache Ude. Upon these -occasions, about four-and-twenty of his most devoted and illustrious -disciples were invited, with their wives, to a most sumptuous dinner at -his house. The grandeur of the gold and silver ornaments was actually -cast into the shade by the elegance and succulence of the _mets_ they -contained. The choicest articles in season--viz., fish, flesh, poultry, -vegetables, and fruit--seemed to have been waiting to come to perfection -for this high-priest of the gastronomic art, and many culinary -inventions which still delight the scientific palates of the epicures of -the day had their origin at that Lucullusian anniversary. - -"Upon one of these great occasions, Madame Soyer and myself were -invited. As it was the first to which I had been invited, I was very -anxious to go. About a week previous, so strong was my wish to be -present at this feast, I asked the committee to grant me leave of -absence from duty for one evening, and they kindly acceded to my -request. To the minute, _heure militaire_, we were there, and were -saluted upon our arrival by the usual dogmatic chorus, which for a few -minutes prevented our hearing a word that was spoken. At length we were -all seated, Mr. Ude at the top of the table, and Mrs. Ude facing him. - -"It was, I must repeat, a most superb and elegantly laid-out board. The -best part of the dessert, which is always refreshing to the sight, -'particularly in the middle of August,' had been made a perfect study. -Soup was duly served, and highly praised by the culinary _convives_ and -judges. It was a _bisque d'ecrevisses_. The Madeira was circulating -cheerfully round the table, to the trinquing of glasses, after the old -French fashion, when an unfortunate guest, having probably too far to -reach a beloved friend, put his foot forward, and unfortunately -deposited it upon the paw of one of the _enfans cheris de la maison_. -Vermilion--that was the name of the plaintiff--being an _enfant gate_, -seized upon the leg, which happened to be bootless, as the unlucky guest -wore thin shoes. The dog made a slight indenture with his teeth, causing -him involuntarily to reply to the attack of Vermilion; three or four -more of the four-legged tribe joined the battle-cry, and the noise was -intolerable. The compliments which passed between the host and hostess -were pithy and violent, though scarcely heard through the din, excepting -by those who happened to be seated close to them. We were fortunately -about the centre of the table, and all we could catch was-- - -"'Oh, you stupid old man! why did you not lock the dogs upstairs, as I -told you to do?' - -"'Be quiet, madam!' replied Mr. Ude. 'This is my birthday, and I will -have no quarrelling.' - -"'No more will I; but why did you not lock up your dogs?' - -"'Well, madam, I am sure they were quiet enough till that stupid young -man trod upon poor Vermilion's paw.' - -"'Stupid young man, did you say? Mr. Ude, pray how dare you insult my -relation? If any one is stupid here, it is you, Mr. Ude!' - -"'Will you be quiet, madam?'--'No, I shall not!' - -"'What, not on my birthday! There, take that.' - -"As he said this, he threw some almonds across the table, and his wife -replied with some projectiles snatched up at random from other portions -of the dessert. The dogs joined in the fray, and entirely upset the -party. All the ladies left the table. The young man who had been bitten -attempted to apologize; in return for which concession on his part, the -great Louis Eustache and his amiable spouse returned a volley of abuse. -An hour elapsed before anything like order could be established, when -several ladies returned to the table, while a few remained to console -the victimized spouse. The great Mr. Ude had bravely retained his -important position, and, still violently excited, commenced helping the -fish--a magnificent crimped Gloucester salmon, procured at Groves's in -Bond-street--which was by this time as cold as ice. - -"'Only fancy,' ejaculated the enraged Amphitryon, 'even on my birthday! -Upon my word, she is a wretch! She never will--' Then, by way of -parenthesis, to the waiter, 'Go round with the sauce, you stupid! don't -stand there staring like a fool.'--'Prosper! no, I'm sure she never, -never will prosper!' - -"At length something like harmony was restored; but only six ladies out -of eleven returned; the others remained with Mrs. Ude, and, I believe, -dined upstairs. Much to our sorrow and disappointment, one of the finest -dinners of the season was served up cold, and entirely spoiled, through -the pugnacity of Louis Eustache Ude's favourite pup." - -All laughed heartily at the anecdote, particularly Lord Raglan, who then -told us that Ude had called upon him several mornings respecting a cook -he had applied for to Mr. Ude, for his brother, the Duke. - -"Ude," said Lord Raglan, "called several mornings, first with two dogs, -then three, next four. At last I said to him, 'I am very much obliged to -you, Mr. Ude, for your kind visits respecting my brother's cook, and -shall be happy to see you at any time--but in future without your -four-legged companions.' - -"'Why?' asked the great _chef_, rather put out. - -"'My dear sir, if you want an explanation, inquire of the housemaid!' He -rushed out, and never called again; but he sent the cook all the same. -Ude was an excellent manager, and a good cook, but had a very odd -temper; he died very rich." - -"Very rich indeed." - -"To whom did he leave his fortune?" - -"Oh, to his favourite pet, Madame Ude. She is still alive, and lives in -the same house in Albemarle-street." - -"Really, I did not know that!" - -"My lord, and gentlemen, I wish you good evening, and thank you for your -kindness." - -"You must take some refreshment, Soyer, before you go. Order what you -want. Steward, wait upon Monsieur Soyer." - -They then all went out, and sat upon the door-steps, smoking their -cigars. Lord Raglan was that night in a very jovial mood: Colonel -Steele observed to me, "Did you ever know or see a finer man for his -age? Is he not still full of life and vigour, and the picture of an -English nobleman?" - -"He is, indeed; and I always notice that he has plenty of fun and -jokes." - -"That is true; but more so with you, as you are not a military man. He -is very strict on duty." - -As I was taking some refreshment, Lord Raglan came to me, and said, -"Monsieur Soyer, I wish you would give my cook, Armand, the receipt to -make that excellent French _pot-au-feu_ you gave me when I saw you at -the Reform Club." - -"I will; and those vegetables-chollet I have submitted to your lordship -will be the very thing for it. They are made of common vegetables, -exactly suitable for that soup. It is by far the best, most wholesome, -and nutritious for the troops." - -"I am confident of that," said his lordship, going back to his seat. - -I then went out through the side door to fetch my mule, which P. -Morrison had been walking about the courtyard along with his pony. -Jumping upon it, I rode up to the group, to say good-night to Lord -Raglan and all present. - -"Hallo," Lord Raglan exclaimed, "where is the charger you had the other -day? What is that you are mounted upon?" - -"A mule, my lord, belonging to Colonel Dennis of the Dragoons." - -"Ah, you are much safer upon that." - -"I feel so, I assure you, my lord. The charger to which you allude -belonged to Colonel Hardinge." - -"So I heard." - -"It was a good joke on the part of the Commandant. I asked him to do me -the favour of lending me his light pony, and he sent me his large -charger, which ran away with me, but fortunately not towards -Sebastopol." At this they all laughed heartily; and I and P. Morrison -departed. - -When we were about half a mile from head-quarters, we heard a sharp -fusillade in the direction of Sebastopol, and there was a lull in the -cannonade and shelling, which had not ceased during my stay at -head-quarters. We proceeded to the Turkish camp, situated on the heights -to the right, from whence we could plainly see the firing. The Turkish -soldiers were in high glee, singing, dancing, smoking, drinking coffee, -and playing no end of Oriental instruments, which, however well tuned, -were by no means in harmony. They were bivouacked all over the camp; -some of the officers who were smoking offered us chibouques and coffee, -which we declined, as it was then so late. We left, thanking them for -their civility. - -As we rode along, I could not help remarking to P. Morrison the -extraordinary contrast of the two scenes, witnessed nearly on the same -spot and within a short interval--the present one all fun and glee, the -other a scene of death and carnage, where hundreds of human beings were -being launched into eternity. Such are the chances and the variation of -war. It was after twelve when we arrived at Balaklava, and were safe on -board. My heroic companion related the terrible fright he had been in -all the way back, having seen most dreadful things, in the shape of -ghosts, brigands, and murderers. It is true that on one occasion we were -arrested; but it was by a wide ditch, which we could not easily jump -over without risking a bath with the frogs, it being one of the resorts -of those aquatic quadrupeds. We had lost our way, the road being -invisible, and no landmarks, as the camps were being daily changed from -one spot to another. These were the tribulations caused by the printer -or my illustrious secretary. The next morning the captain of the vessel -came to my cabin, and informed me that Kertch and other places in the -Sea of Azoff were taken. - -The news of such a victory was most welcome, and the harbour was gaily -decorated with hundreds of coloured flags of the Allied nations. -Everything seemed to revive, and all felt anxious to visit the -newly-conquered land of Kamara, which had been taken a few days before. -In company with a few others, I started at four A.M. to visit these -_champs fleuris_. Nothing could be more refreshing than the sight of -that gorgeous harvest, which seemed to have suddenly sprung up amidst -deserted and arid rocks, sand, and gravel, where all had before been -condemned to exile. Nothing in my whole existence appeared more grateful -and refreshing to the mind, as well as the eye, than the odour from -those perfumed valleys of myriads of wild flowers, shaded from the -burning heat of the sun by a tall verandah of long green grass, the top -of which softly caressed the chests of our horses as they trotted -through these thickly-populated floral prairies. Myriads of _etoiles des -champs_, daisies, buttercups, bluebells, cornflowers, poppies, -birdseyes, &c., and many others unknown in this country, were seen on -every side. Clouds of butterflies were seen gaily sporting from flower -to flower, taking from each a kiss perfumed by the zephyr of the morn. -Even our horses seemed to enjoy the scene so fully, that we let them -graze for about an hour. We then arrived near the charming rivulet and -valley, the Tchernaya, which, though far from being as beautiful as many -in France or England, possesses numerous charms to an uninitiated eye. - -We mounted our horses, and went through the Kamara Mountains, the -scenery of which resembles that of Devonshire, Wales, or the Highlands -of Scotland. We returned home by the edge of the beautiful cliffs which -border the Bay of Balaklava. Such a day is not to be easily forgotten, -rendered still more agreeable by the cordial reception we met with from -the officers in the French and Sardinian camps, and the presence of a -most charming _compagnon de voyage_ (Mr. Stowe), a very promising young -man in high literature. The various notes he took on the spot are worthy -of Thomson's _Seasons_. - -I heard from Mr. Bracebridge that Miss Nightingale was greatly -improving, of which I was of course well aware, as I went every day to -the Sanatorium to prepare a few light things for her lunch or dinner. He -also informed me that her intention was to leave Balaklava shortly for -Scutari; to which I replied, that having done all I could in the camp -for the present, I was quite ready to go. As I had also heard that my -field-stoves had arrived, and had been landed by mistake at that place, -I decided upon going to fetch them myself. Mr. Bracebridge having found -some round stoves which were sent out for winter use, proposed having -the tops cut off and some pans introduced, which would make them similar -to mine (as he thought). "At all events," said he, "I shall make a -trial, and show it at head-quarters." - -I very reluctantly consented to this. It took five or six days to make a -strong tin pan, which, when done and fixed in the stove, we took to -head-quarters, and showed to Lord Raglan and a number of generals -present. I made some coffee in it (that being the quickest thing), which -was approved of. But having brought my small model stove with me, I -pointed out to Lord Raglan that each pan would cost thirty shillings, -and the stoves would not be worth five shillings soon afterwards, as -they would be burnt through, thus proving the superiority of my plan. -Lord Raglan advised me to wait till my own arrived. Mr. Bracebridge and -myself afterwards went to the General Hospital, and there saw Dr. -Mouatt, who had not succeeded in getting the bricks for the kitchen -oven. - -Having completed our camp rounds, Mr. Bracebridge said he was compelled -to leave me, upon some private business. I afterwards learnt that he -went to the trenches, and, being both very imprudent and curious, was as -nearly as possible taken prisoner or shot. He had appointed to meet me -by five o'clock at head-quarters, but did not come. I paid Dr. Hall and -a few friends round head-quarters a short visit, as I feared I might not -have another opportunity previous to my departure from the Crimea. It -was quite dark when I got back. Mr. Bracebridge had not returned, and we -were beginning to fear that something had happened to him. The next -morning he was on board early, and active as ever, recounting his -adventures. I that morning went on board Lord Ward's yacht, but its -owner was on shore--so I left word that I would call again. The next day -I had the honour of receiving the following invitation from Lord Ward, -to go on an excursion in his yacht as far as Lukas, the palace of Prince -Woronzoff. - - -_Steam-ship "London," Balaklava Harbour, Wednesday._ - - SIR,--You were kind enough to promise to visit me on board my ship, - the _London_. To-morrow we propose visiting Yalta and Aloupka, - calling on the way at the pretty country-seat belonging to Prince - Woronzoff. If not engaged, will you go with us? You will perhaps at - the same time be kind enough to give a few hints to my cook in the - mysteries of the art of which you are so great a master. - -I have the honour to remain, yours, -WARD. - - - -About eighty persons were invited, and it was with regret that I was -obliged to decline; but a day was indeed a day to me. - -Miss Nightingale got better and stronger every day, and she seemed -inclined to remain in the Crimea, observing that, owing to her illness, -she had not done half she had intended to do. Every one, and especially -the doctors, tried to persuade her that the change of air would do her -an immense deal of good. - -It was at last settled that a berth in the first convenient ship leaving -the harbour for Scutari should be placed at Miss Nightingale's disposal. -The _Jura_ was fixed upon, as she was then hourly expected, and had only -to discharge cargo and return immediately. She had four hundred horses -on board, and several hundred troops. The day before her departure Miss -Nightingale was brought from the Sanatorium upon a stretcher, carried by -eight soldiers, and accompanied by Dr. Hadley, the Reverend Mr. Parker, -Mr. Bracebridge, myself, and several Sisters of Charity. When we reached -the _Jura_, tackles were attached to the four corners of the stretcher, -and Miss Nightingale was slung on deck by means of pulleys. We found a -very disagreeable smell, caused by the great number of horses, which had -only been landed that morning. Miss Nightingale was carefully carried to -the chief cabin, a very comfortable one; yet even there the smell was -very offensive. This I mentioned to the captain, who agreed with me, but -said, "We shall no sooner get to sea than it will disappear." - -The invalid was therefore made as comfortable as possible, and the -doctors and every one left. No sooner were they gone than Miss -Nightingale fainted. I and the boy Thomas ran in every direction for a -doctor. Dr. Hadley, who had just arrived at his residence on the Genoese -Heights, came at once, and immediately ordered her to be removed to -another vessel. Not being able to find either Captain Heath or Admiral -Boxer, I thought of the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_, to which Miss Nightingale -was at once safely removed, and where I hoped she would be very -comfortable till we could get an order from the admiral for another -ship. The same evening Admiral Boxer came on board to say that he would -at once look out for one. The next afternoon Mr. Bracebridge and myself -went to head-quarters, to apprise Lord Raglan of the cause of Miss -Nightingale's non-departure. His lordship was out, and Mr. Bracebridge -left a message to the effect that he hoped Lord Raglan would not trouble -himself about the matter, as Admiral Boxer would attend to it, and that -Miss Nightingale was quite comfortable on board the _Baraguay -d'Hilliers_. We then made a few farewell calls at the First and Third -Divisions, and also at the Guards' camp, near Balaklava. - -It was nearly midnight when we were shouting, pianoly, "_Baraguay -d'Hilliers_ ahoy!" No reply was made to either the first or second hail, -so I raised the dismal melody a few notes higher, which at last brought, -to our astonishment, a beautiful boat manned by six smart oarsmen. The -craft was handsomely painted, having a small red and white burgee at the -stern. At first I thought it was an optical delusion, or a fairy scene -raised by the magic power of Ondine, the queen of the waters. In less -than two minutes they neared the shore, and one of the fairies addressed -us thus: "Pray, are you the gentlemen who are accompanying Miss -Nightingale?" - -"We are," said I. - -"I and my men have been waiting for you, sir, these three hours." - -"How is that?" asked Mr. Bracebridge. - -"I cannot tell you further, than that we were sent to fetch Miss -Nightingale, and referred to you. I believe you are Mr. Bracebridge?" - -"Yes; and I am at a loss to understand what you mean." - -"I've brought a letter from our master, Lord Ward, which will explain -all." - -"Where is it?" - -"I have delivered it on board; but the last orders from his lordship -were, that if I had to wait all night, I was to bring you to him." - -"Why? Don't you know?" - -"Not exactly. But I am sure his lordship is still waiting for you; so -you had better come as far as the _London_--it won't take you ten -minutes." - -We then jumped in. Mr. Bracebridge said, "I tell you how it is: no doubt -Lord Ward has heard of what has happened, and probably intends to offer -to take Miss Nightingale in his yacht to Scutari." - -"Very likely; but it would not do to accept the invitation without first -obtaining the permission of Admiral Boxer." - -"We shall see, Mr. Bracebridge. Perhaps Lord Ward will lend it to the -invalid; for he has only just arrived, and it is doing nothing." - -On getting on board the _New London_, we found that Lord Ward, tired of -waiting, had retired to rest, having left special orders to be called -the instant we arrived, no matter at what hour. As it was nearly one -o'clock, we made all kinds of objections to his being disturbed, but in -vain. The lamps were lit in the saloon, and we were invited to walk in. -We found Lord Ward _en robe-de-chambre_, quite ready to receive us. - -"Welcome, gentlemen," said he. - -We were about to apologize for being so late, when Lord Ward proceeded -to say that he had heard of the non-departure of Miss Nightingale, and -the cause, and that if she would accept his yacht, he should be happy to -place it at her disposal to convey her to Scutari. He added, that she -might take her own time, as he intended to remain a fortnight in the -Crimea, and that no one should be on board excepting those whom she -chose to take with her, and his medical attendant. - -Mr. Bracebridge thanked Lord Ward in his own and Miss Nightingale's -name, and said that he would inform the lady of his lordship's kind -offer in the morning, and communicate her decision. We then left, thus -terminating a most unexpected midnight conversation, on the 7th of June, -1855. Nothing was heard in the now peaceable harbour but the splashing -of the oars of our fashionable oarsmen, who seemed at every pull to be -smashing the Koh-i-noor diamond into hundreds of pieces while disturbing -the transparent liquid. The flashes from the guns at Sebastopol were -distinctly seen reflected, but not a sound was heard save our good-night -to the fairy rowers, as we ascended the rope ladder of the bulky -_Baraguay d'Hilliers_. - -The following morning Mr. Bracebridge consulted with Miss Nightingale. -The lady expressed her thanks for Lord Ward's kind offer, but at the -same time justly observed that the matter was in the hands of the -admiral, as he might by this time have arranged with another vessel. -Inquiries having been made, the admiral recommended Miss Nightingale to -accept Lord Ward's offer, remarking the advantage of having the vessel -to herself, while it would be morally impossible for him to give her a -passage with the same facilities. It was then decided that the offer -should be accepted. Lord Ward soon after called for an answer, and was -highly gratified by that lady's acceptance. He returned on board his -vessel, to have every preparation made for her reception. Miss -Nightingale was to go on board at four in the afternoon, and sail at -eight or nine the next morning. Mr. Bracebridge, Lord Ward's medical -attendant, the Honourable Mr. Wellesley, and myself, were the only -persons to accompany her. For the last time I went my hospital and camp -rounds; and in the latter part of that day I thought of going once more -to head-quarters, to acquaint Colonel Steele of the final arrangements -for our departure. I met the Rev. Mr. Wright, the clergyman, in front of -the General's house, and asked him where Omer Pacha's tent was situated, -being anxious to leave my card with his excellency before leaving. Mr. -Wright kindly pointed out the spot. As I was entering the house, I met -Lord Raglan coming out. - -"Oh, here you are, Monsieur Soyer! I heard you were gone, or going, with -Miss Nightingale. When do you start?" - -"Early to-morrow, in Lord Ward's yacht." - -"So I hear. I am very glad of it. She will be much more comfortable." - -"Doubtless, my lord." - -"Let me see (looking at his watch); where are you going?" - -"Back to Balaklava direct, my lord, having only to make a call for a -minute in the Turkish camp." - -"If I thought I should not be too late, I would go with you, to say -farewell to her." - -"Pray don't give yourself so much trouble. It is getting very late, and -must be near your dinner-time. I will inform Miss Nightingale of your -kind intentions--that will be quite sufficient." - -"Wait a few minutes."--"I will." - -It was getting dusk, and having waited nearly twenty minutes, I made -inquiries as to whether it was likely that Lord Raglan was going to -Balaklava. - -"No," was the answer from one of the Staff, "for he is very busily -engaged." - -I started for the Turkish camp. On my arrival there, I found that Omer -Pacha was dining out; so I left my card and respectful compliments, and -took the road through the artillery camp. This gave me an opportunity of -visiting Colonel St. George, who resided near the small village of -Carrara, about two miles from Balaklava. The kind reception I met with -from the Colonel, whom I had not seen since I left Scutari, caused some -little delay, and I did not get on board till nearly nine o'clock. To my -surprise, I learned that Lord Raglan had just left the _London_, after -paying a farewell visit to Miss Nightingale. This I could hardly believe -to be true--the space of time was so short. I much regretted not having -waited longer, though certain that his lordship could not be offended, -as I had left a message with the man on duty in the entrance hall to the -effect that I was informed that he was not coming. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII. - -OUR STEAM VOYAGE IN THE "LONDON." - - Orders to start--An accident in port--Farewells--Colonel Dennis's - good luck--Admiral Boxer's kindness--_En route_ at last--Crimean - Zouave flies--At sea--New scene of enchantment--A good - dinner--Rough usage--A fog in the Black Sea--Out of our - course--Fittings of the _London_--Enter the Bosphorus--Conversation - with Miss Nightingale. - - -We slept that night on board the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_, though all our -baggage had been removed to the _London_, and at seven next morning we -went on board. Miss Nightingale had passed a most excellent night, and -the weather was very fine. Lord Ward, who had slept at the Commandant's, -came on board at half-past seven. After inquiring of Mrs. Roberts, the -nurse, whether Miss Nightingale had been comfortable, he gave the -captain orders for departure, which he had fixed for twelve o'clock, -instead of nine. As the weather was so fine, he proposed that a sofa-bed -should be placed upon deck, and that the captain should take us as far -as the Bay of Sebastopol, where we might have a fine view of the -besieged city, without incurring the slightest danger. - -One of the mates told the captain that a vessel full of powder had taken -fire in the night, and that Admiral Boxer had been there since two in -the morning, working like a negro with the men, and therefore that he -could not see him. I believe Lord Ward knew this, but did not speak of -it for fear of causing alarm, and this was no doubt the cause of the -delay in our departure. The deck was crowded the whole morning with -visitors, particularly officials, who wished to pay their respects to -Miss Nightingale; but the doctors had given positive orders for her to -see no one. Balaklava was in a great state of excitement, on account of -the fire on board the powder-ship. Some called it the Gunpowder-plot at -Balaklava, and an attempt to destroy the British fleet. This was the -opinion in the French camp and at Kamiesch. The fleet, by-the-bye, was -at that time at least twenty miles from the supposed scene of explosion. - -As there were several matters which I wished to settle before my -departure, I asked the captain whether I could land for an hour. - -"Certainly you can. I don't think we shall sail before three o'clock; -but be on board by twelve, if possible, or half past at the latest." - -"I shall be sure to return in time." - -I called at the Commissariat respecting the preserved vegetables, the -samples of which were daily expected; next, upon Mr. Fitzgerald, the -purveyor; and then went to the _Abundance_. On my way to the steamer, I -met Mr. Bracebridge going to Colonel Dennis; and although I had already -had the pleasure of saying good-bye to the colonel and his lady, I went -back with him. The colonel, who had been seriously ill for several -months, was to sail the next day for England, or Malta (I don't exactly -recollect which), and was saying how much he regretted being obliged to -leave his regiment--that he feared the voyage would not do him much -good, as the steamer he was going by was so full of sick. He had -scarcely spoken the words, when in walked Admiral Boxer. - -"Well, Dennis, my friend! I bring you good news." - -"What's that, admiral?" said the colonel. - -"Why, I have another vessel going to-morrow, with very few sick on -board, and I have secured a good large cabin for yourself and lady." - -"Many, many thanks! my dear admiral," said Colonel Dennis, in which his -lady also joined. - -"Ah! Monsieur Soyer, are you here? How are you to-day?" - -"Quite well, admiral. I hope you are the same!" - -"No; I am very tired." - -"Will you take a glass of wine, admiral," said Colonel Dennis, "and sit -down, a minute?" - -"No, I thank you; my nephew is waiting lunch for me, and I have been up -since three o'clock this morning helping to put out the fire on board -that ship in the harbour." - -"Well, how did you leave it, admiral?" inquired the colonel. - -"The powder is safe, but the vessel is much damaged." - -"Good-bye, Mr. Bracebridge; good-bye, Monsieur Soyer. I shall see you -again--I am coming on board in an hour. You will not sail till three -o'clock. Indeed," said he, going out, "I must take some lunch first, for -I feel very faint." - -"You're right, admiral," said I; "you work so hard, that if you don't -take care of number one, you will kill yourself." - -"No fear of that, Monsieur Soyer; nothing can hurt an old fellow like -me." - -He then almost ran, instead of walking. Bidding the colonel and his lady -adieu, Mr. Bracebridge and myself immediately went on board, fearing we -might get late. Many visitors were still there, and the captain and Lord -Ward begged of them to retire. A few minutes after, we were _en route_. -The admiral was expected, but did not come; he sent some of his -officials instead. As soon as we were under way, the couch was brought -on deck--Miss Nightingale lying upon it. Mrs. Roberts held a white -umbrella over her face to screen her from the extreme heat of the sun, -fanning her at the same time. In the saloon, Lord Ward and myself were -busily engaged in a most extraordinary sport, hunting the Crimean Zouave -flies, which, no matter how you repulsed them, always came back to the -charge. We had by this time entered the bay, but were still on half -steam. Lord Ward bade Miss Nightingale farewell, as well as all on -board, and went off in a small boat. We then shaped our course for -Constantinople direct, it being too late to go and see Sebastopol. It -was striking eight bells as we cleared the Bay of Balaklava. - -We were at sea; and our heroine was where I had recommended her to be, -viz., between heaven and the ocean. - -Miss Nightingale remained on deck till nearly dusk. The sea was calm, -and the burning sky was so strongly reflected upon its surface that we -seemed to be rapidly traversing a lake of fire. The radiant face of the -sun itself had for some time been concealed by the majestic rock upon -which stands the monastery. The turbulent noise of the harbour was -succeeded by a dead calm; even the zephyrs seemed to have deserted the -collapsed sails, and nothing was heard but the rapid action of the -paddles. Of all on board, only Miss Nightingale, her nurse, and myself -seemed to enjoy this new scene of enchantment. The rest of the -passengers were slumbering in the saloon. Even the turbulent voice of -the cannon in and before Sebastopol was mute to our astonished and -still-confused ears. Time, it is truly said, tries all! We were at the -seat of war, looking at my watch, only eighty-seven minutes before. - -Owing to the noise of a busy sea-port, as well as the succession of -importunate visitors who, though not admitted, were announced and -politely answered, Miss Nightingale must have been, I was well aware, -much fatigued. I therefore did not touch upon any important subject of -conversation, but begged of her to be prudent and return to her cabin -before the evening dew began to fall. She could not help expressing her -gratification at the sublimity of the sudden change. Her countenance -appeared to have imbibed the balm of health, and to have extended it to -her feeble frame. - -"Did I not tell you true, mademoiselle," said I, "when I begged of you -to leave, were it only for a short time, 'ces soucieux rochers, et cette -terre d'esclaves?'" - -She smiled, and requested the captain to have her removed to her cabin, -which was immediately done. - -Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge, and myself, cheerfully obeyed the invitation -of an intelligent silver bell which summoned us to dinner at his -lordship's table. I trusted a genuine appetite without the slightest -reserve to a well-provided and well-conceived dinner, regretting only -having lost the use of my substantial appetite. The wine was on a par -with the dinner--excellent. - -Early morn found me shaking hands with my illustrious _confrere_ the -_chef_, in his turret-like kitchen. I thanked him much for his capital -dinner. "Pray what have we for to-day?" was the last political question -I put to him. I am unwilling to append the bill of fare, as it might -give an unexpected appetite to my readers, and thus induce them to drop -this light reading for something more substantial. That would not answer -my purpose, as I wish them to go on with the book without depreciating -the cook. The night had been rather rough, and every one on board was -ill. The day passed as it generally does when persons have been so -roughly nursed by the mother sea. The dinner was probably excellent, but -no one could tell--not even myself. Towards night, the rolling waves -grew a little more sociable; so we entered into conversation, and the -wine and grog circulated freely. The captain, like all captains who have -never been sick or drowned, laughed at us, saying we were bad sailors. - -"The title of 'good sailor' I am not ambitious to merit, captain," said -I. - -Next morning, I was on deck walking to and fro with the captain; the -night had been a little calmer than the previous one, but very foggy. - -"Bless my soul!" said he, "what a bother it is we left Balaklava so -late. It is just like his lordship--we never know when we are going to -start. I would not give a fig for a voyage of pleasure at sea: business -men, sir! business men for navigation. All is calculated and goes right; -but for the present I don't know where we are, it is so foggy. We are -not far from the coast; but we can't for the life of us get in, even if -we were abreast of the entrance of the Bosphorus. We ought to have got -under way, as I proposed, at nine o'clock. Have you good sight, sir?" - -"Yes, I have." - -"Well, look with this glass to the right; I fancy I see the land about -seven or eight miles off." - -"Yes," said I; "the fog is clearing off on that side, and I believe it -is the land." - -"In that case," said the captain, "we are nearly thirty miles out of our -way. Though it is very provoking, we may thank our stars the weather was -more favourable than the night before." - -It was now nearly five A.M., and the dew was falling very fast. Feeling -chilly, I went below, and reposed for a short time upon the sofa. Being -thirty miles out of our course gave me time for a good rest before -entering the Bosphorus; upon making which I was, at my request, called -up. As the sun rose, the fog cleared off, though slowly; the captain -made out a landmark, and found that we were, as he had before said, -about thirty miles out of our course. The _London_ was fitted up in a -princely style; she had two funnels, and was very long. She rolled very -much during the voyage, though the sea was not very rough; her being -short of ballast was probably the cause. At all events, it made Miss -Nightingale very ill. - -However, our troubles were now at an end; we were slowly entering the -mouth of the Bosphorus, amidst a shower of pearls, which gathered in -millions upon the rigging and the deck. This was a great relief to us, -after the grey fog and thick fine rain--besides being unaware of our -exact position, and floating at hazard on the sea; though, thanks to the -caution and watchfulness of the captain, we had been in no danger. It -was like the opening of a fairy scene; the clouds were slowly -disappearing, disclosing to our fatigued and overstrained eyesight the -unique panorama of the Bosphorus. Its strong current appeared to -overpower the steam, and we seemed to have come to a stand-still. The -thousands who have returned from the arid and devastated soil of the -Crimea, under its burning sun, must have enjoyed the refreshing sight I -have here attempted to describe. Even Miss Nightingale had enjoyed it -from her cabin. She had been removed to the beautiful saloon upon deck, -where she had a good view of the enchanting panorama, and appeared -almost recovered from her fatiguing voyage; which proves how near pain -is allied to pleasure, and _vice versa_, particularly as refers to -sea-sickness. Miss Nightingale requested to see me. I went and inquired -after her health, which, she said, had improved since we entered the -river. She then referred to various things she wished to have in her -extra-diet kitchen, and to numerous other matters of importance -connected with the hospitals. I requested her to keep her mind quiet, -and to depend upon me. - -"No doubt, mademoiselle," said I, "I shall not have the pleasure of -seeing you for some time, and I would certainly advise you not to go out -till you are quite restored to health: I will, therefore, send you a -journal of my daily proceedings by Mr. or Mrs. Bracebridge, whom I, of -course, shall see every day." - -"Exactly, Monsieur Soyer; but I hope I shall soon be able to go about." - -"So do I, mademoiselle, but do not attempt it before you are quite well; -and I can assure you, if I were your doctor, I should be very strict -with you, as I hear you are more inclined to devote your kind attention -to patients than to yourself." - -She smiled, and replied, "Well, Monsieur Soyer, one is much more -gratifying to my feelings than the other." - -I then spoke about Lord Raglan's visit, and expressed my regret at not -having waited longer for him. - -"I certainly did not expect to see him," said Miss Nightingale. - -"Ah, you may expect anything from his lordship, he is such an amiable -and gallant man." - -"So he is, Monsieur Soyer; and he has always enjoyed that reputation." - -We were at last before the Great Barrack Hospital; the anchor was let -down, breakfast was served, and highly relished by the assembled guests. -The _chef_ had distinguished himself upon a dish of semi-grilled and -devilled fowl, an omelette aux fines herbes, &c. &c.; and thus ended our -voyage on board the _London_. We returned our hearty thanks to the -captain, doctor, and all on board, for their kind attention to us, and -for the extreme kindness shown to Miss Nightingale; saw our luggage -landed, and went on shore. Miss Nightingale would not land till the -afternoon, the heat of the sun being so powerful. - -Having apprised Lord W. Paulet of our arrival, I went my way, and Mr. -Bracebridge his. At five o'clock we again met at the landing-place, and -went for Miss Nightingale. One of the large barges used to remove the -sick, manned by twelve Turks, was brought alongside. As the roof nearly -reached the steamer's bulwarks, Miss Nightingale was easily lowered upon -it. Mrs. Roberts was kneeling at her side, and holding a white umbrella -over her head. We went below; the sailors gave three cheers; and our -dismal gondola soon reached the shore. Upon landing, the invalid was -carried upon a stretcher by four soldiers, accompanied by Lord W. Paulet -and Staff, Dr. Cumming (who had visited her on board), followed by an -immense procession, to her private house--at which place all dispersed. - -I do not recollect any circumstance during the campaign so gratifying to -the feelings as that simple, though grand, procession. Every soldier -seemed anxious to show his regard, and acknowledge his debt of gratitude -to one who had so nobly devoted her soul and comfort to their welfare, -even at the risk of her own life. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIV. - -THREE WEEKS AT SCUTARI. - - Interview with Lord W. Paulet--Plans discussed--A new medical corps - required--Reminiscences--Soyer's House--An Oriental chorus--Various - expedients--Crusade against the rats--Daily duties--The Palace - Hospital--Happy hours--Letters to the press--A refractory - workman--A dilemma--General good luck--The Governor of Asia's - entertainment--Return visits--A fire in Scutari--A midnight - procession--Important honours--Shut out--Arrival of the - field-stoves--Interview with the Duke of Newcastle--The Duke's - letter--Preparations for departure--Bornet the Zouave--His - qualifications--An indescribable costume. - - -Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge remained with Miss Nightingale. I went and paid -my first visit to Lord William Paulet, having only had the pleasure of -catching sight of his lordship at the wharf, owing to the immense crowd. -I sent in my card; and the General no sooner received it, than he kindly -walked towards the kiosque drawing-room door to meet me, and gave me a -most cordial reception. - -"Ah, Monsieur Soyer," said he, "I am glad to see you again! How are you? -I have very frequently heard of you! I hope your services have been as -useful in the Crimea as they were here. I am happy to say that, during -your absence, I have not heard any complaints, and your system works -admirably. Dr. Cumming and I have often spoken on the subject since you -have been away." - -"It is extremely gratifying to my feelings to hear you speak so -favourably of my humble services; and I have returned for a short time -to give a look round, according to promise, as it is very important that -no change should take place in the management--which might occur, -inasmuch as my head man Jullien seems determined to leave. I must find -some one capable of replacing him, or must take to cooking again myself -till I can find a proper person." - -"I hope, Soyer, you will be fortunate enough to meet with a proper -person, as, no doubt, you will be obliged to return to the Crimea." - -"I am pleased to hear that Sergeant Thompson, whom we placed as -superintendent over the soldier-cooks, and the men under him, have -behaved so well. He says the men have learned to cook; but what he and -my man Jullien complain of is, that as soon as anybody is well -acquainted with his duty, he is recalled to his regiment. I really -believe that is the reason why Jullien is leaving. He says, as soon as -he gets a good man, he is taken away, and his successor requires to be -taught. This will always be the case, my lord, until a medical corps is -formed, in which all the different members are subject to the discipline -of the army, without being subject to frequent changes. Till such steps -are taken, the duties of military hospitals will never be properly -performed. I assure you, when I heard Jullien was about to leave, I was -much annoyed, and would have given anything to have been able to return -forthwith to Scutari. One day's neglect would have upset all my former -success, and corroborated the remark made by your friend Colonel -Dennis--'that it was all very well so long as I was present; but as soon -as I went away, it would be as bad as ever.' His words would have proved -true enough, had I not introduced my simplified system of cookery, and -my printed receipts, by following which it is impossible for them to -err. At all events, I have now been absent two months; all has gone on -right, nor do I see why it should not continue to do so; but I must -repeat, the importance of having the duties of the military hospital -properly performed is such, that all the persons employed ought to be -subject to military discipline. I cannot depend upon civilians for -cooks, although they are so well paid." - -"Very true, Monsieur Soyer; I am quite of your opinion, and will take a -note of it." - -"The most important thing at present would be for your lordship to -secure a few men, about ten, whom I will instruct in the method of -cooking with my new field-stoves." - -"I cannot do that, Monsieur Soyer; I have no power away from this; but -Lord Raglan, who I hear is very partial to you, will soon see the -importance of so doing, and will grant your request." - -"Your lordship is quite right, for Lord Raglan, as well as yourself, has -shown me the greatest kindness; so have all the officials--Colonel -Steele in particular, with whom I have had more to do than with any one -else." - -"I have received a letter from my friend Colonel Douglas, of the 11th -Hussars, who tells me they had the pleasure of your company to dinner, -and that you kept them quite alive with your funny songs. You were the -real cock of the walk, and kept them in a roar of laughter from the -beginning to the end." - -"We did spend a very pleasant evening. There were above twenty guests." - -"Ah, I know! they sent me a list of names. You are aware that was my -regiment before I came here." - -"Of course I am. Your lordship was in the glorious charge at Balaklava. -I hear that the charger your lordship rides is the one you rode on that -memorable day." - -"Yes, it is; and we were both very fortunate, as you see." - -"Very, my lord. In these times everybody is subject to the chances of -war, as I observed that evening to Major Peel and Colonel Douglas, upon -taking my leave of them: 'a few hours such mirth as this--_c'est autant -de pris sur l'ennemi_'--the French soldier's proverb." - -"You are right. How did you find Admiral Boxer?" - -"Rough and good-hearted--working very hard." - -"I heard several anecdotes of you and the admiral with the Sardinians." - -"Did you? Then you must have heard of my losing four horses." - -"No! I heard of your having lost one, while paying your addresses to the -fair Mrs. Seacole." - -"That was it. We had a good laugh over it, at all events. Mrs. Seacole -took a deal of trouble in the matter, and found the pony again. She is -an excellent woman, kind to everybody, I can assure you." - -"Ah, yes, I know her well; she paid me a visit on her way to the -Crimea." - -"She told me she had spent a few days with Miss Nightingale." - -"Talking of Miss Nightingale--she is very much altered." - -"Very much indeed. She has looked much worse, but is now improving fast. -Her life was in the greatest danger." - -"So I heard." - -"I hope Lord and Lady Stratford de Redcliffe are well." - -"Yes. I had the pleasure of dining with them at Therapia last Sunday: -they inquired after you." - -"I am very happy to hear it, and shall soon pay my respects to them. I -much regretted not being in the Crimea during their visit. The _Caradoc_ -left Balaklava the day the _Robert Lowe_ left Constantinople; we -therefore passed at sea." - -"So I heard. The young ladies were very much pleased with their trip; -but Lady Paget remained there. I suppose you saw her?" - -"Yes, I did. Her ladyship was staying on board the _Star of the South_. -I called several times, but at last met her ladyship in the camp, -driving out in a species of vehicle, and accompanied by Lord Paget on -horseback, to whom I had the honour of being introduced by her ladyship. -She really looked so pretty, and her equipage was so bad, that a Canova -would have sculptured her as a Venus in a wheelbarrow, instead of in a -shell." - -"Well, I must say, that would be a new, and, no doubt, an interesting -subject. By the bye, we shall shortly have a visit from the Duke of -Newcastle. I hope you will be here."--"Indeed!" - -"Yes, I expect him in seven or eight days." - -"I hope his grace will do me the honour of visiting my sanctorum." - -"Of course he will, you may depend upon that; but I will let you know -all about it." - -"As it is near your dinner-time, I wish you good afternoon." - -"Where are you going to dine, Monsieur Soyer? I believe I have but -meagre fare to offer you--a little soup and a leg of mutton. Will you -dine with me?" - -"Many thanks--not to-day: we had a late lunch on board; and I have not -been to Soyer's Castle yet, nor seen any of my people." - -"I suppose Lord Ward has a first-rate cook on board his steamer?" - -"A very good one, and excellent provisions and wine. The only thing we -required was missing--that was appetite. Though fine at starting, we had -a rather rough passage for the time of year." - -The conversation terminated, and I took my departure. It was now too -late to make any more calls, so I went straight to the noble mansion -called Soyer's House--a real kiosque, built of wood, very much like a -cage. The proprietor was a Turkish carriage-builder, a kind of a duck of -a fellow, who always retired to rest at dusk, and rose before daybreak -to work. He and four bulky Turkish boys accompanied their incessant -hammering by an Oriental chorus, which lasted from four till seven in -the morning--their breakfast-time. We not only had the satisfaction of -hearing them, but from my bed I could see them at work, through my -sieve-like bed-room floor, the boards of which did not meet by about -half an inch--no doubt to facilitate the ventilation of this Moslem -edifice. The weather being hot, this was bearable; but the harmony of -such inharmonious birds was not tolerable; so for several days, and -while they were in full chorus, various accidents, in the shape of -upsetting large buckets of water, occurred. The refreshing liquid at -once found its way to the back of our illustrious landlord, and he -changed his tone and air, to invoke the blessing of Mahomet upon our -devoted heads: upon which I gave them to understand, through an Armenian -groom, that if they dared kick up such a row, the General would turn -them out of their house. After that we had less singing, but the same -quantum of hammering. At all events, we were better than under canvas. - -The house was very spacious: it contained nine rooms of a good size. I -had left it tenanted by good company--viz., three civilian -doctors--Burn, Ellis, and Howard--but found it deserted upon my return, -by all but the rats and other vermin. I and my people preferred that to -living and sleeping at the hospital, and, after a few days' sport, and -stopping about three hundred holes, it became habitable. The landlord -fortunately had the toothache, and the fat boy, to whom I gave a few -piastres to hold his noise, was silent. The ablution of the other now -and then with a jug of hot water kept this extraordinary establishment -quiet. - -If the interior of this wooden crib was not all comfort, its outside was -very cheerful, and rather elegant. It had the appearance of a large -Swiss chalet. Vines grew round it; and if the windows were left open, -branches of cherry and mulberry trees, loaded with ripe fruit, hung -above one's head as one lay in bed. The strong morning sea-breeze made -the house rock like a cradle, and in shaking the trees which were -planted close to the house, forced the branches in. Such was, in a few -words, Soyer's House, in Cambridge-street, Scutari, so much envied by -almost all, except the man himself. Five of my people had kept -possession in spite of several attempts to take it by storm during my -absence. It appeared that lodgings were so scarce, they wanted to take -it from them. - -One evening, after supper, my man Jullien, who possessed a first-rate -tenor voice, was delighting us with the modulations of it, when suddenly -the house began to shake most awfully, and the branches of the trees -outside the windows entered very abruptly, and much farther than usual, -sweeping off all the goblets and bottles from the table, to our great -astonishment, nearly upsetting us; when our friend P. M. exclaimed, "Who -is shaking the house?" Jullien, who had travelled much, replied, "Don't -be alarmed--it is only an earthquake." - -"Only an earthquake, eh!" said P. M., bolting. - -In rushing to the street he upset my Greek servant, who was entering -with a bowl of blazing punch, which gave both house and man the -appearance of being on fire. We saw no more of P. M. till the next day, -as he said he preferred being gulped up by mother earth at one nibble to -being smothered beneath the ponderous timbers of my castle. The same -day the Barrack Hospital shook so much, that the patients were actually -seen in a state of nudity in the barrack-yard. Several jumped through -the windows; one man was killed, and the others all more or less -severely injured. - -Each day I devoted to various hospitals, all went well, excepting the -Palace Hospital, where there were not less than forty or fifty sick -officers, who were much annoyed by the indifference and neglect of their -steward. When I called there, they complained to me, and invited me to -try if I could not remedy it, as well as remain and dine with them. I -accepted their kind invitation, and soon found where the evil lay. I -informed Lord W. Paulet, Drs. Cumming and M'Elray, and Mr. Robertson, -the purveyor-in-chief; and a new kitchen was built, larger than the -former. A civilian cook was placed there, and, to their delight, a new -steward. Everything then gave more satisfaction to the illustrious -patients, who always received me with the greatest kindness--so much so, -that if nature had endowed me with several appetites daily, I could have -dined three or four times per diem. - -Without mentioning names, I may summon as witnesses the unfortunate -heroes who were at that time gathered around the invalids' table. So -happy was I in their company--and I believe they were equally so in -mine,--that I felt perfectly ashamed at being quite well; for even the -Doctor was sick, in consequence of the harassing nature of his duties; -he had so much to do--which is ever the case in time of war. With -reference to their former steward, whom we had christened "la prima -donna Antonio," as a set-off to his trickery in supplying the invalid -officers with dessert in the shape of bad ices, unripe fruit, -&c.,--things not fit for weak stomachs,--he used, at the request of a -few, to bring his guitar, and delight with his voice _a la_ Veluti the -ears of those whose palates he had so cruelly displeased. By the aid of -a most amiable and kind lady--Mrs. Moore, who some time after died of -fever, much regretted by all--I had already their comforts, and, having -previously established a better system of cookery, thought I had done -some good for those to whom I was so much indebted for their kind and -polite attention. Though I did not remain more than three weeks at -Scutari on this occasion, never, perhaps, during the whole of my martial -career, was my heart so severely tried and tortured. - -The following letters, addressed to the metropolitan press, speak -volumes:-- - - -SCUTARI, _27th June, 1855_. - - MR. EDITOR,--Three weeks have hardly elapsed since my departure - from the Crimean shores, and Death, that implacable deity of the - dark abode, has had to engrave upon his mournful tablet a column of - names of some of the most distinguished heroes of the present - day--viz., Admiral Boxer, Adjutant-General Estcourt, Sir John - Campbell, Colonel Yea, Captain Lyons, General della Marmora, - &c.--and W. H. Stowe, a young civilian and bright ornament of the - literary world. Every one has heard or will hear of their fame. - History will relate facts, but time, as usual, will partly efface - from the memory of man the cause of their martyrdom or sudden ill - fate; while I--yes, I can relate, though with a sorrowful heart, - the circumstances of their social position, having still on the ear - a vibratory sound of their pure and candid voices, for it is only a - few days since that I was amongst them, cheerfully shaking hands - with them, transacting important business with some of them, - partaking of the rural hospitality of others, they of mine, and - overwhelmed by the kindness of all. Life then seemed proud of them; - the bloom of nature was radiant upon their brows. Their eyes spoke - volumes. Their hearts were as great in the devotion of the national - cause, and the glory of their country, as the pure soul which has - since departed from them for a better world. Every drop of their - blood no longer belonged to them, but to their Queen, their - country, their children--their names to posterity, their fame the - beacon to future generations of immortality. - - They breathe no more! Such are the chances of war, of life's - uncertainty. Man proposes, and the Supreme Being disposes. Instead - of cheerful anecdotes, which a few weeks ago I could have related - of those noble departed, I must here, for the present, cast a - tenebrous veil over such earthly frivolity, and implore Providence - to bestow a better fate upon the still great and noble and brave - army. - - With the most profound respect, I have the honour to remain, - -Your most obedient servant, -A. SOYER. - - P.S. By the next steamer I shall return to the Camp to join the - Staff I have just sent there, and terminate, I trust, with success, - my culinary mission, and then return to the shores of Albion. - - -_H.M.S.V. "Caradoc,"_ CONSTANTINOPLE, _5th July, 1855_. - - MR. EDITOR,--Scarcely has the seal of my late painful communication - had time to set, when the rocky shores of the Black Sea are moaning - and re-echoing the solemn report of the minute-gun, while the - foaming current of the Bosphorus is rapidly carrying to the snowy - white cliffs of Albion the remains of a really great man, Field - Marshal the Lord Raglan. To him, above all, I cannot but feel most - grateful for the success of my undertaking in the Crimea. The last - kind word and smile I received while at the seat of war were from - that noble martyr to his country's cause. - - With the highest consideration, I have the honour to be, - -Your most obedient servant, -A. SOYER. - - P.S. The great desire of paying the last tribute of respect to the - remains of that noble and brave warrior has delayed for a few days - my departure for the Crimea. - -One morning I had a serious discussion with one of my workmen, who -declined to cook any more for the hospitals unless I gave him the same -wages as my head man, Jullien, in whom I placed all my confidence, -having known him for years as an honest, industrious, and well-educated -man. He was much respected by all in the hospital: Lord William Paulet -made much of him, as also did Dr. Cumming, Mr. Robertson, -purveyor-in-chief, and, above all, Miss Nightingale and Mr. Bracebridge, -for his attention to business and polite manners. - -I had left a hundred pounds in his care till next morning, having that -day to go to Pera about the printing of my hospital receipts. Upon my -return, I learnt that he had disappeared, taking the money with him, -except twenty pounds, which he gave to one of the boys: the remainder he -afterwards returned. No one knew where he was gone. My first thought was -to return to the hospital, and superintend the kitchen department in -person. Everything must, I knew, be in great confusion, producing upon -the people employed under him much the same effect as the similar -defection of a general would on the eve of a battle; and such a battle, -too--one that must be fought daily, with the greatest resolution. - -It is indeed a question of life and death, that brave dinner-time. So -long as we get it regularly, we think nothing about it; but let one day -pass without satisfying those imperious natural wants--what do I -say?--one day! Even an hour's delay causes us to make several -inquiries--half-an-hour, ten minutes--ay, and even less. Now, suppose I -had not, by the merest chance in the world, been apprised of his -departure, or had I been ill, and incapable of replacing him and his -subordinates, who thought to frighten me by requiring the same -wages--which, had they behaved themselves well, I might have -granted;--had anything gone wrong, which could not fail in either of -those events to be the case, my name and reputation would have been -perilled. Thanks, however, to my lucky star, although I have experienced -an immense deal of trouble in my various undertakings, I have invariably -succeeded in the end. This is one of the hundreds of tribulations and -disappointments I met with during my Eastern mission. - -A few days after my arrival at Scutari, I had the pleasure of being -introduced to the Pacha, who was also Governor of Asia Minor. At a -dinner given to him by the colonel and officers of the 11th Hussars, to -which I was invited, we had for dragoman or interpreter her Majesty's -messenger, the worthy Mr. Webster. The banquet was given at the humble, -dilapidated, and almost decapitated restaurant of Sir Demetri, it being -partly unroofed. Demetri, a Greek by birth and name, was a most obliging -man. He spoke French, Russian, and English remarkably well, and was much -esteemed by all the gentlemen who knew him. I am sorry to say that his -followers did not merit the same commendation. British Scutarians, I -humbly appeal to your grateful conscience for the former. - -To be brief, the Pacha was received in the same room where, a few days -previous, we had vainly attempted to sleep. Our most excellent friend -and ally, the son of the Prophet, having quaffed with delight and common -sense the limpid liquid which takes its birth in France or any other -country, but which, for all that, is called champagne, became very witty -and cheerful--in fact, good company,--we all felt much interested in -the description he gave of his stormy career, which put me very much in -mind of that of Ali Baba or the Forty Thieves. His glory seemed to -centre in those serious, though childish tales. But, in spite of all -eccentricities, the Pacha was amiable and very good company. His health -was proposed, with twice the number of his tales, to which he very -fervently and cleverly replied, according to our learned interpreter's -report. The evening closed very merrily. We parted, and our illustrious -guest left, followed by his numerous suite. The farewell having taken -place, the guests evaporated like a light cloud in the atmosphere. - -We heard next day that some of the party belonging to the Light Infantry -were found herborizing in most profound silence upon the greensward -which surrounds the Sultan's mosque before the Barrack Hospital. No -doubt, they had changed their mind on their way home, and preferred -staying out to trying unsuccessfully to find their home--the weather -being so very hot. - -A few days after, all the guests paid their respectful duty to the -Pacha. I was one of the last, and having my dragoman with me, was very -kindly received by his pachaship, who informed me of his intention to -return the compliment of the dinner given to him by Colonel Peel and -party upon their return, as they had left the next morning for the -Crimea. According to Turkish politeness, I had no sooner entered than -all rose from their seats. There were about seven officers with the -Pacha, and I was offered the seat next to him. A richly-ornamented -chibouque was presented, and of course accepted; various sherbets, -lemonade, sweetmeats, and snow-water were handed round in vermeil vases, -and gracefully poured into glittering cups. - -The conversation was specially directed to me by the Pacha himself. My -dragoman carefully translated what was said, and informed me of all that -was going on, and what I was to do. It happened to be the time of the -Ramazan, and all the minarets were illuminated. I was remarking to the -Pacha what an extraordinary and beautiful effect Constantinople and its -mosques illuminated produced upon a European, when suddenly the -following cry was heard from the street: "Ingan var Scutari!" A regular -panic seized upon all present; and they immediately started to their -feet. The Pacha took me by the hand; and while he was giving his orders, -my dragoman quickly informed me it was the cry of fire, but I was on no -account to take my hand from that of the Pacha. I inquired where the -fire was? "I don't know," he replied; "somewhere in the town. You had -better say good-night, as the Pacha must be present." - -The Pacha was now giving his orders fiercely, which I could find, not -only by the perpetual motion of his tongue, but by the nervous and -strong feeling of agitation of his hand, as he made me walk up and down -the large saloon five or six times without even looking at me. - -The horses were ready, when a fireman, wet through, arrived, and -requested the Pacha not to disturb himself, as the fire was already -nearly extinguished. All immediately re-entered in order, except myself, -as I wanted to be off. - -"No," said the Pacha; "sit down; we must have a second chibouque, and a -round of coffee." - -"Though I did not taste it, I must say I never in my life so much -appreciated the offer of a cup of coffee as I did this, which procured -the release of my hand, so long a prisoner in that of the Turkish -magistrate. Smoking a second chibouque made me feel rather sick, so I -requested my dragoman to thank the Pacha for his kind reception, and say -that as I was going to the Crimea in a few days, I would do myself the -pleasure of paying him a visit before my departure for England. These -words being interpreted to him, the first thing he did was to arrest me -again, but luckily not by the same hand. He then spoke very fast to my -dragoman, who informed me that the Pacha wished me to go with him as far -as lower Scutari. It was one of their great Ramazan nights; he was -obliged to go, and would esteem it a favour if I could accompany him. - -"With all my heart!" was my reply, as I really wished to witness the -religious ceremony of the Ramazan. - -Ten horses were waiting for the Pacha, and my dragoman informed me that -his highness was anxious to do me the Turkish honours, and would walk -hand-in-hand with me through the town. Bowing respectfully to his -highness, I begged Mr. Mason (a Greek and my dragoman) to say that I -should be delighted with the honour--that I much appreciated the extreme -politeness and kind intention of his highness. - -We then started, the Pacha taking my hand, preceded by six men, bearing -five large lanterns, and a glass one with three bougies in it. Behind -came his suite, composed of about ten gentlemen; next, the chiboukshis -and the horses. Mason, my man, was of course close to me to interpret -what the Pacha said, which, however, was of no great importance. Our -brilliant _cortege_ slowly wended its way through the dense crowd at -lower Scutari. Every one stopped and bowed respectfully to the Pacha. -Still holding my hand, he presented me to the assembled crowd. My -dragoman here observed, "By seeing the Pacha on foot, and holding you by -the hand, all are aware you must be a high personage, and a respected -friend of his excellency." Hearing this, and seeing the soldiers at the -various stations go through their military evolutions as we stopped -before them, I really began to fancy I was a great man. Thanks to my -common sense, I recollected the humble part I had to play on life's -great stage, and could I at the time have obtained possession of my left -hand (which my illustrious friend had retained in his own from his door -to the spot where we were then standing, a distance of more than two -miles), I should have shaken hands with myself, exclaiming, in the words -of Shakespeare, "Richard's--no! Soyer's himself again!" - -This was indeed a splendid soiree, and could I spare space, the -extraordinary scenes I witnessed while going the rounds of magisterial -duty with the Pacha would of themselves make a very interesting chapter. -Our progress came to an end at a confectioner's shop, the largest and -principal one in Scutari. Here sherbet, coffee and chibouques, iced -lemonade, sweets, and all kinds of fruit in season, were handed to us, -as we sat upon the divans in open view to the public, a great crowd -having been attracted to the spot. - -Numbers entered and saluted the Pacha, and retired. His pachaship having -inquired if I would take anything else, Mr. Mason, replied in the -negative. He then said that he was obliged to remain out all night on -his magisterial duty, and that he wished me the repose of the dead till -morning. - -In return for this lively desire, I wished him the night of the living, -and we parted. Two lantern-chibougies preceded us, by his order; our -horses followed; and about an hour after, we dismissed our -Jack-o'-lanterns with rather a comfortable bacshish. - -It was striking three, and the sentry refused to let Mason enter the -Barrack Hospital, where he was quartered. I offered him a lodging at my -house, which he accepted. Though very late, we arrived in time to scare -two thieves away over the garden wall; and in stumbling over a basket, -we perceived their booty consisted of only a few cherries and -mulberries, nothing being deranged or stolen from the house. - -Having frequently visited the General Hospital and Kululee, and as the -time for my second voyage to the Crimea was approaching, I requested -Lord W. Paulet, who was always very desirous of seeing everything -himself, to pay one more official visit to the various hospitals, which -he agreed to do, and fixed a day for that purpose. He also informed me -that the Duke of Newcastle was expected daily. Miss Nightingale had -almost recovered, and had recommenced her assiduous exertions. - -My long-expected field-stoves had arrived. I made a trial with them -before the military and medical authorities, which succeeded admirably, -even surpassing my expectations in all respects. I was more anxious than -ever to return to the Crimea, and make my grand experiment before -General Simpson; and, if approved of by the authorities, to have the -proper number ordered by Government for the supply of the whole army, -reform the old system, and introduce my new one. The stoves would of -course require an outlay at first, which would soon be saved in the -great economy of fuel and transport, the small number of men required, -independently of the immense improvement in cookery, which was at first -the only object I had in view. - -Lord W. Paulet's visit took place, as agreed upon, about three days -previous to the arrival of the Duke of Newcastle. He found everything in -good order, and I was much pleased. A few days after, I was, owing to -the sudden departure of my head man, Jullien, busily engaged at my -forges, surrounded by my soldiers, like a modern Vulcan, dressed in my -culinary attire, and in the act of manipulating some hundreds of _mock -rice-puddings_ (made without eggs or milk--see receipt in Addenda) for -my numerous convalescent guests, the brave British, when suddenly my -kitchen was filled with military gentlemen of all ranks, amongst whom -was no less a personage than the late Minister-at-War, the Duke of -Newcastle, Lord W. Paulet, and numerous other high officials--military, -medical, and civil. His Grace, setting all etiquette aside, advanced -towards me, his hat in one hand, and kindly offered me the other, -saying, "How are you, Monsieur Soyer? it is a long time since we had the -pleasure of meeting." - -"True," I replied; "not since I had the pleasure of seeing your Grace, -then Lord Lincoln, at the Reform Club." - -"You are right, Monsieur Soyer; you have an excellent memory." - -Though my present occupation was one of the humblest in the category of -my art,--viz., making puddings for the soldiers, still the kind -condescension of his Grace, and the complimentary remarks he made upon -my services, caused me to feel more proud of my humble occupation than I -did when I was dressing the great Ibrahim Pacha fete at the Reform Club, -in the year 1846, or preparing my hundred-guinea dish at the York -banquet, in the year 1850. - -The Duke of Newcastle was not the first nobleman of his high rank who -had honoured me with that degree of favour; but the others had a certain -interest in so doing. For instance, while at the Reform Club, a number -of epicures used to pay me visits, shake me heartily by the hand, and -most cordially inquire about my health. These had, I always considered, -a twofold object in view: first, to induce me to give them the best of -dinners; secondly, to ascertain whether I was feverish or in good -health. In the former case they would postpone their dinner-party for a -few days, or else try to persuade me to follow the plan of the -celebrated Marquis de Coucy, one of the greatest French epicures of the -nineteenth century, who never engaged a cook without having a written -agreement, giving him power to compel him to take medicine a couple of -days before he gave any of his grand dinners, which never exceeded -twelve in the Paris season. Extra pay was allowed for this pleasant -concession on the part of the _chef de cuisine_, who no doubt turned the -funds to _tisane_--most probably, _tisane de champagne_. - -In the present case, his Grace had no such object in view, as I had -nothing to offer him but soldiers' hospital rations, diets, &c., -composed of beef-tea, mutton-broth, rice-puddings, &c., and my new -biscuit-bread, which had been made three months, having the date of -baking stamped upon it. I drew the Duke's attention to this, and then -broke a little into some mutton-broth; and in five minutes it had all -the appearance of a piece of fresh bread soaked in broth. In its dry -state, it was much more agreeable to eat than the usual biscuit. His -Grace was highly pleased with it, and advised me to recommend its -adoption to the War-office upon my return to London. - -The kitchen was by this time full of officers and medical men, come to -pay their respects to the Duke, forming a numerous escort as he went -round the hospital. I gave a short account of my proceedings since my -arrival at Scutari, where I had closed all the kitchens but this one, -minutely explaining all its details, as well as the plan I had adopted -to keep it so clean and so cool; at which the Duke was much struck. -Cooking was done daily in it for more than one thousand men, the -weather being then intensely hot. After honouring me with most -flattering compliments, the Duke and party retired. Lord William kindly -informed me that the Duke would visit the other hospitals in a day or -two, and that he would give me due notice of his visit. Accordingly, two -days afterwards, we showed the Duke over the General, Hyder Pacha, and -the Palace Hospitals, with the arrangements of which he expressed -himself satisfied. - -A few days after, the Duke of Newcastle left for the Crimea, but, prior -to his departure, honoured me with the following letter:-- - - -MESSERIE'S HOTEL, _23rd July, 1855_. - - DEAR M. SOYER,--Accept my best thanks for the copy of your book. - - Your philanthropic labours in this country deserve the thanks of - every Englishman, and for one I am grateful for what I have seen of - your good work at Scutari. - -I am, yours very truly, -NEWCASTLE. - - - -At length I found two tolerably good cooks, and re-established -everything in the culinary department to my satisfaction. My presence -being no longer required, I prepared for my departure. I had taught -about a dozen soldiers my system of camp-cooking and the use of my new -field-stoves. I also engaged a French Zouave, named Bornet, belonging to -the 3rd Regiment, whose term of service was just out. He was to act as -my aide-de-camp, ecuyer, master of the horse, and shield, in case of -blows. He knew the savate, single-stick, sword, foil, and could box -well; was a capital shot and extraordinary good horseman; he could sing -hundreds of songs, and very well too; had a good voice, danced -excellently, and was altogether of a very happy disposition. - -Among his other then unknown qualities, he was very quarrelsome; a great -marauder _a la_ Zouave; remarkably fond of the fair sex, in his martial -way, running all over the camp after the heroic _cantinieres_; and, -though never drunk, seldom sober, always ready to fight any one whom he -thought wished to injure or speak ill of me. In fact, he was, much -against my will, my bull-dog, and kept barking from morning till night. -He was allowed to wear his costume for twelve months longer. In fact, -my Zouave was a model of perfection and imperfection. The doctor of his -regiment, who admired him for his bravery and cheerful abilities, -impressed upon me that he was the man I required. "Very scarce they -are," said he; "there are not more than one hundred left out of the -whole regiment who began the campaign; and he is sound, although wounded -at Inkermann." - -Upon this strong recommendation, and having to run so much risk about -the camp, as well as for the curiosity of the thing, I engaged Bornet, -the Zouave; had a new costume made for him; introduced him to Lord W. -Paulet, Miss Nightingale, &c. &c. Everybody found him extremely polite, -good-looking, and intelligent. We bought four horses, and he had the -sole command of the cavalry department. All admired his extraordinary -good style of horsemanship, particularly Lord W. Paulet. Thus, the -illustrious Francois Patifal Bornet, late of the 3rd Zouaves, was -recognised as belonging to the British army. He and twelve soldiers -composed the brigade of Captain Cook--a title I had assumed in the camp. - -We were now ready to enter upon our campaign. I had paid my respects to -Lord and Lady de Redcliffe at Therapia, and to General Vivian at -Buyukdere: he was then at the Palais de Russie. In this town I and my -Zouave created quite a sensation. I had adopted an indescribable -costume. It seemed to have attracted John Bull's particular attention on -his supposed visit to the camp. Such, at least, was the case according -to the _Times'_ correspondent, who, in a dialogue with John Bull, says, -"I beg your pardon, but who is that foreign officer in a white bournous -and attended by a brilliant staff of generals--him with the blue and -silver stripe down his trousers I mean, and gold braid on his waistcoat, -and a red and white cap? It must be Pelissier?" - -"That! why, that's Monsieur Soyer, _chef de nos batteries de cuisine_; -and if you go and ask him, you'll find he'll talk to you for several -hours about the way your meat is wasted. And so I wish you good morning, -sir." - - - - -CHAPTER XXV. - -FESTIVITIES AT SCUTARI AND VISITS TO FRENCH HOSPITALS. - - A grand Oriental summer banquet--The first halt--Start afresh--The - Pacha's harem--Numerous visits--A brilliant cavalcade--Revolt among - the horses--The Governor's reception--A Turkish - kitchen--Hand-in-hand--Roasted lambs _a la Turque_--Gigantic bill - of fare--Wine--Vitellius and the Grecian crayfish--Grand - entertainment--List of guests--Return home--Politeness of the - Pacha--Preparations for my return to the Crimea--Visit to the - French hospitals--Dr. Pincoff--Great Hospital of Pera--Cordial - reception--Nature of the arrangements. - - -Previous to entering upon this second campaign, in which my life was -daily likely to be more or less in danger, my gastronomic star was, -unawares to me, shining brightly. An unexpected invitation arrived from -the Pacha of Scutari to a grand Oriental summer banquet, to which not -less than eighty guests were invited. Lord W. Paulet was to be the -chairman. The day arrived, we all met at head-quarters, and the -principal authorities were present. Lord W. Paulet soon joined us; we -started, forming a very formidable and brilliant cavalcade, everybody -being in full costume. The Pacha had sent a mounted escort to accompany -us, consisting of six cavaliers. Our first halt was at Ismail Pacha's, -who received us cordially at his pretty kiosque. He spoke excellent -French, and invited us to be seated in his large and elegantly-furnished -drawing-room, where a chibouque was presented to each guest, with the -indispensable Turkish thimble-cup of coffee. We had a very interesting -conversation with the Pacha about the war, and his opinion upon it; also -a short review of Paris and London, as he had visited both. - -We then walked under very delightful foliage, where fountains were -playing, Asiatic and aquatic flowers growing--plants of rare -beauty--orange and lemon trees, &c. We all fancied we had arrived at our -destination, when the Pacha's horse was brought into the yard where ours -had been left. The signal was given: we all mounted, and started afresh. -A very coquettish square kiosque erected in the garden, and well -latticed round, seemed to be very animated within. It was the Pacha's -harem, from whence no doubt the imprisoned odalisques were enjoying the -lively scene passing in the yard, by peeping, not exactly _a la_ Peeping -Tom, but from behind the railings, or, more properly speaking, lattice. - -Headed by the Pacha and suite, with Lord W. Paulet, Major Sillery, &c., -we again started. In ten minutes we reached another kiosque, not by any -means so luxurious as the first. We alighted, and were received in the -garden by Hiera Bey, to whom the place belonged. In the drawing-room the -same ceremony of chibouques and coffee was performed. The Bey and his -suite joined our party, and we went to the residence of another pacha, -where the same ceremony was about to be renewed, but to which we -unanimously objected. His pachaship and suite, altogether about twelve -persons, also joined us, thus doubling the number of our cavalcade, -which, as we passed along the narrow lane bordered on either side by -thick and high edges, had the appearance of an immense serpent stealing -through the grass about to swallow its prey: the head being represented -by the Oriental corps and costume, admirably suited the effect I have -described. Prey was indeed in store for the imaginary serpent. Of the -truth of this my reader will be able to judge by the bill of fare, which -I carefully preserved, as one of my first Oriental culinary -reminiscences. - -The sound of strange instruments informed us that we were near our -destination. A military band of about fifty were playing Oriental airs, -half wild, half melodious. We were conducted through a garden towards an -elegant _maison de plaisance_, leaving the horses at the entrance; some -of them, not being partial to music, began fighting and kicking. It took -nearly an hour to pacify them and make them behave themselves. They were -horses of different nations, and this was probably the reason why they -could not agree. - -Several were lost, which gave a little extra occupation to the Asiatic -palfreniers. By this time we had all been received by the Governor of -Asia Minor and his numerous friends, who were sitting upon divans in the -open air, smoking chibouques. We were invited to do the same, which we -did, forming a circle of considerable circumference. A regular forest of -long chibouques was brought towards us, and one was presented to each -guest. We were thus, for the third time, obliged to enjoy this -everlasting Oriental splendour; but in lieu of coffee, raki was -introduced, a liquor somewhat similar to perfumed gin, or the French -absinthe. It more particularly resembles the latter, as it turns white -when mixed with water. It is much drunk in Turkey--usually before -dinner. Many prefer it neat, but it is very intoxicating. The usual -salutations having been exchanged, we all drank, and the glasses were -taken away by slaves. - -After smoking another half-hour, I went to Mr. Dixon, Lord W. Paulet's -dragoman, and asked him to request permission of the Pacha for me to see -the kitchen. As I knew that two whole sheep and two lambs were to be -roasted, I felt anxious to see the process. He had no sooner mentioned -my wish than the Pacha rose, and, offering me his hand, conducted me -towards the place where the sacrifice was being consummated. We were -thus again, as at Scutari, hand-in-hand, if not hand-and-glove. About -forty cooks were at work preparing the dinner. I felt much interested in -their primitive way of roasting large pieces, which can only be equalled -by gas. With the intestines they make a kind of black pudding, sausages, -and rolls of tripe, with which they surround the neck of the animal: -they have also skewers of tripe and liver, heart, &c., tied on each side -of the haunch. The Pacha ordered some to be cut off for me to taste, -which I did with great gusto, and really much approved of their sound -judgment in turning everything to advantage, and making additional -dishes of what we civilized people so cleverly throw away. It was so -good, that I begged the Pacha to send a small dish up for Lord W. Paulet -and a few others to taste, as it was best while very hot. It had a -peculiar aromatic taste which imparts a delicate flavour, and was very -palatable. - -The liver, which we of course use, was cut into small portions, and -mixed with the intestines. The lambs were dressed in the same way, and -were still more delicate: they were so perfectly roasted, that every -part of the animals was the colour of a lump of gold. - - -ORIENTAL WAY OF ROASTING SHEEP AND LAMBS WHOLE, -A LA TURQUE. - - Though a primitive method, it is far from being a bad one. About a - hundredweight of wood is set on fire in an open place, yard, - kitchen, or elsewhere, and when burnt the ashes are piled up - pyramidically to about the length of the lamb. Four stones, about a - foot high, are then placed two at each end, and about eighteen - inches from the fire; the lambs are spitted, head and all, upon a - long piece of wood, with a rough handle similar to that of a - barrel-organ. They are then put down; each one being turned by one - man, who now and then moves the ashes to revive the fire, at the - same time basting the lambs with a bunch of feathers dipped in oil. - A pan should be placed underneath to receive the fat. This was on - this occasion omitted. Each lamb took about three hours doing by - that slow process; but I must repeat, they were done to perfection, - and worthy of the attention of the greatest epicure. - -The productions of the other culinary dainties are duly noticed in the -following gigantic bill of fare. - - Cavvat alle sis ka-babby - Yeade ra-dash yor nesee - Terbelee partsha - - Vegetables. - - Dolmah asmae a back - Ahgem ka back yah ne see - Arabertan ham yersee - Ser kresheur kap a massee - Patlezan dol massee - Cavarta yah prai il ha doline - Bag silk massee - Guvetts tu lur soo - Eskaille keftee - Pelaffee - Puff borree - Adgec ah med borro - Bad am lee charsa - - Confiture. - - Baclava - Ecmeck card aikae - Yur mur tarla lock moh - Kavanne - Hi varta cleasee - Touh cleuksu - Evgbet pupered by Jorept Zetala - Parson fruture - Peti parta ougrah - Cutalette - Pura patat assause espariol - Crab miones - Puopon mohoness - Cram alla vanneil - Cram ah coffee - Vn espeak derubea - Eurotee despadree - Glass oh citrone - Glass alla cream - Turk cook mahamet - Prissole - Sarmagoll - Cheverma cugickabby - Surmah pelich ka-babby - Capammah ordack parlazee - Coccorrets ka-babby - Fassula illa tuge ka-babby - Cavoticla ahmet ka-babby - Kahoat he la sahe slam ka-babby - Kultug dol massy - Tuga yaha ne see - Sham keflasee - Rahat lokoum - -Amidst a clump of trees, situated on a plot of grass, and though so -close at hand, quite out of sight, a large marquee had been erected, -under which an elegant banqueting-table was covered with choice fruits, -flowers, pastry, valuable ornaments, and sweets of all kinds. Each guest -had his place numbered. I was fortunately near the centre, facing the -chairman, and only two from the worthy host. The _tout ensemble_ was -charming: the various costumes, profusion of light, and the Turkish -music, gave such a novel feature to this liberal entertainment, that, -for the first time, I began to understand the reality of the Oriental -luxury so much vaunted by poets. - -Wine, though abominated by the Moslem, flowed in profusion. Excellent -Bordeaux, Champagne, Madeira, &c., was freely passed round and quaffed -with gusto, to the number, I should say, of several gross of bottles. -The children of the Crescent drank as freely as ourselves. The sheep and -lambs, dressed up whole, were placed upon the table, and every guest -helped himself _a la Turque_. The meat was pulled from the animal by the -Hadji Bachi, with his fingers, in presence of the company, placed in a -large dish, and handed round to the gourmets, who also helped themselves -with their fingers. The lamb was admirable; an Apicius would have gone -to Turkey to dine, had he known such delicacies were to be obtained -there. That worthy left Rome in a vessel, specially chartered by him, to -go to Greece, in order to obtain some crayfish rumoured to be larger -than any Rome could produce. On arriving, he found they were only the -same. He asked the fisherman, who had been some time expecting him, -"Have you never caught larger crayfish than that?" - -"No, signor, never!" was the reply. - -Rubbing his hands with delight, he ordered the captain to sail back at -once, saying, "I have left some at home larger than these, and they will -be spoiled if the wind is not in our favour."[17] - -The other dishes were eaten in the European fashion, with knives and -forks. The fete was under the management of a gentleman I had the -pleasure of knowing well, Mr. Ralli, a large proprietor at Kadikoi and a -Greek merchant, who, to oblige the Pacha, took upon himself all the -responsibility of carrying out his excellency's liberal ideas. - -London, or even Paris, could not have produced more effect or given more -_eclat_ to the entertainment, though, of course, in a different style. -Healths were proposed, and toasts given. The speeches were short, but to -the purpose. The music was very original; the fireworks were extremely -bad, and the illuminations very tenebrous. - -_Names of Guests at the Dinner given by the Pacha of -Scutari._--Brigadier-General Lord William Paulet; Hon. Captain -Macdonald; Captain Seager; Major Sillery; Major Morris; Dr. Rowdon, -civil surgeon, late professor of anatomy at Middlesex Hospital; W. -Heaton, Esq., medical staff; Richard Ambler, Esq.; J. S. Robertson, -Esq., purveyor-general to the forces; Rev. George Lawless, senior -chaplain; Rev. Hugh Drennan, chaplain; Rev. W. Fergusson, -chaplain;--Hawkes, Esq., barrister-at-law; Eustatio S. Ralli, Esq., -sen., Greek merchant; Etienne Eustatio Ralli, jun., Esq.;--Dixon, Esq., -first-class interpreter to Lord William Paulet;[18] Monsieur Soyer, &c. -&c. Indisposition prevented the attendance of his Excellency Omer Pacha. - -After five hours of eating and drinking, we returned thanks to our -illustrious host, and rose to retire. He accompanied us as far as his -Scutari residence. The evening was very dark, and the horses were mixed -together, so that we had some trouble in finding our own. At length we -started. I was the last to quit his pachaship. As I lived in -Cambridge-street, I was a near neighbour of his, and he kindly escorted -me to my door, followed by his men bearing lanterns. He would not leave -me till the door was opened, and I had entered the house. We then -parted, and I shall never forget the generous reception I received from -our worthy Mussulman ally, the governor of Asia Minor. - -Before my departure, I took Lord W. Paulet, Dr. Cumming, Mr. Robertson, -and Miss Nightingale's orders, which were numerous; said farewell to -all, and left everything in a most satisfactory state. I requested -Sergeant Thompson to send me a weekly report of the proceedings in the -kitchens at the various hospitals. Mr. Robertson, the purveyor-in-chief, -also promised to keep a sharp look-out himself, and acquaint me with -anything important which might occur. I spent a few days with Dr. -Humphrey at Kululee Hospital, then under the admirable management of -Miss E. Hutton and the Sisters of Charity. Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge, -after exerting themselves to the utmost, during the hardest time of all, -in the Scutari hospitals, had left for England: important family -affairs, I believe, required their presence at home. Miss Nightingale -had quite recovered; and she proposed to visit the Crimea again in less -than a month, and had requested me to attend to various matters before -she arrived. Of these, as they were numerous, I made a list, saying, "I -shall be happy to attend to your commissions even if you tripled the -number." As my twelve field-stoves had been sent to the Crimea, I knew -that my time would be principally taken up by field-cookery, and that I -should only be able to give a casual look through the various hospitals. - -I was anxious to obtain an insight into the culinary arrangements and -system of management in the French hospitals. This I effected by the aid -of Dr. Pincoff, who had frequently brought French doctors to visit my -kitchens, and taste my new diets--of which they seemed to approve. Some -of them would say, "They are too good and expensive for our hospital;" -others, "Your diets are excellent; but our soldiers would not like them, -not being used to that kind of food." This, probably, might at the -commencement have been the case; but a man soon gets accustomed to a -good thing. I had tried this upon several hundred English soldiers, who -never refused it, but, on the contrary, did not like to return to the -old system of diets. I had not the slightest doubt they would like the -change, but it could not be effected. At all events, this increased my -curiosity. Dr. Pincoff, a friend, and myself, determined to go at six -o'clock in the morning (the time of their first rounds) to visit the -Great Hospital of Pera. - -This early hour of visiting patients I cannot but give my disapproval -of, as it is the time they are likely to repose, or at all events feel -more languid than any other part of the night; which disturbance reminds -me of the anxious servant, who being requested by his master to awake -him at an early hour, knocked at his room-door four or five times during -the night to apprise him of the number of hours he had left for sleep. -Indeed, even more than this, they actually ask the patients, at that -early hour, what they would like for dinner?--the patient, instead of -the doctor, prescribing. We arrived at half-past five A.M., through a -burning sun, which I consider, at that hour and that time of year, more -oppressive in the East than at ten, eleven, or even twelve in the day, -when the sea-breeze refreshes the Oriental atmosphere. We were -immediately introduced to the medical gentleman on duty, who had just -commenced his rounds. He was attended by two orderlies and a Sister of -Charity; one of the former carried a tray, upon which the Sister seemed -to have placed articles of food belonging to her department: she was -also noting down on a tablet the orders of the doctor as to a few -articles of extra diet. We watched the proceedings closely, which lasted -nearly an hour: each doctor had two wards to attend, and each ward -contained about sixty patients. - -Having made several remarks on the various subjects to the doctor, and -thanked him for his attention, I promised to forward him a book of the -new dietaries I had so successfully introduced in the hospital at -Scutari. Though far from anticipating that any eminent member of the -French faculty would change his system, and adopt mine in preference to -the French medical _regime_, still, as I have learnt a great deal from -the system pursued in the French hospitals, I should feel very proud if -any of my receipts proved acceptable. In fact, I should be delighted to -show my gratitude for the generous reception afforded me when I applied -for leave to visit the French hospitals upon my passage through France -on my way to the Crimea. - -The order with which all was carried on was admirable. Without the -slightest intention of making myself officious in this matter, I cannot -help remarking, that the broths and tisanes given to the patients were -rather of a thinnish nature, and given in much larger quantities than by -the English doctors to patients affected with similar diseases;--my -opinion on the subject being, that for the man who has lived too well, a -close and light diet is most beneficial, his blood being too rich; while -the debilitated soldier's blood requires regenerating: which caused me -to submit succulent diets for dysentery and diarrhoea, and cooling -ones for fever. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVI. - -MY SECOND TRIP TO THE CRIMEA. - - Off in the _Ottawa_--A calm in the Bosphorus--Deceitful - appearances--Captain Bone--Fellow-passengers--A concert in the - Black Sea--Intrepidity of P. M.--My Zouave--Harmony in my culinary - troop--A tremendous crash--Change of scene--Alarm of P. M.--A bad - passage--A fit of the blues--Reflections--Visits--Fresh faces--Off - to the Camp--Colonel Steele--A note from my Zouave--French - head-quarters--The lost found--Standing treat--The - cantiniere--Return to the _Ottawa_--Bornet's excuses--La petite - Mere Jouvin--Effects of enthusiasm--Character of the - Zouaves--Remove to the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_. - - -Two days later, I and my people started on board the _Ottawa_. The day -of our departure was magnificently fine; the Bosphorus and Black Sea -looked like a sheet of glass. I remarked to the captain, "One might -cross the Black Sea in a caique." - -"Yes," he replied, "in its present state; but who knows how soon we may -have it dancing mountains high? I have seen it so before; and where -would you be with your caique then, Monsieur Soyer?" - -"Of course, you are right, captain; but I suppose it is not often thus -at this time of the year." - -"Even at this time of year, I should be sorry to be one of the -caidjees." - -Captain Bone was a very agreeable man--high-bred--educated at -Oxford--well stored with _bons-mots_ and good anecdotes--always laughing -at other people's jokes as well as his own--very severe on deck and very -funny with his friends. He kept a good cook, and therefore a good table, -looking sharply after it himself--spending, probably, no more money than -other captains, but faring better--very anxious to please his -passengers--and at all times very liberal. The proverb says, "Speak of a -man as you find him;" and in this manner I speak of the worthy captain. - -The ship was very full, especially of recovered invalids from Scutari. -Numbers of doctors from Rankioi and Smyrna were on board, on their way -to the Crimea, where their services were required. I had engaged a young -Sardinian named Antonio, a good-looking youth with a very good voice. As -the evening was fine, he and my Zouave began singing, which they did -admirably, every one joining in chorus. Thus we spent a delightful -soiree on the bosom of the Black Sea. - -P. M., who by this time was becoming quite a brave man, still formed -part of my suite. That gentleman's intrepidity was such, that no one -could prevent him from facing at all times the most animated fire--I -mean the fire of a short pipe or a long cigar. My Zouave was everywhere -about the vessel, which did not seem large enough for him and his four -horses. I at last quieted him, by requesting he would think of nothing -while on board but eating and drinking moderately, as well as singing a -song at night when I required it. He promised faithfully not to throw my -Armenian groom overboard, nor to smash the brains of my Italian servant -Antonio, but to live like a Christian, in good fellowship with all, and -sing when I pleased. One of my cooks, named Jean, an Albanian, while -quarrelling, had threatened to cut another, named Victor, into four -pieces, and throw them into a pickle-tub. He also gave up this -professional job. They all shook hands, and the greatest harmony -appeared to reign in my culinary troop. - -My secretary, T. G., a gentleman of colour, now accompanied me for the -second time to the Crimea; and the contrast presented by us, myself -being equipped in an Oriental costume, T. G. clothed in white, and my -Zouave rigged in full feather, was very great; and my suite always -created a sensation throughout the camp, more especially when -accompanied by the invincible P. M., who was attired in nankeen, a very -peculiar style, he being an extensive patronizer of the eminent firm of -Messrs. Nicoll. - -All on board the _Ottawa_ had for some time retired to their berths. I -can seldom sleep at sea; so I was sitting on deck, smoking my cigar, now -and then addressing a word to the man at the wheel and the second mate. -We praised the fineness of the weather: the upper deck was as steady as -a drawing-room floor, and the ocean seemed to belong to us alone. - -It was nearly one o'clock, and Morpheus, who generally deserts me on -such occasions, stole upon me softly like a zephyr. I felt inclined to -submit, and went below to lie down. Wrapped in deep repose, I seemed to -quit this world of realities, and to wander in the regions of -dream-land. This continued till seven in the morning, when a tremendous -crash awoke me suddenly, and I perceived that we were dancing mountains -high. - -The crash was caused by two glasses and a bottle of soda-water, -belonging to my companion P. M. in the upper berth. They had been left -upon the wash-hand stand; both glasses were smashed, and the bottle -broken, with a tremendous report, making me fear that in the night we -had, by mistake, approached too near to Sebastopol, and were being fired -into by the batteries. Turning round, I perceived the supposed enemy on -the cabin floor in a fearful state of dilapidation--the bottom of the -soda-water bottle rolling to and fro, according to the will of the -waves, which, it appeared, had risen to that pitch in an incredibly -short space of time--a thing common enough in the Euxine, or Black Sea. - -"Good heavens!" exclaimed P. M., "where are we?" - -"Don't be alarmed," said I. "We are under fire; every man to his gun; so -let us go up on deck and fight like Britons." - -"The devil we are! Oh dear, I can't fight, I am so sick." - -"Then you must swim or sink." - -In less than a minute he rushed from the cabin, and concealed himself -under the large dinner-table. - -As I was dressed, I went upon deck. - -"At half-past five," said the mate on duty, "it began to rain, and the -wind suddenly changed. At seven o'clock, a gust of wind actually bent -the sails across the yards, taking us dead aback; and in less than an -hour, the sea rose to the state you see it in now." - -The captain, who was giving his orders from the crossbridge, called out -to me, laughing, "Well, Monsieur Soyer, where is your caique now? Are -you ready for your breakfast?" - -Of course I was, though I could not boast of having much appetite. The -remaining part of the passage was very rough. The _Ottawa_ rolled very -much, having, if I recollect right, shot and shell for ballast. The -contrast afforded by the sudden change from the calm of the previous -day, no doubt caused us to feel its effects the more. At all events, we -arrived in due time quite safe. An unexpected bad passage at all times -makes everybody feel uneasy and low-spirited. The nearer I approached -Balaklava, the more uneasy I felt. A kind of melancholy had come over -me, and my feelings were so indescribable, that while we were entering -the harbour of Balaklava, I was surprised to see the sun shining over -that picturesque spot, and traffic going on as usual. Instead of a -lugubrious veil hanging over the whole fleet, all was going on pretty -much in the same manner as when I had left. Even nature seemed to have -smiled upon the hills, valleys, and mountains, which were gayer than -before. - -Such a scene caused me to breathe more freely. I felt that the noble -departed, who but a few days before were in enjoyment of health, honour, -power, and rank, had been removed by their gracious Creator, and -therefore, though Lord Raglan, Admiral Boxer, Sir J. Campbell, General -Estcourt, and numbers of other great men, had been called away during my -short absence, they were only summoned from this world--so, at least, we -are bound to believe--to fulfil their mission in another and a better -sphere. - -On the day of our arrival, I paid my respects to several great -personages, who, on account of the sad events before mentioned, were -mostly new-comers, although they knew me either personally or by name. -It was like beginning my mission afresh, making it not only very -painful as far as feelings went, but also difficult. It was something -like being compelled to build an edifice which had fallen to the ground -when near its completion. - -Such were my feelings upon my arrival on my second visit to the Crimea. -As I could only remain a couple of days on board the _Ottawa_, as she -was to return immediately to Constantinople, I employed my time in -settling my plan of campaign. - -First of all, I paid my respects to Admiral Freemantle, on board the -_Leander_, and I was very kindly received. Next I went to Sir George -Maclean, the new Commissary-General; and a more amiable gentleman I did -not meet during my mission in the Crimea. He informed me that the dry -vegetables from Messrs. Chollet had arrived, and that some had already -been issued to the troops, and were highly approved of. I requested an -order to go and inspect them in the stores, with which I was immediately -favoured. - -Having executed all Miss Nightingale's commissions, as well as others, -the next morning I started early for head-quarters, and arrived there -about nine. Much important business was going on at the time. A number -of horses, foaming with perspiration, were in the yard, the -despatch-riders having no doubt quite forgotten that the success which -attended their mission was owing to their poor quadrupeds. I was at once -received by Colonel Steele, who was much pleased to see me. After -expressing our regret at the lamentable events which had occurred since -our last meeting, we entered upon business. - -"Well, Monsieur Soyer," said the colonel, "if you like to wait, you can -see General Simpson; but, as to-morrow is Sunday, he will be able to -grant you a longer interview. To-day he could not spare ten minutes." - -"Much obliged, colonel," I replied; "and I will not fail to be here -to-morrow at ten, as you advise." - -"Very well, Monsieur Soyer; I shall be here, and happy to see you." - -My Zouave, whom I had brought with me, had disappeared, leaving word -with the man at the entrance-hall that he would return in ten minutes, -but that he could not resist paying a visit to his old comrades, who -were encamped that day at the French head-quarters. He was _en petit -costume_, as I did not wish him to attract too much attention. I -expected, when I learnt he had gone, that the ten minutes would be -doubled and tripled, and probably extend to hours: I therefore made up -my mind to go about my business in the different hospitals and -regiments. First of all, I visited Dr. Hall, the authorities, and my -friends round head-quarters. - -In the afternoon I returned, but no Zouave had been seen. A note was -handed to me by the canteen-man, worded thus:-- - - MY DEAR GOVERNOR,--Your humble servant, Bornet the Zouave, is half - drunk, and will feel much obliged if you will allow him to get - quite so. He has met with a few old comrades, who very likely will - not last much longer than the others who have died for their - country. - -Upon receipt of this, having nothing better to do, I started for the -French head-quarters. I soon found the regiment. This was not enough--I -wanted my man. My next inquiry was for the canteen, quite sure that the -cantiniere, whether blonde or brunette, no matter which, would have -heard of him. It turned out as I had anticipated, and, not giving me -time to ask twice, she said, "Yes, Monsieur, he is here--the dear -fellow!" And so he was, fast asleep. He no sooner awoke and saw me, than -he came and apologized, seemingly almost sober. I say seemingly, for all -at once he began to sing and dance like a madman, harmoniously -introducing me to his friends, whom I had the pleasure of shaking -cordially by the hand. - -Some of these recollected my former visit, so I begged of them to sit -down. At the same time I offered them something to drink. The liquid -material--viz., two quarts of wine and one of rum--with tin cups, was -brought, and the French and Jamaica nectar was poured out, with a -certain elegance and graceful smile, by the Crimean Bacchante, to these -reckless children of Mars. In a short time many of them had fallen in -the dreadful struggle. They were _enfans perdus_, and were all singing -different tunes and dancing different steps. - -The cantiniere was elegantly dressed in her Zouave uniform, ready for -starting to the trenches: she wore a red gown, and trousers of the same -material, a jacket like that worn by the men, and a red fez cap with a -long tassel. She carried a stoup full of spirits, a large basket of -provisions, and followed her companions like a trooper. - -The Zouaves gave me a pressing invitation to go and see them perform, -which I promised to do that day week. They were perfectly satisfied, -though I was not at all, with my Zouave, Bornet. As he was not fit to -follow me, I gave him up, and, after seeing his horse right and him -wrong, I left him, and started alone for Balaklava, returning in solemn -solitude to my nautical home--the _Ottawa_. - -At six the next morning he was on board, busily engaged preparing for -our departure, so soon as a spot could be selected in the camp for us to -pitch our tents. The horses were landed, and my military pupils sent to -different quarters, and set to work cooking. I retained three with me -for the opening of my field-kitchens. As I approached my deserter, the -Zouave, in order to reprimand him for his conduct the preceding day, he -remarked, by way of apology, "I know, mon cher governor, what you are -going to say--that is, if I play you any more such tricks, you will not -keep me, as we agreed when you engaged me." - -"Certainly not," said I. - -"We will begin fresh to-day; but yesterday, you see, governor, the -temptation was too strong for me. When I saw my old comrades Riflard and -Franc Chatbeau, Panaudet, et la cantiniere--Beni Zoug Zoug--des vieux -amis de la tente, with whom I had braved all dangers, and so few of us -left--not more than fourteen or fifteen of our company--why, voyez-vous, -it carried me away, and I could not help standing the picton (which -means something to drink), like a Frenchman and a man. And what a fine -lass la petite Mere Jouvin is! Don't she look well in her Zouave dress?" - -"Certainly, but did she go to the trenches?" - -"Of course she did. She was on duty last night. Her husband goes one -night, and she the other." - -"Did you see her this morning?" - -"I did. The darling had just returned for more liquor. She told me they -had a kind of sortie, and for twenty minutes were peppering one another -like fun, and no mistake. Rabbit-shooting, governor--rabbit-shooting! We -lost about seventeen men, besides the wounded. But that's nothing. Last -year I saw three times as many knocked over in a sort of skirmish which -only lasted ten minutes. We were half frozen and partly starved; and -hundreds were found dead or nearly frozen, lying under shelter of those -who had been shot, endeavouring to warm themselves before the bodies got -cool." - -"Pray, Bornet, don't recall those things to my mind: they are too -painful; but, after all, are only the chances of war, and must be -endured." - -"Well, governor," said he, while cording a large box, "you have gained -the esteem of the 3rd Zouaves; and should you require the services of -the whole regiment, could it be spared, you would have them, including -la petite Mere Jouvin." - -In uttering the last word he gave an extra pull at the rope, which -caused it to break, and bang went my Zouave flat upon his back. A -general laugh was heard upon deck. He picked himself up quickly, and, -rubbing his back, said, "By the explosion of a thousand shells, here is -a stunning piece of straw." - -A gentleman present asked him if he had hurt himself. "Very well," he -replied, being all the English he knew, except "yes" and "no." - -Seeing everybody laugh, he went on working at the box, and singing his -favourite refrain-- - - J'aime le vin, l'amour et la gaite, - Les plaisirs, la gloire, - Et je suis, sans vanite, - L'enfant de la gaite. - -I perceived some spots of blood on his shirt-sleeve, and pointed them -out to him. "Oh," said he, "that's no novelty. I've seen a sample of my -blood before this, many times." - -On pulling up his sleeve, we found a deep scratch in his arm, from which -the blood flowed pretty freely. - -"You had better have it attended to," said I. - -"Bah! bah! nonsense! We Zouaves never trouble any one, particularly the -doctor, about such trifles. Be kind enough to tie my pocket-handkerchief -round it." - -This done, he kept at his work. Thus I discovered the determined -character of these wild soldiers. They made up their minds to care for -nothing--were ready either to fight or sing--be out all night without -sleep, or comfortable under their tents--were content with much to eat -and drink, or little--but so long as they had sufficient to sustain -life, be gay, or at least appear so--never making a direct complaint, -whatever might happen to them. In fact, though French soldiers like the -rest of the army, they had created themselves a body of invincibles, and -a company of very odd fellows, who would at all times much prefer -robbing a man to wronging him; this being one of their mottoes:--"Nous -aimons mieux voler que faire du tort." - -All on board the _Ottawa_ was bustle and confusion. Although not half -unloaded, they were receiving the sick, expecting to sail the same -evening. We were busy removing to the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_. She was a -transport, and full of hospital provisions. Captain Heath advised me to -select her, as she was the vessel likely to remain the longest in -harbour, and I should require a _pied a terre_ in Balaklava. Under the -direction of my Zouave, all our luggage was soon put on board; and about -ten o'clock he was in full dress, it being Sunday. The horses were -ready, and we started for head-quarters. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - -CAMP LIFE AT HEAD-QUARTERS. - - Off to head-quarters--A sensation--Mrs. Seacole's - salutation--General Simpson--An interview--Plans--Invitation to - dinner--Bread-biscuits--Prescribe for the General--General - Eyre--Sir John Jones--The Staff--Conversation--A remarkable - case--The Guards' camp--Return from a funeral--Colonel - Seymour--Dinner at General Simpson's--A Crimean banquet--Arrival of - despatches--A great battle expected--Excitement of my Zouave--A - false alarm--My stoves in use--Success of the plan--Economical - cooking stove for all classes--Interview with Sir Colin - Campbell--Battle of the Tchernaya--Ride with Lord Rokeby--Colonel - Seymour recognised at last--Wounded from the Tchernaya--Timely - succour--Case of two French soldiers--Visit to the - battle-field--Bornet's indignation--Delay--Opening day fixed--Final - preparations. - - -As Bornet was a dashing cavalier and a very good horseman, he created -quite a sensation in Kadikoi, and upon our arrival before the Sardinian -head-quarters, General della Marmora and Staff came upon the balcony to -look at him. He saluted the general, who appeared much surprised to see -a Zouave on horseback in my suite, and not wearing the exact costume of -that corps, as I had made some stylish improvement in it, in order to -distinguish him from the common soldiers. - -As I had to see General Simpson about eleven o'clock, off we went at -full gallop, being rather short of time. Mrs. Seacole, who was at her -door with her daughter Sarah, had only time to call out, "Go it, my -sons!" as we rattled past the house. We arrived in due time, and I saw -Colonel Steele, who told me that General Simpson would be happy to -receive me directly, and at once conducted me to his audience-chamber. -The new Commander-in-chief rose politely as I entered, shook me by the -hand, and invited me to be seated. I had previously left a letter for -him from Lord William Paulet respecting my mission, and I showed two I -had received from the War-office, in which the Minister-at-War expressed -in flattering terms his approbation of them. - -After the usual compliments of a first interview, General Simpson told -me that he had read the letter with great interest, and would give me -all the assistance in his power to enable me to carry out my project, -which was, first, to make a trial before the Commander-in-chief, the -generals and officers of the army, Dr. Hall, &c. &c. If on that occasion -my new system was approved of, it was my intention to introduce the same -for the benefit of the army at large. To this General Simpson gave his -assent, saying, "You have only, Monsieur Soyer, to tell me what you -require." - -"First of all, general, that you should select a spot where the trial -can take place, and name a regiment with which I can begin." - -"You will require a building for your kitchen." - -"Not at all, general--no masons, carpenters, nor engineers. My stoves -are adapted for the open air, to cook in all weathers, and to follow the -army." - -"I am aware of that, as I saw the model when you were here last." - -"Exactly. All I shall require will be three bell-tents for myself and -assistants, as I must reside in the camp." - -"Very well; I will give orders to that effect." - -"I would also recommend you to select a regiment near head-quarters for -your own convenience in visiting and watching the progress of the -kitchens." - -"I think the Guards in the First Division will suit our purpose best. Do -you know where they are?" - -"I do; but perhaps you will be kind enough to send some official with me -to select the spot." - -"We will ride over this afternoon. You had better dine with us this -evening. You know the greater part of the gentlemen of my Staff; and -those you do not, know you." - -"Many thanks, general, for your kind invitation, which I accept with the -greatest pleasure." - -"Have you anything in that parcel to show me?" - -"Yes; one of my new bread-biscuits, which I wish you to taste." - -On opening the parcel, he took it out, saying, "Lord bless you! this -will be too hard for my teeth." - -"Not so hard as you think. It is much softer than the ordinary biscuit -which it is intended to replace. At any rate, it may be issued in turn, -and will afford an excellent change for the troops. I have kept some -above three months, and they are quite good. The Duke of Newcastle -tasted one of them, and was much pleased with it." - -Having broken a piece off and tasted it, the general partook of some and -found it very good, though not nearly so hard as he anticipated. He -declared that it was much more palatable than the common biscuit, and -that he quite enjoyed it. General Simpson was at that time very unwell, -and he seldom ate anything but arrowroot and biscuit soaked in boiling -water. I tasted some of his fare, and found it tolerably good, but not -nutritive enough for a man who worked hard. He informed me that he was -often occupied eight or ten hours a day writing. As his complaint was -diarrhoea, I proposed boiling some plain rice after the receipt given -in Addenda, which was at all times so much approved of by the doctors. -This I did the next day. The general took a great deal of bodily -exercise in the camp and in the trenches. - -On quitting General Simpson, I paid my respects to General Eyre, with -whom I had some business to transact. He was then at the head of the -Ordnance Office, and General Simpson had referred me to him for all I -might require from that department. The general gave me a very kind -reception, and granted all that I required. Having two hours to spare, I -made up my mind to go to the French camp or head-quarters. I had not had -the pleasure of seeing General Pelissier since he received the -appointment of Commander-in-chief. As I was going out, I met General -Jones, the engineer. - -"Do you recollect, Monsieur Soyer, where we met last?" - -Aware that the General--now Sir John Jones--was the siege and trench -engineer, I thought that he referred to my wild expedition when I lost -my way in the blood-stained labyrinth. I was, however, quite mistaken. -He informed me that it was in Ireland, when I opened my kitchens in the -year 1847. I then recollected the circumstance, as I had myself shown -him round the kitchens, and explained the method and the process of -cooking by steam for ten thousand people, if required, with only one -furnace, and by means of steam-pipes connected with a double boiler--a -plan, I believe, still in use in many large governmental and civil -institutions.[19] - -I gave Sir John to understand what great pleasure it afforded me to hear -of such reminiscences, and inquired if he intended to go for a ride as -far as the First Division. - -"No, Monsieur Soyer," said he, "I don't think I can. In fact, I have to -be in the trenches, where I shall be happy to see you when you have -fixed upon the spot for your field-kitchens." - -"I thank you, general, for your kind invitation, but would rather see -you out of them, and a good distance off, particularly as a person is -more exposed to the fire of the enemy on entering or leaving than when -inside." - -Finding that I had hardly time to go as far as the French head-quarters, -I went to the kitchen and inquired what there was for dinner. The _chef_ -was named Nicolo, and had lived with Sir George Brown. - -The horses were at the door in readiness for the general. All the Staff -were in attendance before the house, some sitting on the steps, others -standing. Among them were Generals Barnard and Airey, Colonels Steele -and Blane, Captains Colville, Lindsay, &c., with whom I conversed upon -various matters, especially upon my long stay at the Reform Club. -General Barnard, as usual, was very talkative and witty. - -When Colonel Steele saw General Simpson coming, he called to me to -mount, and a few minutes after we set off to the First Division. On our -way, we conversed upon various topics, particularly respecting a poor -fellow named Harvey, who had been shot in his tent during the night. A -ball from one of the enemy's long-rangers had fractured both his legs, -and he died a few hours after receiving the wound. The most remarkable -part of the occurrence, as I told the General, was this:--The person who -usually occupied the spot got drunk the night before, and was put in the -guard-house: this saved his life. The ball made a hole about two feet -deep at the very spot where he generally slept, every inch of room being -turned to account in the tents. He must have been smashed to atoms, had -he been there. The man who was killed had his legs close to this spot, -and the shot falling in a slanting direction, cut them both off. The -general said he had heard that a man had been killed during the night, -but that he was not aware of the circumstances. - -"On my way to the General Hospital," I continued, "in the morning, I saw -the tent and the place where the cannon-ball fell. I have the piece of -canvas the shot passed through; it was given me by Dr. Taylor of the -Third Division, who took me to see it. It bears the name of the man -killed and the date of the accident. The doctor, after cutting out the -piece which was hanging to the tent, wrote the particulars upon it -himself. I will show it to you this evening, general. My man has the -relic with him." - -Some officers came and conversed with the general for a short time while -we were before the Guards' camp. On the esplanade the men were parading -for the trenches; there might have been four companies. The general -spoke to the commanding officers, and they all started. A detachment of -the Scots Fusiliers, headed by a band of music playing a lively tune, -were returning from the funeral of one of their officers. This scene -made a singular impression upon me. I was, in the first place, struck at -seeing those fine fellows going, some probably to their doom--for who -could tell how many would get back safely?--and in the second place, at -the sight of the return of the funeral, playing such a joyous strain. -This I learned, upon inquiry, was always the case after interring the -corpse and leaving the cemetery. One company had not started for the -trenches. It was commanded by Colonel Seymour of the Guards, now -aide-de-camp to H.R.H. Prince Albert. General Simpson, who had been some -time talking with that officer, said to me, "Monsieur Soyer, here is -Colonel Seymour, who will render you any assistance you may require." - -"Much obliged, general." - -"Oh," said the colonel, "Monsieur Soyer and myself are old -acquaintances. I often paid you a visit at the Reform Club." - -"Indeed, colonel!" - -"Certainly--very often." - -Though the face was well known to me, I could not for the life of me -recognise the colonel, he had such a large beard and mustachios. General -Simpson then left us together, and I observed that I should give him as -little trouble as possible, but for a short time should require all his -kind assistance for the opening of my kitchen. - -"You may depend upon me, Monsieur Soyer," he said,--"that is, if I -return safe from the trenches." - -"I sincerely hope you may." - -"No one can tell. Thank God, I have been very fortunate so far." - -"I hope that you will continue to be so." - -We made an appointment. He started on horseback at the head of his men. -I was introduced to numerous other officers by the general, and -afterwards by the colonel, with many of whom I had the honour of being -previously acquainted. Having selected a spot on the esplanade facing -the centre avenue which divided the Coldstreams from the Scots -Fusiliers, I returned alone to head-quarters, it being then nearly -dinner-time. My Zouave had got back from Balaklava, whither I had sent -him to fetch my evening dress, in which I immediately attired myself, as -dinner was upon the table. We sat down about twelve in number. As I was -nearly opposite General Simpson, I had the opportunity of conversing -with him upon various subjects. For a Crimean dinner, it was a very good -one indeed. Colonel Steele and Captain Colville, who were sitting next -me, attributed it to my presence, and said that the cook--Nicolo--had -certainly distinguished himself upon the occasion. - -"I am much pleased," I replied, "to be the cause of so great an -improvement in the culinary department, and hope for the future the -Commander-in-chief will avail himself of my influence by often inviting -me to dine at head-quarters." - -After dinner, the evening passed very merrily, and the general cordially -joined in the fun, though he seemed full of business, leaving the table -several times to write despatches in his cabinet. We were smoking on the -balcony at the back of the house, facing the vineyard, when the general -returned from one of his short excursions, and I showed him the piece of -canvas which I had obtained from my Zouave. - -"Had the ball," I said, "fallen upon a stone, or anything offering -resistance, it might have killed twenty men, as it fell in the thickest -part of the Third Division. The deep hole it made in the tent was as -polished and hard as the interior of a marble mortar. This was no doubt -caused by the rapid revolutions of the ball in burying itself before its -force was spent. I noticed this whilst looking at the cavity; and the -men who were lying in the tent were of my opinion, and assured me that -it kept making a tremendous noise for some time after its fall." - -While we were engaged in conversation I believe that another despatch -arrived, for the general and some of his Staff were called out. Observe, -reader, that for a full hour the cannon and mortars had not ceased -roaring throughout the camps, continually vomiting forth death and -destruction on every side; yet every one present, I as well as the -rest, appeared quite indifferent to that mournful noise. We were, -however, soon awakened by the fierce rattling of the fusillade. All -listened attentively, but without moving from their seats. A message -from the general and fresh orders caused us to break up the party. I was -leaving the house, intending to return to Balaklava, when I met Major -Lindsey, one of the aides-de-camp of General Simpson, entering with, I -believe, another despatch. He asked me where I was going to sleep: I -answered, at Balaklava. - -"Oh, nonsense! don't go away. We are all ordered for half-past three in -the morning. A great battle is expected, as the Russians are going to -attack us upon a fresh point. I will give you a plank and a blanket in -my room to lie upon for an hour or so." - -I accepted his kind offer, and he left me. When I informed my Zouave of -the anticipated battle, - -"By Jove!" said he, "I hope they will give me a gun and sword to go and -fight. I shall make a busy day of it. I smell powder. Pray, governor, do -beg of the general to let me go with them." - -The fellow had taken a drop too much, and he went on like a madman--no -one could check him. We retired to our hospitable abode, and I went to -sleep; but the mad Zouave was anywhere and everywhere. At three o'clock -I awoke. The general and his Staff started--the cannonade was going on -fiercely, but no fusillade was heard. At seven the general and all -returned; and it was, as he said, a false alarm. - -My Zouave returned at eight, loaded with provisions, which he told me he -had borrowed of some fellows he had found fast asleep. We arrived on -board the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_ about ten, faint with fatigue and -hunger, having had no breakfast. - -Such was camp-life at head-quarters. It was like swimming between life -and death. No one seemed to apprehend the least danger, while a -successful sortie on the part of the enemy would have placed every one's -life in the greatest peril. So much for the unprofitable business of -war! - -Having fixed upon a spot for my kitchen, I immediately sent the stoves -to the camp. As they happened to be close to the railway, they arrived -early the next morning. In the course of the day I reached my field of -battle, and to my great surprise found--what? Why, all my battery firing -for the support of the Highland Brigade. The stoves had arrived early -enough for the men to use them in cooking their dinners. Though I had -given special orders that no one should meddle with them until I -arrived, it gave me great pleasure to find that the men were using them -to the best advantage and without instruction. In the first place, they -could not possibly burn more than twenty pounds of wood in cooking for a -hundred men, instead of several hundredweight, which was the daily -consumption. Although I had not given them my receipts, they found they -could cook their rations with more ease, and hoped they should soon have -them for every-day use, instead of the small tin camp-kettles, and their -open-air system of cooking. The process was very unsatisfactory, being -dependent upon good, bad, or indifferent weather, and the fuel was often -wet and difficult to ignite. Colonel Seymour, whom I invited to see the -men using the stoves without tuition from me or anybody else, can -testify to the accuracy of this fact, having witnessed the process and -interrogated them upon the subject. - -My reason, reader, for relating this circumstance, is because it -afforded me an assurance that I could render service to the army, and -that my exertions were of some use. I saw even further than that; for I -inferred that if a soldier, who is not a cooking animal, being paid for -other purposes--and that talent a peculiar gift conferred in a greater -or less degree upon humanity--could without trouble or instruction cook -well in the open air and in all weathers, the stoves would certainly be -useful in all establishments, from a cottage to a college. I do not say -anything of their use in hospitals, because they had been tried in those -establishments with full success, as far as military cooking was -concerned. The idea of connecting baking, roasting, boiling and steaming -crossed my mind; and this, I felt with confidence, would render them -beneficial and useful to the public at large. This idea I at once -communicated to the makers, and they have already acted upon my -suggestion. I resolved upon my return to England to bring them out at as -cheap a rate as possible for the use of small or large families. A -really useful and economical cooking stove is as much wanted in England -as sunshine on a November day--a stove by which all the usual domestic -cooking can be carried on, without having recourse to bricks and mortar, -and chimney-sweeps. Smoky chimneys, as well as other minor nuisances too -numerous to mention, would be thus avoided. Twelve pounds of coal, or -fifteen pounds of coke, will cook for one hundred men. - -"War," said I to myself, "is the evil genius of a time; but good food -for all is a daily and a paramount necessity." These reflections led to -a further communication with Messrs. Smith and Phillips, of Snow-hill. I -took out a patent for the stoves. This I did not like to do before I had -introduced them to the Government, as every one would have supposed that -I wished to make money by the patent. The object of a patent, after such -a decided success, was to secure the solidity and perfection of the -article. As it was difficult to make, and certain to be badly imitated, -my reputation must have suffered. Instead of being expensive, they will -be sold at a reasonable price, sufficient to repay the manufacturers, -and to leave a fair profit; thus placing them within the reach of -all--the million as well as the millionaire. - -As the Highlanders had already used the stoves, I changed my plan, and -instead of placing them between the Guards' camp, thought it would be -better to have them in the centre of the Highland Brigade, as near as -possible to Sir Colin Campbell's head-quarters, which would enable him -to watch the proceedings without trouble. For this purpose, I went to -his quarters, and was told that the best time to see him was from eight -till nine in the morning at the latest. Next morning I was on my way to -the Scotch camp by seven o'clock. I saw Colonel Stirling, Sir Colin's -private secretary, who informed me that Sir Colin would be happy to -receive me. My reception by that brave and illustrious general was -highly gratifying to my feelings. - -"Welcome, Monsieur Soyer!" exclaimed the general, as I entered his tent. -He shook me by the hand, with a smile on his face which one could see -came from the heart. The fine long beard which then adorned his visage -could only be portrayed by a Rembrandt or a Titian. The amiable and fine -qualities of that noble-hearted general, so well known to every -Englishman, made me feel proud of being so cordially received by one the -pride of his country. - -"How are you, Monsieur Soyer?" - -"Never better, general," was my answer. "I am happy to see you are -enjoying good health." - -"Thank God, I am. Be seated, and tell me what I can do for you." - -"I shall esteem it a great favour, general, if you will allow me to -place my new field-stoves in your brigade, instead of on the esplanade. -Your men have, unknown to me, commenced cooking with them; and as they -already know how to use them, I should prefer leaving them in their -hands." - -"Very well, Monsieur Soyer; select the spot, and Colonel Stirling will -give you all the assistance you may require." - -"Thank you, general; but I must observe that this is only a trial, and -they will be removed so soon as the Commander-in-chief has seen them in -use, and decided upon their merits." - -After taking some refreshment, kindly offered by the general, I went to -Colonel Stirling, and informed him of the general's decision. He -promised to have everything ready to commence operations the next -morning. - -The following day I was out very early at the Inkermann heights, with a -numerous party, looking towards the Tchernaya Bridge. It was the 16th of -August, the day of that memorable battle, which does not require a -description on my part. From four till eight that morning I looked on, -and saw the retreat of the Russians and the triumph of the French and -Sardinians. - -On my return, I had the pleasure of riding with Lord Rokeby, who was on -his way to his quarters to give some important orders. I had a very -interesting conversation with his lordship, who explained the plan of -the battle--how it commenced and ended, with the probable loss on both -sides. He had been up all night: reinforcements were pouring in from all -directions of the Allied camps, with the cavalry, then commanded by -General Scarlett, as another attack was expected. Near Lord Rokeby's -quarters we met Colonel Seymour, who gave him a despatch, whereupon the -former immediately left us. The colonel rode with me some distance, -giving me more details respecting the engagement. He then remarked that -I had not called the day before, according to promise. I told him that I -had been detained later than I anticipated: I also mentioned my -interview with Sir Colin Campbell. He said-- - -"You have done well, Monsieur Soyer; but of course I shall not be able -to do so much for you, as I am in another brigade: however, I will do my -utmost." He then observed, "I believe, though I was introduced to you -the other day by General Simpson, you do not recollect me." - -"To be frank with you, colonel, I must acknowledge that your face is -very familiar, but I cannot recal where I had the pleasure of seeing you -before." - -"You will remember me, when I tell you I have been many times in your -kitchen at the Reform Club. Do you recollect me now?" - -This explanation not having enlightened me, he continued-- - -"It was I--then Captain Seymour--who accompanied the Prince of Prussia, -the Duke of Saxe-Coburg, the Grand Duke Michael, the Princess Clementina -of France, and his Royal Highness Prince Albert, whose aide-de-camp I -was for several years." - -It was not until he said this that I recalled the colonel's face, as he -had been completely metamorphosed from the drawing-room dandy to a -fierce and war-worn warrior. I was now much delighted to find so firm a -supporter of my undertaking. I could not, however, account for the -sudden change in his appearance since I had seen him at the Reform Club. - -I went to see Colonel Stirling, though not expecting to find him or Sir -Colin in the camp, when, by chance, he returned, having important -business to transact. Upon seeing me, he said-- - -"Ah, Monsieur Soyer, you have selected a very glorious day for the -commencement of your hostilities; but I regret I shall not be able to -assist you, as we do not know how this affair will be decided." - -"You do not for a moment suppose, colonel, that I would intrude upon -your valuable time on such an occasion? Having slept in camp, I only -called _en passant_. Good-morning, colonel." - -"Good-day, Soyer. I would advise you to call to-morrow." - -Having given a look at my Highlanders' cooking, and tasted some coffee -which they had prepared for breakfast according to my receipt, I -retired, much pleased with their success. - -I remained at the camp till nearly three in the afternoon. About one, a -long train of mules made their appearance, bearing wounded French and -Russian soldiers--the latter prisoners. About twenty were wounded; the -rest followed the mournful procession. Assisted by a few of my men, I -gave them some wine, brandy, porter, &c.--in fact, whatever we could get -at the canteen--which seemed to afford them much relief. I of course -treated the wounded Russians in the same manner as the French; though -two refused to take anything, fearing poison. - -Not doubting that many more would pass, as I had some provisions in a -tent for the opening of my kitchens, I made some sago jelly, with wine, -calves'-foot jelly, &c., which unfortunately was not used, as the other -prisoners went by a different road, though taken to the General -Hospital at the French head-quarters. Upon leaving, I ordered my men to -be on the look-out, and if any wounded or prisoners came by, to offer -them some refreshment. - -Just as I was going, I perceived a few mules approaching the Guards' -camp. As they advanced, I and one of my men went towards some of the -wounded with a basin of sago in hand, saying, this was a sort of -half-way ambulance, where they might obtain all they might require. I -was aware that some of the Russian prisoners in the first convoy would -not accept any refreshment, for fear of being poisoned, of course not -knowing better. The case of two poor French soldiers I cannot pass in -silence. One had been severely wounded in the head, and was almost in a -state of insensibility; the other had had his leg amputated on the field -of battle. The first, after taking a few spoonfuls of the hot sago, -asked for a drop of brandy, saying he felt faint. The conductor at first -objected to this, but upon my asking him to take a glass with me and the -patient, he agreed that it would do him no harm if it did him no -good--adding, that very likely he would not survive the day. Having -mixed it with water, he drank it, and thanked me warmly. The other was -an officer. After giving him some wine-jelly, I conversed with him. - -"How good this jelly is!" said he, in French; "pray give me another -spoonful or two, if you have it to spare." - -Having done this, he said that he suddenly felt very thirsty. This was, -no doubt, owing to the loss of blood. I gave him some lemonade. He drank -above a pint, and felt more composed, and proceeded to the hospital, -near the English head-quarters. I accompanied him, and he told me that -his leg had just been amputated; and, with tears in his eyes, added, in -a low voice, "All I regret is, that my military career should have ended -so soon. I am but thirty years of age, and have only been two months in -the Crimea." - -"My dear friend," I replied, to cheer him, "many thousands have done -less, and died; but you will survive, and be rewarded for your gallant -service--you belong to a nation which can appreciate noble devotion." - -"Ah!" said he, "you have done me a deal of good, no matter who you are; -if my life is spared, I beg you will let me see or hear from you." - -Though he gave me his name, not having my pocket-book with me, I could -not make a note of it. Some time after, I visited the hospital, in -company with Dr. Wyatt of the Coldstream Guards. We learnt that the man -who had been wounded in the head had died, but that the officer whose -leg had been amputated had been sent home to France. - -About six in the evening, I and my Zouave visited the field of battle. -The sight was indeed a melancholy one. The French and Sardinians were -busily engaged burying their dead, as well as those of the enemy, but -were compelled to desist several times in consequence of the Russian -cannonade from the heights. - -Bornet, my Zouave, perceiving that the Russians were firing upon the -Allies while burying their dead, got in such a towering passion, that I -thought he would have gone alone and taken the Russian batteries. I had -great difficulty in getting him home, for, as I have before said, the -smell of gunpowder was to him like the scent of a rat to a terrier. - -On arriving on board the _Baraguay d'Hilliers_, we learnt from the -captain that he was to take his departure in a few days, at which I was -very sorry, not having opened my kitchen, nor being as yet installed in -the camp. I applied to the harbour-master, who advised me to choose the -_Edward_; as she was a transport and laden with hospital stores, she was -likely to remain longest in harbour. - -I was at this time busily engaged pitching my tents in the camp. The -opening of my kitchen was delayed in consequence of the troops being on -duty at the Tchernaya. This lasted for about ten days, when it was -rumoured that Sir Colin Campbell wished to remove his camp to Kamara, in -order to be nearer the spot at which it was supposed the expected -attack would take place. I therefore pitched my tent on the spot I had -at first selected. The day for my opening ceremony was fixed upon by -General Simpson; and my friend Colonel Seymour very kindly assisted me -in many ways, and even wrote letters of invitation to the colonels and -officers of the different regiments. I was anxious for them to give -their approval or non-approval of the method. Two days before, Colonel -Seymour and myself had settled everything to our satisfaction, and -wishing to make a kind of _fete champetre_ of the opening day, we -applied at proper quarters for a band of music, which was granted. - -My opening day was the one fixed upon for the distribution of the Order -of the Bath. In parting from the colonel, he observed, "Well, Monsieur -Soyer, I think we shall make a good thing of this, unless something -happens to me in the trenches to-night. I am just going there." - -These words were said in as light-hearted a manner as though he was -going to a ball, and passed from my mind as quickly. The gallant colonel -was then going perhaps for the hundredth time to his dangerous and -uncertain duty. - -I returned to Balaklava for the last time previous to taking up my -permanent residence at the camp. I had settled all to my entire -satisfaction. With Sir George Maclean, the Commissary-General, I had -arranged respecting the quantity of rations required for a certain -number of men; with Mr. Fitzgerald, the Deputy Purveyor-in-chief, for -the fresh meat; and with the butcher for a supply of four ox-heads and -six ox-feet, out of the number he daily buried. I placed all my people -in their different stations according to merit and qualification. I -obtained from Major Mackenzie, through the kindness of Sir Thomas Eyre, -the Ordnance Master, some wood and four carpenters to put up some tables -and a few benches, and ordered from Messrs. Crockford, at Donnybrook, a -certain quantity of wines and refreshments worthy of the illustrious -guests I was about to receive. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVIII. - -MY GREAT FIELD DAY. - - Invitations--Colonel Seymour's kindness--He is wounded--Visit to - the disabled officer--Desertions--Tents pitched at last--A gay - scene--Bill of fare--My reception commences--The new - stoves--Process of tasting--The fair sex--Arrival of the Allied - generals and their staff--A luncheon _al fresco_--General Barnard's - _bon-mot_--Inspection of the stoves--Influx of visitors--Letters - from the Allied commanders--Interview with Sir Edmund - Lyons--Meeting of generals--Plans discussed--Various - messes--Colonel Handcock and his lady--A sad change--An - experiment--Colonel Daniell's letter--A regimental kitchen. - - -My gallant master of the ceremonies, Colonel Seymour, had kindly taken -the most important part of my duty off my hands, by inviting all the -heads of the military and medical authorities, with a great number of -whom, in consequence of my short stay in the Crimea, I was not yet, or, -at least, only partially acquainted. I had now removed to the _Edward_, -and also left her, but still kept, if not a _pied a terre_ (as we say in -French), at least a _pied sur mer_, for myself and people, in case I -should require to go to Balaklava and stay there for the night. - -This was on the 26th of August, 1855--the 27th was to be the opening -day. All my people had left for the camp, with arms and baggage. I was -certain of success and without the slightest anxiety. On arriving at my -field of operations, I learnt, to my deep sorrow, that my right hand, -Colonel Seymour, had, during the night, been dangerously wounded in the -trenches. I immediately went to his quarters to ascertain the nature of -his wound. His servant told me, that for the present no one could tell; -he had been struck by the splinter of a shell at the back of the neck, -and lost a great deal of blood. The doctor then came out and informed me -that the wound was not so bad as had been at first anticipated. His -servant announced me, and although very weak, the colonel begged I would -enter his tent. He was lying upon the ground upon a blanket, covered -with another, and his military cloak over that. His head was bandaged -with a turban of white linen stained with blood. His first words were, -"Monsieur Soyer, you see what has happened at last. I much regret it, as -I shall not be able to perform my promise to you respecting your -opening." - -"Never mind, colonel; don't let us talk about that subject now, but -about yourself." - -"Well," he replied, "the doctor has just been, and says that the wound -is not mortal, nor even so dangerous as he at first anticipated." - -"Colonel, you want repose, so I will retire." - -"There is no occasion for that, Monsieur Soyer; I feel strong again. -When I was struck, I did not feel the wound, and fell immediately, -remaining for some time insensible, the wound, as the doctor says, -having acted upon the brain." - -"Don't exert yourself, my dear colonel, by talking. Thank God it is no -worse. I will go and send you some lemonade. I have asked the doctor -what was best for you, and am happy to say I have some ice." - -"Many thanks for your kind attention, Monsieur Soyer." - -I then retired. Upon reaching my kitchen, I found that no one had yet -arrived. The four carpenters had left me in the lurch, having run away -in the night, and abandoned their work, after stealing all they could -from the tents. Mr. Doyne, the chief of the Army Works Corps, kindly -supplied me with workmen, and offered to lend me, for a few days, as -many tents as I required. As the weather was then intensely hot, I -accepted his offer, and requested the loan of a large marquee, under -which a couple of hundred people could stand. Captain Gordon lent me two -smaller ones, and by the evening they were pitched, and my provisions -had all arrived, and my people were at their posts. I much regretted -that many persons of distinction were not invited, in consequence of the -unfortunate accident to Colonel Seymour, which happened before he had -sent out all the invitations. At all events, the day, though fixed at -hazard, turned out extremely well adapted for the reception of a large -party. - -Early in the morning the camp seemed full of life and gaiety. Mounted -officers in full uniform might be seen rushing about in all directions; -bands were playing, regiments filing past, and everything bearing the -appearance of a great festival. I set cheerfully to work, and, in spite -of difficulties which can only be understood by those who have been in -the Crimea, I succeeded in getting all in tolerably good order for my -great martial banquet _al fresco_. I made several messes with the -soldiers' rations, and at the same expense, though I had introduced -sauce and ingredients which could easily be added to the army stores -without increasing the cost, thus making a nice variation in the meals, -so important to the health of a large body of men like the army or navy, -to the latter of which it is as easily applicable as the former. - -The bill of fare consisted of plain boiled salt beef; ditto, with -dumplings; plain boiled salt pork; ditto, with peas-pudding; stewed salt -pork and beef, with rice; French pot-au-feu; stewed fresh beef, with -potatoes; mutton, ditto, with haricot beans; ox-cheek and ox-feet soups; -Scotch mutton-broth; common curry, made with fresh and salt beef. (See -receipts in Addenda.) - -By three o'clock my guests began to arrive. The stoves were in the open -air, placed in a semicircle, and, though in a state of ebullition, no -one could perceive that any cooking was going on, except on raising the -lids. A material point I had in view was that no fire should be seen -when used in the trenches. A common table, made of a few boards, and -garnished with soldiers' tin plates, iron forks and spoons, composed my -open-air dining-room. - -About four o'clock my reception commenced. Lord Rokeby, accompanied by -several French officers in full dress, was the first to honour me with -a visit. This gave me an opportunity of fully explaining to him and his -friends the plan and construction of the apparatus, as well as its -simplicity, cleanliness, and great economy in the consumption of fuel. -At the same time, I showed with what ease and certainty the men could -regulate the heat and prepare the new receipts--which will be found at -the end of this work. - -I must also observe, for the information of those who only saw them upon -that occasion, that the stoves, having been made for the General -Hospital, were too large and heavy for campaigning. That I might lose no -time in making my trial before the authorities, I used them upon that -occasion, as the process was the same as regards cooking in those as in -the smaller ones. The sole difference was in the size, as it was -understood that two would cook for a company of one hundred and twenty -men, and might be carried by one mule while on march, with sufficient -dry wood inside for the next day's cooking. This was of the utmost -importance, in order to ensure the regularity of the soldier's meal, -which ought always to be ready at the minute fixed by the rules of the -service. - -Thus I had surmounted every difficulty by the invention of this -apparatus. In addition to its simplicity and economy, it had the merit -of making cooks of soldiers, of which they had previously neither the -inclination nor the chance. Smaller stoves on the same principle were -also to be provided for picket and outpost duty, as first suggested to -me by Lord Raglan. After giving the foregoing information to my -illustrious visitors, we passed to the grand process of tasting the -various messes. They all gave perfect satisfaction. - -By this time several hundred visitors had made their appearance, and gay -and animated was the scene. All present were in the same costume as that -in which they appeared at the grand chivalric ceremony which had taken -place at head-quarters--the installation of the Order of the Bath. I was -also highly favoured, I may say, by the presence of a charming group of -the fair sex, about ten in number, escorted by their cavaliers. After -taking some refreshment under the monster tent, they came to add their -charms to the martial banquet, and taste with gusto the rough food of -the brave. I had nothing out of doors to offer their delicate palates -but the soldiers' rations, transmogrified in various ways. My task now -became extremely difficult. The crowd was so great, that my batteries -were quite taken by storm (_de cuisine_, of course). Refreshments of all -kinds were distributed pretty freely throughout the day. The band in -attendance was ordered to play, and struck up "Partant pour la Syrie." -All were immediately on the _qui vive_, when Captain Colville galloped -up to me, and said-- - -"General Simpson has sent me to inform you that General Pelissier and -himself will be here in a few minutes." - -A gorgeous cavalcade was soon seen in the distance. It consisted of the -Allied Generals and Staff, and a numerous suite. General Pelissier -alighted from his carriage, and joined General Simpson. I went and met -the distinguished visitors, who had come from head-quarters after the -ceremony of the distribution of the Order of the Bath by Lord Stratford -de Redcliffe. - -Upon the arrival of the generals, the band continued playing "Partant -pour la Syrie." The cannon of Sebastopol appeared to redouble its -roar--so much so, that General Pelissier, with a smile, called General -Simpson's attention to the fact: added to which, the hundreds of -uniforms, cocked hats and feathers--French, English, and Sardinian--gave -full effect to the lively scene. - -In course of conversation, General Simpson said, "Monsieur Soyer,--Lord -Stratford de Redcliffe, in reply to your letter, sends his compliments, -and regrets he shall not be able to attend your opening, as he must be -on board the _Caradoc_, now lying in Kamiesch Bay, by five o'clock, on -his way to Constantinople." - -I thanked General Simpson for his kindness in troubling himself about -the message, and the review of my culinary camp, which upon this -occasion was rather extensive, commenced. It comprised four bell-tents, -one marquee, and a large square tent, capable of holding more than two -hundred persons. A luncheon _al fresco_ was served in the camp, and four -of my cooks attended upon the guests. The tops of the tents were -surmounted with flags and garlands of evergreens composed of -vine-leaves; the same were also attached to the posts which supported -the rope forming the limits of the enclosure, giving to the whole a -martial and lively appearance. The weather was so fine that every one -preferred remaining in the open air. - -Generals Pelissier and Simpson proceeded to taste the various articles -of food. The pot-au-feu, or beef-soup, was prepared partly from -ox-heads, which were usually buried, instead of being used as food for -the soldiers, no doubt in consequence of the difficulty of cleaning -them. - -General Pelissier tasted several samples of the pot-au-feu, and, -addressing General Barnard, declared that he felt as interested in this -unexpected exhibition as in the ceremony of the morning. The witty -General Barnard replied, "Your excellency must agree with me that this -day has been remarkably well spent: we devoted the morning to the -_cordon rouge_, and the afternoon to the _cordon bleu_." General -Pelissier much enjoyed the _bon-mot_, and repeated it to the officers of -his Staff, thus creating great hilarity amongst them. - -I requested many of my visitors to taste the different preparations, -and, much to my satisfaction, I believe almost all of them did so, and -expressed their approbation of them. After pointing out the merits of -the stoves to the Commanders-in-chief, I conducted them to the spot -where the Scotch Division formerly cooked their rations in the old tin -camp-kettles. On our way, I observed to General Pelissier that I had -visited the French camp-kitchens, and found their marmites superior to -the English. The soup made by the French soldiers, I said, was very -good. At this the General seemed much pleased. - -The space required for three or four regiments extended about three -hundred and fifty feet in length. A rough wall of loose stones had been -erected by the men to form a screen, which when the regiment moved was, -of course, left behind. The furnaces were also constructed of loose -stones, held together by iron hoops; upon these the tin cans were placed -and the rations cooked. By this plan an immense quantity of wood was -inevitably wasted, and the fires were sometimes extinguished by the -heavy rains. My stoves completely obviated all those previously -insurmountable difficulties. - -Having listened to this explanation, the Commanders-in-chief admitted -the beneficial results and advantages of the stoves. However, General -Simpson observed, that I, of course, applied the contrast to my -advantage; but also said, it was nothing but fair, and I was perfectly -justified in so doing. In the first place, my stoves occupied but little -room, and cooked much better than those formerly in use. The Generals -were so much pleased with them, that before leaving the camp they wrote -the annexed letters in my album. The same evening I received one from -the War-office, relative to my success in the hospitals at Scutari, -which I also append. - -The Allied Generals remained with me above an hour. This gave me an -excellent opportunity of conversing with General Pelissier, who minutely -described camp life in Algeria, after which the General and Staff -retired. As it was then nearly seven o'clock, a great number of officers -followed. No less than eight hundred or a thousand persons of -distinction visited the kitchens during the day: many were not invited, -in consequence of the unfortunate accident to Colonel Seymour. About -nine all was over, and the band played "God save the Queen." - -Nothing could have succeeded better than this opening, a drawing of -which appeared in the _Illustrated News_ of September 22nd, 1855. - - - -_General Pelissier's Letter._ - - J'ai eu le plaisir, le vingt-sept Aout, 1855, de visiter - l'etablissement culinaire de Monsieur Soyer, et j'ai ete bien - satisfait de ce que j'y ai vu; j'ai ete frappe surtout de - l'economie de temps et de chauffage apporte dans l'alimentation des - troupes. Les chaudieres paraissent bien entendues; j'ai tout goute, - et a tout, je le reconnais, j'ai trouve un gout excellent et - tres-appetissant. - -GENERAL A. PELISSIER. - - - -[Illustration: OPENING OF SOYER'S FIELD KITCHEN BEFORE SEBASTOPOL.] - - -_General Simpson's Letter._ - -CAMP BEFORE SEBASTOPOL, _31st August, 1855_. - - I had much pleasure in visiting Monsieur Soyer's field-kitchen last - Monday, the 27th instant. I there saw several excellent soups made - from ration meat, compressed vegetables, and other things within - reach of the soldier's means, and cooked with very little fuel. I - consider Monsieur Soyer is taking great pains in devoting his time - and great talents to the good of our military service, especially - in the field, and I wish him every possible success and honourable - reward. - -JAMES SIMPSON, -_General Commanding_. - - - - -WAR-OFFICE, _6th August, 1855_. - - SIR,--I am directed to acknowledge the receipt, on the 2nd ultimo, - of your report upon the culinary department of the hospitals in the - East; and, in returning the thanks of the Secretary-at-War, to - acquaint you, that he recognises, with the greatest satisfaction, - the exertions you have made and are still making for the benefit of - the army in the field, and also of the sick and wounded in the - several hospitals. - -I am, Sir, your obedient servant, -FRED. J. PRESCOTT. - -M. Soyer, Scutari. - - - -About the 5th of September, I was at head-quarters, when who should walk -in but Sir Edmund Lyons! I had not had the pleasure of seeing him -before, and I took this opportunity of introducing myself, and informing -the Commander of the British Fleet in the Black Sea, that I was very -anxious to pay my respectful compliments to him. - -Upon this, Sir Edmund Lyons, with the kindest feeling, at once offered -me his hand, saying, "Monsieur Soyer, I assure you I am delighted to -make your acquaintance. You are doing much good for our brave soldiers; -but you must not forget our worthy sailors. Come and see us on board the -_Albert_; you will be well received and quite welcome. I have heard much -about your field-kitchens, and it was only the other day I was reading a -very important complimentary letter which General Pelissier had written -in their favour." - -"He did me that honour, admiral, and he seemed highly gratified." - -"I can assure you he was, Monsieur Soyer, for I heard him say so." - -A few days after the grand opening ceremony, a meeting took place, by -order of the Minister-at-War and General Simpson, to consider the -possibility of supplying a pint of hot soup to the men in the trenches -during the winter. The meeting was held at Lord Rokeby's head-quarters, -on the 3rd or 4th of September. I was ordered to be present. On my way -there I had the pleasure of meeting General Barnard, who in his humorous -manner addressed me thus:-- - -"Hallo, General Soyer! I'm not so much behind as I thought; for you are -only just going to the general meeting, or the meeting of generals." - -"You are right, general," I replied. "Thank you for the noble title you -have bestowed upon me, and at the seat of war too." - -"The fact is, I understood the meeting was to be held at head-quarters, -and went half-way there, when I met some officers who told me it was to -be at Lord Rokeby's. But they cannot proceed without you, general. Never -mind, Soyer, we are only a few minutes behind time." - -When we arrived, the Board was sitting. Sir Colin Campbell had sent a -message, stating that some important duties would prevent his -attendance. The proceedings then commenced, and the order was read by -General Bentinck; which, as far as I can recollect, was worded thus:-- - - Lord Panmure, the Minister-at-War, anxious for the comfort of the - troops in the Crimea, is desirous that, if possible, every man in - the trenches should be supplied with a basin of hot soup during the - winter nights; the allowance of rum to be, in consequence, either - diminished or entirely withheld. His lordship believing Monsieur - Soyer to be still in the Crimea, requests the Board to inquire of - him if such would be practicable. - -I at once replied that it could be done, and without difficulty, for any -number of men, by the application of my field-stoves. This answer met -with the general approbation of the assembled Board. I next remarked -that the stoves might be placed in the trenches, even in front of the -enemy, as not a spark of fire could be seen either by day or night while -they were in use. This point having been satisfactorily settled, the -question of taking away or reducing the quantity of rum was seriously -debated. General Eyre was of opinion that the men would not like to part -with any portion of their rum. Generals Bentinck, Rokeby, &c., were in -favour of giving the soup as an addition, and allowing the rum to be -issued as usual. It struck me that by giving only half a gill of rum the -other half would almost entirely cover the expense of the soup, if -economically managed. I also proposed another plan, which was to give -less rum and less than a pint of soup, which was discussed. - -When the inquiry was over, I said--"Gentlemen, I shall feel obliged if -you will favour me with a visit to my field kitchen. I have made several -experiments in diets for you to taste, and if you approve of them, have -no doubt, when you know the cost, you will be able to settle the -question of supplying soup in the trenches with more certainty." - -All present agreed, excepting General Eyre, who was of opinion that what -he as a soldier had for so many years found answer for the men, would -answer now; nor did he see why the soldiers should live better than -himself. "I should be very happy," said he, "to improve the daily food -of the troops, but do not like anything to be overdone. I like judicious -discipline in all things." - -Though I must frankly admit I was anything but enchanted with the -general's way of thinking at first, I could not but admire the latter -part of his argument, which was as sincere as it was severe. - -Several debates took place upon the subject, and, after a little -persuasion, I induced them all to come, and taste the samples I had -prepared for their inspection. I proudly led my very select cavalcade -towards my batteries, which upon that occasion were in charge of the -troops. I had only given the written receipts for them to act upon, and -charged a sergeant to watch over them, and see that the proportions in -the receipts were properly attended to. An infallible plan of ensuring -success at all times is to appoint a man of superior grade as -overlooker. One to each regiment would be sufficient. - -Upon our arrival we found everything in perfect order: the stoves were -clean, the contents properly cooked, and the consumption of fuel four -hundred per cent. less than in the usual way. Only five different messes -were prepared upon this occasion--viz., ox-head soup, stewed fresh beef, -Scotch hodge-podge of mutton, salt pork and beef with dumplings. -Everything was done to perfection. After carefully explaining the -process to Generals Eyre and Bentinck, who were not present on the great -opening day, we sat down to test the quality of the articles. A -sumptuous lunch was displayed from the soldiers' rations--always -excepting the ox heads, which I had obtained from the butcher, as usual, -on the eve of their funeral. With these I made an excellent _pot au -feu_, enough for fifty men. Lord Rokeby was so highly delighted with it, -that he recommended it to all, and requested me to give this receipt, as -well as that for stewed beef, to his cook--for which see Addenda. - -A goblet of Marsala wine, with a lump of ice, terminated this martial -collation under a burning sun, and amid the everlasting roar of the -bombardment of the besieged city. The guests retired, quite satisfied. -Even General Eyre, though still adhering to his opinion that it was too -good for soldiers, and would make them lazy, said, "Soldiers do not -require such good messes as those while campaigning." At which remark -the gentlemen present could not refrain from laughing. - -"Well, general," said I, "your plan has been tried, and, as you -perceive, has not answered. I was therefore obliged to introduce a -simpler style, by which soldiers might cook with pleasure and less -difficulty, and, having once learnt, always will cook properly, and with -less trouble. You must also observe, general, that it is with the same -rations as before. And is it not better to make a few good cooks out of -an army than to have an army of bad cooks?" - -By this time the general was on his charger. He said, "We are both -right. For my part, I mean what I say: you will improve the cook, but -spoil the soldier." - -I then thanked them for their gracious condescension, and they started -for their several divisions, promising to let me know their final -decision. - -Amongst the military authorities who visited me that day were General -Scarlett and Staff, Colonel St. George, Colonel Handcock and lady, a -very charming person, and extremely merry. She observed, when I -presented her with some champagne and ice in a large tin goblet, as she -sat upon her horse, "Upon my word, Monsieur Soyer, champagne is better -in tin cups in the Crimea than in crystal goblets in England." - -"I am glad you like it, madam. Shall I offer you another?" - -"No, I thank you." - -"Madam would like to taste some of the men's rations," said Colonel -Handcock. - -"Would you, madam?" - -"Many thanks, Monsieur Soyer. I think not, after the champagne." - -After paying a visit to my abode, my guests departed. - -A few days afterwards, I heard that that poor creature was plunged in -the deepest sorrow. Upon making a chance visit, I could not believe her -to be the same person; the bloom of life appeared to have suddenly -deserted her laughing cheeks, which wore a cadaverous hue. Such was the -effect sorrow soon produced on the appearance of one usually so animated -and full of mirth. (See page 368.) - -As I noticed that the men daily threw the fat away from their salt beef -and pork, the last of which is of first-rate quality, I proposed to -Colonel Daniell, of the Coldstream Guards, to make his men cook for his -regiment, which was agreed upon. He always took great interest in the -welfare of his soldiers and in my culinary proceedings, and I had the -honour of being acquainted with him for some years as a subscriber to -benevolent institutions, and in particular to soup-kitchens for the -poor. The next day the rations were brought in; the salt beef and pork -were cooked, and a few dumplings added, as an innovation. The wood was -weighed, and twenty-seven pounds were sufficient to cook the rations for -the whole regiment. The meat was done to perfection, and without -trouble. I begged that the sixteen cooks daily employed for the regiment -might be present. Two would have done, or even one, as the water and -provisions were brought by a fatigue party, therefore fifteen men might -have been spared; and only forty-seven pounds of wood were used, instead -of one thousand seven hundred and sixty. When the meat was cooked, we -skimmed off forty-two pounds of fat as white as snow, and not black, as -was the case when cooked in the small canteen-pans with little water. -This spoilt the fat, which might be used in lieu of butter on bread or -biscuit. To do this properly, soak the biscuits in water for about ten -minutes; take them out, let them dry a little; put some fat in the pan; -when hot, fry them as you would a piece of bacon: a few minutes will do -them. When crisp, season with salt and pepper, if handy. They make an -excellent article of food. - -For this saving and improvement, Colonel Daniell, whom I will back for -discipline and straightforwardness of opinion against any one in the -army, gave me the following letter:-- - - -COLDSTREAM GUARDS' CAMP, BEFORE SEBASTOPOL, - -_Sept., 1855_. - - I have this day attended Monsieur Soyer's course of instruction to - the cooks of my battalion, and have tasted the messes cooked and - served to the men, consisting of salt pork and beef. The mode in - which the salt is extracted and the meat rendered comparatively - tender by the apparatus used, the facility with which the grease is - taken off and rendered serviceable for other purposes, is - admirable; and I consider the arrangements relative to the small - consumption of wood, and the simplicity with which the cooking is - conducted, will, if adopted, tend much to the health, comfort, and - well-being of the soldier. - - The present size of the "chaudrieres" being objectionable, I am - glad to hear from Monsieur Soyer that he is about to procure some - of a less size. The fuel consumed to-day for cooking the messes of - eight companies was hardly more than on ordinary occasions is - consumed by one company; and from four hundred and twenty rations - of salt pork and beef, forty-eight pounds of excellent lard was - procured, which usually is wasted. These facts alone render - Monsieur Soyer's plan at once economical and desirable, and I have - great pleasure in testifying my appreciation of the manner with - which he conveys instruction to the men, in saying how highly I - approve of his recipes and arrangements for carrying out his scheme - of camp cookery. - -(Signed) H. J. DANIELL, -_Col. and Capt. in Command, First Battalion -Coldstream Guards_. - - - -The regiments being at that time greatly reduced, were only 428 strong, -therefore the weight of meat, at one pound per man, was 428 pounds, from -which 42 pounds of excellent fat were obtained, much preferable for -cooking purposes to the rancid butter sold in the canteens at a very -high price. As I was anxious to form a perfect regimental kitchen, I -proposed to Colonel Daniell to fit up one for his regiment. His men were -already well acquainted with the use of the field stoves; and it would -serve as a model for all. Colonel Daniell agreed, and in less than an -hour the stoves were removed to the camp, where they remained by -sanction of the General-in-Chief till the end of the war. - -At this time I went to head-quarters, and urged the necessity of -telegraphing an order for four hundred small field-stoves, which order -had been agreed upon in case my plan succeeded and was adopted by the -authorities. I also had several interviews with General Airey, upon the -subject. This number was sufficient for the supply of the whole of the -army then in the Crimea. As there was so much business at head-quarters -in consequence of the anticipated attack upon Sebastopol, the order was -postponed for a few days. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIX. - -THE EIGHTH OF SEPTEMBER. - - Trip to Kamiesch--Bornet's love for war--Dangerous - quarters--Arrival at Kamiesch--Town of pasteboard--The 8th of - September--Orders for the assault--Carousals--Looking on--Stopped - by the sentinels--Get by at last--The batteries open fire--The - French flag on the Malakhoff--Wounded men--The officer's - wife--Naval officers trying to dodge the sentries--Become my - guests--Reports respecting General Wyndham--Cathcart's Hill--The - Duke of Newcastle--Dine with General Wyndham on the day of the - attack upon Sebastopol--Sir John Campbell and the French cook--An - excellent dinner--Rare autographs--General Wyndham summoned to - head-quarters. - - -Early on the 3rd of September we started for Kamiesch; but, as usual, -Bornet could not forget his old trade, and love for his fellow-soldiers. -"Governor," said he, "the 3rd Zouaves who were on duty in the trenches -last night are on their return to camp. It is eight o'clock, and if we -take this ravine we shall meet some of them, and learn what is going -on." - -Having the whole day before us, I consented to go; we took the road -called the French Ravine, which led from the French head-quarters to the -trenches before Sebastopol. The returning Zouaves we met, but the cannon -balls also met us. Being in the ravine, we were not in great danger, as -they passed over our heads and fell on our left side. The principal -danger was when they struck a large stone, causing it to roll down the -side of the ravine, sometimes at a terrific rate. - -The shells were far more objectionable; but, thanks to Providence, none -hit us. While retreating, Bornet said, "By a thousand bombs, governor, -it must be a fresh battery they are firing from: we always used to go -this way to the trenches." - -"Well," said I, "new or old, let us get out of it." - -Putting our horses to a gallop, we were soon out of danger, and on the -road to Kamiesch. Near the French head-quarters we met two Zouaves. They -told us the French trenches were now within twenty yards of the -Malakhoff tower. "The cannon," they said, "project about twenty feet -over our heads, and cannot touch us; but the grenades, which the -Russians throw among us by hundreds, cause the loss of many men, though -we extinguish a great number when they fall." - -Bornet now proposed the _vin blanc_, but to his regret and my delight, -they refused, or we should probably not have seen Kamiesch that day. In -many instances I have known French soldiers refuse. - -At length we arrived at Kamiesch, which I had so long seen from my -quarters, but could not reach before, owing to the engrossing nature of -my occupations. This French town of pasteboard, or light wood, was so -different from Balaklava, that I cannot give my readers a better idea of -it than by stating that it bears the same resemblance to Balaklava that -Ramsgate does to Boulogne in the height of the season. The traffic, -business, markets, restaurants, cafes, billiard-rooms, theatre, &c., -display the difference of character between the French and English, as -forcibly as Balaklava does the English from the French. - -It was really remarkable to see the type of two great nations, such near -neighbours, on the same foreign soil, so far from their native homes, so -distinctly preserved, while the people agreed so well together. Some of -the restaurants were pretty good, very expensive, not very clean, but -always full. Money seemed of no consequence, as every one tried to get -it out of you if you were rash enough to eat, drink, or purchase -anything. - -The sea-port was very fine; Kamiesch, flat, sandy, and unpicturesque. -Balaklava was a perfect garden; Kamiesch a well populated desert. - -The evening of the 7th of September was a memorable one. Each mind was -animated; men of the most pacific disposition were transformed into -lions or tigers, furiously seeking to devour their prey. - -Amidst the most terrible discharges of cannon, the order for the general -attack was announced to the troops for the following day. The news -acted like an electric spark, and inspired all hearts. Each soldier -appeared to breathe more freely; hope, the enchantress, filled the -hearts of the brave with enthusiasm; fear was unknown; all faces were -radiant with lust of glory and vengeance. - -Having heard that the attack was to take place, at midday I visited the -French camp with my Zouave, where we found the same animation and -excitement. One of the soldiers said to my Zouave: - -"By all the camels in Arabia, Bornet, are you coming to join in the -dance? If you are, I invite you for the first quadrille; but you must -play the clarionet (slang term for gun). Here's a chance of having your -portrait spoiled--it just suits me." - -"What do you think of it, governor--shall I go?" - -"It is impossible, my dear fellow, for me to oblige you upon this -occasion, as your services will be more useful to-morrow, when no doubt, -whichever way the victory may turn, the hospitals will be full. -Therefore I hope you will forgive me for saving your life against your -will. I am sure, if you had a chance, you would be the first to mount -the breach, and consequently the first to be knocked over." - -His late comrades in arms did not see the force of this. They knew he -had some money, and did not like to part with him. The idea struck me to -order a few bottles of wine at the canteen near their tents, in return -for their hospitality in offering us their ration rum and brandy. About -five-and-twenty more joined us when I gave the invitation. I knew that -Bornet had only a few shillings in his pocket, which shillings, -by-the-bye, were very liberally taken by the vivandiere as a great -favour, at the value of a French franc. After several farewells we -parted. - -The morning of the 8th of September, 1855, arrived. Aurora smiled gaily -upon the far-famed city, the sentinels on all sides were at their posts, -and in the Russian camp no doubt the watchword circulated as usual. It -was thus in the allied camps, but pronounced quicker; the step of the -relief guard was that of quick march, every nerve was in action, and -strained to the utmost. The scene at the race for the Derby alone could -give the reader an idea of the sudden energy which filled every bosom, -on hearing that the attack was to take place, with this difference, that -life seemed of less consequence to every one in the Crimea than the loss -of money on that terrible day of chance. All had a share in the lottery. -Glory was to turn the wheel of fortune, and every one seemed sure of -winning. All hoped to gather laurels from the arid soil so long -moistened with blood. - -At four o'clock we were all up; about five the Guards were on their -march towards the besieged city; troops from all quarters were silently -marching in the same direction; every heart was beating high; the day -had at last arrived which was to decide a great question. At seven all -were at their post. Bornet and myself started on horseback directly, -after seeing the Scots Fusiliers pass through the Guards' camp, close to -our tents. On catching sight of them, my Zouave exclaimed, "What a -splendid regiment, gouverneur, que ces Montagnards Ecossais! I have a -great mind to follow them: I shall, too!" - -"I am sure you sha'n't," said I, clutching him by the coat collar. - -After making a long detour, a sentinel let us pass. As we were nearer -the Woronzoff Road than the Cathcart Hill Cemetery, we went in that -direction, and took up our position to witness the grand spectacle. For -some time a profound silence reigned amongst the troops, who seemed as -though they were buried in the trenches. The weather, which had been -fine the preceding days, and even till sunrise on that eventful morning, -suddenly changed. In a short time the elements assumed a threatening -aspect, and a furious tempest raged in every direction. A clouded sky -had replaced the azure blue, the fierce gusts of wind raised thick -clouds of dust, which rolled majestically towards us like a moving -castle, blinding every one for a time. The cold air chilled everybody, -and was so violent that one could scarcely keep one's saddle, or see -twenty yards in advance. Showers of hail burst here and there over the -now excited and infuriated camp and Sebastopol; the scene of action was -almost invisible. It appeared as though the evil genius of the storm had -on that glorious day attached his seal of destruction to that desecrated -spot. Even the sun (_l'ami Soleil_), the world's friend, seemed to fear -to face this scene of horror and desolation, and while smiling upon the -remainder of the mighty globe, had, in appearance, withdrawn from the -harrowed city of Sebastopol. - -Suddenly the batteries opened fire in every direction, shaking the very -soil on which we stood. Clouds of smoke enveloped the besieged city. Not -a thing could be seen or heard but a continuous rolling noise similar to -that of an earthquake. All at once the noise ceased, and the rattle of -musketry was heard, with, at intervals, cannon and mortar shot. By -degrees, thanks to the heavy gale, the atmosphere got clearer, and by -the aid of a telescope one could distinctly see the French flag floating -from the Malakhoff, and the troops mounting to the assault. An hour had -scarcely elapsed when the news was brought of the capture of the -Malakhoff by the French, and of the Redan by the English. Aides-de-camp -were flying in every direction; and numbers of wounded were on their way -to the hospitals. We quitted our post to go to the General Hospital, in -order to see whether our services were required. As we were crossing the -English camp, a corpse was borne past us, carried by four soldiers. Upon -inquiry I learned, with sorrow, that it was the body of Colonel H. R. -Handcock, whom, a few days before, I had had the pleasure of -entertaining at my kitchens, with his young and very interesting wife. - -The latter had been an eye-witness of the assault, and I was informed -that, by the greatest imprudence, the mutilated body of her husband had -just been uncovered before her. She fainted at the sight, and was borne -to her residence, where she lay for some time dangerously ill. This will -account for the sudden alteration in her appearance before mentioned. - -The fight still raged, the weather was a little calmer, and we left the -field of battle, intending to gallop at once to the hospital. On -reaching the line of sentries, we met two naval officers who were trying -to pass, in order to obtain a view of the action from Cathcart's Hill. -They were having a rather warm discussion, the sentry doing his duty by -stopping them. I pulled up my horse, and told them that unless they had -an order from head-quarters they could not pass. Though much vexed, they -thanked me, and submitted to the disappointment. I was about leaving -them, when I heard one say to the other-- - -"What shall we do? I would give any money for a glass of wine or a cup -of coffee." - -"So would I," said the other. "Where is there a Canteen, sentry?" - -"It would be of no use my telling you," the sentry replied, "as they are -all closed during the siege, or at least for to-day, in order to prevent -men left in the camp from quitting their post. Several robberies were -perpetrated in camp upon former occasions." - -I overheard their conversation, in which they stated that they had -started without breakfast, and been a long way round--nearly seven miles -among the hills--and had seen nothing after all, as the pickets would -not let them pass the line of Balaklava. - -"Gentlemen," said I, "if you will come with me to my tent, I think I can -keep you from starving, and have no doubt you will fare there as well, -if not better, than in a Canteen. I can also give you a description of -the siege, having been an eyewitness of the same." - -They thanked me, and accepted my offer. On our way to quarters, I -recounted the melancholy death of Colonel Handcock. My Zouave had by -this time arrived--no one but the groom was at home, and he could speak -neither French nor English, being a Greek--so I set my Zouave to lay the -table; and with my magic stove I cooked some ration-mutton, made an -omelette, brought out a piece of cold beef, bread, &c., and gave them a -bottle of ale and a glass of sherry. In twenty minutes their hunger was -appeased, and I told them they were welcome to stay, but that I must -proceed to my duty. At the same time I informed them, that at six -o'clock dinner would be ready, and they were welcome to partake of it if -they happened to be about the camp; but that they were on no account to -wait for me in case I did not return, as I did not know what I might -have to do in the hospitals. They thanked me for my hospitality, and -said they would try and see something of the battle, and if anywhere -about my quarters, would be too happy to return to dinner. - -We then parted; they proceeding towards Sebastopol, and I to the -hospital. On my arrival I found, to my surprise, that not one wounded -man had been brought in. After waiting some time I saw Dr. Mouatt, and -inquired if anything extra was wanted; his reply was, "We have all that -is needed for their reception." - -I then went to the purveyor, and to the kitchen; but fearing, as the -battle was raging fiercely, the number of wounded might exceed the means -at their disposal, I remained about the hospitals. I did this in case my -services might be required, as I was well aware of the importance of -speedy relief to the sufferers. - -Towards evening the wounded began to arrive, though not in great -numbers. I left my Zouave there and returned to the camp, telling him if -anything was required, to ride home at once and inform me, as the -doctors would be so much engaged--and in particular Dr. Mouatt, who -would most probably not be able to devote his time to the culinary -department. As I rode towards Sebastopol, to have another look at the -battle, I met only a few wounded. Upon inquiring of the orderlies in -charge whether there were many more, they replied that they could not -say, but they believed that there were a great number. I then returned -to my tent, and a few minutes afterwards my naval friends arrived. The -dinner was served up, and they told me that they had had a good view of -the besieged city from the French lines. In the course of conversation, -they informed me that Colonel (now General) Wyndham had invited them to -dinner that day. I replied, "I am very anxious about him, as he led the -storming party in the Redan, and I have heard the attack has been very -severe, and many were killed and wounded on both sides." I also heard -that it had been retaken by the Russians, and feared he might have been -taken prisoner, if not wounded or killed. - -When dinner was over, I proposed to pass them through the lines and make -inquiry about him. We proceeded to Cathcart's Hill--it was then nearly -dusk--I on horseback, they on foot. The camp around us was as still and -deserted as in the morning; scarcely any one was to be seen till we -reached the lines. Very few shots were heard, but every one was at his -post. Upon reaching Cathcart's Hill, I alighted to speak with his Grace -the Duke of Newcastle, who had been in the trenches all day and had just -returned. He was kind enough to give me the details of the attacks on -both sides, and said that he was waiting for General Bentinck, who had -not yet been seen, and that he hoped nothing had happened to him. I -observed, "This is a most anxious hour for all who have friends engaged -in so serious and dangerous an encounter." - -While conversing with the Duke, I missed my two companions. Thinking -they knew the position of Colonel Wyndham's quarters, I went there -expecting to find them. My first and most anxious inquiry of the -servant, who knew me well, was, "What news of the Colonel?" - -"Oh, all right, Monsieur Soyer," he replied with great satisfaction. "If -you wish to see him, he is gone to Colonel Wood's tent--you know where -it is." - -"No I don't." - -"Then I'll show you--he will be glad to see you." - -"I will not trouble you, as I would not disturb him on such a day for -the world. I am glad to hear he is safe; but have you seen two -gentlemen?" - -"No one excepting yourself, sir. You must come with me; my master is -alone, waiting for the Colonel, and I'm sure they will both be happy to -see you." - -Colonel Wyndham had just changed his clothes before going to the -Colonel's to dine. His servant showed them to me; they were covered with -blood and dust. I followed him to Colonel Wood's hut, and found Colonel -Wyndham walking quickly to and fro in the hut, apparently much -preoccupied and excited. His eyes emitted flashes of fire, his open -countenance had assumed its usual majestic calm and dignity, his lips -were parched, his proud brow betokened much restlessness, and though his -forehead was covered with glory, you could perceive through the wreath -of laurel which had only a few hours before been deposited there by -Mars, a deep shadow of thoughtfulness and care. His physiognomy told a -tale. Victory had of him made a great hero, without having had time to -put her final seal to his martial and petulant ardour. Another battle -was yet to be fought. - -Seeing me, he came forward and shook me by the hand, inviting me to -enter. We were together about half-an-hour, and he related to me the -great events of the attack upon the Redan, now so well known to the -public. Colonel Wood came in, also free from wounds, to the delight of -all, and invited me to dine with them. I told him that I had already -dined, but could not refuse the honour upon so memorable an occasion. - -We then sat down to dinner. Francois,[20] the Colonel's French cook, -with whose culinary capacities I was well acquainted, having dined -several times with the Colonel, told me he never felt less interest, or -prepared a dinner with so much reluctance, fearing no one would return -to eat it after such a sanguinary battle. Highly delighted was he when -Colonel Wyndham came in, and more so when he found that his excellent -governor (as he called him) had returned safe and sound. Every officer -in the camp knew Francois, and the Colonel's table got quite in repute -through the exertions of this culinary disciple of Vattel. He used to go -to the trenches, leaving his own batteries to brave those of the enemy, -and all this for the comfort of his excellent governor. He was much -liked by all, and always had a budget of anecdotes, some of them very -interesting. He had lived as cook and major domo for several years with -Madame Grisi. The last time I saw him he was in daily expectation of the -Sebastopol medal. - -The dinner was served, but I must say it was not so _recherche_ as on -former occasions; it seemed to have been prepared for sick epicures, or -at least those who hovered between life and death. The conversation upon -the events of the day was so animated that no one but myself perceived -the difference. The Colonel's excellent wine was highly relished, and in -drinking the health of Colonels Wyndham and Wood, I requested the former -to make a note of the fact that I had the honour of dining with him and -Colonel Wood a few hours after the battle, as probably no one would -credit it. This the Colonel immediately did, and Colonel Wood added his -autograph, of which the following is a copy:-- - - -_8th September, 1855, 9_ P.M. - - I had the pleasure, after my return from leading the storming party - of the 2nd Division to the Redan, of dining with Colonel D. Wood, - and meeting at dinner Monsieur Soyer. - -D. WOOD, -_Lieut.-Col. Commanding, -R.A. 4th Division_. - -C. A. WYNDHAM, -_Col. Commanding, -2nd Battalion_. - - - -They had hardly signed this when a loud knock was heard at the door, and -an orderly entered with a dispatch from General Simpson, who wished to -see Colonel Wyndham directly. The Colonel lost no time in attending to -his commander's orders, and we mounted our horses and started for -head-quarters. "An immediate attack on the Redan is what I shall -recommend to the General-in-Chief" were the last words uttered by the -Colonel before leaving the hut. The firing had ceased; the night was -very dark, but the weather calm. It was with great difficulty we found -our way through the camps, which appeared very silent after such a -stormy day and day of storm. In about a quarter of an hour Colonel -Wyndham observed, "Monsieur Soyer, I believe you are close to your -quarters," pointing to several lights. "There," said he, "is the Guards' -camp." I wished him good evening, and we separated. - -My Zouave had not returned from the hospital, but shortly after made his -appearance rather intoxicated. He related all that he had seen, and said -that a few wounded Russians had been brought to the hospitals. "They -have all they require," said he; "and, in case of need, I told a man to -call us up." When he had put everything in order, he said, "I'll keep -watch," and commenced singing his favourite songs. He made so much noise -that we could not sleep if we had wished to do so, especially as the -soldier-cooks and servants joined him in chorus. - - - - -CHAPTER XXX. - -FALL OF THE DOOMED CITY. - - Sad scenes--Ride to Cathcart's Hill--Glorious news--Animated - groups--First spoils--Refreshment for the - wounded--Chloroform--Dinner at the Carlton--Sebastopol in flames--A - night expedition--Letter to Messrs. Routledge--Visit to - Sebastopol--Russian fare--Poisoned bread--Culinary - trophies--Interior of the Malakhoff--Bornet's funeral oration over - a dead comrade--The Russian hospital--Harrowing scenes. - - -Two days before I had been invited to dine with Colonel de Bathe, in -order to partake of a Crimean fat goose. Though disappointed of my -dinner, I was anxious to know if anything had happened to him and his -brave companions in arms, and I therefore went round the camp and -visited the Coldstream and Fusilier Guards. Many had not returned. Those -off duty had retired to rest, which can be easily understood after the -fatigues of such a day. I therefore returned, and laid down for a few -hours. About four in the morning I went to the hospital, and found that -every ward would soon be encumbered with sick and wounded. The cooks -overfatigued, having been up all night at work. I at once proposed to -furnish Dr. Mouatt with what he required, provided the purveyor would -send the provisions to the Guards' camp. The doctor thanked me for the -offer, and gave an immediate order to that effect. My Zouave had brought -me a cross, which had been worn by a Russian officer who was killed. I -presented it to one of the prisoners, who kissed it fervently and passed -it to his comrades. There were about fifteen of them. No difference was -made in the attendance or care bestowed upon them and that shown to our -own troops, though not less than four or five hundred were in the -hospital at the time, and more were coming in. Such a scene of -suffering can never be effaced from memory, and is not to be described. - -While waiting for the provisions, I galloped as far as Cathcart's Hill, -and was much surprised to find that hostilities had entirely ceased. I -met Colonel Steele just returning from the Redan. - -"It's all over, Monsieur Soyer," said he. - -"What do you mean, Colonel?" I replied. - -"The Russians have retreated and abandoned Sebastopol! I have just been -in the Redan, which exhibits a fearful scene. The loss has been great on -all sides." - -He then left in a great hurry, saying he must return to head-quarters -and telegraph the news to the War-office. A few houses were burning, and -thick smoke was issuing from various parts of the city. Some of the -Russian ships were burning in the bay. The weather was as calm, as it -had been boisterous the day before. Amongst the group upon the hill were -the Duke of Newcastle, Mr. Russell, and a few others, not above twenty -in all. Our attention was attracted by the arrival of a soldier with the -first spoils of the conquered city. These consisted of two chairs, a -dressing table and a looking-glass. He also carried a hare in one hand. -On being asked where he got these various articles, he answered, "From -the city. The French troops are plundering, and not a Russian is to be -found. Yet the place is very dangerous, as explosions are continually -taking place." - -Shortly after, a long train of wounded, carried on mules, was seen going -towards the General Hospital, amongst whom were a number of Russians. -The _cortege_ was followed by about twenty Russian prisoners; and I -could not help remarking the youthful appearance of the latter, their -age not exceeding from eighteen to twenty-five. This, I concluded, was -owing to the immense number the enemy must have lost during the -campaign. - -My Zouave had, unknown to me, left on an expedition to the city. -Although much against my will, it was impossible to stop him. My -endeavours to impress upon his mind the importance of remaining with me -upon that occasion were of no avail. - -On returning to the camp I prepared a quantity of lemonade, arrowroot, -beef-tea, arrowroot-water, barley-water, rice-water and pudding, boiled -rice, &c., and through the kindness of Colonel Daniell and Major -Fielden, twelve men were sent to carry them to the hospitals. I spent -the remainder of the day in the hospitals, which were situated about a -mile from the Guards' camp, where I witnessed the most painful scenes -and numerous amputations. Amongst those operated upon were several -Russians. I could not help remarking what a blessing to the sufferer -chloroform proved. Wonderful was the kindness and celerity with which -the doctors performed the operations. These were so numerous that before -night several buckets were filled with the limbs, and the greater part -of those operated upon were doing well. The hospitals, although they -contained nearly forty wards, were full. Some of our wounded, as well as -the Russians, were placed under marquees and other tents. The wounds -received by some of the Russians were fearful, and the groans of those -who were mortally wounded awful. Having done all that was required at -the hospital I returned to the camp, where an invitation awaited me to -dine at the Carlton Club. This I was much pleased to accept. The painful -scenes I had witnessed weighed heavily upon the heart and mind, and a -little relaxation became necessary. At about eight o'clock I repaired to -the appointed place, and eight or nine guests sat down. - -The dinner was very good; and though the bill of fare was rather -extensive, every dish was cleared. Was this due to the skill of the -_chef de cuisine_, or to the sixteen hours of hard work in the trenches? -If the latter was really the cause of this, I should recommend a blase -epicure, who has lost his appetite, to try this simple and effective -process. It will not fail to succeed--that is, should he escape with -life after sixteen hours of shooting or being shot at, like pigeons at -the Red House. The conversation became very animated, and so interesting -that a small pamphlet might be written upon it. All had seen something -and had something to relate. My description of the hospitals was the -great feature of the evening, as none present had seen them, having -other occupation at their posts with the various regiments. The Queen's -health, that of the Emperor of the French, and of the Sultan, were -toasted with three times three and one more cheer. In the midst of this, -Buckingham!! the renowned Buckingham!!! who had displayed all his -_savoir faire_ in the _service de table_, acting upon that occasion as -_maitre d'hotel en chef_, with a few utensils made a display worthy of a -first-rate a la mode beef house, nothing to be laughed at in a Crimean -popotte, rushed into the tent, crying "Colonel! Colonel! the whole of -Sebastopol is in flames." It was true. In less than ten minutes streets -had taken fire with the rapidity of a firework, and every minute the -conflagration seemed to be upon the increase. Nothing but fire and smoke -could be seen from the Guards' camp. I proposed that we should order our -horses and go to Cathcart's Hill to see what was going on. To my -surprise, no one seemed inclined to move. They all said that they had -had enough of Sebastopol, and were tired to death. On urging the matter, -the only answer I got from some of my gallant friends was, "Not -to-night, Monsieur Soyer, not to-night." - -"Surely," said I, "gentlemen! you don't expect the Russians will set a -Sebastopol on fire every day at a few hours' notice to please you." - -"That is not likely," said Major Fielden; "but for all that I feel -convinced that no one will go." - -As the fire seemed to extend and the sky became one lurid mass, I -determined to go and get a sight of it. I bade my companions adieu, went -back to my tent, ordered my horse, and tried to awake my Zouave in order -to take him with me. He was so intoxicated I could not succeed. He had -spent the day with some of his comrades, and completely lost his senses. -As I could not find either groom or any of my men, I went to Mr. -Mesnil's tent. My major domo being an old campaigner, had as usual -turned in all dressed to be ready for any contingency. Rousing him, I -requested him to accompany me. The eternal reply of "Not to-night" was -again heard. - -"Oh, hang the place, let it burn," said he. - -As this was my last resource, I would not leave him. At last, in no very -kindly mood, he turned out and agreed to go. The night was pitch dark, -so we preferred going on foot. My friend was armed with a Russian sword -and a night glass; I with a poignard-revolver and a lanthorn. Our -intention was to get as near the city as possible, and we were prepared -for any unpleasant encounter by firelight instead of moonlight. The -purlieus of the camp were at this period anything but safe. With much -difficulty, we reached Cathcart's Hill, having lost our way in trying -what we thought would be a short cut. The camp was silent, and -apparently deserted. Although only eleven o'clock, we did not meet a -soul, with the exception of sentries, on our way. - -So sublime was the scene witnessed by us from the summit of Cathcart's -Hill, that it induced me, in my business correspondence with my -publishers, Messrs. Routledge and Co., to forward them the following -descriptive letter of the extraordinary effects this monstrous scene -produced upon my senses. It has already appeared, I believe, in the -public prints. - - -_Flagstaff, Cathcart's Hill, near Sebastopol, -9th September, 1855._ - - GENTLEMEN,--Sebastopol has fallen, and almost every part of its - superstructure is in flames. From the very spot I write, I can - distinctly enumerate at least fourteen different conflagrations. - The sight is at once sublime and terrific. A Martin or a Danby - alone could trace on canvas, with their vigorous tints and their - wild genius, the stupendous scene which my eyes are now beholding. - The incessant roaring of the cannon, the explosion of shells, the - blowing of the trumpet, the beating of drums, mingled with the - groaning of the wounded and the anxious bustling of myriads of - souls--adding to this the most tempestuous hurricane, the coldness - of the weather, falling of hailstones, and the previously - forest-like clouds of dust springing out from the harrowed Crimean - soil, which raged during the whole of yesterday over the Allies' - camps, have suddenly given place to the most profound calm and - glowing breeze. The semi-defunct city and all the camps are as - silent as the graves by which I am now surrounded. Ten yards from - here lie the remains of the immortal Cathcart, encircled by several - of his noble companions in arms. From half-past eleven to this - present time, two A.M., not a living creature, save myself and a - friend, besides the picket-sentinel, has been here to witness, from - this remarkable spot, the downfall of the venerated Russian city. - - With the highest consideration, I have the honour to be, - -Your most obedient servant, - -A. SOYER. - - - -By the aid of the night-glass we obtained so good a view that we did not -deem it advisable to proceed further. The heat of the fire was felt even -at that distance, and explosions were frequent. The cause of the -solitude in the camp at that hour can only be attributed to the -excessive fatigue consequent upon the tremendous exertions of the -previous day; the curtain had fallen on this grand drama--all was -repose. We then returned to quarters through the same mournful solitude, -not having met a soul either going or returning. This dreariness -impressed me with the idea of chaos, after the destruction of a world -and its empires. - -Early the following morning, attended by my Zouave, who had recovered -his sober senses, I started for the General Hospital. - -We saw about thirty dead bodies laid out in a row, and stitched up in -their blankets, with their name and nation marked upon each. I believe -there was not a single case of amputation amongst them; they had all -been mortally wounded. This speaks volumes in favour of the use of -chloroform, the efficacy and safety of which, for a time, was much -doubted, even by eminent medical men. Amputations were still being -performed with skill and celerity worthy of a Guthrie or an Astley -Cooper. The principal medical men were Drs. Mouatt, Lyons, &c. &c., who -appeared to vie with each other in their kind attention to the -sufferers. - -Perceiving that nothing further was required for the present, and that -all was going on well, I went to visit Sebastopol. My Zouave knew the -road, as he had been there the day before. Our first visit was to the -Redan, where we were refused admission. My intrepid Zouave, not -contented with this rebuff, took me round another way, and, leaving our -horses outside, we scaled the works and got in. The scene of death and -destruction here was awful, and has been described too often for me to -dwell upon it. Nothing but the effects of a devastating earthquake can -give any one an idea of the _debris_ of the interior, or of the -destruction caused by the fire of the Allies, and the explosions that -had ensued. We proceeded to the city by the Arsenal, on the British -side. The town was still burning. On reaching the large barracks, we -visited the kitchens and bakeries. In the former, some of the boilers -contained cabbage-soup; others, a kind of porridge made with black -flour. In the bakeries, loaves of bread were still in the ovens, and -dough in the troughs. We removed a loaf from the oven and tasted it. As -we had brought no provision with us, and there was none to be obtained -in the burning city, we ate about half a pound of bread each, and -finished our frugal repast with a good draught of water: the latter was -retailed at the small charge of sixpence a pint. A quarter of an hour -after, I looked my Zouave hard in the face, saying, as I placed my hand -upon my stomach, with a rueful face and in a piteous tone of voice-- - -"Bless me, Bornet! do you feel anything wrong?--because, if you don't, I -do!" Looking still more pitiful, I continued--"I _am_ confident the -bread has been poisoned!" - -"The deuce it has!" he replied, turning pale, and putting his fingers in -his throat in order to throw off the dreadful meal, but without success. - -I laughed at him, and called him a coward. - -"Coward!" said he; "no, no, governor, I am no coward. I should not mind -a round-shot, sword, or bayonet wound, in the field of battle; but, by -Jupiter! to be poisoned ingloriously like a dog, would be base in the -extreme." - -"You're right," said I. "Come, don't fear, let's go and taste the -soupe-aux-choux." - -To this invitation he most decidedly objected, saying, "No more of their -relishes for me, if you please." - -In my culinary ardour I tasted it, and found it extremely bad and -entirely deprived of nutritious qualities, but no doubt in it was to be -added some black bread which would improve it. - -Among the culinary trophies we brought away, were a long iron fork, a -ladle, some of the dough, biscuits, and a large piece of the black bread -taken from the oven. I intended to test its merits upon my return to the -camp. After visiting the docks, in which the vessels were still burning, -as well as some in the harbour, we went to the Malakhoff, at the foot of -which lay a number of dead bodies and horses. I met several -acquaintances, and, on obtaining permission, visited the tower and its -interior. The scene here was the same as at the Redan--one of -destruction and desolation, though this place was not so much knocked -about--but none could fail to appreciate the talent and skill displayed -by the Russians in their style of fortification. The electric wires -connected with the mines had been discovered and cut, rendering our -visit comparatively safe. The men were busy burying the dead in all -directions. My Zouave drew me towards the Black Battery, by which the -division Bosquet had so severely suffered in valiantly defending their -position. On arriving there, he recognised the dead body of one of his -late comrades, and he implored me to allow him to remain till it was -buried. As it was getting dark, and it was not probable that they would -bury him that evening, I promised to allow him to return in the morning. -Looking pitifully at the corpse, he said-- - -"Poor Adrien, what fun we had in Algeria! and now you are dead." -Stooping down over the body and kissing it on both cheeks, he -continued--"To-morrow I will return and perform the last sad duty of a -friend. Look, governor, would you not think he smiles? He was such a -fine fellow--I am sure his soul has gone straight to head-quarters." - -It was almost dark, and we galloped home. The next morning my Zouave -attended the funeral of his friend, and it took so long that I did not -see him again for forty-eight hours. When he returned, he brought two -Zouaves with him, and they were all laden with trophies; among them was -an entirely new tent, which, from its very superior quality, was -supposed to have belonged to some general officer. The Zouaves had -pitched upon Prince Orloff as the owner, no doubt to increase its value. -It really was worthy of a commander-in-chief. I purchased it, and have -it still in my possession. The rest of the booty consisted of guns, -swords, church relics, &c.--in fact, all they could lay hands upon which -was likely to be converted into money. The only thing which surprised me -was, that he had returned sober. While I was reprimanding him for his -long absence, he coolly replied-- - -"You are right, governor; but you see, after paying the last duties to -poor Adrien, in order to drown the melancholy feeling of human -existence, I got boosy enough to make all the wine-sellers, and even old -Father Bacchus himself, turn pale. When I began to find that I could no -longer see, I said to myself, 'Bornet, my friend, you must not disgrace -the governor's quarters. Go to bed upon the straw like a pig as you -are.' In ten hours my drunken fit had passed away like a vaporous cloud; -and here, governor, is your Zouave, in a fit state, ready to dance upon -a rope without a balance-pole." - -The original and comic nature of the excuse caused me to laugh at him, -instead of scolding him. - -He then proposed to go in the evening and find the remaining part of -Count Orloff's tent, spend the night in Sebastopol, and meet me the next -morning at the Greek church in the town. - -All was going on well at the General Hospital. It was crammed full, and -amputations were being performed night and day. I called there daily -with some of my men, and sent the others in various directions. The next -day I visited Sebastopol, and went to the French side. I could not find -Bornet, but saw one of his friends, who told me that he had slept in the -French camp. I therefore gave him up, and determined to get rid of him -as soon as possible. After visiting the town in company with a few -friends whom I happened to meet there, we went to the Russian hospital, -which we had been told was full of dead, sick, and wounded. During the -few days that had elapsed since the capture of the city I had witnessed -many awful scenes, but this was the most harrowing of all. - -Perhaps one of the most awful and sickening sights possible for humanity -to conjure up was witnessed by myself and many others in the Russian -hospital in the interior of Sebastopol. Piled up one on the other, or -lying singly on the bare flooring, were strewn hundreds of Russians, -dead and dying. The view would have struck terror into the heart of the -greatest stoic. These men seemed to have been placed here out of the way -to suffer and die, uncared for, unattended. On one side might be seen a -poor creature writhing in the last throes of dissolution; on the other, -a fine fellow with almost divine resignation, who had just rendered -himself up to his Maker, having died in dreadful agony. Men without legs -or arms, and some with frightful body wounds or bayonet thrusts, lay -huddled in helpless confusion. Desolation and death grimly met us at -each step. Then the effluvia arising from the bodies was horrible beyond -description. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXI. - -ILLNESS AND CHANGE OF SCENE. - - Business suspended--Holiday-time for the cooks--Breakfast in the - Malakhoff--Transferred to the Mamelon Vert--Attack of Crimean - fever--Kind attentions--Relapse--An unexpected visitor and a - conversation--Laughable incident--Trip to Scutari--Captain Brown of - the _Imperador_--Fellow-travellers--Fame in - America--Brigadier-General Storks--Consolations--Bornet's - consideration--His farewell--Soyer House--Third illness--Severe - attack of dysentery--Recovery--Grand ball at the English - Embassy--The Sultan attends--"Elizabeth Quadrilles"--Arrival of my - field-stoves--Off again to the Crimea--Letters suggesting - improvements in the hospitals. - - -For a few days all business seemed suspended in the camp, and the rage -with every one was to visit the ruins of the far-famed city. The -hospitals in the camp and at Balaklava were quite full, though most of -the patients were going on very satisfactorily. Much bustle was observed -at both the French and English head-quarters. As the soup was no longer -required for the soldiers in the trenches, the order for the -field-stoves remained some time in abeyance, and all appeared like -holiday time. In fact, people kept flocking, with and without -permission, into Sebastopol. Deeming this a favourable opportunity, I -proposed giving a dejeuner in the Malakhoff two days after its capture, -and cooking it with my magic bivouac-stove. Among the guests invited -were Colonels Daniell, De Bathe; Brigadier Drummond; Majors Fielden, -Armitage; Captain Tower, &c. &c. We were to muster about twelve; the -great dish was to be the _poulets sautes a la Malakhoff_, cooked on my -pocket bivouac-stove in the open air. All was prepared, and we were -about to start, when I learnt that we should not be allowed to enter the -tower. Colonel Daniell, who had some business at head-quarters, -promised to try and obtain permission. I at once went to General -Pelissier for the order, which could not be granted in his absence. I -saw General Rose, who said any other day he should be happy to make the -request. The appetites of my invited guests were sharpened and the -stomachs waiting, and they would have grumbled had they not been -satisfied. We therefore agreed that in lieu of having it in the -Malakhoff, we should make ourselves satisfied with the Mamelon Vert _a -la Carleton_; and a very jovial reunion we made of it. Alas! it was the -last I was destined to enjoy for some time. - -Seven or eight days after, I was laid up with a very severe attack of -Crimean fever. Not being aware of the nature of my illness, I thought -rest was all I required, after the fatigue I had undergone: I therefore -went to bed--but what kind of bed?--under damp canvas, with a muddy -floor, as it had rained heavily for some days. I felt so ill, that I -could neither lie, sit, nor stand, without great suffering. Imagining -that I could conquer the disease, I did not send for the doctor. -Fortunately for me, a short time after my attack, as I lay in bed, Dr. -Linton, who often visited me, chanced to call at my tent. I told him of -my indisposition, and he at once sent me some medicine, more blankets, -and kindly offered his services; at the same time informing me that I -had a serious attack of fever. I was in the Coldstreams' camp; and Dr. -Wyatt claimed me as his patient, and paid me a visit. He immediately -ordered me to keep my bed. For some days he watched my case most -diligently, and under his skilful care I soon got better. During my -illness I received visits and kind inquiries from almost all the heads -of the forces, for which I shall ever feel grateful; their attention was -most gratifying to my feelings, and I am proud of the consideration -evinced for me by that noble band, the British army. - -Directly I recovered and was allowed to go about, I felt anxious to have -a decided answer respecting the stoves--for the matter was at that time -in abeyance. I also wished to visit the various regimental hospitals in -which my men were engaged teaching the soldiers. In my eagerness to -attend to these things, I overfatigued myself, and brought on a second -attack, much worse than the former. Dr. Wyatt was almost in despair, and -privately informed Mr. Mesnil that I was in great danger. However, owing -entirely to his great care and kind attention, in three weeks I had -partly recovered, but was so much altered that scarcely anybody could -recognise me. I one day visited Lord William Paulet, who had left -Scutari, and was on board the _Leander_ in Balaklava Bay. I was so much -changed, that neither Admiral Freemantle nor his lordship knew me. Miss -Nightingale had returned, and was much in want of my services. Not being -aware of my illness, she sent for me; and as soon as I recovered, I -waited upon and accompanied that lady to the Monastery Hospital. The -fatigue consequent upon my exertions brought me so low, that Dr. Wyatt -insisted upon my leaving the Crimea, saying he would not be responsible -for my safety any longer in that climate. - -A few days before my departure the following laughable circumstance -occurred, which has already been related in the columns of the -_Illustrated News_ by an amateur correspondent:-- - - AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR AND A CONVERSATION. - - I had an amusing adventure the other evening. A stranger visited - me, and I entertained a late distinguished _attache_ of the Reform - Club unawares. It was getting dusk, and I was very tired, having - been engaged in the hospital marquees all day--for we had a very - sudden and violent outbreak of cholera. Phillipo, my Maltese - servant, was down on his hands and knees, blowing the lighted - charcoal in my fireplace, with the intention of expediting dinner. - My fireplace, I must tell you, consists of a hole dug in the earth, - with three pieces of iron hooping stretched across by way of grate; - and a very admirable kitchen-range it is. Phillipo had just - afforded me the agreeable information that dinner would not be - ready for nearly an hour, and I was in the act of lighting my pipe, - when I heard an unaccustomed step climbing up the rock side, close - to my tent, and a musical and hilarious voice exclaimed, "Is Guy - Earl of Warwick at home?" I laid down my pipe utterly astounded; - and in another moment a hand drew aside the canvas, a head appeared - at the entrance of my tent, and the portly figure of a man speedily - completed the apparition. For a moment my visitor surveyed me, - evidently as much astonished as I was. "Ah! I see, I have made one - grand mistake!" (he spoke tolerable English, but with a decided - French accent). "You will think me strange. I was looking for my - old friend Warwick, and made sure this was his tent. We call him - Guy Earl of Warwick. Ah! ah! badinage. It may be you know him?" - - By this time I had fully surveyed my visitor. He was a tall, stout, - rather handsome-looking man, aged about fifty years. He wore a - drab-coloured "wide-awake" wrapped round with a red scarf, and a - white blouse, heavily braided about the sleeves. His hair had been - black, now rapidly changing into grey; and his whiskers, moustache, - and beard (the latter primly cut), were of the same "Oxford - mixture." Observing that the walk up the hill had slightly affected - his breathing, I invited him to take a seat on one of my - bullock-trunks, the only "ottoman" of which my Turkish tent could - boast. (It is no slight exertion to get up to my tent, as I have - pitched it almost at the top of a hill, in order, if possible, to - evade the rats, which swarm in the Crimea; indeed, I scarcely know - whether rats, flies, or fleas are the greatest nuisance.) In a few - moments we got into conversation. - - "I am going to Balaklava shortly," said the stranger; "I am going - on board ship. I have been out here some few months; my health has - been gone ever since I came. They tell me I am older ten years this - last five months. I am going to England." - - "And I am only waiting till this Crimean drama is over to follow - your example," said I. "I must see the Russians finally driven out, - and then I go home too. As to campaigning, the curiosity which - brought me here is gratified; as to the moving accidents of war, I - have supped full of horrors!--But here comes Phillipo with the - dinner." - - The Maltese entered, and placed upon the table a piece of beef - baked in an iron pot, also some boiled potatoes. I observed that my - visitor eyed the dinner curiously, and I was almost angry to - observe the instantaneous elevation of his eyebrows, when with - great difficulty I succeeded in whittling off with a sharp - carving-knife a slice of the outside. - - "Nice beef, but not done quite enough," said my visitor. - - He might well say so; it was almost raw. I stuck a fork into the - potatoes; they were as hard as pebbles. I was in despair. The - stranger laughed aloud. I was rapidly getting sulky. - - "I see you have a good fire outside," said my visitor; "that - charcoal gives a beautiful heat. Now, if you will take my advice, I - should say, cut a slice or two----" - - "Excuse me," I replied, "but if there is one thing more than - another that I pride myself on, it is my cooking. I can cook with - any fellow in the Crimea, perhaps excepting Soyer; and some people - say that he is a great humbug." - - "Do they indeed?" said he. "Well, he must be rather a clever humbug - to sell 40,000 of his books." - - "I must confess," I said, "that his shilling Cookery-book is a - great invention. I have made many capital dishes by its direction. - The fact is, I generally superintend the cooking myself." - - "And your politeness to me has spoiled your dinner. Now look here." - - And, almost before I could interpose a word, my potatoes were in - slices, a large onion was dissected piecemeal, my beef was - submitted to the knife, a pinch or two of ration salt and pepper - completed the preparations, and my little canteen-pan was on the - fire. I looked on, regarding these proceedings with much - astonishment, and not a little jealousy. After a few minutes the - stranger gave the pan a graceful wave or two over the fire, and - then replaced it on the table. There was a dinner fit for - Sardanapalus! Never shall I forget the elegant curl of that steam, - or the exquisite odour which soon pervaded the atmosphere of my - tent. I could not help thinking of and half excusing a certain - hairy man who lived in the first ages, and who for just such a mess - of potage disposed of his estates. - - "How do you like it?" said the stranger. - - "Don't talk at present," I answered; "I consider dinner one of the - most serious duties of life." - - "Ah! ah! then you would not call Soyer a humbug to make this?" - - "Soyer!" I said in disdain--"Soyer never made or invented a dish - half as good in his life! Talk about French slops in comparison - with prime English beef and onions! Bah!" - - I was carried away by my enthusiasm, and quite forgot that I was at - that moment eating part of the carcase of a wretched Armenian - beast, that would not have fetched 50s. in an English market. At - last dinner was over. - - "One more glass of sherry," said the stranger, "and then I go. I am - very glad to have made your acquaintance, and I hope you will come - and see me when you come down to Balaklava. I shall be on board the - ship _Edward_ in the bay. I am going to stop there a little time - for my health. Come on board and ask for me." - - "With very great pleasure--and your name?" - - "Oh! my name--_Soyer_," said he; and he sat down and laughed till - the tears stood in his eyes. - -W. C. - - - -Soon after I left Balaklava for Scutari on board the _Imperador_, -Captain Brown. His humorous countenance would alone have sufficed to -restore the gaiety of the most shattered constitution, setting aside his -good-nature and continual kindness to his numerous passengers, -particularly the invalids. What visitor to the Crimea has not known or -heard of Captain Brown of the _Imperador_? His heart was as large as his -ship, and his mind as brilliant as his gorgeous saloon: moreover, his -table was worthy of any yachting epicure. He was in every way a credit -to that noble class of men, the pet children of the ocean, the captain's -kingly race. At the time of my trip he was an invalid, having broken two -of his ribs; but he did not consider the case a serious one, and -consoled himself by saying this accident was nothing compared with the -one he had met with a few months before. "Then," said he, laughing, "I -actually fell into the coal-hole, and broke my collar bone; and (showing -his lame arm) I shall be lame for life through it. However, these broken -ribs are nearly set again, and I shall soon be well. But pray do not -make me laugh--come, let us have another glass of port," closed his -argument. (This was cheese-time dialogue.) - -We had a fine passage, as well as agreeable companions in the -passengers, amongst whom were three American gentlemen just returning -from Russia. They were in Sebastopol during the storming on the 8th of -September, and had been sent by their Government upon important duty. -Owing to my weakness at the time, I have forgotten the purport of their -mission. They had been introduced to the Emperor Alexander, and spoke in -high terms of his Majesty's courtesy. They had come from America in -their own ship, which was at that time in the Bosphorus undergoing -repairs. I was invited to dine with them some day, which I promised to -do, but was not able to keep my promise, in consequence of my continued -illness. "The dinner," said one of them, "shall be cooked _a la_ Soyer, -for we have your book on board--the one called the _Modern Housewife_." - -I felt much flattered when they afterwards told me that my book was very -extensively used in America. "Your Cookery-book, Monsieur Soyer, is the -national book, or 'household words.' Every respectable family has it. -Indeed, you are as well known by reputation in America as in England. -Take this for a standing invitation. Should you ever come as far as our -American land of freedom, we invite you to be our guest." - -At this I was highly gratified, and almost promised, if I recovered, to -accept their invitation. At all events, in case I should not go, I take -this opportunity of thanking them heartily for their kind invitation, in -hopes that this book, like its predecessors, will cross the Atlantic, -and come under their notice. - -To me everything on board the magnificent ship _Imperador_ wore a -smiling aspect, and I began to feel myself again. I no sooner arrived at -Scutari, than I went and visited Brigadier-General Storks, with whom I -had not the pleasure of being acquainted. He had succeeded Lord William -Paulet. I was kindly received by the general. He congratulated me in -flattering terms upon the good system I had introduced into the kitchen -department of the hospitals, of which he was at that time the governor. -I felt myself quite at home with the general, who, though an Englishman, -could have taught me my own language. He certainly spoke it more -fluently than I did myself: I had been so long in England, and had, -moreover, employed so many people of different nations--Greeks, -Armenians, Turks, French, Italians; and I must not omit two Maltese, -who, to render them justice, were worth all my other cooks put together -for intelligence and activity--that I began to forget my native tongue. -My readers can easily suppose that, amidst such a miscellany of -languages, one might easily murder one's own. General Storks is not only -a good French scholar, but has all the tournure and appearance of the -French _beau ideal_. After about half-an-hour's chat upon business and -other matters, I left the general, and promised to have the pleasure of -visiting him frequently during my stay in Scutari, which was to be about -a week--it being then my intention to return to England to regain my -health. - -I visited my first Crimean doctor, Dr. Linton, who had left the Crimea -to replace Dr. Cumming. He would hardly condescend to know me, so much -had I altered; and I found this to be the case with every one I met. I -frightened my cooks when I entered the kitchen. They had heard that I -was dead, which I afterwards personally denied; but they did not think -it possible I could look so bad. Purveyors, comptrollers, civilian and -military doctors, Sisters of Mercy, all consoled me by saying, "I fear -you will never get over it, Monsieur Soyer." - -"Well," I replied to some of them, "that's my business; at all events, I -will do my best to deceive you." - -Nothing is less likely to restore a man when he is half dead than trying -to persuade him that he must succumb. Thanks to my lucky star, I have -deceived them all; and some richly deserve it, as they had laid bets -upon my chance, particularly my Zouave and another of my men. The former -answered all inquiries respecting the state of my health by, "The -governor, you see, is in a very bad way. His hash is settled; it is all -over with him. It is a pity, for he is a good man, and he had promised -to take me with him to London, a place I very much wish to visit." - -A few days after my arrival in Constantinople my health again failed me, -and having no further need for the services of my Zouave, to his great -regret we parted, but on such friendly terms, that he afterwards often -observed, "Look ye, governor, you have been a good master to me, and if -you ever recover from your serious illness, which is not very probable, -send for me--I am still your man, and will follow you anywhere and -everywhere, even to England; and if any fellow annoys you, here is the -arm (showing it to the shoulder) which will make them bleed to death and -bury them after." - -I took up my residence at Soyer House, where I enjoyed the gay and -interesting prospect for an invalid of the monster lugubrious cemetery, -or Grand Champ des Morts, on one side, and the hospital on the other. -The weather was wet and wretched--the house, as usual, splendidly -ventilated, and had been robbed of its furniture by a Greek servant I -had left there. It was, moreover, populated by rats and other vermin. -Before I could set it in order, I fell ill for the third time, and had, -in addition to my former malady, a severe attack of dysentery. I left my -dismal abode, now become unbearable, crossed the Bosphorus to Pera, and -took up my lodgings at an hotel for a few days, as I then anticipated, -having determined upon my departure for England. However, instead of -improving in health, I grew worse and worse, and was laid up for three -months; in fact, I began to fear my Zouave would win his wager. During -this time, I received notice that the order had been given for four -hundred stoves, which were to be forwarded as fast as they could be -made. I therefore decided upon remaining at Constantinople, in the hope -of being able, in the event of getting better, of returning to the -Crimea, and distributing them to the different regiments. - -One day I had crossed over to Scutari, in order to visit Miss -Nightingale, who had just arrived from Balaklava, when I met the -celebrated Dr. Sutherland, who, like the rest, gave me a very -encouraging view of his scientific opinion upon the state of my health. -"For God's sake, Soyer," said he, "do leave this country, and go -immediately to Malta--not England--or you are a dead man." - -"Not so, doctor," I replied; "I am much better these last few days. In -fact, I am going back to the Crimea; my stoves are expected daily, and I -must go and distribute them." - -"In that case, don't forget to take your tombstone with you." - -"A very interesting thing to do, doctor; but I shall chance the voyage -for all that, if I improve; and as to the tombstone, I shall leave that -to friendly hands in case it is required." - -I thanked him for the valuable medical advice he had given me, as well -as the suggestion of a visit to Malta. I left my German doctor, Mr. -Morris, a very eminent man I believe, but his German style of treatment -did not seem to agree with my John Bull constitution. I had no sooner -left him and adopted the English style of treatment, (and here I cannot -refrain from expressing my thanks to a young medical gentleman named -Ambler, who was most assiduous in his kind attentions to me, and through -following his prescriptions, which were very strengthening, I ultimately -recovered,) and was able to cook nice things for myself, instead of -starving _a l'Allemande_ upon a rigorous diet, than I regained strength -enough to go about and look to business, and even to ride from hospital -to hospital--go to the Isles des Princes, Therapia, Buyukdere, &c., for -change of air, and was at last strong enough to accept the following -invitation to the grand ball at the English Embassy:-- - - La Vicomtesse Stratford de Redcliffe prie Monsieur Soyer de venir - passer chez elle la soiree de Jeudi, 31 Janvier, a 10 heures. - - _Bal Costume._ - -This grand annual festival, so eagerly looked for by the fashionables of -Pera and Constantinople, presented this year quite a new phase. In -addition to the usual diplomatic corps of the various nations -represented by their ambassadors and their noble families, there were -the _elite_ of the Allied armies. The full-dress costumes of the -diplomatic corps, as well as those of the military men, intermixed with -hundreds of exquisite fancy costumes, formed a ravishing _tout -ensemble_. - -Such an assemblage of members of all nations probably never met beneath -the same roof, and very likely never will again--the advent of the war -being the cause. The greatest attraction of the ball was the assemblage -of ladies in their brilliant costumes. Independent of those from the -various embassies, were French, English, German, Greek, Armenian, -Italian, and Circassian ladies--in fact, all nations except the one the -ball was given to, viz., Turkish ladies, the only lady in that Oriental -costume turning out to be a colonel of cavalry. At an early hour, the -magnificent ball-room, which is lit from the roof by thousands of wax -lights, was full. At nine precisely the cannon was heard announcing the -arrival of the Sultan at the Palais d'Angleterre. The _coup-d'oeil_ -was really fairylike, upon the entrance of his Majesty and suite, the -latter attired in full uniforms, which could not fail to astonish the -most initiated eye by the gorgeous display of gold, jewels, and -diamonds, coupled with the idea that such a scene had never before been -witnessed except on high Turkish festivals, which are even more solemn -than our grand ceremonies. Upon this occasion were assembled all the -grandees and chief Turkish officers, attired in their sacred festival -uniforms, with a smile upon their countenances, instead of the usual -stolid and serious cast of features so peculiar to the Moslem during -their grand ceremonies. His Sublime Majesty was nobly though plainly -attired, and shone above his suite by his magnificent simplicity. - -Lord Stratford de Redcliffe met the Sultan at the foot of the great -marble staircase, that architectural _chef-d'oeuvre_ of the Palais -d'Angleterre; and her ladyship and family, surrounded by her noble -circle, received him at the summit. His Majesty, with great affability, -expressed through Lord de Redcliffe the gratification he felt at being -presented to her ladyship and her numerous visitors. He was shown -through the various saloons, which were brilliantly illuminated and -profusely decorated with choice flowers: they were all crowded. The -expression of his Majesty's countenance showed that he took the most -vivid interest in the novel scene witnessed by him for the first time. -The ladies' fancy dresses were in exquisite taste, particularly the -"Elizabeth Quadrilles," led by Lady de Redcliffe and the young ladies, -forming a perfect representation in _tableau vivant_ of the Elizabethan -period, brilliantly executed. The costumes most to be admired in that -assemblage of aristocratic beauty were, the Pompadour, Ninon de -l'Enclos, ancient Greek, Circassian, Roman peasant, Albanaise, -Catalanaise, and Pierrettes. - -All the gentlemen, except the diplomatic and high military corps, were -in fancy character, which gave a cheerful appearance and _ensemble_ to -the ball; and the Sultan, prior to his departure, expressed to Lord and -Lady de Redcliffe the gratification he felt at witnessing such a lively -scene.[21] - -Towards five in the morning, its dazzling grandeur had disappeared, and -very forcibly presented to some of us the reverse of the medal. To a -mild evening succeeded a most tempestuous and cold morning: snow fell -heavily in the Oriental city. The change of temperature was so sudden -and violent, that one might have fancied oneself transferred by -enchantment from summer to winter, or from Paradise to Pandemonium. The -sudden change of scene and temperature presented a sad contrast to the -mind. A few friends accompanied me who were, like myself, very lightly -clad, being in character, and we had to go home in that storm of snow on -foot. On reflection, I felt that I had acted very imprudently in going -at all, in the state I was then in, and that it might prove fatal to me. -"After all," said I to my friends, who, like myself, were floundering -about in the snow, by that time six inches deep in some places, "I -should very much regret not having been, no matter what may be the -consequences. To be present at an entertainment which the Padischah for -the first time had honoured with his presence, viz., a Christian ball, -is far from being a common thing." - -We reached our hotel door as wet as frogs, the movements of which -reptile we had been for some time imitating by jumping from tombstone to -tombstone in the Petit Champ des Morts, that being our nearest road -home. The door was opened, after we had knocked about twenty times. -Nevertheless, we had no reason to be dull or impatient, as there was -defiling before us the everlasting caravan of donkeys laden with coffins -for the daily consumption of the French hospital at Pera. Never, -perhaps, upon any stage was there such a sudden change from the sublime -to the gloomy. The door at last opened, and we were saluted with a "Very -sorry, gentlemen, to keep you waiting, but we did not expect you so -early." It was only half-past six A.M. - -I made sure that I should be ill after such a series of events, and, -wishing to be quiet, I gave special orders that no one should be -permitted to disturb me, excepting the doctor, who was in the habit of -calling occasionally. I had scarcely fallen asleep, when I was aroused -by a knock at the door, and a letter was put into my hands apprising me -that part of my stoves had arrived. I was, therefore, obliged to rise -immediately and to go in person to the Admiralty, as my head man had -left for Scutari the night before. The steamer was on its way to -Balaklava, and the captain did not know what he was to do with them. I -immediately wrote to Colonel Blane at head-quarters upon the subject, -and received the following letter in reply:-- - - -HEAD-QUARTERS, CRIMEA, _19th March, 1856_. - - SIR,--In reply to your letter of the 13th inst., I am directed to - acquaint you that the new field-stoves will not be issued by - Captain Gordon until he receives instructions to that effect from - the Quartermaster-General. Lieut.-Colonel Halliwell, Assistant - Quartermaster-General of the Fourth Division, will give you, on - your arrival in the Crimea, every information as to the hut which - was directed to be built for your use in the camp of the Fourth - Division. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your most obedient servant, -ROBERT BLANE, Lieut.-Col., -_Military Secretary_. - -Monsieur A. Soyer, -Barrack Hospital, Scutari. - - - -The exertion I had undergone for nearly twenty-four hours, I fully -expected would have laid me up for as many days. On the contrary, -however, I felt as strong again as the day before the ball, and to this -event alone I attribute my cure. This proves that a sudden change may -often be beneficial in cases of violent disease. In a few days I once -more embarked on board the _Ottowa_, and was again _en route_ to the -Crimean shore, but received the following letter from Lord de Redcliffe -before leaving:-- - - -BRITISH EMBASSY, _February 20th, 1856_. - - DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--I cannot let you go back to the Crimea, which - I understand you think of doing, without receiving my written - thanks, in addition to those which I have already expressed by word - of mouth. - - It must be a great satisfaction to you to have found so excellent a - field for the application of your skill and humanity; and I - sincerely hope that your name will be never dissociated from the - great and memorable events of the present war. - -Believe me, very sincerely yours, -STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE. - -Monsieur A. Soyer. - - - -Prior to my departure, to my great satisfaction, the Medical Staff Corps -were well established in the Barrack and General Hospitals, these being -the only ones remaining. All the responsibility of the culinary -department in those establishments was thus taken off my hands, as the -Medical Staff were well acquainted with my system, which was followed to -the last. - -The following letters which I wrote to the Government and General Storks -will prove the necessity that exists for the establishment of such a -corps for military hospitals; and it ought to be established by every -nation. - - -_To General Storks, Commanding Officer._ - -BARRACK HOSPITAL, SCUTARI, _March 11th, 1856_. - - MONS. LE GENERAL,--My field-stoves for the army, so long expected, - having just arrived; in a few days I shall proceed to the Crimea to - distribute them to the different regiments, as per special orders - from the War-office. - - Prior to my departure hence, I am happy to inform you that the - Medical Staff Corps is now instructed by Victor, the civilian cook, - in the management of the kitchen department of the hospital under - the new system introduced by me and approved of by the medical - authorities, which up to this time (a period of twelve months) has - perfectly succeeded. - - As I shall require Victor with me in the Crimea, I shall leave the - future management in the hands of the said corps: I would recommend - its introduction in all the military hospitals, it being of the - utmost importance for the regularity of the diet for the sick, that - the _employes_, when once initiated, should not be removed, as was - the case with the soldier cooks, and which removal was much - commented upon by myself and Dr. Cumming on my arrival at Scutari, - and induced me to introduce civilian cooks. The introduction of the - new corps will also tend to the regularity and economy of the - extra-diet system, which is a matter of great importance in so - large an establishment, and has till now been attended with - difficulty, as the civilian cooks could not be subjected to the - rigid discipline of the new corps. - - I feel myself in duty bound to say that Mr. Robertson, the - purveyor-in-chief, has assisted me in every way to bring the system - to the state of perfection in which it now is; which system I am - confident will, by the introduction of my printed receipts, be - adopted at home in the civil as well as military hospitals--it - having been submitted to both military and civilian medical - officers, who have approved the same, and also assisted me with - their valuable knowledge and suggestions in its formation. - - With the highest consideration, I have the honour to be, - -Your most obedient servant, -A. SOYER. - - - - -_To the Right Hon. Lord Panmure, Secretary-at-War._ - -BARRACK HOSPITAL, SCUTARI, _March 11th, 1856_. - - MY LORD,--The ship _Cape of Good Hope_, with the first consignment - of my stoves on board, has just passed through the Bosphorus to - Balaklava, and, to my great disappointment, without stopping here; - as I was in daily expectation of her arrival in order to proceed in - her to the Crimea, and distribute them to the different regiments, - having with that view requested from the Admiralty-office, and the - wharf-master at Scutari, notice of her arrival. I have just been - apprised that the ship was ordered direct for Balaklava, and I - shall follow her as early as possible. I have written to - head-quarters to that effect, and beg to enclose the copy of a - letter to General Storks, in which your lordship will perceive how - highly I approve of the introduction of the new Medical Staff - Corps. - -I have the honour to be, - -Your most obedient servant, -A. SOYER. - - - - - - -CHAPTER XXXII. - -CAMP OF THE FOURTH DIVISION. - - Excellent quality of the stoves--Mr. Phillips--Strange way of - repairing--Interview with General Codrington--installed on - Cathcart's Hill--Gourmet and gourmand--Lessons to the - soldier-cooks--Receipt to cook salt meat for fifty men--Army soup - for fifty men--Success of my stoves--The grand - breakfast--Guests--Economy--Use of the fat--General Garrett's - testimony--Giving-parties mania--Invitations--My first - dinner--Amusements--General Luders's invitation to the Allied - Commanders--Scene on the Mackenzie - Heights--Fraternization--Hospitality of the Tartar families. - - -I thus had the opportunity of taking my civilian cooks away with me, as -I wanted their services in the Crimea. Upon my arrival at Balaklava, I -paid my respects to General Codrington. My stoves had arrived just -before, and the fact of their having been adopted was mentioned in the -orders of the day. - -Mr. Phillips, the engineer I had requested the Government to send out to -superintend or repair the stoves if required, arrived on board the -_Argo_. I am happy to say that, as far as repairs were concerned, this -gentleman's services were not needed. Although the stoves were -frequently moved from camp to camp, and from one regiment to -another--were in continual use in the open air, exposed to all weathers, -and some of them for above twelve months, they did not stand in need of -any repairs. This fact speaks volumes for their fitness for campaigning. - -Mr. Phillips was the son of one of the partners of the firm of Smith and -Phillips. He had nothing to do professionally as regards the repairing -of the stoves, but I must acknowledge that he made himself very useful -as well as agreeable. He rose very early, and accompanied me in my camp -cruises, racing from stove to stove. He woke at daybreak, but always -felt rather drowsy till he had taken a strong cup of tea, with a -stronger drop of rum in it, which set him, as he said, upon his mettle. -He then mounted his horse, which had gloriously served his country for -nearly fourteen years in the French cavalry under a heavy cuirassier. -The only inconvenience with this warrior quadruped was that my cockney -Zouave was never sure which regiment he should visit first, as he was no -sooner on the back of this old pensioner, than he began to fidget, and -off he went in any direction, but always stopped at some regimental -stable. This did not so much matter, as I had stoves in almost every -regiment. The only plan was to make no positive appointment. - -On two or three occasions he was less successful, for -_Ventre-a-terre_--such was the French name of that Pegasus--took him -full gallop through the French camp. The first inconvenience was my -having no stove there; the second, the French had arrested him for -galloping through the camp, and were about to put his horse in the pound -and himself in prison. I arrived quite by chance, and he was liberated. -As he spoke no French, he was endeavouring to assure them in English -that he was not the culprit, but his horse. I explained the case to the -French sergeant, and recommended, as a point of justice, as it was the -animal's fault, that he should be put in the stable and the horse in -prison. This amused the group of Imperial Guards, who surrounded us by -scores, and a few bottles of very, very acid wine, procured at Madame -Fleur des Bois', the mistress of the canteen, terminated in full glee -the adventure of my cockney Zouave of Snow-hill in the French camp of -the Crimea. - -Mr. Phillips was an excellent vocalist, and his collection, unlike that -of my Zouave Bornet, with his "En avant les Bataillons d'Afrique," -"Storm of Constantine," "Bravest of the Brave," "Cannon Ball," "Shell -Polka," &c., was of a softer nature, including "Sally in our Alley," -who, he pretended, was the love of his heart. Another of his favourite -pieces intimated that the soft part of that organ was bursting for the -love of Alice Gray, whom he very much wished to meet by moonlight alone, -or in company with the "Ratcatcher's Daughter," while walking round the -garden with "Villikins and his Dinah." I am induced thus minutely to -depict the merits of my Snow-hill Zouave, because he will be so well -recognised by those who were in the camp. He was short, fair, fat, and -full of London jokes, which he had the fault of laughing at more himself -than those did who listened to him. He is a good son, good husband, good -father, a good fellow, but a bad punster. - -The chief evil in the old canteen cooking apparatus was, that it so -easily got out of repair. There was no possibility either of mending -them or of obtaining new ones, as they were only issued at certain -periods. I saw some that had been mended in a most extraordinary style. -When the hole was too small, the soldiers would poke a rusty nail into -it; if large, a nail with a piece of leather attached. Other operators -would cut a piece off the cover in order to mend the bottom or side; and -as after that scientific repair leakage was unavoidable, they were -obliged to keep putting in fresh water, or to let the canteen burn. - -After our interview, General Codrington promised me his assistance. The -Congress was then sitting, and rumours of peace were flying about. I -asked the general whether it would not be better to prevent more stoves -being sent out. He replied-- - -"Perhaps it would." - -"I am glad to hear you say so, your excellency, it being a sign of -peace, as war I consider at all times unprofitable." - -"On the contrary, Monsieur Soyer; we are making greater preparations -than ever for war." - -It was decided that, for the time being, one stove should be delivered -to each regiment, and be removed from company to company, in order to -give all the men an insight into the method of using them, and of my -system of cooking. This was immediately done; and on the receipt of the -following from Colonel Blane, I went to Colonel Halliwell:-- - -[Illustration: SOYER'S VILLARETTE ON CATHCART'S HILL. - -Taken unexpectedly by a Non-Commissioned Artist in the Rifle Brigade.] - - -HEAD-QUARTERS, CRIMEA. - - MY DEAR SIR,--By applying to Colonel Halliwell of the Fourth - Division, he will give you possession of the hut which has been - built for yourself and suite, and will assist you in every manner - possible. - -I am, yours ever, - -S. J. BLANE, Col., - -_Mil. Sec. to Gen. Sir W. Codrington, Commanding_. - -To Monsieur Soyer. - - - -In a very short space of time my tents were pitched, and myself and my -people were installed, on that celebrated spot called after that great -and deeply-regretted man, General Cathcart--viz., Cathcart's Hill. - -This was now my castle, and proud was I of the noble site granted to me, -as well as of my neighbours, from whom I received a most kind and -friendly reception. Indeed, it was with the highest gratification that I -found in the Fourth Division the same welcome and urbanity I had -received in the First. I shall ever be grateful to Colonel Halliwell, -who, by the bye, is a very distinguished artist and a discriminating -epicure. Excuse the remark, dear reader, but a man, as I have already -remarked in my _Regenerator_, may be either a gourmet or a gourmand, but -never both: "car le gourmand n'est jamais gourmet; l'un mange sans -deguster, l'autre deguste en mangeant." The gourmet is the Epicurean -dilettante, who eats scientifically and with all his organs--ears, of -course, included. The gourmand's stomach alone acts; he swallows all -that is put before him, never praises the culinary artist, and seldom -complains of the quality of the food, but frequently of the want of -quantity. - -Therefore, gourmets, epicures, high-livers, and wealthy merchants, who -are gifted with a fine intellect, never allow yourselves to be called a -gourmand if you are really deserving of the title of gourmet--and this -title I confidently bestow upon my honourable friend Colonel Halliwell, -who was not only a gourmet, but also a very good amateur cook. I defy -any one to make a better mayonnaise, not even excepting professionals. - -The plan I had adopted for the introduction of my stoves was as -follows:--I first had an interview with the colonel of the regiment, -who introduced me to the quartermaster--the latter to the storekeeper. -Then I went to the commissariat in each division, where I looked over -the stores, in order to regulate the distribution of the provisions and -condiments with judgment and according to common sense.[22] - -To remedy this evil in a private family would only require a few -minutes' conversation with the cook; while in an army it would take -years, as military rules would have to be changed and fresh ones -introduced. Simple as the change may appear, it is still very difficult -to carry out, particularly in a camp extending over such a large space -of ground. Fortunately, I was invested with the power of doing so -without troubling the authorities: nevertheless, it was only by the -following plan that I succeeded. To effect this very important object, -as well as to introduce my new system, I devoted an hour to attend in -person and give the first lesson myself to the soldier-cooks. As the -colonel, quartermaster, and a serjeant were present, besides many -officers as lookers-on, a great impression was thus created upon the -men, who immediately saw the importance of following my instructions. I -supplied the cooks with receipts printed at head-quarters, which gave -them quite an official appearance. The annexed specimen will give an -idea of their simplicity, and of the facility with which they might be -adopted:-- - - - -SOYER'S SIMPLIFIED RECEIPT TO COOK SALT MEAT FOR FIFTY MEN. - -HEAD-QUARTERS, CRIMEA, _12th May, 1856_. - - 1. Put 50 lbs. of meat in the boiler. - 2. Fill with water, and let it soak all night. - 3. Next morning wash the meat well. - 4. Fill with fresh water, and boil gently three hours. - - P.S.--Skim off the fat, which, when cold, is an excellent - substitute for butter. - -SOYER'S ARMY SOUP FOR FIFTY MEN. - - 1. Put in the boiler 30 quarts, 7-1/2 gallons, or 5-1/2 camp-kettles of water. - 2. Add to it 50 lbs. of meat, either beef or mutton. - 3. The rations of preserved or fresh vegetables. - 4. Ten small table-spoonfuls of salt. - 5. Simmer three hours, and serve. - - P.S.--When rice is issued, put it in when boiling. Three pounds - will be sufficient. About 8 lbs. of fresh vegetables, or 4 squares - from a cake of preserved ditto. A table-spoonful of pepper, if - handy. - - Skim off the fat, which, when cold, is an excellent substitute for - butter.[23] (For other variations of receipts, see Addenda.) - -Thanks to the kindness of the colonels and of the authorities of each -regiment, every man did his best, and not one found fault with either -the stoves or the receipts: on the contrary, they all took pride in -their task, and only regretted being compelled to return to the use of -the camp-kettles, as sufficient of my stoves had not then arrived to -enable me to supply them all. The cooking out of doors was also very -agreeable to them, besides the saving of labour, in not having to cut, -split, or saw several hundredweight of wood for each company, as they -now only required a few pounds. - -Having proved the utility of the stoves, the military authorities and -doctors tasted the different soups and messes, with which they were also -well pleased. The following letters, with those in Addenda,[24] will -fully corroborate my statement on both these points:-- - - -WAR-OFFICE, _June 8th, 1855_. - - SIR,--I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of - the 11th ultimo, reporting your arrival at Balaklava, and the steps - taken by you for improving the condition of the kitchens and - cooking arrangements of the hospitals there; and to acquaint you, - that your account of your proceedings and progress is very - satisfactory. - -I am, Sir, your obedient servant, -FREDERICK J. PRESCOTT. - -Monsieur Soyer, -The _Robert Lowe_, -Balaklava Harbour, Crimea. - - - - -WAR OFFICE, _19th September, 1855_. - - SIR,--I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of - the 6th ultimo, enclosing a copy of your arrangements at Scutari - prior to your leaving for the Crimea, and to convey to you the - thanks of the Secretary-at-War for that very satisfactory - communication. - -I am, Sir, your obedient servant, -FRED. J. PRESCOTT. - -Monsieur A. Soyer, -Scutari. - - - - -0112/19 - -WAR DEPARTMENT, _20th October, 1855_. - - SIR,--I am directed to convey to you his lordship's thanks for your - communications of the 8th and 22nd September, and 2nd instant; - and, in reply, to inform you, that on your recommendation his - lordship has sanctioned an order for 400 stoves to be manufactured - by Messrs. Smith and Phillips, of Snow Hill, London; and has given - direction that every exertion be used to despatch them at as early - a period as possible. - -I am, Sir, your obedient servant, -JOHN CROOMES. - -Monsieur Soyer, -Crimea. - - - - -0112/26 - -WAR DEPARTMENT, _7th December, 1855_. - - SIR,--With reference to your letters of the 10th and 14th November, - I am directed to acquaint you that Lord Panmure has pleasure in - affording you the facilities you desire in making another visit to - the Crimea for the purpose of seeing that a proper use is made of - the cooking stoves which have been ordered to be sent out. - - His lordship has written to Sir W. Codrington, instructing him to - allow you the use of a hut, and to extend to you the same - advantages which you were afforded under Sir James Simpson's - command; but I am to add, that up to the present time, none of the - stoves have been actually dispatched, although it is expected that - a portion of them will be ready very shortly. - - You must exercise your own discretion, therefore, as to the time - for your proceeding to the Crimea. - -I am, Sir, your obedient servant, -E. CHUMLEY. - -Monsieur Soyer, -Scutari. - - - - -WAR DEPARTMENT, _25th April, 1856_. - - SIR,--I am directed by Lord Panmure to acknowledge the receipt of - your letter dated 31st March, and to express his lordship's - pleasure in learning that the cooking arrangements which you have - introduced in the hospitals at Scutari have answered so perfectly. - - Lord Panmure approves of your presenting one of the stoves to - Marshal Pelissier, provided you previously obtain the concurrence - of Sir W. Codrington. - -I am, Sir, your obedient servant, -JOHN CROOMES. - -Monsieur Alexis Soyer, -Crimea. - - - - -WAR DEPARTMENT, _6th June, 1856_. - - SIR,--I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of - the 6th ultimo, reporting the success of your field-stoves in the - Crimea, and enclosing two receipts for the preparation of food for - the army, and to express Lord Panmure's satisfaction thereon. - -I am, Sir, your obedient servant, -J. BACON. - -Monsieur Soyer, &c., -Crimea. - - - -After having started them in person, I sent my cooks every morning on -their rounds to see if the men followed my instructions, and I visited -each regiment daily. The hospitals, thank God, were at this time almost -empty. When a division had made use of the stoves about a week, I -requested the general commanding that division to inquire of the -colonel, officers, and men, their opinion of the results of my labours; -and in that manner I acquired the above-mentioned numerous letters of -commendation, having in my possession many others, but space will not -allow of their insertion. - -One of the days on which salt rations were issued, I requested General -Garrett to go round his division and ask the men what they did with the -fat. This he very kindly did, accompanied by his aide-de-camp, Major -Dallas. The first cook we visited, in the 18th Regiment, had rations for -94 men (the whole of his company). They were being cooked in one stove: -the two stoves for the same quantity would have been much better, as the -more water the meat is boiled in, the more salt is extracted from it. -The boiler was filled to the brim, the contents simmering gently: the -meat was beautifully cooked. There were about four inches of clear fat, -as sweet as butter, floating on the top. The stove was in the open air, -and the cook only burnt from ten to fifteen pounds of wood (or hardly so -much) to cook for that number--viz., the whole of his company. The -allowance of wood had been reduced from 4-1/2lbs. to 3-1/2lbs. per man -daily. The advent of peace gave me a full opportunity of thoroughly -instructing the men, and thus I was enabled firmly to establish my new -system. The saving in wood alone, supposing each company to consist of -one hundred men, would, at the former rate of allowance, amount to -450lbs. per company per diem, allowing 25lbs. for cooking, which is -ample. This in a regiment of eight companies would make a daily saving -of 3600lbs. of wood, independent of the economy of transport, mules, -labour, &c. In an army of forty thousand men, it would amount to the -immense figure of 180,000lbs., or 90 tons, per day saved to the -Government, or 32,850 tons per annum. - -General Garrett asked the man what he was going to do with the fat. - -"Throw it away, general," was the answer. - -"Throw it away!--why?" said the General. - -"I don't know, sir, but we always do." - -"Why not use it?"--"The men don't like it, sir." - -I observed that when the salt meat was cooked in the small canteen pans, -the fat was lost for want of the necessary quantity of water to allow it -to rise to the surface, as well as to purify it of the salt. Asking the -man for a leaden spoon and a tin can, I removed the fat as I had before -done in the Guards' camp. On weighing it the next day, I found upwards -of 14lbs. of beautiful clean and sweet dripping, fit for use as -described in the receipts. Thus about 800lbs. of this were wasted weekly -by each regiment--salt rations being issued four days a week. - -General Garrett expressed a decided opinion that my apparatus was much -superior to the old canteen pan, and gave me a letter, which I append in -the Addenda. - -The signature of the treaty of peace changed all the proceedings in the -camp, except mine; for in anticipation of the distribution of the -remainder of the stoves among the various regiments in the camps at -Aldershot barracks, &c., as well as to those on foreign stations, I -continued my daily course of instruction, in order that the men, upon -arrival at home or elsewhere, might be well acquainted with their use, -and be able to impart their knowledge to others. I have since hit upon a -plan by which I shall introduce an oven and steamer, and thus do all -that is required to vary the cooking of the daily meals in barracks--a -subject of great importance. - -War having ceased, the camp bore the appearance of a monster -banqueting-hall. "We have done fighting," said every one, "so let us -terminate the campaign by feasting, lay down our victorious but -murderous weapons, and pick up those more useful and restorative -arms--the knife and fork." - -All appeared to have caught a giving-parties mania. You could scarcely -meet a friend or even a slight acquaintance without being apostrophized -by, "When will you dine with me?" as regularly as though it had been -inserted in the order of the day. The first invitation I received was -from the witty General Barnard, who so generously entertained his -friends, under the superintendence of his major-domo, Captain Barnard -(the gallant general's son). A good table, good wine, and plenty of -everything, or at least the best that could be obtained, were provided; -and no less than five times had I the honour of being invited to enjoy -the noble general's good cheer. Next came invitations from my noble -friend and neighbour, General Garrett, Lord W. Paulet, Colonel de Bathe, -Colonel Peel, Major Fielden, Lord Vane, Lord Dunkellin, and the great -epicure of epicures, Colonel Haley, of the 47th, &c., &c.; to each and -all of whom I cannot but feel grateful--not alone for their liberal -welcome, but also for the honour of having been admitted to their -friendship. - -I could do no less than return the compliment, which was of course -expected from me, the Gastronomic Regenerator. The first dinner I gave -was honoured by the presence of the following gentlemen--viz., Lord -William Paulet, Gen. Garrett, Gen. Wyndham, Gen. Barnard, Col. -Halliwell, Col. R. Campbell (90th), Col. Haley (47th), Major Earle, -Major Dallas, Captain Barnard, &c. - -The bill of fare was as follows:-- - - Potage a la Codrington. - Filet de turbot cloute a la Balaklava. - - * * * * * - - Quartier de mouton a la bretonne. - Poulets a la tartarine. - - * * * * * - - Queues de boeuf a la ravigotte. - Cotelettes de mouton a la vivandiere. - Rissolettes de volaille a la Pelissier. - Filet de boeuf pique marine, sauce poivrade. - - * * * * * - - La mayonnaise a la russe, garnis de cavea. - - * * * * * - - Les plum-puddings a la Cosaque. - Les haricots verds a la poulette. - Les gelees de citron garni. - Les croutes a l'abricot. - - - La bombe glace a la Sebastopol. - - * * * * * - -HORS-D'OEUVRES. - -Les anchoix--sardines--lamproies a l'huile--mortadelle -de Verone--olives farcies--thon--cornichons a -l'estragon--salade--legumes--dessert--cafe--liqueurs. - -Though there was nothing very _recherche_ in the dinner, it met with the -approval of all the guests. The appearance of my humble but -originally-decorated hut, profusely lit up with wax lights, and a rather -nicely laid-out table, surrounded by military men of high standing, in -their various uniforms, was exceedingly novel. The occasion formed quite -an epoch in my life, and I shall probably never again have the honour of -entertaining such a distinguished circle under similar circumstances. -Encouraged by this my first success, I felt in duty bound to continue -the series of these _petites fetes Anacreontiques_, at which were -assembled wit, mirth, good appetite, and delightful harmony. Amateur -artistes of no little note, who had emerged triumphant from the murky -atmosphere produced by the incessant bombardment of Sebastopol, were -there. By their exertions the barriers of freedom and civilization were -opened to all, and the autocrat Czar was compelled to submit. Those who -but a few days before had been enemies were now friends. In fact, the -war had ceased, and peace, that mother of sociability, offered her -delights freely to all. Care seemed banished from every brow, excepting -the sincere regret devoted to the memory of those brave men who had so -nobly died for the glory of their country. In addition to the theatres, -which had amused the camp throughout the winter, madrigal and glee clubs -were instituted. At one of my _petits diners_ (at which the filet de -boeuf pique marine was duly discussed and highly praised by my -Epicurean guests) the leader of the madrigal club, Colonel de Bathe, -proposed that, as I had the largest and most convenient hut for the -purpose, besides being well provided with culinary as well as table -utensils, as a finale, and to crush the last vestige of sorrow in every -one's heart on account of this memorable war, I should give a -dinner-party, after which the whole of the members of the Crimean -Madrigal Club would harmoniously close the evening with a concert. The -proposition was unanimously agreed to. I promised my guests to do my -best to close the season of war by producing an excellent gastronomic -popotte. A general invitation was given, and the day fixed. - -When General Luders courteously invited the French and English generals -to honour him with their presence at his famed camp on the well-known -Mackenzie Heights, the invitation was accepted for the following day. -Everybody was anxious to go, and the invitation being a general one, -lucky were they who had heard of it. The next day a stream of general -officers of the Allied armies poured towards the Tchernaya Bridge. This -was our first friendly meeting with those who had so bravely defended -themselves and sacrificed their blood in defence of the national cause: -General Luders himself had lost two of his sons in the battle-field. The -reception was grand and interesting, the review imposing, the lunch -excellent, the bizarrerie of some very eccentric performance by the -Cossacks highly amusing, the weather very fine, and the welcome joyous -and hearty. It showed what marvels could be produced by a few strokes -from a pen guided by a powerful and prudent hand. Only a few days -before, the soil upon which we were treading peacefully was trodden by -these same human beings with hearts full of revenge, thirst of blood, -and destruction. In place of these, good understanding, as if by magic, -restored to each heart the feelings of humanity and religion. Thousands -of enemies were in a few minutes changed to hospitable friends. The -hostile line of demarcation was now removed, and the camp of our late -enemies free to all; and, instead of gaining inch by inch of ground by -the sweat of the brow and waste of blood and life, there was welcome for -all. Such was the effect produced upon my mind by the advent of peace, -after that memorable and sanguinary Eastern war, through which I thank -God for sparing my life during my humble mission, in the prosecution of -which I had the honour of witnessing the finale of that great European -question, in which the honour and glory of mighty nations were deeply -involved. - -After this solemn day of reception, the fusion of the armies took place. -Our camp was invaded by Russians, as theirs was by our men. The works -and fortifications, as well as Bakschiserai, Simpheropol, Perekop, &c. -&c., were immediately taken without bloodshed. The popping of the -well-corked champagne had replaced the monstrous and unsociable voice of -the cannon. The sparkling liquid, poured in tin pots or cups--anything -but crystal champagne-glasses--seemed to unite all hearts. All the -taverns, hotels, inns, huts, marquees, bell tents, &c., had their -visitors; and no people more than the Russians proved their immediate -attachment to us, by making it a rule not to disoblige any one who asked -the favour of their company. Rather than do this, they preferred staying -a week, a fortnight, or even a month. This I, as well as some of my -friends, had the felicity of experiencing, as often the whole -family--father, mother, sons and daughters, horse, cart, and dogs -included--would take up their residence with one. Most of us made a -pilgrimage to Bakschiserai, Simpheropol, Yalta, and other places, after -the proclamation of peace; and, to the honour and credit of the -inhabitants, all were received with a cordial welcome, after being first -introduced to the governor of the city. Freely indeed was their -hospitality bestowed, and it was our duty to return the compliment by an -invitation to our camp, which seldom failed to be accepted, and shortly -after put in execution, after the style above mentioned. - -Justice must also be done to the Tartar families whom we visited, for -their liberality and friendship. I never saw a man more put out than one -near Bakschiserai on an occasion when a friend and myself had entered a -house in order to obtain some refreshment. We there found a very -numerous family, among which were three small children, from three to -ten years of age. The father, who was an old man, made us understand by -telegraphic signs, _a la Tartare_, that he, and he alone, was the -father, which we had not the slightest objection to believe. Two rather -good-looking girls, also daughters, waited attentively upon us, and in -less than ten minutes a frugal repast was offered. The old man and his -rather young wife gave us to understand that they had laid before us the -best they had, for which we, by telegraphic signs, made them comprehend -that we were quite pleased and very grateful. When we had satisfied our -appetites, we made ready to start, and offered to pay for the -accommodation we had received: but scarcely had the English sovereign -fallen upon the stone slab before the old father, who was nursing the -two youngest scions of his race upon his knees, than he rose up with a -spring, dropped the children on the floor, and stroking his long white -hair with one hand, made a sign for the sovereign to be immediately -returned to the pocket with the other, as if he feared that the heaven -towards which his eyes were directed would punish him for violating the -laws of hospitality if he accepted the money. We did as he desired, and -peace and friendship were at once restored. It was a scene worthy of the -_Dame Blanche_ of Boieldieu, taken from Sir Walter Scott's _Monastery_, -where the Highland farmer says to travellers like ourselves, "The Scotch -mountaineers dispense their hospitality, but never sell it." - -Soon after this charming incident had occurred, we left our generous -host and his fine family in their peaceable dwelling. This love of -hospitality did not prevail amongst the retail dealers, who, on the -contrary, endeavoured to fleece visitors in every possible way, as if -anxious to get one's skin in order to sell it for what it would fetch. -As curiosity had allured us thus far into the bowels of the land, and as -we were not particular about trifles, even in money matters, on this -auspicious occasion, these human vultures were permitted to gorge -themselves at our expense and that of our pockets. Champagne was sold at -a pound and more the bottle, stout at ten shillings, and everything else -at the same exorbitant rate, but by way of compensation all was of an -inferior quality. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIII. - -HOSTILITIES AT TABLE. - - Culinary education of the soldier-pupils--Meeting with Miss - Nightingale--Reforms in the hospitals--Testimonials--Miss - Nightingale's carriage rescued--That lady's exertions--Her - faith--General Luders's visits--Marshal Pelissier--Grand - ceremonies--Trip to Yalta--The _Alar_--A peculiar position--Rescued - at last--A pleasant excursion--Prince Woronzoff's palace--Dinner at - sea--Outside the harbour--The banquet--Wanted at head-quarters--A - new dish--"The great Macedoine a l'Alexandre II., or the Contrast - of Peace and War"--Decorations--Reviews--The festival--Reflections. - - -As two or three months had still to elapse before the final evacuation -of the Crimea took place, I employed the interval in completing the -culinary education of my soldier-pupils, anxious that they might be able -to confer the benefit of my instructions upon others, when the remainder -of the stoves should be issued either at home or abroad. By the aid of -my receipts, which were to be printed upon parchment, framed, and hung -up in every barrack kitchen, the cooks could not fail in the proper -performance of their duties. I very much regret that, owing to some -misunderstanding, one or two regiments did not receive my personal -attendance, though I believe they had the stoves. To the colonels of -those regiments I beg to offer this as an apology for the apparent -neglect, which I assure those gentlemen I can only attribute to some -oversight on the part of those I employed to see the stoves shifted from -one regiment to the other. It was no easy matter to traverse such an -immense space of ground, upon which above forty regiments were encamped; -and the difficulty was increased by my having to deal with different -persons in each. Although I had several of my own men to go about and -assist me, I was the responsible person; and all I have to say is, that -from six or seven in the morning till night, their humble servant was on -horseback, reviewing his various regiments, which, for a bad cavalier, -was a great exertion, especially after so severe an illness. Yet to that -exertion I believe I owe my recovery, as it enabled me gradually to get -the better of a most violent attack of dysentery, which had at one time -reduced me so low, that the following civilian doctors, who were my -neighbours at Scutari--viz., Messrs. Burn, Howard, and Fraser--were -almost inclined to give me up. - -Upon my arrival at Balaklava I met Miss Nightingale, who had left -Scutari a few days previous to my departure from that place, in order to -take the management of two new hospitals, under the superintendence of -Dr. Taylor, my Scutari culinary friend. He told me that, to his sorrow, -he had completely failed in the construction of the kitchen in those -Crimean hospitals, on account of not being able to obtain the necessary -utensils, &c. I immediately proposed to set this to rights for him, as I -had to build two new extra-diet kitchens at Miss Nightingale's request. -Dr. Taylor accepted my offer, and in less than a week both kitchens were -satisfactorily completed, and they were also in full activity. In the -extra-diet kitchens Miss Nightingale's new stoves were adopted. The -establishment called the Left Wing Hospital was in charge of the Sisters -of Charity; the other, called the Right Wing, in that of Miss Stuart, a -most excellent lady, and although of high family, subordinate to Miss -Nightingale. During a period of six months, she rendered the greatest -service, by ably assisting that lady in her exertions. - -I substituted my caldrons for the old ones in the large hospital -kitchens. Slight wooden sheds were built to shelter them; and the -establishments, at last complete, formed two of the most elegant, -cleanly, and useful hospital kitchens in the camp--burning but little -wood, instead of always running short, as was the case when the common -caldrons, placed upon two stones in a dark stone building which could -never be kept clean, were in use. They met with the approval of both -Drs. Hall and Taylor. I explained to these gentlemen, that with those -stoves and a few planks, an excellent hospital or camp-kitchen could -easily be made, instead of the very inferior ones before in use; and -that for an army of a hundred thousand men or more, it would only be -necessary to increase the number, as the stoves would never get out of -repair, and might easily be carried with the army, either on mules, or -by any other conveyance which the Land Transport Corps might adopt. - -The two following letters confirm the truth of my assertions. The one is -from Miss Nightingale, and the other from Dr. Taylor:-- - - -SCUTARI BARRACK HOSPITAL, _July 28th, 1856_. - - I have great pleasure in bearing my testimony to the very essential - usefulness of Monsieur Soyer, who, first in the General Hospitals - of Scutari, and afterwards in the Camp Hospitals of the Crimea, - both general and regimental, restored order where all was - unavoidable confusion, as far as he was individually able,--took - the soldiers' rations and patients' diets as they were, and - converted them into wholesome and agreeable food. - - I have tried his stoves in the Crimean hospitals where I have been - employed, and found them answer every purpose of economy and - efficiency. - -FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE. - - - - Monsieur Soyer's cooking-stoves have been solely used in the Right - and Left Wing Hospitals, Light Infantry Corps, during the last - three months for the regimental hospital diets, for which they are - admirably adapted as regards despatch, cleanliness, and economy. - -G. TAYLOR, M.D., -_S. Surgeon, 1st Class_. - -_Crimea, 5th July, 1856._ - - - -It was on the way to these hospitals that the vehicle conveying Miss -Nightingale and her nurses was upset, and they all had a most miraculous -escape. It was drawn by a mule, and no doubt driven by a donkey, who -drove over a large stone, and thus caused the accident. - -One of the nurses was severely wounded. After this accident, Colonel -Macmurdo gave Miss Nightingale the carriage, a sketch of which appeared -in the _Illustrated London News_ of the 30th August, 1856. Upon leaving -the Crimea, after a long search, I succeeded in rescuing it from the -hands of some Tartar Jews, as I considered it a precious relic for -present and future generations. The Jews were going to purchase it the -next day among a lot of common carts, harness, horses, &c. I called upon -Colonel Evans, of the Light Infantry Corps, and spoke to him upon the -subject, when he kindly allowed me to purchase it. I sent it to England -by the _Argo_, and the sketch was taken on board that ship by Landells, -the artist of that journal. It arrived and was safely landed at -Southampton; and Mr. Andrews, the mayor of that city, very kindly -allowed the carriage to remain in his warehouse till my return to -England. - -[Illustration] - -The extraordinary exertions Miss Nightingale imposed upon herself after -receiving this carriage would have been perfectly incredible, if not -witnessed by many and well ascertained. I can vouch for the fact, having -frequently accompanied her to the hospitals as well as to the monastery. -The return from these places at night was a very dangerous experiment, -as the road led across a very uneven country. It was still more perilous -when snow was upon the ground. I have seen that lady stand for hours at -the top of a bleak rocky mountain near the hospitals, giving her -instructions, while the snow was falling heavily. I observed this to -the Rev. Mr. Holt, who accompanied her almost daily as her clerical -orderly, as he called himself, and he admitted that it was very -imprudent on her part. All one could say to her on the subject was so -kindly received, that you concluded you had persuaded her to take more -care of herself. Yet she always went on in the same way, having probably -forgotten good advice in her anxiety for the comfort of the sick. - -I often warned her of the danger she incurred in returning so late at -night, with no other escort than the driver. She answered by a smile, -which seemed to say, "You may be right, but I have faith." So impressed -was I with a sense of the magnitude of the danger she was daily -incurring, that I addressed a letter to a noble duchess, who, I knew, -had much influence with her. - -It was reported that the Russian general, Luders, intended to pay -Marshal Pelissier a visit at the French head-quarters, and that the -general and his Staff were to be received at the Tchernaya Bridge at -seven in the morning. As I had that day to go to the Highland Brigade at -Kamara, accompanied by one of my cooks, we started at five; and after -receiving the popottes at the various regiments, I left my artiste and -galloped to the bridge. - -I found about thirty thousand troops drawn up in line, extending from -the bridge to General Pelissier's head-quarters. After the salvo of -artillery, a most warm reception was given by General MacMahon to -General Luders, both commanders-in-chief remaining at the French -head-quarters to receive him. The cavalcade, consisting of French and -Russians, set off at a hard gallop along the line of French troops, -which extended about four miles. The discharges of cannon and the firing -of musketry never ceased. The day was a brilliant one, and the sun's -rays glittered upon the helmets, swords, cuirasses, and bayonets, -reflecting myriads of diamonds in the air. The various uniforms of the -Staff which accompanied General Luders, and in particular that of the -Cosaques du Don, gave to this martial and animated scene an _eclat_ -hardly ever witnessed even at the grandest review, which is generally -held on a flat surface, this being cheerfully accidented by hillock and -dale. On such occasions, the army is generally formed in square, instead -of being in a long line eight files deep on one side only, as on the -occasion to which I now refer. The reception by General Pelissier was -brilliant, and worthy of that offered to him on the Mackenzie Heights a -few days previous. - -Amongst the excursions we had projected was one which had been some time -pending. It was to be a trip to Yalta by water, where we intended to -spend a couple of days. A vessel had been provided, the provisions were -ordered, and guests in abundance were invited. A series of fine days had -followed, and the whole management was placed in the hands of the person -with whom the idea of the excursion originated, the Rev. Mr. Parker. -What man amongst the numbers in the Crimea did not know that -distinguished, enterprising, and worthy man? His fame extended far and -wide, and he was equally celebrated for his benevolence and -intelligence; and he never saw a difficulty in anything he undertook, -from the building of a church to an hospital, a hut, kitchen, or an -ice-house. Workmen and materials were found by him, people hardly knew -how or where. Under his clerical wand, wooden palaces were erected, not -without difficulty, but still the work was accomplished. If any good -provisions arrived in the harbour, the worthy minister was the first to -hear of it, and, to oblige his friends, made all inquiries and obtained -every information respecting price and quality. Like all clever men, he -was fond of good living, and was not at all a bad judge of the good -things of this life. It was during the time that he officiated at -Balaklava, that the church, which once had the appearance of a barn, was -changed into a handsome religious edifice. Sebastopol had fallen, and, -as a trophy, one of the bells of the Greek church ornamented his -building, and called the faithful to their duty as regularly as the peal -of any parish church. He was, in fact, the perfection of the _aumonier -du regiment_; but, as in the case of all great geniuses, now and then, -success was followed by failure, and victory by defeat--which the -following will prove. - -The day for the excursion had been fixed, postponed, and was again -decided upon. For this change of plan I cannot account; no doubt it was -owing to some unavoidable cause. At length the day was finally settled; -there was to be no more postponing--off we must go. Our vessel was -called the _Alar_, and she belonged to Mr. Crockford. As she was very -small and short of accommodation, she was soon filled above and below. -The evening before we were to start, the news of a great event for the -following day was published in General Orders. It was to the effect that -General Luders would honour General Codrington with his presence at a -grand review. This favour was not so highly appreciated by the nautical -tourists as by their gallant Commander-in-chief, as at that time it -materially interfered with their anticipated excursion. At all events, a -serious discussion took place as to whether the excursion would or would -not be postponed on that account. The answer "would not!" resounded in -the camp from regiment to regiment, like a _mot d'ordre_, and the final -order to all was, not to be on board a minute after eight o'clock; but -the _Alar_, by way of punctuality, started at half-past seven. I sent -two of my cooks to the vessel, but they never saw anything of the boat. -A few minutes before eight o'clock, the Rev. Mr. Parker, myself, and -others, got into a Maltese boat to join the steamer; instead of which, -the steamer joined us. Not thanking either the _Alar_ nor her captain -for their trouble in coming to us instead of allowing us to go to them, -the reverend gentleman and three more bravely boarded her, and in so -doing kicked our bark away, and left us, in consequence of the swell -caused by the motion of the paddle-wheels, very unsafely dancing an -entirely new hornpipe in the harbour of Balaklava. At last, by the -assistance of a large wave which nearly capsized us all, I managed to -get hold of the man-rope by one hand; this happened to be the left one, -so I could not raise myself on board, and there I was left hanging over -the infuriated waves, the vessel all the while increasing her speed. As -a precaution in walking through the wet fields, I had put on my -India-rubber boots, which dipping in the water, soon became as slippery -as a second-hand leech which will not take or bite at anything. The -confusion on board the vessel, already a wreck, having been just -dismasted in a serious collision with a larger steamer, prevented the -people on board from perceiving my perilous position. My strength was -rapidly becoming exhausted, and I must in a second or two have fallen -into the water, when a reverend gentleman, whose name I regret to say I -cannot recall, saw the imminent danger in which I was placed, and -rescued me. Thanks to his assistance, I managed to lay hold of another -rope with my right hand. I fancied I could travel miles in that -position, it appeared to be so safe. Other assistance arrived, and a few -minutes after I was hauled upon deck, scrambling amongst the wreck and -loose ropes. A friendly voice addressed me with, "Hallo, Soyer! you are -behind time." - -I replied, "I should have preferred being later still, and not have come -at all." - -When the incident was known on board, it caused much merriment among our -fellow-adventurers. As we were going on pleasure, all were allowed to -laugh at the various adventures, as well as misadventures, of the party -so I laughed, and all laughed, soon afterwards, and very heartily. We -were no sooner out of the harbour, than the good ship _Alar_, which had -not received her proper quantum of breakfast or ballast in her wooden or -iron stomach, began her hanky-panky rolling tricks, which never ceased -from the time we started till our return. Breakfast was ready and upon -the table; but, for some unaccountable reason, no one appeared ready for -breakfast. As we were out upon a pleasure excursion, each person was at -liberty to enjoy himself in his own way. Some did this by remaining upon -deck, others by looking overboard, &c., till at length the generous sun, -taking pity upon us, threw out his beams and guided us round the -beautiful rocky coast of the Balaklava and Lukan shores. A few glasses -of champagne were circulated, healths were pledged, and everything got -cheerful and lively; and the joy had even extended to some of the ladies -on board. - -Indeed, reader, I have not yet had time to introduce our fair companions -to your notice; but I will do so shortly. Some of them actually went so -far as to ask me what I thought was good for dinner. "Upon my word," -said I to my fair interlocutor, "I do not know what will be good, madam, -but I'll tell you what will be bad. Look behind you at that black cloud -which seems to follow us so closely: I have no doubt that is a squall -coming, which will soon spoil our bill of fare as well as our -appetites." - -In about half-an-hour we came in sight of the beautiful Palace of Lukan, -belonging to Prince Woronzoff. A short time before, we had anticipated -landing and being able to dine in the gardens. This was rendered -impossible, as the weather had assumed a very tempestuous aspect, and -bore every appearance of a violent storm. Many began to think of a -second wreck, and quite lost the idea of dining. The steamer was put -about in a very unsociable gale of wind, which, thank God, dropped -shortly after, and allowed us, after several attempts, to return safely -to our harbour. This, considering the state the _Alar_ was in after the -accident she had met with, she ought not to have left, especially upon a -pleasure-trip. - -My friend, Mr. Frederick Crockford, who so kindly lent his boat, -assisted me, and we set to work during our stormy return to prepare the -dinner, which we had decided should be got ready, although almost every -one on board was ill. So we began our fantastic and gymnastic culinary -exertions by looking up the stores; and by dint of a wonderful amount of -animal and physical perseverance, we managed to dish up two turkeys, a -number of fowls, hams, roast lamb, tongues, roast beef, plum-puddings, -salad, dessert, &c. &c., and cut bread enough for more than _a -discretion_. The reader will please to observe that it was by this time -late in the afternoon, and the _Alar_ sylph was rolling quite -sufficiently to prevent any willing turkey from remaining upon the -dish, when a tremendous wave came to its aid, and sent three parts of -our luxuries rolling about the cabin-floor, breaking no end of plates, -dishes, bottles, glasses, &c. Fortunately, our dinner was not lost, as -we knew where it was--rolling to and fro on the wet cabin-floor, playing -at the don't-you-wish-you-may-get-me game. Mr. Crockford and myself had -succeeded in making a semi-monster lobster salad, which for safety he -had held on to all the time, almost at the peril of his valuable life, -he being knocked about fearfully against the cabin-boards and bulkheads. -At last we made the harbour. It was nearly dusk; and not being expected -back so soon, nor even the next day, we were kept dancing for above an -hour at the entrance. No doubt, this was done to sharpen our appetites. - -A rumour was circulated that we should not be allowed to enter at all, -the _Alar_ being a merchant-vessel. This was our fate till about six -o'clock, when signals were made for her to enter. We availed ourselves -of this permission, and in twenty minutes the two large tables were set -out _a la mariniere_. Everybody was glad to partake of the most welcome -repast ever bestowed upon a party after the enjoyment of so charming a -day of pleasure. The _salade mayonnaise_ was voted excellent. Champagne -was gaily flowing in bowls, basins, teacups, goblets, &c. Healths were -proposed; her Majesty's first--next that of the Allied armies--then that -of the Emperor of the French, Mr. Crockford's and mine, in honour of the -_salade mayonnaise_; and a vote of thanks was returned to the Rev. Mr. -Parker, for the extremely pleasant day he had been the cause of our -enjoying, especially the dinner in the harbour he had so well provided, -which soon made us forget our nautical tribulations. - -I have almost forgotten the members of the fair sex, whose health was -proposed in the first place. They had been very ill all day. About -eleven, all, except myself, had left the _Alar_ in the full conviction -of having enjoyed themselves very much indeed. Among the party, which -would have been far too numerous, had not circumstances prevented many -of those invited from making their appearance, were Commissary Drake, -lady and daughter; Mr. and Mrs. Burnett. Lady Seymour and friend, who -were to accompany the party, did not come. This is the sum-total of the -ladies present, which for the Crimea was a very fair array of the _beau -sexe_. As it was impossible for me to return to camp that evening, the -captain and Mr. Crockford offered me a bed on board. I of course jumped -at the offer. About one o'clock we were drinking a parting glass, when a -boat was heard approaching the vessel, and a voice called out-- - -"_Alar_ ahoy! Is Monsieur Soyer still on board?" - -"Yes," was the answer. - -In a few seconds, a gentleman, whom I recognised as my friend Captain -Brown of the _Ottowa_, stepped on board. - -"Hallo, captain!" I exclaimed, "what ever has brought you on board at -this time of night?" - -"I will tell you. They have sent for you from head-quarters, and you -have been sought in all directions. Captain Ponsonby has been looking -everywhere for you. A grand dejeuner is to be given to-morrow in honour -of General Luders' visit. I happened to hear of it where I dined and -knowing the _Alar_ had returned with you on board, I have come to inform -you that your aid is required. By the bye, you were suspended a long -time this morning between wind and water: I made so sure you could not -hold on much longer, that I had one of my sailors ready to jump over and -pick you up." - -"Thanks, captain, for two eminent services in one day. I cannot, -however, go to head-quarters till morning, as I have no pony at -Balaklava." - -"All right," said he. "Call upon Major Ross in the morning; he will let -you have all you require." - -"At daybreak I will be there." - -"Mind, the lunch is to be ready at two o'clock." - -"I shall not be able to assist much, as there will hardly be time to -turn round. However, good-night, captain, and a thousand thanks." - -"I'm off in a few hours for Constantinople," he called out from his -boat, "and shall be back in a week. Good-bye." - -The sentinels, as usual, cried--"All's well." I must say, I did not -think it was all well with me. "What can I do," said I to myself, "for -an event of historical importance?" Neither Mr. Crockford nor the -captain could assist me, when an idea struck me:--"If you can't give me -an idea," said I to my friends, "at any rate lend me a dish." - -"That I will," said the captain. - -"Recollect, I want a large one." - -"You had the largest for your salad yesterday." - -"That one will do; it will hold enough for twenty-five persons. - -"Then here goes," said I, writing. "To-day I shall dress in it the -_Macedoine Ludersienne a l'Alexandre II._" - -"A very good name in honour of the event," said Mr. Crockford. "But -pray, of what is it to be composed?" - -"Oh! for that," said I, "if I were to implore the Genius of Gastronomy, -from Lucullus to Apicius and Vitellius, or Vatel to Ude and Careme, I -could get nothing from them but inspiration; while what I require is -something substantial, and not artificial. It strikes me that a word -from you to your head man at Kadikoi (as you will not be there -to-morrow) would do more for me in a few minutes than the whole of those -defunct celebrities, whom I am not now inclined to trouble upon so -material a subject. Pray give me _carte blanche_ to get anything you may -have and I require for the composition of this modern Babylon, which -must be constructed upon a base sufficiently strong to resist the joint -attack of the heads of three of the most powerful armies in the world, -and only be destroyed after having conquered the conqueror's _place -d'armes_, the stomach, so called in military parlance." - -The order was readily given by my friend Mr. Crockford, and we then lay -down to sleep, being both completely exhausted with the fatigues of what -was called a day of pleasure. We had hardly closed our eyelids, when -morning caused them to be reopened; so up we got. My friend started for -Constantinople, and I for head-quarters. On my way I called upon Major -Ross, who kindly lent me a pony, and told me of the message left with -him. I started immediately--bought a few things in Balaklava -market--called at Crockford's store at Donnybrook, which I ransacked and -despoiled of condiments of every description. Instead of going direct to -head-quarters, I changed my mind and went home to prepare, having -decided, as the time was so short, to produce one good dish only, -instead of several small and insignificant ones. This was, however, to -be worthy of the occasion. I was well aware that General Codrington's -cook, under the liberal management and command of Captain Ponsonby, -would turn out something worthy of the event. Upon arriving at my hut, I -sent two of my cooks to assist him, despatched my groom on horseback to -Kamiesch for various things, and then began the construction of my -_Ludersienne_ upon the lid of my new field-stoves, the dish I had -brought from the _Alar_ being too small. - -My novel dish was completed, and carried to head-quarters by two -soldiers; and at a quarter to two I personally placed my culinary wonder -upon the table. It was called - - - - SOYER'S CULINARY EMBLEM OF PEACE, - - _The Macedoine Ludersienne a l'Alexandre II._ - - This monster dish was composed of-- - - 12 boxes of preserved lobsters - 2 cases " lampreys - 2 cases " sardines - 2 bottles " anchovies - 1 case " caviar - 1 case " sturgeon - 1 case " thunny - 2 cases " oysters - 1 pound of fresh prawns - 4 pounds turbot cloute - 12 Russian pickled cucumbers - 4 bottles " olives - 1 bottle mixed pickles - 1 bottle Indian ditto - 1 bottle pickled French beans - 2 bottles " mushrooms - 1/3 bottle " mangoes - 2 bottles of pickled French truffles - 2 cases of preserved peas - 2 cases " mixed vegetables - 4 dozen cabbage lettuces - 100 eggs - 2 bottles of preserved cockscombs. - - The sauce was composed of six bottles of salad oil, one of Tarragon - vinegar, half a bottle of Chili vinegar, two boxes of preserved - cream (whipped), four ounces of sugar, six eschalots, salt, cayenne - pepper, mustard, and a quarter of an ounce of Oriental herbs which - are quite unknown in England. - -The dining-room, decorated under the artistic superintendence of Captain -Ponsonby, presented a ravishing _ensemble_ well adapted to the occasion. -It was hung, ceiling and all, with the Allied flags, to which the -Russian standard, so long absent, had been happily reinstated in the -bond of friendship and civilization. Those few pieces of printed cloth -spoke volumes to my mind. These adopted colours of different nations had -not waved together for a long while, and their playful movements, caused -by a fresh breeze, which seemed to have purified itself in passing -swiftly over the cheerful vineyard attached to head-quarters, pleased me -very much.[25] The god of war had put his seal and autograph upon them, -just in the same manner as we see a name upon a bank-note, which only -acquires value from national convenience and conventionality. Still -these rags, which the will of mighty empires had favoured with their -high regard, were so proud of their post, that they appeared to float -and flutter in the air with more grandeur than a common piece of stuff -just brought from the loom, as was the case with them before their -glorious national christening, would have done. They appeared as proud -and superior to their brothers and sisters as a race-horse is to one of -his less fortunate fellows--a cart-horse. - -I was left almost alone in that ever-memorable spot (every one having -gone to the review), giving the last _coup-d'oeil_, with Captain -Ponsonby and the maitre d'hotel, to the well-provided table. The -illustrious guests were momentarily expected. Volumes, indeed, could I -read in those printed sheets--symbols and emblems of glory. Upon them -seemed engraved, in letters of gold, "L'union fait la force," and -"Regeneration instead of destruction!" Such were my sentiments on that -memorable occasion. The world at large was interested in this mighty -fusion; the end of this grand drama I could plainly read, though merely -printed upon pieces of common calico. - -Professionally, I was doubly proud of the honour of contributing my mite -of industry to this California of grandeur and great events. My monster -Macedoine was placed in the centre of the table, and, though only a few -persons were present, was much admired. "In a few minutes," said I to -myself, "those great men whose names are echoed and re-echoed throughout -the world by the trumpet-blast of fame will be here, not only gazing -upon my impromptu _chef-d'oeuvre_, but, I hope, also freely partaking -of it--and, while enjoying the pleasures of the table, cementing the -sentiments of peace and of friendship." - -So much was my mind absorbed by the superficial, that I had almost -forgotten the material. The words, "the review is over, and the generals -are coming," recalled my wandering senses. A gorgeous cavalcade was seen -approaching, headed by four generals-in-chief in full uniform, and their -respective Staffs, wearing their decorations, followed by above thirty -generals. A few minutes after, I was attending upon Generals Pelissier, -Luders, and Sir W. Codrington, who were sitting together--General -Pelissier on the left and General Luders on the right of Sir William. -The following persons were sitting at the same table:--General della -Marmora and Sir Colin Campbell were facing; and at the same table sat -Admiral Freemantle; Generals MacMahon, Martinprey, Wyndham, Garrett, -Barnard, Lord Rokeby, Lord W. Paulet, Cameron; Colonels Scariatini and -M. Amazzoff, aides-de-camp to General Luders; and the aides of the other -generals. - -My anticipations were realized; for no sooner had the guests taken their -seats than the conversation became more animated. I had placed at the -apex of my pyramidal Macedoine a small card, with the dedication written -upon it. Sir W. Codrington handed it to General Luders, who, after -showing it to several of his suite, requested permission to keep it as a -reminiscence of the day. This request was granted by Sir William with a -smile. - -The entrees, roasts, and the entremets had been handed round, and a -serious attack upon my Ludersienne commenced, almost every guest -partaking of it twice. Captain Ponsonby requested me to remove it, as -several gentlemen at the other table wished to taste it. General -Pelissier, with whom I had the honour of conversing longer than with any -one else, was in an excellent humour, and full of that vivacity and wit -so characteristic. He bantered me several times for not having stoned -the olives which formed part of the Macedoine. I told him that time -would not permit of this, as I had received such short notice of the -banquet, and that I went the evening before on an excursion by water to -Lukan. At the same time, I expressed my regret to Sir William at not -being at home when sent for. - -"Never mind, Monsieur Soyer," replied Sir William. "I am, at all events, -very happy to see you here, and thank you kindly for your exertions." - -General Pelissier again addressed me: "You may say what you like, -Monsieur Soyer, but you might as well have stoned the olives." - -"Very true, general, if time had allowed. It is all very well for you to -take the Malakhoff in a few minutes, but it took me four hours to make -that dish." At which reply he could not help laughing. - -"Your friend General Barnard," said he, pointing to that officer, who -was sitting at the bottom of the table, "would like to taste it. Go and -offer him some." - -I did so; but the general had been served. I then made a tour round the -table, asking each guest, above thirty in number, whether he had been -attended to. - -The time was getting short, and another review--that of the English -army--had to come off. The iced champagne had performed a grand _role_ -during the repast; all seemed highly gratified and full of animation. -What a burst of enthusiasm was elicited when General Luders rose, and -proposed the health of her Majesty the Queen of England and that of the -French Emperor! which enthusiasm was renewed when Sir William Codrington -responded by proposing that of the Emperor Alexander. - -The _mot d'ordre_ was given, and all were soon mounted, and proceeded to -the review, at which, having terminated my culinary duties, I assisted -as a spectator, arriving just time enough to have a glance at the -spectacle, which to my mind was superior in point of effect to that of -the magnificent French army in the morning. It was in a splendid square; -while the French army, though more numerous, being in a line, covered -more ground, but produced less effect. I remarked this to General della -Marmora, with whom I was conversing. He seemed to be of my opinion. The -Scotch, with their bagpipes merrily playing, were then filing past the -Etat-Major, and the vibrating sounds of their wild mountain music -impressed itself for ever on my ear. It was their last song on the -Crimean shore. A few minutes more, and all was over. General Luders -entered his carriage, and started full gallop, followed by his Staff. -General Codrington and suite lined the fields on either side the road -along which the carriage passed. On reaching the Balaklava road, which -crosses the high mountain leading to the Guards' camp, the Russian -general made a full stop; so did Sir W. Codrington and suite. They bade -each other adieu; and after General Luders had returned thanks for the -excellent reception he had received, Sir William said, "I hope, general, -you are not over-tired?" - -"No, not at all, thank you. I only felt rather cold standing still -during the last review." - -This was spoken in French. - -The Russian cavalcade galloped away towards the Tchernaya, whilst the -English returned to head-quarters. - -It was getting quite dark; the weather, which had been so warm in the -morning, turned very cold--the sky looked grey, and not a soul was to be -seen. I ascended the rocky and steep mountain on horseback. A few -minutes after, I was in lonely solitude on the top of the plateau. Not a -sign, of life was to be seen or heard; graveyards alone ornamented this -desolate spot. - -"What a curious life mine is!" said I, musing. "Compare the last -forty-eight hours with the time when I was hanging by one hand, -suspended between life and death, from the man-rope of the _Alar_, in -the harbour of Balaklava." It reminded me of a rocket, which, while -soaring brightly in its flight towards the sky, shines radiant for a few -seconds only, and then vanishes in space. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXIV. - -CRIMEAN FESTIVITIES. - - Cathcart's Hill deserted--The Madrigal Club--Mrs. Seacole - again--Sally the Egyptian beauty--The dark maid of the Eastern - War--The Land Transport Corps Hospital--Conversation with Miss - Nightingale--Quiet at head-quarters--General Barnard's - entertainment--Visit from three Russian officers--Strange - conduct--Visits--General Garrett's disappointment--Trip to the - ruins of Sebastopol--A gallant cockney--A tremendous - explosion--Playing with live shells--A narrow escape--A clever - trick--Another accident--General Garrett's lunch--Russian lady - visitors--Bill of fare--Tom Shell-proof--Arrival of the - Russians--The review--Grand banquet to Sir Colin Campbell--Grand - dinner to General della Marmora--Crimean cup _a la - Marmora_--Receipt--My grand - festival--Preparations--Misgivings--Green inspiration--Great - success--List of guests--The hut on fire--Music and song--Close of - the last party on Cathcart's Hill. - - -On reaching home, I found Cathcart's Hill as quiet and deserted as I did -on the 8th of September, but under less solemn circumstances, for -Sebastopol had then fallen--whereas now it was likely to rise again like -a phoenix from its ashes. The head-quarters of the Fourth Division -were wrapped in deep repose. I could not even wake my groom to put my -small charger into the stable; but this had often occurred before, and -gave me the chance of learning how to attend to my own horse. It is -true, it was nearly twelve o'clock; for in passing the Guards' camp I -had paid several visits, and the kind reception accorded would not have -failed to detain the greatest misanthropist till a late hour. I had in -particular called upon Colonel de Bathe and the members of the Madrigal -Club, being anxious to ascertain from that body of artists when our -great festival was to take place. - -"To-morrow you are invited," said Colonel de Bathe, "to dine with us at -General Barnard's, and we will settle that matter there." - -Having to meet Miss Nightingale the next day at the Land Transport Corps -Hospital in order to accompany her for the last time through the camp, I -managed to be there about ten o'clock. Miss Nightingale had not arrived; -so I made an inventory of the various kitchen utensils which were to be -sent back to England or Malta. - -While I was waiting for the Sister of the Brave, I made it my duty to -pay my respects to the illustrious Mrs. Seacole; and, like a good son or -a ship in full sail, I was immediately received in the arms of the _mere -noire_. On perceiving me, she exclaimed-- - -"Hallo, my son! I saw you at head-quarters yesterday!" - -"Did you really? I didn't see you, Mrs. Seacole." - -"I dare say you did not, my son. I was amongst the great dons in the -vineyard, and had a very fine view of the proceedings. I met all my -friends there." - -"No doubt you did, Mrs. Seacole." - -"Very kind they were, I assure you; they all shook me by the hand enough -to last me for life. What do you think of the Russian general, Monsieur -Soyer?" Before I could reply, she said, "He is a fine man, and no -mistake; is he not, my son?" - -She was in the act of dressing the wound of an Army Works Corps man, who -had been thrown, and was cut severely in the forehead. - -"What's the matter with the poor fellow?" said I. - -"He is getting better now. What will you take to drink, Monsieur Soyer?" - -"Nothing at present; it is too early, my dear madam." - -"Don't forget, before you go, to come and take a parting glass with an -old friend. Mr. Day and myself will be very glad to see you, depend upon -it. By the way, how is Miss Nightingale?" - -"I thank you, she was quite well the last time I had the pleasure of -seeing her. I have to meet her at the Land Transport Hospital this -morning, by appointment." - -"What nice kitchens those are of yours at the Land Transport Hospital! I -saw them several times; and the doctors and Mrs. Stuart are highly -pleased with them, I assure you. How nice and clean the Sisters of -Charity keep everything! You may say that of both hospitals." Mrs. -Seacole then said, "What nice things they prepare in the extra-diet -kitchens for the patients! I tasted everything.--Pray give my respects -to Miss Nightingale, and say, if I were not so busy I should run as far -as the hospital, to pay my duty to her. You must know, Monsieur Soyer, -that Miss Nightingale is very fond of me. When I passed through Scutari, -she very kindly gave me board and lodging." - -This was about the twentieth time the old lady had told me the same -tale. Shaking her by the hand-- - -"Good-bye, my son," said she; "I wish you had let me taste some of that -fine dish you made yesterday." - -"How could I, my dear mother? I did not know you were there." - -At this point of the conversation, the Egyptian beauty, her daughter -Sarah, entered. - -"My dear Sally, how are you?" said I. "I never see you in our alley -now." - -"Go along with you!" said smiling Sally; "you are always making fun of -me." - -"Fun of you, my dear?--never. I swear by your blue eyes and black hair, -that I never do. Do I, mother?" - -"If you did, it would not matter; a little innocent mirth now and then -does one good. For my part, my son, I could not live without laughing." - -"Yes; but you told a certain colonel that it was I who was dressed as a -Scotchman at the French ball given the other day in honour of the young -Emperor." - -"What harm is there in that? All the great people were invited, and why -should you not have been there?" - -"Indeed, do you think mother or myself would go to such a place, where -the women wear soldiers' clothes? Not likely. And what soldiers?--the -Scotch Brigade!" - -We all laughed; and I then parted, quite pleased with Sally's modesty. -Sally richly deserves the title of the Dark, instead of Fair, Maid of -the Eastern War. - -On my return to the hospital, I found Miss Nightingale had arrived, -accompanied by the chaplain, Mr. Hone, who informed me that she could -not possibly go through the camp that day. As I was thus disengaged, I -called upon Mrs. Stuart, in order to inquire whether she required -anything in my department. To my astonishment, she informed me that a -field-stove, of which she was greatly in want to heat water for the -baths, had not arrived. As I had sent it with the others, which had -reached their destination, I promised to inquire about it at once, and -sent my engineer, Mr. Phillips, to see after it. It was, however, three -days before it was found. I relate this fact out of hundreds which -occurred during the campaign, to show the mishaps of so difficult an -undertaking. This I must repeat, that I was well supported by the -authorities, and my demands were always granted. To Colonel Macmurdo, -and Captains Evans and Power, I am greatly indebted for their -never-ceasing courtesy. - -In conversation with Miss Nightingale, I did not forget to mention Mrs. -Seacole's kind inquiries. She said with a smile-- - -"I should like to see her before she leaves, as I hear she has done a -deal of good for the poor soldiers." - -"She has indeed, I assure you, and with the greatest disinterestedness. -While I was there this morning, she was dressing a poor Land Transport -Corps man, who had received a severe contusion on the head. In order to -strengthen his courage for the process, as she said, she made him half a -glass of strong brandy and water, not charging him anything for it; and -I hear she has done this repeatedly." - -"I am sure she has done much good." - -I told Miss Nightingale that I had despatched Mr. Phillips in search of -the missing stove; and, as our visit was postponed, I bade her adieu, -requesting her to drop me a line in the Fourth Division at any time she -might require my services. - -That day I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Hall, who apprised me that -the troops would shortly leave the Crimea, and the Sanatorium be closed. -The Monastery was so already; and, as I had anticipated, the Land -Transport Corps remained the last in the field. Passing to -head-quarters, I found everything at a standstill. The Commander-in-chief -was out, the precise order of the previous day seemed in abeyance, and -General Wyndham was sitting to a celebrated Sardinian artist for his -portrait. It was taken in his Redan dress, which was freed from the -blood and dust of that day, as I think very injudiciously, which caused -me to ask if it was the same; the general replied that it was. I believe -the picture was for the King of Sardinia, to be added to his Majesty's -collection of the heroes of the Crimea. - -Captain Ponsonby was occupied in his open-air photographic studio, -taking portraits of everybody who came in his way, amongst them myself. -Captain Hall was herborizing in his _petite chambre_ upon some salad -cress and cheroots. Colonel Blane was very busy writing and giving -orders. Major Curzon and others of the Staff were very seriously -occupied lunching. In the kitchen, the stoves were cooling, and all the -cooks out. At the Post-office and Telegraph all seemed still. The -printing press alone was slowly going. - -Upon returning to the dining-room, I found only a few at lunch; several -were smoking at the door-steps--in fact, compared with the day previous, -the contrast was so great, that it appeared like a holiday after a -week's hard labour. The conversation turned upon the grandeur of the -review, and the success of the entertainment, which seemed to have given -great satisfaction to all. - -In the evening a most charming entertainment was prepared for us at -General Barnard's. The company included General Rose; the French -general, Bombaki; Colonel de Bathe, &c. - -After an excellent dinner, at which a very fine turkey was the _piece de -resistance_,--(it had been reared under the farming care of Captain -Barnard; this is a valuable quality in the Crimea: the turkey was -accompanied by a delicious piece of boiled ration pork, and in addition -two made dishes, two sweets, vegetables, &c.; the whole washed down by -delicate claret cup _a la Barnaby_,)--the topic of conversation turned -upon the great events of the previous day. Perfect harmony prevailed, -when suddenly a warlike sound was heard round the general's wooden -dwelling. A friend entered, crying aloud, "The Russians--the Russians -are coming!" and three Russian officers immediately entered, saying they -had lost their way, and requesting a guide. The general's first impulse -was to give them hospitality, and then put them in their right way. -Captain Barnard got up to usher them in, and soon returned with the -new-comers, who, we perceived, had not only lost their way, but also -their senses. Having seated themselves, the general asked them what they -would take. "Tout ce que vous avez" ("Everything you have," instead of -"Anything you please"), one of them answered. To this the gallant -general demurred, not being at all desirous of having his place -pillaged, particularly in time of peace, after having escaped that sad -tribute during the war. One of them was quite unmanageable: he spoke -French, but was not such a good scholar as the Russian nobles generally -are; he made sad havoc with that fashionable language, and used rude -expressions, which were very unpleasant to the party. The Russians were -anxious to explain what they had been doing at Kamiesch, the recital of -which was much too droll to be pleasant. The noisiest of the party -poured out a large tumbler of brandy, and, before any one could stop -him, swallowed half of it, drinking the health of every mortal thing, -including the French, English, Russians, and the Turkish Emperor's. One -who was more rational tried to appease him, but in vain. At all events, -after an hour's desultory conversation, owing to the great coolness of -the general, we got rid of them, and they mounted their waggon, which -was anything but a fashionable one. They were going to the Mackenzie -Heights, and the French general, Bombaki, who was going that road, -kindly undertook to point out the way. They said that they had finished -twelve bottles of champagne at Kamiesch. Nice company this to drop in -after an excellent _petit diner_, just as we were about commencing the -harmony of the evening! This strange incident completely broke up our -party. We fixed the great madrigal soiree at my hut for the 27th of May, -hoping on that occasion to be more fortunate. We afterwards heard that -the Russian officers were stopped at the Traktir Bridge, and locked up -for a few days--no doubt to give them time to get sober. - -We began to hope that in case we should be visited by any Czarewitchian -company at our semi-grand concerto--and there were plenty daily in the -camp--that they would call before, and not after, their visit to the -then reckless town of Kamiesch, at which place a friend and myself had, -a few days previous, witnessed several very comical scenes. This was -owing to the influx of visitors from the different armies. It was more -particularly the case at the theatre, where the funniest part of the -performance was acted in the pit, stalls, boxes, and gallery, instead of -upon the stage. On one occasion, General Pelissier was compelled to have -a few of the new spectators boxed for the night in the guard-house, in -order to be allowed to enjoy the privilege of his own private box. - -In return for their visits to us, both French and English officers daily -returned the compliment, and the Russians did all they could to make -themselves agreeable. General Garrett met with a very cordial reception -from Major-General Vassileffsky, who commanded after the departure of -General Luders. General Garrett, in return, invited him to the -head-quarters of the Fourth Division, which invitation was graciously -accepted by the Russian general. I was spending the evening with General -Garrett, when he observed that he wished to give General Vassileffsky a -lunch, but that it would be a difficult matter, as he had no convenience -for that purpose. - -"Never mind that, general," said I; "send out your invitations, and -leave the rest to me. A lunch for twenty or thirty shall be upon your -table in due time." - -"They are coming to-morrow morning." - -"Rather short notice, general; but never mind, it will be all right in -spite of time: difficulties are common enough in time of war. Pray leave -the matter to Major Dallas and myself--we will turn out a lunch worthy -of yourself and your guests." - -I immediately set to work, and in a few hours extra provisions and -rations had taken various shapes and forms; some were being stewed, -others baked, and some boiled. Everything was going on so smoothly, that -I almost wished the lunch had been for that day. My men had returned -from their daily regimental rounds, and were all at work. In the midst -of this, the worthy general begged of me to give him a call, when he -informed me that he was sorry to say that the Russian general's visit -was postponed, General Sir W. Codrington having invited him to -head-quarters for that day. - -"No matter," said I; "if your lunch is not postponed too long, the -provisions will improve, instead of deteriorating." - -"You think so?" - -"I am sure of it, general. All the animal food we get in the camp is too -fresh: the beast is no sooner slaughtered than it is either in the pot, -oven, or on the gridiron." - -"We shall be about twenty." - -"So I perceive, and that my name figures amongst your illustrious -guests. You must, however, general, leave me entirely free on that -occasion; I will sit down to table when I think proper." - -"Do as you like, but you must sit down with us." - -"On that day, general, I claim precedence, and even command, over the -head of your division." - -He laughed heartily, saying, "It shall be so. To-morrow there is to be a -review of two divisions in honour of General Vassileffsky, and no doubt -the lunch will come off the day after." - -"Very well, general; only give me due notice, I will answer for the -rest. After such success at head-quarters, the Fourth Division must not -fail." - -As there was nothing more to be done, I gave my people a holiday to see -the ruins of Sebastopol, which they had not been able to do owing to the -press of business. I thought I might as well go myself, as my engineer, -Mr. Phillips, had not seen them. The horses were ordered--Mesnil and -Phillips accompanied me. We mounted and galloped towards the dilapidated -city, which, although from the hill it seems close at hand, afterwards -appears to recede further and further. We arrived at the Ravin des -Boulets--so called from the extraordinary crop of that article which lay -there after the ploughing of that piece of land by the hand of Mars, the -god of iron vegetables made of solid materials. Our gallant cockney -Zouave, who had never smelt any other powder than gunpowder tea, was -quite intrepid, and he mounted to the Redan as though he intended to -take it by assault. He was always ahead; and no sooner had a view from -that far-famed historical spot, of which he had so successfully taken -possession, than the rage of valour seized upon him; no one could arrest -his progress--he bounded off upon his steed several hundred yards in -advance, shouting in frantic enthusiasm, "To Sebastopol! to Sebastopol!" -My friend and myself were rather cooler upon the subject, and trotted -slowly along the ravine direct to the Mast Battery. I called my -invincible engineer back, telling him that he was going the wrong way, -as we wanted to visit that battery before going into the city. He -therefore returned. - -"I tell you what," said I, "young boiling-hot warrior from Snow-hill, if -you had been here this time last year, you would not have charged like -that; the Russians would have smashed your crown for you." - -No doubt they would, had I given them a chance; but I should have said -with the coward, Peter Morrison, 'The time to show courage has arrived, -my brave fellow; let us hide ourselves.' He had scarcely perpetrated -this old joke, when a tremendous explosion was heard, shaking the earth -under our horses' feet and almost upsetting them. I made sure it was a -mine that had been sprung; and a few seconds after, a thick short piece -of wood, partially ignited, fell at about ten paces from my horse's -head. The animal began to kick, and we were enveloped in a dense cloud -of smoke smelling of powder, and so thick that for a few seconds we -positively could not see anything. I expected that my two friends had -been blown into the air, and they thought that I had met with the same -fate. We soon perceived there was no harm done. Our horses advanced a -few paces; and upon turning the corner of the ravine, about ten yards in -advance, we perceived three sailors lying dead, as we thought, and the -ground about them covered with blood. Two of them were screaming; the -other had one leg blown to atoms, and was badly wounded in the other. We -lifted the man who was lying on his face, thinking that he was the worst -of all, when to our surprise we found that he had not been touched, -excepting by a few fragments of his friend's limbs, which had fallen -upon his back. His companion was slightly wounded in four places: it was -a most extraordinary circumstance that his trousers were torn to -ribbons, and a piece of the bridge of his nose was taken clean off, from -which wound he bled copiously. We perceived that it was not a mine, but -a thirteen-inch shell, which had exploded, though not a vestige of it -remained near the spot; nothing but a train of burnt powder about five -feet long and three inches wide could be seen near the poor fellows who -had so imprudently risked their lives. We did all we could to alleviate -their sufferings. It was extremely awkward to meddle with the first, who -remained perfectly motionless, and no hospital was near nor doctor to be -obtained. I gave a French soldier five shillings to run to the French -camp and fetch a doctor: he did not succeed, but returned with a -stretcher. I also sent to Sebastopol, but without success. I had just -tied the poor fellow's leg very tight above the knee, in order to stop -the loss of blood, when General Dacres and a number of officers who had -heard the report came to the spot. I told the general how the accident -had occurred, as it had been explained to me by the man who set it -going, as he called it. Although he was nearest to the deadly missile -when it exploded, he was not even scratched. - -The affair happened thus:--About half-way up the hill they found a live -shell, and for amusement, as they said, rolled it about the ravine. In -doing this some of the powder escaped, of which one of the party made a -devil: this he placed on a stone. In the meantime the shell had rolled -some distance, leaving in its course a train of powder. Not perceiving -this, he set the devil on fire; it communicated with the train, and -ignited the shell. - -"How imprudent those foolish sailors are!" said General Dacres; "they -are all alike." - -As no doctor made his appearance, the general observed the best plan -would be to convey the wounded man on board the _Gladiator_ -steam-frigate: she was the first foreign ship of war that had entered -the harbour. On our way we met two doctors who had been visiting the -ruins. They examined the sailor's wound, and having attended to it, -followed him to the _Gladiator's_ boat, which was waiting at the -floating bridge from the Karabelnaia to the French side. I saw him on -board, and the surgeon of the ship, Dr. Thompson, immediately amputated -his leg. The other two went their way, one of them patched up in four -places, but able to walk. I afterwards heard from the doctor that his -patient was doing well, and that he was a deserter, for which he would -be punished. "A double gratification, doctor," said I: "that's what a -sailor calls a day's spree." - -The most remarkable part of the affair was the escape of the man who had -set the shell a-going; he was not even scratched. The reason of this he -explained thus:--"When I had set the devil on fire, to my surprise I saw -the flame running towards the shell; I expected it would explode, and -threw myself flat upon my face. My eyes! wasn't it a rum 'un!--it gave -me such a blow on the pate--the report, I mean--I can hardly hear now." - -That man was not four feet from the shell when it exploded. I consider -that we had a most miraculous escape, as our brave cockney observed, -looking as pale as though, he hadn't a drop of blood left, though -generally possessing a regular rubicund face, the vermilion colour of -which nothing but a good coat of whitewash could have affected. He was, -in fact, quite stupified, and asked me if it was likely that another -would burst. "Very likely," said I, "if anybody sets it on fire." - -"You in particular, my young fellow," said I, "have had a narrow escape. -If I had not called you back, you would have been blown to atoms, as a -large branch was sent clean off a poplar tree near which you were -standing." - -The wooden fusee, a piece of the other fellow's trousers, and a regular -fright, were some of the trophies I gathered of this sad event. - -On our way home, our Snow-hill friend, who could not get rid of the -bomb-shell feeling, and felt rather shaky, related the following clever -move on the part of himself and Mr. Mesnil. It occurred a few days -before in one of the ravines, and he almost trembled in relating the -anecdote. - -"Ah," said he, "you blame those poor fellows for setting fire to that -shell. I'll tell you what Mr. Mesnil and myself did the other day. As we -were walking, we found a live shell, and being anxious to ascertain -whether it contained those bundles of fused nails we had been shown by -Joseph at Stuart's canteen in the morning, we actually took up a -sixty-four pound shot which was at hand, and pounded the shell four or -five times, in order to split it, that we might inspect the contents. -This did not succeed, so at length we gave it up in despair." - -"Never!" exclaimed I. - -"We did, I assure you. Ask Mesnil." - -Calling him as he was riding on before, I asked him if it was true. - -"Don't mention it--it's true enough. I have been thinking seriously -about it; indeed, I feel quite nervous. What fools we were! and what -luck to have escaped!" - -"I never heard of such a senseless trick in all my life," said I. -"Hardly any one would believe it." - -"The danger and imprudence of the act would never have struck me, had I -not witnessed this day's accident. Let us change the conversation." - -After all, I must say it was very imprudent to leave them about in that -manner. The soldiers were rightly enough ordered not to pick them up -with the cannon-balls; but a hole should have been dug, and each shell -buried separately: then no danger could possibly have occurred. - -This plan I had _en passant_ suggested to some of the authorities. - -The next day another accident happened with a shell. A fatigue party -were engaged picking up round shot, and one of the men had a shell upon -his shoulder. His comrade perceiving it, said, "You have a live shell -upon your shoulder, and we are not allowed to pick them up." The man -that was carrying it threw it down. It fell upon a stone, and -immediately burst, wounding three or four of the party, as well as a -poor rifleman who was sitting upon a rock at some distance eating his -dinner. He was struck on the head by a splinter, which cut away part of -his skull, exposing the brain. He was trepanned the next day; and -although he at first did very well, he died a few days afterwards. Such -accidents were of almost daily occurrence. - -On reaching home I found a note from Major Dallas, General Garrett's -aide-de-camp, apprising me that the lunch would take place in two days. -This delay gave us plenty of time to distinguish ourselves in the -culinary department. Colonel Halliwell, our excellent neighbour, had -left for good, as he was appointed to do duty at Balaklava. He was -replaced by Captain Brooks, his secretary, who was superseded by Colonel -Hugh Smith, and the latter by Major Willis. This department was of great -importance and assistance to me in removing the stoves from one regiment -to another. I here take the opportunity of thanking those gentlemen, -whose kindness almost made me forget, as far as business was concerned, -the worthy Colonel Halliwell, who had removed his head-quarters to -Balaklava, and pitched his tent upon the top of the hill facing the -Genoese Tower, called the Marine Heights. The Ordnance-house was his -place of business and mess-room; but now and then the warrior gourmet -elevated the gastronomic art to the highest pitch by giving small -parties on the summit or pinnacle of the rocky mountain. This was the -case one day when I called. The gallant colonel was very busy embarking -troops, but found twenty minutes' spare time, in which he concocted the -most delicious _Mayonnaise de homard_ I ever tasted, and which was -partaken of by two Russian lady visitors. They were mother and daughter, -of high birth, and accompanied by a Russian officer. The party had -accepted the colonel's invitation when he visited Bakschiserai. The -elder lady was one of the maids of honour to the Dowager Empress of -Russia. The lunch, though soon over, was exquisite, the colonel's -servant being every bit as good a judge of good things as his master. -The champagne was as good as the Mayonnaise. As the colonel had to -attend to business after lunch, the Russian officer, Colonel Halliwell's -aide-de-camp, two friends, and myself, had the pleasure of accompanying -the ladies for a walk. Nothing proved more interesting to them than a -visit to the Sanatorium Hospital, in hopes of seeing Miss Nightingale, -of whom they had heard much. The former they saw, and were much pleased -with it; but the good lady, to their chagrin, was absent at the -Monastery. They consoled themselves by looking round her hut; but there -was nothing to distinguish it from the others: it was, indeed, worse -built, having been put up in a hurry. Their enthusiasm was the pure -effect of imagination; and had we pointed out any other as the residence -of that lady, it would have produced the same result. - -The decline of the sun apprised our Russian visitors that time was -flying; and they had far to go. We parted from them near the top of the -Crow's Nest, one of the finest spots in the world to get a view of a -good sunset. - -Early the next morning all the people in authority were astir. Generals, -colonels, officers, and men in light marching order, might be seen -quickly crossing and recrossing the plateau in every direction. I had, -with my brigade of cooks, been busy since daybreak, and a white stream -of communication had established itself between the general's palazzo, -built of fine white stone,[26] and the villarette of your humble -servant, so conspicuously erected in almost the centre of the plateau. -This was no other than my cooks in their white culinary attire, running -like mad to and fro, fetching and carrying the portions of the collation -which I had prepared in my kitchen. At ten, to the minute, the party -were to sit down; at five minutes to ten the collation was on the table, -and in military order. The bill of fare was as follows:-- - - - DEJEUNER POUR VINGT-QUATRE PERSONNES, - - _Offert au General Vassileffsky par le General Garrett_. - - Filets de turbot cloute a la Dame Blanche. - Cotelettes de mouton a la vivandiere. - - * * * * * - - Relevees chaudes. - Les hanchettes de mouton a la Bretonne. - - * * * * * - - Pieces froides. - Le dindonneau farci a l'anglaise. Les poulets demi-rotis. - Le gros jambon de Westmoreland glace. Le gannet garni d'ortolans - a la Victoria. - - * * * * * - - La Macedoine Ludersienne a l'Alexandre II. - - * * * * * - - Petits hors-d'oeuvres. - Les escaloppes de mortadelle de Verone. Le thon italien marine. - Les olives de Provence farcies. Les lamproies et sardines - Les anchois. marinees. - Les cornichons a l'estragon. Indian pickles. - - * * * * * - - Entremets de douceur. - Gelees d'oranges. Idem au marasquin. - Plum-pudding a la Exeter. Un turban Savarin au Madere. - - * * * * * - - The Crimean cup a la Marmora. - - * * * * * - - Dessert assorti. - Salades d'oranges. Compotes de poires. - Figues, raisins, amandes, &c. - - - -My engineer, Tom Shell-proof, as we afterwards called him, undertook to -gallop round to the various regimental kitchens, and see that all was in -order.[27] This brought to my recollection the applicable and pithy -remark made by my friend Mr. Charles Pierce, who, in the preface of his -valuable work entitled _The Household Manager_,[28] says that "The -warrior general who looks forward to the successful termination of his -coming engagement, first, with careful study and practised thought, -views in prescience each possible exigency, and provides a means to meet -it, strategically considering the country in which his scene of action -is laid, and the appliances in all respects necessary to his victory." -The school from which the author of the above-quoted work emanates is -Chirk Castle, where, upwards of twenty years ago, I first made his -acquaintance. His then young master, Colonel Myddleton Biddulph, is the -present Master of the Household to her Majesty. Mr. Pierce was himself -afterwards attached to the household of the reigning Duke of Lucca, and -was fellow-servant and a most intimate friend of Baron Ward, who -ultimately became not only Master of the Household, but Prime Minister, -to the Duke of Parma. Mr. Pierce himself, as is well known, is _maitre -d'hotel_ to the Russian Embassy. - -At ten to the minute, the Russians arrived. After the introduction, the -guests sat down, and every jaw was soon doing its best; for in less than -twenty minutes there were only the names of the various dishes to be -seen, and they were upon the bill of fare--which was not eaten. The -Russian general, who has only one arm, ate as much as two men with the -use of both. A servant waited upon him, and carved his meat. Better -looking men I have seen, but not more military. He seemed as hard and as -round as a cannon-ball. Between three and five was the general's hour of -rising in time of peace. When he told me this, I said, "Then I suppose -in war-time you don't lie down at all, general?" - -"Very little indeed," was the reply. - -"That I can conceive. But in time of peace you must admit four or five -to be rather an early hour to call upon a friend, as you proposed doing -to General Garrett." - -The general was a man of very agreeable manners--spoke French rather -fluently--had a very quick eye--was no sooner seated than he took a -survey of the company. The lunch was much relished--the speeches were -short and to the point, and all went on to everybody's satisfaction. The -Russian general was particularly pleased, and highly complimented his -host upon the dainty repast, which he could not conceive was to be had -in the Crimea. His aide-de-camp informed me that he was a bit of an -epicure, and always kept a good table when at home. Both the -aides-de-camp were much taken with the engravings from the _Illustrated -News_ pasted round the walls of the general's dining-room. They could -not make out how it was that General Pelissier wore a Russian uniform, -and Prince Menschikoff the French military order--that General Canrobert -was dressed like the Emperor Alexander II., while his Majesty was -dressed in the French general's costume. Count Orloff wore the French -imperial uniform; and above all, their general-in-chief, Prince -Gortschikoff, appeared attired as a Highlander, while the Grand Duke -Constantine was rigged out as a Zouave. They remained some time after -the general had left the table, puzzling over these strange -contradictions. - -"This," said I, "was done during the cut-throat time; but now we are at -peace, and in future every one will carry his own head upon his -shoulders, and each military man wear his own uniform and orders. War," -I continued, "is a mischievous evil, which turns everything topsy-turvy, -while peace will restore every head to its proper owner." - -This explanation appeared to puzzle them more than the thing itself; so -I showed them that the heads had been cut off with scissors and placed -upon other bodies. This amused them so much, that the general had to -wait some time for them. They were entirely engrossed by those -illustrated pasquinades, which appeared to be quite a novelty to them. - -The review followed. Lord Alexander Russell commanded. The very next -morning, Colonel Lockhart of the 92nd Highlanders called at my hut, to -consult me about a grand banquet which was to be given at Kamara to Sir -Colin Campbell (only six miles off) before his departure for England. -Though it was impossible for me to undertake it myself, being still -fatigued from the effects of the exertions of the previous day, I could -not refuse my assistance. After a great deal of trouble and persuasion, -I prevailed upon Mr. F. Crockford to undertake it, and we made out the -bill of fare. - -The banquet took place on the 9th of May, 1856, to the entire -satisfaction of all present; and a great day it was. The gallant general -had reviewed his troops that morning, and he bade them adieu, as they -were leaving the seat of war, where they had so nobly done their duty -both in and out of the trenches. The air re-echoed with shouts at each -sentence the worthy general uttered, till he was at last so moved by -their enthusiasm that he--Sir Colin Campbell--shed tears. Such was the -interesting scene which took place the morning before Sir Colin Campbell -left his proud Scotch Zouaves in the mountains and vales of Kamara. - -A few hours after that touching martial ceremony I had the honour of an -interview with Sir Colin. He thanked me kindly for the trouble I was -taking in getting up the banquet. I availed myself of this opportunity -to request the general to favour me with his autograph. He smiled and -consented. The document forms one of the most interesting relics in my -Crimean archives, as the general addressed it to me, with the date, &c. -(It was also countersigned by General Cameron.) - -The banquet at night went off admirably, and the _coup-d'oeil_, for a -battle-field, was brilliant. About a hundred sat down to dinner. Sir -Colin Campbell made a very touching speech; so did General Cameron, who -succeeded to the command, and Colonel Stirling, Sir Colin's -aide-de-camp. The evening closed merrily. After the generals and the -Staff had retired, the bagpipes continued playing, and all that remained -in the banqueting-hall commenced dancing--people, plates, dishes, -bottles, and glasses included. The next day, Sir Colin, after paying a -friendly farewell visit to all, embarked at Kamiesch on board the French -mail. - -A few days before Sir Colin Campbell's departure, a grand dinner was -given to General della Marmora at head-quarters, and Captain Ponsonby -called upon me to ask whether I could not prepare something new in -honour of the Sardinian general. I promised to turn my attention to the -matter. As the dinner was fixed for the following day, I had but a short -time to produce any novelty. The idea struck me that a new and well-iced -beverage would be very acceptable during the hot weather. This led to -the invention of the Crimean cup _a la Marmora_, which met with high -approbation, and was quaffed with great gusto at the grand Marmora -dinner at head-quarters. The receipt is as follows:-- - - -RECEIPT FOR CRIMEAN CUP A LA MARMORA, OR POTAGE A LA -MER BLANCHE. - - _Proportions._--Syrup of orgeat, one quart; cognac brandy, one - pint; maraschino, half-a-pint; Jamaica rum, half-a-pint; champagne, - two bottles; soda-water, two bottles; sugar, six ounces; and four - middling-sized lemons. - - Thinly peal the lemons, and place the rind in a bowl with the - sugar; macerate them well for a minute or two, in order to extract - the flavour from the lemon. Next squeeze the juice of the lemons - upon this, add two bottles of soda-water, and stir well till the - sugar is dissolved; pour in the syrup of orgeat, and whip the - mixture well with an egg-whisk in order to whiten the composition. - Then add the brandy, rum, and maraschino; strain the whole into the - punch-bowl, and just before serving add the champagne, which should - be well iced. While adding the champagne, stir well with the ladle: - this will render the cup creamy and mellow. - - Half the quantity given here, or even less, may be made; this - receipt being for a party of thirty. - -I perceived that my anticipation had been fully realized, and that after -the proclamation of peace, the whole camp was converted into an immense -banqueting-hall. The continued demand for my assistance in reference to -dinner-parties, and invitations to the same, almost made me regret the -war-time, during which I used to live in comparative peace, at least as -far as high cookery went, having only to attend to my duties, which of -course I did not neglect. In addition to all this, I felt compelled, in -return for all these polite invitations, to tender hospitalities at -home, and thus kept my camp establishment a regular _petit_ Lucullusian -temple. - -The day fixed for the grand festival was at this period drawing near; -the number invited increased daily, while the temple only occupied the -same space of ground. The places were measured to an inch, and it was -found that it would just hold fifty-four with ease, or sixty if they -were packed like sardines in a tin box. The number was therefore limited -to fifty. To do the thing well for such a party in the Crimea, required -both judgment and perseverance. In the intervals between the hours of -duty, I laid out my plans, how I should not only please, but also -astonish my illustrious guests. A number of regiments were daily -leaving; and this caused fresh invitations to be made and issued, in -order to fill up the vacancies. At last the day arrived. The morning was -very wet, and the sky clouded; two of my men were ill, as was usually -the case when anything of importance was about to take place; and -consequently the commencement was inauspicious. Owing to the rain, to my -great annoyance, the muddy soil of the Crimea accumulated in the hut, -caused by the ingress and egress of half-a-dozen soldiers, who had been -kindly granted for a few hours to fetch some green plants from a distant -ravine to ornament my _fete champetre_ and harmonical soiree. It was -nevertheless very refreshing to see for the first time on the rocky -summit of Cathcart's Hill the green branches of the valley and the wild -flowers of the fields. In less than two hours, the entrance of the -villarette, which before only presented the appearance of a comfortable -lucifer match box, or fifth-rate kiosque _a la Turque_, assumed quite a -rural aspect. My six brave fellows had mounted, not to the assault, but -on ladders and cross-beams, those indispensable ornaments in such a -villarette, and, as if by enchantment, had transformed it into a -perfumed bosquet, or retreat worthy of the goddess Flora. Bunches of -flowers, wild lilac, green branches, and evergreens were profusely -spread all over both the interior and the exterior of my villarette. -These were interspersed with small flags--red, blue, green, and yellow -paper lanterns. These decorations gave it quite a fairy appearance. Wax -lights were profusely distributed all round; and in the centre hung a -chandelier of original shape, constructed by the celebrated Tom -Shell-proof, of Snow-hill, London. The entrance was ornamented by a bold -bunch of evergreens and many-coloured flowers. Twelve glass lamps, -procured at an immense expense for this occasion only, were carefully -cleaned, trimmed, and hung along the front and roof of the hut. They had -been painted in blue stripes with ultramarine, by the celebrated -theatrical artist, Corporal Stainer. By twelve o'clock the interior was -finished--tables, benches, sideboards and all. The only thing to be done -was to clear out about half a ton of mud, as that sadly interfered with -the general appearance of the now enchanting spot. - -All was progressing satisfactorily in the cooking department; the -weather began to clear up, and at length everything seemed to smile upon -my final and most difficult undertaking. Had this festival proved a -failure, my guests, who would, no doubt, have been polite enough not to -say anything on the point before me, must have formed a very -unfavourable opinion of my gastronomic knowledge, which I should not -have had another chance of retrieving. It was therefore of the utmost -importance that a failure should not occur, or even be thought of. To -my sorrow, I suddenly perceived that the turf which had been freshly put -down a few days previous in my grand green grass-plot and avenue had -turned quite yellow, from the effects of a burning sun. My outside -illumination--viz., lamps made out of ration fat, which then could only -be obtained by purchase (the soldiers knowing the value of it)--would -not consequently produce the effect I intended--the reflection of light -upon the green turf. Ambitious as I was of producing quite a novel -impression upon the minds of my guests, I felt much vexed at this -failure. While deeply pondering over the affair, in walked Colonel de -Bathe, with a most extraordinary long face. He said, "You see me quite -in despair: we have lost Major Neville and his brother, two of our best -madrigal singers, and I really do not think we can sing at all. You have -spoken so highly of our singing-club, and the company you have invited -will all be disappointed." - -"Do come, colonel," I replied, "and, if necessary, I will sing myself." - -"I will come; but we shall be very imperfect." - -"Never mind: we will make up for that by wit, _bon-mots_, and frolic." - -I succeeded in reassuring the worthy colonel, and he left, promising to -come early. A few minutes afterwards, a man entered, and informed me -that I could not have the knives, forks, crockery, glasses, &c., which -Mr. Crockford had promised, as they had not been returned from Kamara. -He added that they would probably be back in the evening or early the -next morning. The French rolls I had ordered at Little Kamiesch the day -before could not be made in time, and the baker sent to know if common -bread would not do as well. "I should think it would," said I, in no -pleasant mood. No more American ice was to be had at Kamiesch; and this -was indispensable for the crowning triumph of the affair, upon which I -relied so much--viz., my new cup _a la Marmora_. There were, in -addition, innumerable culinary vexations. It was by no means certain -that the promised band from the Rifles would favour me by attending, -as Lord Alexander Russell was absent, and General Garrett did not like -to grant the necessary permission in his absence, and no one knew when -his lordship would return. - -[Illustration: A MODERN BOTANICAL GARDEN--NATURE OUTDONE. - -VISITORS ARE articularly requested not to touch The FLOWERS] - -Let me observe, the way I first saw the grass turn was not under the -influence of my friend, merry champagne. Not at all; but it had -playfully acted upon my mind, and given me an entirely new and original -idea. No matter how ridiculous it may appear to my reader, it was -original. This was to go to the theatre and get a pot of opal green -colour, and set some military artists to paint the grass, which was -quickly done to perfection. In fact, it was so well executed, that the -horses picketed near were actually taken in, and played all manner of -capers to get loose and have a feed. My guests were astonished, and -could not account for the sudden change, having noticed how brown it -looked in the morning. Well, reader, what think you followed this sudden -bright green inspiration? Why, the arrival of the crockery, &c., bread, -and the American ice, two fresh waiters, and Mr. Crockford's cook, who -rendered great assistance. - -Twilight was conquered by ration fat, lampion-shells were profusely and -artistically placed on the then green grass, tables sumptuously laid -out, the chandelier and wax lights ignited, the globe lamps in front of -the villarette blazing in volcanic splendour, the band of the Rifles -playing, and the noble company as nobly arriving. O Vatel! you felt -gloriously, for your banquet had succeeded; and while your wealthy -patron, the Prince de Conde, was receiving from Louis XIV. the praise -due to your genius, you were no more. All honour to your manes! I, like -you, immortal Vatel, had all the horrors of an unexpected failure before -my eyes. The idea of suicide did not come into my mind, as it did to -yours, noble defunct and incomparable _chef_! probably because I had not -the honour of wearing the sword of the courtier. Though I had a stock of -guns, swords, bayonets, &c., the idea of suicide never struck me, -inasmuch as all these weapons were taken as trophies from the Russians, -who were now friends and brothers, and those emblems of carnage would -have been disgraced if soiled with the blood of so humble an individual -as myself. On the contrary, though inclined to despair, I lost no time, -but opened a bottle of champagne for a friend who had just popped in. At -the second glass--_mirabile dictu!_--the thick curtain which shaded my -brow vanished; the unsightly brown grass turned green, and everything -appeared _couleur de rose_; and though no material amelioration had yet -taken place, I felt that success was certain. _Nil desperandum!_ How -many men who have ceased to live through an anticipated failure would -now be living had they struggled against adverse fate, and not been led -away by the dread of an imaginary evil! - -The soiree was indeed in jeopardy; but in revenge I had the -gratification of receiving from every guest invited a polite note, -worded thus: "General, Colonel, or Captain So-and-so, will be very happy -to spend the evening at Monsieur Soyer's villarette." General Wyndham, -who was at one time uncertain whether he could come or not, sent his -aide-de-camp to inform me that he should be able to attend, and to know -the hour. Everything, in fact, tended to render my position more -unpleasant; and the proverb, "Plus on est de fous, plus on rit," was -anything but clear to my mind. It would be clear enough if a good supper -and good entertainment were provided; but if the contrary, I should say, -"Plus on est de fous, moins on rit." It was three o'clock, P.M., and -nine was the hour on the invitation cards. There remained but six hours -for success or failure. - -O Vatel! my noble master in the science of _curee_, I then for the first -time understood the true extent of your devotion to your art. -Humiliation and dishonour awaited you; and Death--yes, Death! god of -Starvation, with his frail, bony limbs--was grinning at you. Fortunately -you lived in an era of gastronomic grandeur, when a _chef de cuisine_ -bore a high rank, and had your own aristocratic weapon wherewith to do -the noble deed which gilds your name. - -The gallant Colonel de Bathe was the first to arrive, with plenty of -musical support. The programme was settled. Each noble general, as he -arrived, was received _a la militaire_, not, as the song says, "sans -tambour ni trompette," but _sans ceremonie_. Every one being acquainted, -introductions were not necessary. - -At half-past nine the band, which had performed all the while, ceased -playing, and the grand madrigal concert commenced, followed by glees, -&c., and at intervals the band played lively quadrilles, polkas, &c., -till eleven o'clock, when the supper took place. The band melodiously -accompanied the knife-and-fork chorus, the champagne galop, and pop, pop -of the confined corks. Shortly after, the amiable Lord Rokeby, who had -kindly undertaken the office of chairman, made a most affable and, to -me, interesting speech, dilating in high and flattering terms upon my -mission to the East. - -After supper, the band again ceased, and, while they enjoyed their -nocturnal repast, madrigals, glees, duets, solos, &c., followed in rapid -succession. All of a sudden (I happened at the time to be in the back -room) an alarm was given by General Wyndham, who called out, "Soyer, -Soyer, your hut is on fire!" The general was getting up, when a young -officer sprang from beam to beam till he reached the top of the hut, -where a large paper lantern had taken fire and ignited the roof. My -principal fear was for my picture, painted by the late Madame Soyer, -called the "Young Bavarian;" which was the admiration of all my Crimean -visitors, and well known in London amongst the connoisseurs, having -repurchased it at the sale of the great Saltmarsh collection, at Messrs. -Christie and Mason's, in the year 1846--(subsequently, when travelling -in the South of France, I met on my route the illustrious Horace Vernet, -and in Paris, had the honour of showing him this painting in his study -at the Institute, when he expressed his opinion in the following -words:--"That no female artist had ever painted in such _a bold_ style, -nor with such a truthfulness of colour and design." He added, it was -worthy of the pencil of Murillo). It hung directly under the -conflagration. But, thanks to the gymnastic agility of our unknown -fireman, calm was soon restored; the band recommenced playing, and the -punch _a la Marmora_ circulated freely, for everything was abandoned for -that exciting mixture, even grogs and champagne. At about two o'clock -Lord Rokeby and General Craufurd left. I then introduced a comic song, -in which all joined, including between two or three hundred spectators -who had collected round the hut. As the hour advanced, the company -diminished; but at five in the morning there were still a few guests -inquiring for their horses. And thus ended the last party on Cathcart's -Hill previous to the breaking up of the Fourth Division and its return -to England. - -The following is an account, from the _Times_, of the banquet, and of -the names of some of my noble visitors:-- - - This evening, a number of distinguished guests honoured M. Soyer - with their presence at supper at his villarette near Cathcart's - Hill. The exterior of the hut was illuminated with lamps fed with - ration fat; the interior was embellished with numerous wreaths and - festoons of the beautiful natural plants and flowers now so - abundant over the less-trodden parts of the plateau. Some glees of - Kucken, Mendelssohn, Fleming, &c., very well executed by Mr. Clarke - Dalby, Major Colville, R.B., Colonel de Bathe, Scots Fusilier - Guards, and others, formed an agreeable introduction to an - excellent supper--a triumph of culinary art over Crimean resources, - which was, however, soon subjugated in its turn by the ferocity and - unconquerable steadiness of the British appetite. Lord Rokeby - proposed M. Soyer's health, and passed a high eulogium on the - services he had rendered to the army by his exertions to promote - good cooking and the use of palatable food; and M. Soyer returned - thanks with propriety and feeling, acknowledging the aid and - support he had received from generals, officers, and privates in - the introduction of his improvements. - - Among the guests were General Wyndham, Chief of the Staff; General - Lord Rokeby, General Lord W. Paulet, Colonel Lord Alexander - Russell, Lord Sefton, Sir Henry Barnard, General Garrett, General - Craufurd, Colonel Blane, Colonel Hardinge, Colonel P. Fielding, - Colonel Drummond, Colonel Ponsonby, Major Dallas, - Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Smith, and about thirty other officers. - About this time twelve months the long rangers, of which we wisely - held our tongues for fear the Russians would find out how - unpleasant they were, and redouble their attentions, might have - interrupted the proceedings very abruptly. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXV. - -LAST DAYS OF BRITISH OCCUPATION OF THE CRIMEA. - - A final trial--Distribution of the Order of the Bath--Letter from - Lord Gough--Farewell to the battle-field--Bonfires--Grand - _coup-d'oeil_--Lord W. Paulet's farewell party--Parting - visits--Depredations--Morning parade catechism--Stuart's - canteen--The Theatre Royal of the Fourth Division--The scenes - shifted--Soyer's new invention--Pilgrimage through a deserted - camp--Sanatorium Hospital--Six cemeteries--Trip to Odessa--Return - to Balaklava--A pleasant surprise--The yacht _Sylphide_--Letter - from W. H. Russell--Departures--The Nightingale Monument--The last - day--General Codrington's letter--The keys of Balaklava given up to - the Russians--The place retaken--A parting invitation--Good-by to - the Crimea. - - -The following day I begged Sir William Codrington to fix a day for my -final trial, when I intended to place twelve stoves in the 56th -Regiment, then quartered at the back of the vineyard facing -head-quarters, and thus cook for the whole regiment. This would afford -Sir W. Codrington an opportunity of judging of their efficacy, and -enable him to give his opinion upon the subject. Lord Gough had arrived -to distribute the Order of the Bath; and, as his lordship was to remain -a couple of days longer in the Crimea, I was anxious that he should be -present at the inspection. The following Sunday was fixed for the -purpose, and the inspection was to take place after divine service. -Accordingly, Lord Gough, Sir W. Codrington, General Wyndham, General -Barnard, General Garrett, Colonel de Bathe, Colonel Blane, Colonel -Walker, Captain Ponsonby, with their respective Staffs, were present, -and tasted the various kinds of food I had caused to be prepared by two -soldiers only for the whole regiment, about six hundred strong. About -thirty gentlemen had assembled; and they all expressed in high terms -their satisfaction and approval, not only of the quality of the food -produced from the soldiers' rations with so little trouble, but also of -the small quantity of fuel consumed in its preparation. In corroboration -of this, I the next day received the following letter from Lord Gough:-- - - LORD GOUGH begs, with his compliments, to inform Monsieur Soyer - that he had much pleasure in seeing his new cooking-stoves for the - army. Any measures which Monsieur Soyer may have in view to - simplify the cooking arrangements of the soldier will always meet - with Lord Gough's hearty approval. - - _Sebastopol, 10th June, 1856._ - -The French as well as the English camps diminished daily. Each evening -was ushered in by large bonfires, indicative of the early departure of -either French or English troops. This style of farewell to the -battle-field was generally adopted in both armies; but some of the -French, not satisfied with burning their lumber and loose wood, which -was very properly allowed by the authorities for those joyful volcanoes, -commenced setting fire to their huts, kitchens, &c.; for which they were -very severely reprimanded by their general, who, instead of allowing -them to start the following day, as intended, kept them in camp to the -last--compelling them to bivouac upon the spot, and thus fully enjoy the -consequences of their folly, having no kitchens to cook in, nor huts to -lie under. This was a good lesson for the remainder of the army. - -The Fourth Division, under the command of Lord William Paulet, received -orders to depart. Every regiment distinguished itself more or less by -its peculiar style of bonfire. They were to be fired simultaneously on -the eve of their departure. Some were raised to the height of thirty -feet; one even exceeded that, with a base of at least sixty feet in -circumference, being composed of not less than ten or twelve tons of -wood and rubbish, brought together by the men of the 57th Regiment, who -worked very hard for some days in getting it ready. The night arrived, -all the bonfires, with the exception of the large one, which was kept -for the last, were fired; and when the smaller ones were about half -consumed, this monster was ignited in four places. The _coup-d'oeil_ -was indeed grand. The burning of Sebastopol had not offered such a -column of fire in one spot; added to which, all the regiments composing -the division had joined, and were dancing round that mountain of -flame--shouting, singing, playing on marrow-bones and cleavers, and upon -hundreds of tin camp-kettles as a substitute for drums. The camp was -richly illuminated for miles around till about ten o'clock, when, as -usual, all mustered in military order. The burning sky had recovered its -former azure splendour; the stars were twinkling and shooting; and the -next day nothing remained to tell the tale to the new-comers but a kind -of large black seal, about eighty feet in circumference. - -That evening I had the pleasure of joining a farewell party, given by -Lord W. Paulet to a number of friends at his head-quarters. The time -passed very merrily and agreeably, leaving a most delightful impression -upon the minds of all. - -The next morning, at daybreak, the whole of the division were on their -way to Balaklava. A long red line was seen marching in the distance; the -sound of the bands playing "Cheer, boys, cheer," was faintly heard, -gradually receding from both sight and hearing. Those brave fellows were -then off for good. The Guards had left their camp some days before; but -they went in detachments--the Coldstreams first, the Grenadier Guards -next, and the Fusiliers last. I paid my respectful farewell visits to -Lord Rokeby, General Craufurd, Colonels Drummond, Foley, &c. &c. - -Upon this occasion, Colonel Foley invited me to lunch at their grand -mess-room, which invitation I accepted with great pleasure. Every one -being on the move, invitations to dinner entirely disappeared from the -order of the day. The rations were the only provisions which graced the -last day's bill of fare. Still, the salt pork, beef, and the fresh meat -were very good, and highly relished by a Crimean appetite: added to -which, the remains of a good English cheese, a salad _a la Zouave_, and -good English draught ale, completed the sumptuous gala. While freely -partaking of the gallant colonel's hospitality, a number of officers -joined us; amongst whom I recognised the scion of a celebrated epicure, -who sat next me, and commenced manipulating in his plate a most -relishing sauce. Upon tasting this, I could not resist exclaiming-- - -"Oh! Sefton, Sefton! may your noble ashes repose in peace in your tomb! -The glory of your name has not faded: your grandson, the youthful Lord -Sefton, is an epicure!" - -Some of my stoves remained in use in the Crimea till the day of the -departure of the First Division. I was in duty bound to watch over and -rescue them from the hands of the marauding Tartars, who seemed to claim -as their own everything left behind by each regiment, even previous to -the surrender of the Crimea by the Allied Governments. - -All that remained of the British army consisted of the 20th with two -Scotch regiments at Kamara, and a body of the Land Transport Corps at -Cathcart's Hill, (the Land Transport Corps were even at that time -raising their bonfires); and the 56th Regiment at head-quarters, as Sir -William Codrington's body-guard. So few troops being left upon such a -vast space, made it not only very dull, but also very unsafe, compelling -us to keep loaded guns and revolvers at the head of our beds. The -precaution was most necessary, for, with all our care, we were daily and -nightly robbed by the Tartar Jews who infested the camp. Tents actually -disappeared, and several huts were fired in the English camp; and no one -could detect the authors of these outrages. - -The Fourth Division retained its name and the ground, but that was all. -The chief of that colossal body alone remained--General Garrett having -to the last maintained his head-quarters upon the memorable spot. The -loss most felt upon Cathcart's Hill was the departure of Lord Alexander -Russell's brigade of Rifles, who were in the habit of parading and -exercising daily upon the plateau. A parting dinner given to his -lordship by General Garrett, and to which I was invited, closed merrily -enough; but the day after their departure the camp was as desolate as a -desert; only one regiment, the 20th, remained. General Garrett and -myself were the only proprietors on that far-famed spot, Cathcart's -Hill, though no end of new tenants were arriving in shoals; I mean the -rats from deserted camps, who boldly took possession of our -head-quarters. All around had in a few days assumed such an aspect of -desolation, that it appeared to me like a sudden exile from a lively and -brilliant capital to a deserted rock: the beating of drums, sounding of -trumpets, and the harmony of the bands; as well as the eternal morning -parade catechism of the drill-serjeant, shouting with all his might, -"Fall in! eyes fifteen paces to the front!"--or occasionally, as the -French would say, "Les yeux fixes et la tete a quinze pas!" "Shoulder -arms! slope arms!" Now and then, an awkward fellow would be thus -apostrophized by the witty Serjeant: "Now, my man, has not your country -been generous enough to present you with a musket? Then, do your country -justice by learning the use of it." - -The profound silence which succeeded the tumult of camp life would have -depressed the greatest philosopher. Stuart's celebrated canteen, -attached to the theatre, and which appeared in the series of engravings -already published, was on the move; and Stuart's head man, Joe, was at -his last score of bottle-breaking, when I called and ordered -half-a-dozen of pale ale. - -"You may boast," he exclaimed, "of being the last served here, for we -are going off to Kadikoi immediately." I then walked into the theatre. -The stage offered a singular _coup-d'oeil_: the figure of a child, as -well as a black doll, were hanging by the neck from a cross beam at the -top of the stage; the elaborately-painted curtain was torn into ribbons, -the scenery partly whitewashed over, and the furniture of the apartment -of Serjeant Blowhard was thrust into Miss Greenfinch's bedroom; while -Slasher and Crasher had left the theatre in a most dilapidated state. -Female attire, including wings, ringlets, caps, bonnets, bunches of -flowers, crinolines, and toilets of all fashions, bedaubed with chalk, -bismuth, vermilion, and red brickdust, instead of carmine, were -scattered about the stage in such a state that a French _chiffonnier_ -would not have disgraced his hamper by including them amongst its -contents. The painting-room floor was like a rainbow; all the powdered -colours had been kicked in every direction, forming a mulligatawny of -shades enough to puzzle an Owen Jones and his disciples. The benches in -the stalls and pit were piled up into a formidable barricade. Nothing -had been respected but her Majesty's royal arms, which ornamented the -centre of the proscenium. These had been painted by Major Dallas, -General Garrett's aide-de-camp. - -By the aid of a ladder, I carefully removed them, with the intention of -placing them amongst my Sebastopol trophies, as a memento of the -dramatic art in the Crimea. Upon leaving this desolated skeleton temple -of Melpomene, I inquired of Mr. Stuart's bottle-breaker the cause of -this awful disorder. He told me, frankly enough, that so far as the -wardrobe was concerned, the rats had taken possession, but that for the -remainder, himself and a few friends had done the work of devastation by -way of closing the season. Thus terminated the dramatic performances in -the Theatre Royal of the Fourth Division; and it was, no doubt, a fair -specimen of what happened in other divisions, if left in the hands of -similar good managers. - -Indeed, I could not but feel hurt at this sudden devastation, for it was -only a few evenings before that this tumble-down temple of Momus was -gloriously shining through the resplendent glare of a dozen brown -candles, and that the celebrated band of the Rifles (by permission of -Lord A. Russell) was delighting a crowded audience numbering upwards of -five hundred soldiers, when, at the end of the first piece, to the -astonishment of all, and myself in particular, a distinguished artist -and "non-_commissioned_" poet came forward, who, though not in the style -of Victor Hugo or Moore, but rather in the poet_less_ "_or you-go-not -style_," poured forth the following song, to the amusement of the -audience, who at its conclusion encored it most lustily. The "_poetry_" -(?) ran as follows:-- - -SOYER'S NEW INVENTION. - - A trifling thing, gentlemen, I am going to mention; - Oh tell me, pray, have you seen this great and new invention, - To cook in camp I believe it is their intention; - For Soyer's patent, I confess, it is a perfect creation. - Steam! Steam! - - For in it you can burn coal, wood, or patent fuel, - Put in your meat, and then you'll find it will soon be doing; - And when lighted, away it goes, and everything in motion; - For Soyer's patent, I confess, it is a perfect creation. - Steam! Steam! - - They gather round for to see the wonderful man who made it, - And stand in amaze and have a gaze, and then begin to inspect it. - All the cocked hats, I believe, say it's a stunning notion; - For Soyer's patent, I confess, it is a perfect creation. - Steam! Steam! - - It's greatly approved of, I believe, by all the nation, - And they are about to contract for this great new invention. - I sincerely hope that there's no harm in anything I mention; - For Soyer's patent, I confess, it is a perfect creation. - Steam! Steam! - - _Composed by_ A. THOS. PRICE, - _Lance Corporal 20th Regiment_. - -My presence being discovered, the whole of the troops rose _en masse_, -and favoured me with three cheers, when, mounting a bench, I addressed -them as follows:-- - -"My worthy friends and brave fellows, allow me to express to you my most -profound gratitude for the honour you have conferred upon me thus -unexpectedly. My humble services have often been approved of by your -superior officers, but believe me, nothing can be more gratifying to me -than your genuine and spontaneous approval of my endeavours to improve -the cooking of the soldiers' rations; and now that peace has -re-established order amongst us all, I shall only be too happy to devote -my time in instructing you in the plain art of cookery; for, believe me, -it is the desire of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen, and your -superiors, that you should live well, long, grow fat, and die happy." - -Shouts of laughter and rounds of cheers terminated this unexpected -dramatic impromptu. The performance in consequence terminated twenty -minutes later than usual. - -On leaving this heap of ruins, I felt as though haunted by a day-mare -instead of one worthy of Young's Night; but I persisted in conquering -the feeling, and in continuing my sorrowful pilgrimage. As if to add to -the gloomy appearance of the deserted camp, the sun, which long threw -his burning rays upon the dry soil, disappeared behind vaporous clouds, -and rain fell fast. Nevertheless, nothing could prevent me carrying out -my first idea, which was to visit in all their loneliness the various -camps. I reasoned thus with myself:--"I am probably the only person who -has the chance of doing this, and, therefore, the only person who will -be able to tell the tale." In spite of the great desire I had to -continue my journey, as evening was approaching, I was compelled, though -reluctantly, to put an end to my camp review until the day prior to my -evacuating the Crimea; therefore I returned to Balaklava, which place, -together with Kamiesch, alone showed signs of martial movement, the -latter less so than the former. The French troops got away before our -own, and at last there were as many Russians as French at Kamiesch. I -had scarcely anything to do, which was not amusing after having had so -much business continually upon my hands. Mr. Crockford asked me whether -I should like to take a trip to Odessa. I jumped at the proposal with -delight. That gentleman kindly allowed me to invite a few friends, and -assured me that the trip would only occupy five or six days, going and -returning. In less than four hours the list was filled, and two days -afterwards we were on board the _Belle Alar_, but under more prosperous -circumstances than on our former pleasure expedition. The weather was -fine, the vessel properly ballasted, and furnished with provisions of -all sorts, besides a cargo of goods. Our appetites were first-rate; and -after thirty-eight hours of fair steaming, we came in sight of the -far-famed city of palaces--Odessa, into the harbour of which we were at -once admitted. - -Thanks to General Luders, who obtained of the governor a suspension of -quarantine, and Brigadier-General Staunton, whose arrival had been -telegraphed, we were allowed to enter even without passports. Among the -fortunate tourists were General Staunton, Colonel Smith, Major Earle, -Mr. William Russell, Mr. Angel, Mr. Crockford, and myself. - -During the trip, our party was as turbulent as the ocean was calm. Each -day commenced and ended with shouts of laughter, contrasting singularly -with the former melancholy days in the camp. I need not relate that -which is so well known to every one--that the most successful parties -are those which are got up _a l'impromptu_. This was the case with this -delightful trip; so much so, indeed, that some who came on board at five -o'clock were not aware of it till two or three. - -I do not think I can give a better idea of this delightful trip than by -republishing the following descriptive letter, which appeared in the -_Times_:-- - - - -SOYER AT ODESSA. - -_To the Editor of the Times._ - - SIR,--From the arid and partly-deserted soil of the Crimea, and the - everlasting view from Cathcart's Hill of the now silent ruins of - Sebastopol, nothing can be more refreshing to the mind than the - aspect of a civilized and inhabited town. - - I and a few friends agreed to make a trip by water to the famed - city of Odessa, where we are now enjoying the favours of peace, and - it is with great pleasure that I return our sincere thanks to the - authorities and inhabitants of that city of palaces for the most - cordial and charming reception which could have been conferred upon - strangers after such a destructive war. - - Being anxious to visit the public buildings, military hospitals, - and the various institutions, I expressed my wishes to General - Luders, which his Excellency not only acceded to, but deputed his - aide-de-camp, Colonel Scariatine, to accompany us in our visitorial - pilgrimage. - - The party consisted of Brigadier-General Staunton, 4th Division, - Adjutant-General Colonel Smith, Major Earle, and myself. - - This noble man, who spoke excellent French and English, was indeed - a valuable _cicerone_. The most important of the institutions we - visited are the Military and Civil Hospitals, the Foundling - Institution, the Salles d'Asile, and the Hospital of the Sisters of - Charity. We were received at, and shown over, the Hospital by the - chief medical officer, Dr. Grime, and staff; at the Foundling, by - the director, Mr. Fourman; at the Salles d'Asile, by the - inspectress, Madame Pera Ergard; and by the Superior of the Sisters - of Charity, Madame Marie Retchakoff--one of the latter had just - arrived from Bakschiserai; she had been all through the campaign, - and was slightly wounded in the trenches. She related that several - sisters were killed in Sebastopol, and many wounded during the - siege; the latter are now recalled to St. Petersburg, and enjoy the - favour and patronage of the Empress. These ladies were most anxious - to hear of Miss Nightingale's doings, and spoke of her with the - greatest veneration. They listened with much interest to my account - of that excellent lady's efforts in the cause of humanity. - - All these institutions, though based upon similar principles to - those in England and France, possess a type of their own, both as - regards the expense and management. Cleanliness, simplicity, and - judicious economy seem to be closely studied in all the - establishments. - - The culinary department, which, of course, was of vital interest to - me, I found extremely clean and well constructed, though rather - complicated. The boilers are made of wrought iron, which I at first - sight feared was copper, but the lids only were made of that showy - but dangerous metal in such vast establishments, where the - apparatus is in continual use and tinning difficult to be often - repeated. - - We were at the Orphan's School in time to taste their food, which - consists of a basin of soup, one pound of meat, one ounce of - oatmeal, and one pound and a half of white bread. The soup is of a - thinnish nature, and strongly flavoured with pleasant aromatic - herbs, the whole forming, no doubt, a very wholesome and nutritious - food, and well adapted to the climate. Their beverage, which is the - one of the soldiers, is called Quielye and Chtschy in Russian, and - Quataee in the Polish language. It is made with rye, mead, and a - small portion of hops, requiring only a few hours to prepare it. - - I must say that to an uninitiated palate it is anything but a - pleasant drink, but, no doubt, very refreshing and agreeable when - used to it; for after drinking one goblet of it my thirst was - allayed for several hours during one of the hottest days I had - experienced for some time. - - Now, a few words for the epicures. The sturgeon, which is here - abundant, and in England despised and valueless, forms a principal - and an exquisite article of food, which is partly owing to the - method they have of dressing it. On my return I intend to try and - reinstate this queenly fish in its pristine fame. - - Fresh caviar, which is made from the roe of the fish, is daily - eaten by the Russian population as an introduction to the dinner. - Crawfish of an extraordinary size are caught in the small rivulets - close to the town; they are cheap and very plentiful. The tail and - claws are generally the only parts eaten, and tons weight of the - part which makes the exquisite bisque d'ecrevisses are monthly - thrown away. - - The receipt of this excellent soup I have promised to send to the - worthy host of the Europa Restaurant, he having promised to give it - a trial, and thereby enrich his already luxurious bill of fare. - - With the highest consideration, I have the honour to remain, your - very obedient, - -A. SOYER. - - _Europa Hotel, Odessa, June 23._ - -We left the far-famed city of Odessa, and thus joyfully terminated our -trip to that land of new friends. - -Upon our return to Cathcart's Hill, we found that General Garrett and -suite had removed to the commandant's house at Balaklava, the general -having succeeded to that important post at the departure of Colonel -Hardinge, which post he retained till the final close of this great -political and military drama. My majordomo, my engineer, and followers, -were not able, with all their bravery, to resist the nightly attacks of -the Tartar camp-rovers. Robbery it was impossible to prevent; for they -in one night, as I heard, cleared off everything out of doors, as well -as an old bell tent and a box with the servant's clothes. The matter at -last grew so critical, that my people were obliged to fire upon them in -the night at random. Such Arabian marauders are worthy of the finest -type of Zouaves for pillaging. - -I found also, on my return, that my people had, immediately after I set -off on my trip, left the hill, at the recommendation of General Garrett. -He kindly sent word that he did not consider it safe for them to remain -there any longer. They were quartered in one of the wards close to the -General Hospital, where some of the Sardinian sick remained. They had -all daring, adventurous, and extraordinary anecdotes of what had -occurred during my absence to relate. Shell-proof, in particular, -pretended to have wounded several in the nocturnal engagements. - -On his departure for Odessa, Mr. Wm. Russell had left his iron castle, -with his farm-house, stables, garden, and dependencies, in a most -nourishing condition; but upon his return that gentleman found the -castle pulled down, folded up, and packed ready for removal by land -pirates. He thus describes his feelings on the occasion:-- - - MY DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--What do you think? I am now a houseless, - homeless wanderer: they have pulled down my house, so it is really - time for me to evacuate the Crimea. The shell of the house only - stands; and as I am not a lobster or an oyster, that will scarcely - give me a shelter; so I must hang out on Cathcart's Hill, in the - old cave where Sir John Campbell lived long ago. - -W. H. RUSSELL. - - - -Upon returning to Balaklava, we found it but a dismal place. Everybody -you met--and the number was not great--quietly asked, "What, not gone -yet!--when are you going?" - -"In a few days," was the general reply, or perhaps "to-day" or -"to-morrow." - -For my part, I told every one who inquired that I had gone, and what -they saw going about dressed like me was only my shadow. Joking apart, I -may state, for the information of those whom I respect and who deserve -to know the truth, my reason for remaining so long was this: I was in -duty bound to see the remainder of my field-stoves, which were in use -till the last moment of the campaign, shipped for England. Not only was -I responsible for them, but I had to give my official report to Sir -William Codrington, and close the mission entrusted to me by the British -Government. - -Glad was I to be once more at liberty, as my health, though partially -restored, was anything but satisfactory. The Commander-in-chief had gone -to Odessa only for a few days, it is true; but during his absence there -was nothing doing. Balaklava was deserted, the camp lifeless; Kadikoi -still more so--not a hut, tent, shed, store, canteen, shop, or stable, -was inhabited. Brick and stone houses, as well as hospitals, were to let -at the very moderate price of nothing at all, and glad to get tenants at -that rather reduced rate. It was not at all extraordinary for one to -rise a poor man in the morning, and at night find oneself a large -proprietor. Every person, upon leaving, presented you with rows of -houses, shops, &c., which they could not sell or take away. -Nevertheless, all was stale, flat, and unprofitable, as a day or two -after coming into possession you yourself had to give them up. Riding -through the camp, even at mid-day, was a dangerous experiment, as it was -invaded by hundreds of people of all kinds and tribes, who prowled -about, pillaging everything they could put hands upon. Therefore -Balaklava was the only safe quarter, and dull enough into the bargain. -The heat was great, and amusement scanty. Like the song of the -Manchester operatives, "we had no work to do-oo-oo." Eating little, -drinking much, and sleeping all day, was our principal occupation. I -removed from the General Hospital to a very comfortable hut, then -recently occupied by an officer of the Commissariat, comprising three -rooms, a stable, and yard. - -About noon one day, while in deep slumber, I was suddenly aroused by a -joyful voice. It came from Captain Hall, General Codrington's -aide-de-camp. "Hallo!" said he, "I fear I am disturbing you." - -"Not at all, captain; pray walk in--I have nothing to do. I was taking -an Oriental nap, which calms one's senses, to that extent that I had in -imagination travelled as far as England and back again to my duty in the -East in less than half an hour." - -"I have done more extraordinary things than that," said he. "By the same -conveyance I have been as far as the East Indies and back to -head-quarters in the Crimea in twenty minutes." - -"You have certainly beaten me; and I think the human mind can at any -time beat the electric telegraph for speed." - -"What do you intend doing to-morrow?" - -"The same as to-day, captain--nothing." - -"Captain Leyland and family have just arrived in the harbour in the -beautiful yacht, the _Sylphide_. I have spoken to him about you, and he -will be glad to make your acquaintance. They called upon you at -Cathcart's Hill, but you were at Odessa. If you like to see that -gentleman at once, I will introduce you." - -"Most happy, captain." - -In a short time we were climbing up the side of the bulky _Sylphide_, an -immense yacht. From her deck, her beauty was seen to the best advantage. -The real Sylphide was, however just perceptible, surrounded by a group -of gentlemen and ladies, beneath a large union-jack which formed an -awning upon deck. This was no other than Miss Leydell, a beautiful lady -eighteen years of age, with blue eyes, fair hair, rows of pearls for -teeth--in fact, a real Sylphide, a sight of whom would have driven -Taglioni to despair. After I had had the honour of an introduction to -her sylphideship and the surrounding group, the conversation became -animated. The topic was upon a monster gipsy party which was to take -place the following day in the valley of Baidar, and to which I received -an invitation, no sooner made than accepted by your humble servant. The -captain then offered to show us over his yacht, which might be compared -to a nobleman's floating house, for elegance, perfection, and comfort. - -The Land Transport Corps and Commissariat had all left, and only the -General-in-chief and Staff remained, forming the last link of the chain -which still bound them to the Crimean soil. They were at the time -preparing for an excursion to Odessa, on a visit to General Luders. The -excellent account of the courteous reception we had received at his -hands, as well as from the inhabitants of that beautiful city, rendered -them more anxious to go. Miss Nightingale was preparing for her -departure. I was waiting the closing of the Land Transport and General -Hospitals, to see my field-stoves embarked; and after delivering them in -person to Captain Gordon, I was anxious to follow. Balaklava church, now -deprived of its sacerdotal character, was being prepared for the -reception of the Commander-in-chief upon his return from Odessa, as -head-quarters had been given up to the original proprietors. General -Wyndham, accompanied by his aide-de-camp, had left for England. - -The _Algiers_ had arrived in port, to conduct Sir William Codrington to -England, via, Constantinople and Malta. A few days afterwards, Miss -Nightingale and nurses left for Scutari. All the hospitals in the -Crimea were then closed. - -A few days after the departure of Miss Nightingale, a marble monument of -immense size arrived, and was erected, by an order left by that lady, -between the Sanatorium heights and the Sardinian graveyard and monument, -situated on the peak of a mountain. It is perceptible from a great -distance at sea. The Nightingale Monument is a monster marble cross, -twenty feet high, of beautiful Marmora marble. I believe it was ordered -and paid for by that benevolent lady, and dedicated by her to the memory -of the brave, and the deceased Sisters of Charity. Nothing was written -upon it when we left; but the following line was, as I was informed, to -be inscribed:-- - - Lord have mercy upon us. - Gospodi pomilore nass. - -Shortly after the return of Sir W. Codrington, Sir John Hall, the chief -doctor, and Dr. Mouat departed. The only acting parties now left upon -the Crimean shores after the awful struggle were, General Sir William -Codrington, Admiral Freemantle, Rear-Admiral Stewart, General Garrett, -Colonel Halliwell, Major Dallas, Captains Hollis and Barnard, Colonels -Hugh Smith and Ross, and Captain Gordon; Mr. Osborn, the Commissariat -officer, and Mr. Fitzgerald, the purveyor. - -The last day, so anxiously waited for and so sweetly anticipated, had -arrived. It was ushered in by nightly burnings of huts and canteens. - -The day before our departure, and the one prior to the surrender of -Balaklava to the Russians, being fixed for my grand review, after in -vain endeavouring to induce several individuals to accompany me, I had -to go alone, as nobody else took any interest in my solitary pilgrimage. - -Even my Snow-hill Zouave at the same time pretended that he had too much -to do to waste his valuable time, as he called it--valuable indeed was -the word; for at that instant my Cockney Zouave, the brave, was busily -engaged making a family drawing. A Stanfield would have been at a -standstill at the ingenuity of this modern Joseph Vernet, as a marine -painter. Miss Nightingale's carriage had the night previous arrived at -my domicile from a store in the Land Transport Corps camp, where I -rescued it from a heap of vulgar wagons; it was now standing before the -door of my hut, which faced the General Hospital, and had attracted the -attention of Mr. Landells, the corresponding artist of the _Illustrated -London News_, who was first struck at the many peculiarities of this -vehicle, and afterwards more so with the production of my artist, when -he broke out into a genuine shout of laughter, after gazing for an -instant on my Zouave's picture. Nothing for originality could have -matched it, but a late Turner, in its _demi-chef d'oeuvre_, from which -the halo of glory had departed, and age had left genius alone -galavanting from his palette to its now immortal canvas. Turner did I -say--yes, and without disgracing the name of that great man; for in the -presence of Mr. Landells, my modern Stanfield, who was anxious to gather -as much as he could for the edification of his large family on a small -sheet of foolscap, and being compelled from the great heat of the -morning sun to keep in-doors, would occasionally get up and peep round -the corner. On being asked by Mr. Landells how he could see from where -he was sitting the entire range of the harbour, and more particularly -the Genoese Tower, which was situated directly opposite the back of my -hut, my clever Zouave, disgusted with Mr. Landells' ignorance of the -rudiments of sketching, and vexed at being disturbed, quietly replied, -"D--- n it! did you not see me turn round the corner." - -"Pray don't, my dear sir," I exclaimed, "interrupt my artist; as you may -perceive he is a regular Turner--round the corner, I mean." - -With the courage of Don Quixote, but without a Sancho Panza, I undertook -my grand military review. I could not but regret the absence of my brave -travelling gent, Peter Morrison, who, through an assumed illness, had -three months previous abandoned the field of glory, thus terminating his -brave and brilliant military career; for had he been still with me, I -might have depended upon his formal refusal to follow me. - -It was six in the morning: the sun was shining feebly through watery -clouds; the breeze blew freshly; the road was moist, my pony in good -order, sandwich-case full, leather bottle filled with brandy-and-water, -and my revolver loaded. My mind was full of anxiety and wild reverie, -for I was about to pass a review of, to me, a defunct army, with the -fortunes of which I had been so intimately connected during the war. I -knew that upon my return to England I should only meet a few fragments -of this splendid force, and not the entire mass, as I had done in the -Crimea. I had twelve hours before me. - -I commenced at the Sanatorium Hospital, which had been to me such a -scene of animation and vivid interest. A mournful silence reigned in -this small wooden city. My kitchens had suffered the least in the -terrible ordeal; all the framework and brick stoves were still standing, -and looked just as if waiting to be again put in action. The grand row -of huts forming the various wards, without being much disturbed, were -rather in a state of dilapidation. Lastly, I visited Miss Nightingale's -sanatorium residence, situated on the peak of a rock at the end of the -row of huts. This wooden palace, with its rough verandah, was divided -into three separate apartments, giving it a more cheerful appearance -than the rest. The iron stove, and its rusty pipe, beds, &c., had been -removed, but the remainder of the furniture was intact. Tables, benches, -wooden stools, empty pots and bottles which had contained medical -comforts, a few rags, a piece of an apron, no end of waste paper, a pair -of wooden shoes, and a live cat that appeared to have lived upon the -remnants of the kitchen-diets, or more likely the rats, met my inquiring -gaze. I caught Miss Puss and closeted her in Miss Nightingale's -store-room, with the wooden stool in daily use, intending to send for -both at night. The latter I proposed to keep as a relic, and to restore -the former to society by either taking him on board ship or letting him -loose in the town. I sent my servant; but the pillage had -commenced--the cat was gone, and I only got the stool. - -Anxious to continue my tour of inspection, I ascended the mountain -towards the old Sardinian camp, lately occupied by a few English -regiments shortly before embarkation. In the space of a few hundred -yards I passed not less than six cemeteries--viz., the one for the -Sisters of Mercy and doctors, Sailors' Hospital, Sanatorium, a large -Turkish one, and two belonging to the Sardinian troops. Leaving the -Marmora Monument on the left and the Nightingale Cross on the right, I -merely cast a _coup-d'oeil_ to the tumble-down Sardinian hospital and -fragment of camp, and took the road to Kamara. Not a soul did I meet for -three miles while crossing the rustic road, cutting immediately through -the peak of these lofty mountains, with their base in the Euxine on one -side, and on the other, through deep ravines, solemnly reposing on -Balaklava's glorious plain. No, nothing but a poor horse, who had been -ineffectually shot, was grazing near a pool of blood. Life, the mother -of all, seemed to have rescued him from the grasp of Death--the animal -was no longer bleeding, the perforation made by the bullet appeared to -be healing up. I gathered him a heap of grass, gave him some water from -an adjacent rocky rivulet, washed his wound, and to my regret abandoned -him. - -Shortly after, I crossed through the late camp of the Highland Division, -through the vales, dales, and rocky mountains of Kamara. Russian -officers and soldiers had taken possession of Sir Colin Campbell and -General Cameron's head-quarters, with its green turret. Although no -sentries were posted, any quantity of Tartars were wandering about laden -with spoils of the deserted camp. What a contrast! Only a few days ago -this picturesque spot was all life and animation; indeed the cloth was -hardly removed from the festive board, the echo of the shrill pibroch -was still vibrating through the adjacent mountains. It was there, only a -short time since, that I bade farewell to the brave generals, Sir Colin -Campbell and Cameron. Space will not allow me further to descant on the -past beauties of this scene; a volume could be filled with its -splendours. Not a mile from there stand the fortifications, and -mud-built huts of the Sardinians, looking more like a deserted -rabbit-warren than the abode of an army; it was on this spot they -bravely withstood the attack of the enemy at the battle of the Tchernaya -on the 16th of August, 1855. Gipsy families had taken possession of a -farm and small church on the left, which is so well known. I looked with -amazement at the once blooming gardens of the French camp, and the -myriads of wild flowers. Death and desolation seemed then to be the only -attendants on this once fascinating scene. Crossing the plain of -Balaklava at full gallop, over the celebrated ground where the grand -charge of cavalry took place, a distance of several miles, I perceived a -white speck: it was the remains of the grand ball-room built by the -French in honour of the birth of the Imperial Prince. Heaps of ruins -were perceptible at a great distance; this was the once over-populated, -but now deserted, Kadikoi. A few minutes after I reached the plateau of -Inkermann, arriving near the celebrated windmill where, at the time of -this battle, his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge and staff were -encamped (see Addenda). I next proceeded through the park of artillery, -and went direct to the Light Division's head-quarters, carefully -inspecting the late abode of Lord William Paulet, where once more I met -with a most cheering reception, this time from a Tartar family who had -taken possession, and they supplied myself and horse with refreshment. -The only gloomy reminiscence from this spot was the sight of the -numerous graveyards, where mother earth had wrapped in her bosom all -that was mortal of many hundreds of her brave sons. At the bottom of the -ravine the watering-place for the horses still remained. The water, as -usual, was gurgling on its way from tub to tub; an abandoned mule was -alone slaking his thirst where once hundreds of horses were to be seen -drinking. From here it took me only a few seconds to reach the Second -Division and General Barnard's head-quarters. The Russians by this time -had indeed taken possession of all he had left there, though still I -must say that all things were here kept in good order; labouring men -were making a garden close to the hut. Soon after this, roaming to the -top of Cathcart's Hill, I found the theatre and canteen in perfect -keeping, both having been burnt to the ground. Soyer's villarette, -though very dilapidated, still remained. The green plot of grass was in -great disorder, no doubt the work of the loose horses, who, anticipating -a feed, had found to their disgust that art, for once, had been -triumphant over nature, and they accordingly vented their spite upon the -painted grass. The clergyman's hut had been respected. General Garrett's -palazzo had been invaded by an indescribable _miscellanea_ of animals. -The rocky grotto, which had been severally tenanted by General Sir John -Campbell, General Wyndham, General Paulet, General Bentinck, and his -Grace the Duke of Newcastle, was left to the mercy of the rats, who here -vegetated by hundreds; the floor was strewn with rags, paper, and other -rubbish, which had been gathered by these industrious and destructive -vermin. - -Immediately after ascending and descending three steps, hat in hand, I -paid my last solemn duty and respects to the resting-place of the dead -brave. A picture indeed it was to see the respect paid to those who had -so gloriously died for their country's cause--Pere la Chaise or Kensal -Green could not look in better condition than this solitary cemetery. -With my heart full of emotion I bade adieu to this consecrated spot, and -retired. Once more, and for the last time, I gazed on the ruins of -Sebastopol. Life seemed to have deserted this once mighty city; one -solitary chimney alone emitted smoke; the sun was still shining on this -defunct place, which a few days previous I had visited in detail, and -found still in the deserted state so often described. - -Crossing Lord A. Russell's Rifle's quarters, I soon arrived in the Third -Division. General Adams's villarette had been turned into a farmhouse; -sheep and other cattle grazed in the ravine. - -From this spot I visited the General Hospital located in this division; -which I found in a similar state as the Sanatorium. Not a sign of life -was perceptible in this mournful spot, where so lately I had witnessed -so many painful scenes. From here I journeyed to the Brigade of Guards, -the theatre of my semi-martial _debut_, having previously inspected the -intermediate camp. All was as silent as the grave. A line of obstruction -lay on the ground where once the busy railway passed. The Rokeby Castle -and its vicinity had the appearance of a travelling caravan of gipsies -reposing; children in rags escaped from the group to solicit alms; a few -halfpence contented them. In the camp, the kitchen and a number of huts -had been burnt down; the mess-room of Colonel Foley was still ornamented -with the rustic chandelier which had been bequeathed to me by the -gallant colonel before his leaving. Colonels Walker, De Bathe, and the -late Colonel Drummond's habitations were selected as a home by the -wandering tribe of gipsies. - -General Craufurd's head-quarters were uninhabited; a few loose horses -were grazing near, on the celebrated cricket-ground. The close of my -visit was to the English and French head-quarters; in the former I was -informed the proprietor had reinstated himself on his domains. The -turmoil and traffic of war had here given place to the quietude and -repose of peace. The post-office, telegraph, and printing machines had -ceased their movements; the vineyards alone appeared refreshing to the -eye. Dr. Hall's snuff-box hut was left open, and partly unroofed; -General Wyndham's quarters were quite deserted. The rope curtains taken -from the Redan, and laid on the ground before the hut door, was all that -remained which I could recognise, as they had upon my demand, been -presented to me by the general's aide-de-camp, whose name, to my regret, -has escaped my memory. - -The French head-quarters presented a similar aspect, but was more -animated by crowds of adventurers. - -Having on my way home taken a glimpse at the ruins of the Seacole -Tavern, Land Transport Corps, Army Works Corps, and hospital, I arrived -at Bleak House (the head-quarters of Mr. Doyne the engineer), which was -drearier than ever, and, like a lost balloon in mid air, entirely -deserted; all that remained was the almost indescribable view which, at -one glance, stamped the scene as something more than beautiful. From -the rock where I stood I could pass in review the remainder of the -camp, as yet unexplored by me. On my left once lay Colonel Wood's park -of artillery, and towards it were a few mules clambering, led by -Tartars. At the foot of the hill were Captain Gordon's late quarters; -further on, on the next mound, were the head-quarters of the Land -Transport Corps, in the occupation of Colonel M'Murdo and Captain Evans; -but the most striking object in view was the combined Railway Station -and Engine House, once the focus of noise, but now the abode of repose. -In abandoning this rural spot, and running my eye a few hundred yards -below me, lay a most charmingly built villarette, most suitably called -Prospect House, which was the private residence of Mr. Doyne. Science -had here conquered what was wanting in material; the goddess Flora had, -like the owner, abandoned this pretty landscape; the dry soil and the -sun's rays had "dishabilled" each root from its flower. The cavalry camp -and its numerous rows of stables were the last I visited. Dusk gently -stole over the horizon when I re-entered the Col of Balaklava. The stars -were brightly shining; it was nine o'clock; every bell in the harbour -was tolling. Before retiring to rest no less than thirty-seven -cemeteries did I count on my daily tablet, which I had passed during my -solitary wandering. - -The night before the surrender of Balaklava, a large fire broke out in -the village of Kadikoi, which, had the wind been high, would have -destroyed more than a thousand huts. As usual, the miscreant who had -done the mischief escaped detection. General Sir W. Codrington was much -vexed at this, as some huts had been sold to the Russian officers. I -was, in consequence, deputed by Mr. Bennett, of the Army Works Corps, -who was just leaving in another vessel, (at that time I was on board the -_Argo_, and ready to sail the following day) to accompany the Russian -officer to Sir W. Codrington, to inform him of the fact that the money -had been received, and to request that it might be returned. Sir -William, though overwhelmed with business, it being the eve of his -departure, kindly attended to the Russian officer's request; and the -next morning, as I was going on board the _Argo_, I had the pleasure of -meeting the Commander-in-chief on his way to the spot where the fire had -taken place, in order to assure himself that the huts burnt were those -which had been paid for. I had a short walk and conversation with Sir -William upon various subjects, and took the opportunity of thanking him -for the following letter, with which he had kindly favoured me, -containing his opinion of my culinary services during the war:-- - - -BALAKLAVA, _July 9th, 1856_. - - I believe Monsieur Soyer to have given great assistance in showing - the soldier how to get the best meal from the food that is given to - him; and I have no doubt Monsieur Soyer's stoves accomplish this - purpose in a standing camp or barracks with but little expenditure - of fuel. It gives me great pleasure to say that Monsieur Soyer has - always been ready to advise and personally superintend the carrying - out improvements in the system of cooking: his knowledge and - attention have therefore been of service to the army in the Crimea. - -W. CODRINGTON, _General_. - - - -We then parted, the general going to Kadikoi; and I, to select my berth, -and see Miss Nightingale's carriage shipped. - -The day turned out fine, though rather gloomy in the early part, and -very windy. As the last day of such a series of fine weather, it was -anything but a promising farewell. At twelve precisely, the keys of -Balaklava were to be given up. A picket of the Land Transport Corps were -placed on the small bridge at the Col of Balaklava. - -A few minutes after, three or four gentlemen sailors, accompanied by -some parties whom we at first took for heroic Kadikoi tradesmen, arrived -at full gallop, crying out--"The Russians are coming!" which report -spread alarm through the camp, and in less than two minutes caused all -the troops, twenty-five in number, to be under arms, and rush full speed -upon the assailants, by whom they were entirely defeated--as in a few -minutes Balaklava was retaken, and has ever since remained in the hands -of the Russians. Thus ended that friendly battle of which I was so -anxious to be an eye-witness, where champagne flowed freely in lieu of -blood. - -The grand reception and ceremony was to take place at the Commandant's -head-quarters. A few minutes after twelve, Captain Stamaki, the new -governor of Balaklava, made his appearance, accompanied by only one -aide-de-camp. Being met by the English authorities, he made a full stop, -and the password was exchanged, I believe, in the Greek language. The -governor of Balaklava then galloped into his new kingdom. In about -twenty minutes a body-guard of about seventy men, some on foot and some -mounted, made their appearance. The horsemen, upon nearer approach, we -found to be a picket of Cossacks. When about one hundred yards from the -bridge, the British picket went towards them--the Russians having -halted. This conventional performance lasted but a few minutes; and -then, the British posts were relieved by the Russians as they passed on -their way to the commandant's, where they were received by Sir W. -Codrington, General Garrett, Admirals Freemantle, Stewart, Captain -Codrington, &c. &c. A squadron of the 56th, the last regiment remaining -in the Crimea, were in attendance with their band. On one side were the -English, and the Russians opposite, for the first time on duty facing -each other in friendly feeling. The centre was occupied by the -authorities. Amongst the group of lookers-on was the illustrious Mrs. -Seacole, dressed in a riding-habit; and for the last time this excellent -mother was bidding farewell to all her sons, thus ending her benevolent -exertions in the Crimea. Having given her my parting salute, I left the -_mere noire_ for the Black Sea. The sun shone brightly upon that -animated group, now performing the last scene of the great drama enacted -upon those shores. - -A few minutes after the curtain had fallen, spectators and performers -had separated, and all were entering upon their new duties. The last -remnant of the British army was that day ordered to sail for home. - -The weather, which had been rather boisterous, increased in violence; -and in consequence, the captain of the _Argo_, with whom I had been in -company since the morning to witness the grand closing scene, made sure -that we should not sail till the next day. He therefore proposed -inviting several of the Russian officers to dine on board. This I -immediately communicated to them in French, and they politely accepted -the invitation. The party was six in number: among those invited, was -Monsieur le Conte de Maison, a French nobleman, who had lived many years -in Russia, and was a large proprietor in the Crimea. After replying to -several of his questions, I told him my name. He appeared doubly -interested, having heard, as he said, so much about me in the Crimea. In -Russia this gentleman was looked upon as an epicure, and probably the -interest he felt in my acquaintance had something to do with the good -dinner he anticipated. Dinner was to have been upon the table at six, -and at half-past five the boat of the _Argo_ was to fetch them on board. -All was settled, and a pleasant evening with our new friends expected. A -violent shower of rain scattered us in all directions, and, much to our -sorrow, we never met again. - -We had hardly regained the ship, when Admiral Stewart came on board and -ordered the captain to sail immediately. I went home through the rain to -inform my people of the sudden change of orders, and found they had -already heard the news and had started. I arrived just in time to -prevent a Tartar stealing one of my horses, of which I had made a -present to Mr. Smith, a wine-merchant, as there was no possibility of -selling him. Horse-dealing with the Russians about that time was pretty -much after this fashion: a rather decent horse would fetch from three to -five roubles--which latter sum makes a pound sterling. Under these -circumstances, to place them in good hands was not only a charity, but a -duty. - -Everybody had got on board, and the new-comers were under shelter. The -rain fell heavily, and not a soul did I meet in my way from the General -Hospital to the _Argo_, which was lying at the other side of the -harbour. Nobody was out but myself, my horse, and my umbrella, which I -had much difficulty in holding up in the gale I was then braving. The -thousands who had witnessed and mingled with the noisy crowd which for -so many months had encumbered the place, can form but a faint idea of -the gloomy appearance of the desolate Balaklava. - - - - -CHAPTER XXXVI. - -LAST SCENE OF THIS EVENTFUL HISTORY. - - Farewell to the Crimea--Last glimpses--A collision--Rough - weather--A strange coincidence--The Russian foundling--His - history--A metamorphosis--The Sultan's banquet--Sight-seeing at - Constantinople--Last visit to the City of Palaces--"The Culinary - wonder of all nations"--Holiday tour--The Author makes his bow. - - -On board ship all was bustle and confusion. As the vessel steamed slowly -out, we passed the few remaining steamers, including the bold _Algiers_, -Captain Codrington, which was smoking with might and main. We went -ahead, digging our way through the mountainous waves, which appeared to -have accumulated in the harbour purposely to say farewell, or dash our -brains out against the bulwarks or the perpendicular rocks of the bay. -Black, sulphurous, and reddish clouds were rolling from mountain to -mountain, burying the peaks of each in their course, and giving the -aspect of a universal deluge, by the union of earth to heaven. We could -perceive nothing excepting now and then a glimpse of two white spots: -one was the Sardinian funeral monument, dedicated to their defunct -heroes; the other, the white marble Nightingale Cross, which, as I have -before mentioned, had just been erected by that lady to the memory of -departed heroes, and the deceased Sisters of Charity and Mercy. So rough -a day had not visited us since that eventful one on which Sebastopol had -fallen. It was getting dark, and a misty rain kept falling, which made -any but joyful reminiscences of our final departure from the theatre of -war and the arid soil of the Crimea. The sable veil of night soon fell -over our colossal steamer, the _Argo_, as she pitched and rolled in the -hollow of the sea, having on board three hundred horses--a rather -awkward cargo,--besides having been only recently patched up from some -serious damage she had received in consequence of a collision with a -French man-of-war. It had made a large hole in her, and carried away her -figure-head. She had been for some time in the greatest danger in -consequence of this, and though not materially so on the night of our -departure, the remembrance of the accident was disagreeable enough to -make all uncomfortable and spoil our appetites. A few extras had been -added to the bill of fare in anticipation of the visit of our Russian -friends; but I beg to inform my readers that I and a few of my -_compagnons de voyage_ saw no more of the banquet than did our -much-disappointed guests on shore, who may probably think the invitation -was a joke played off upon them by the captain, and that he was aware of -the time of his departure.[29] - -At about eleven, most of the passengers retired to their fully-inhabited -cabin. The captain passed the night upon deck; so did I partly, as -Morpheus often refuses to visit me when I am upon the mighty ocean, in -either rough or smooth weather. Three times was the deck submerged by -the heavy seas; washing the passengers from larboard to starboard, and -_vice versa_--a sort of gymnastic exercise neither pleasant to man nor -beast. Several horses broke their lashings and fell during those heavy -shocks. The next morning was not more pleasant, but the afternoon turned -out fine. At about three everybody was on deck, cheerfully conversing, -walking, reading, smoking, &c. Nothing, I believe, is so soon forgotten -as rough weather at sea, especially when the sun favours one with a few -brilliant smiles. The dinner-table was well attended, and everybody very -chatty. I sat near the captain and General Garrett. The former (whose -anxiety seemed to have entirely disappeared) said to me, "I am going to -relate a curious incident respecting yourself, Monsieur, of which you -are perhaps not aware, but you will call it to mind when I tell you." - -"What is it? I hope it is nothing likely to bring me into discredit, or -to shock my modesty?" - -"On the contrary, it is all in your favour." - -"Such being the case, pray proceed. What think you, General Garrett?" -said I. - -"By all means," he replied. - -"Do you remember," the captain began, "on the morning of the 8th -September, as you were coming back to your camp, meeting with two naval -officers who were endeavouring to pass the lines in order to get to -Cathcart's Hill and have a sight of the storming of Sebastopol?" - -"That I do; and what's more extraordinary, I do not know their names: in -fact, I could not make out who they were, nor where they came from." - -"These are the very points on which I am about to enlighten you. You -rendered them an important service on that occasion by your hospitality, -for which I can assure you they are even to this day very grateful." - -"They were very welcome; but who were they?" - -"At the time the adventure occurred, they both belonged to this ship: -one was our doctor, and the other the son of a member of the company, -who intends, upon your arrival in England, to give you an invitation to -spend a few days at his seat near Southampton." - -"I am much obliged; but pray, when you see them, say I am already highly -repaid for anything I did, as it was entirely through them I had the -high honour of dining with General Windham upon the day on which he -immortalized himself as the hero of the Redan." - -"You don't say so!" exclaimed the captain. - -Perceiving his astonishment, I related the circumstances mentioned in a -former chapter. Of course these were well known to General Garrett. - -It was with regret I was leaving the Crimea without knowing the heroes -of this simple, though to me singular, adventure. How strange it is that -at last, and upon my way home, I should ascertain that which I had so -often inquired about! - -A few rounds of champagne to their health and prosperity terminated this -singular affair. - -The invalided _Argo_ had regained her perpendicular upon the smooth -surface of the ocean, and stood as firm as St. Paul's upon its -foundations. In fact, the good vessel appeared quite motionless, and -made our ocean saloon as lively as any upon _terra firma_. The night -seemed to be jealous of the fineness of the day, and not a breath of -wind disturbed its serenity. The unwieldy ship glided over the sea, -which flashed as though it had been a lake of diamonds. The breeze was -just strong enough to fill the few sails spread to catch it. Every one -was upon deck, as busy as bees upon a hot summer's day. The order was -given to muster the soldiers and lower-deck passengers, and in a few -minutes they were all upon the main-deck. Amongst them appeared a lad -all in rags, barefooted, and with a black and a blue eye. His dirty, -ragged jacket was covered with blood and mud. He stood cross-legged and -leaning upon his elbow against the coping of the bulwarks, his right -hand thrust in the hole where a pocket had no doubt once existed. The -lad, in spite of his attire, looked as brisk and independent as a modern -Diogenes or a Robert Macaire. To the questions put to him by the -captain, he replied somewhat in the style of the Grecian philosopher to -Alexander the Great. There was, however, this difference--those great -men understood each other, while the captain's English was entirely lost -upon the ragged hero. After several attempts and failures on the part of -the captain, a gentleman, Mr. Souter, who spoke the Russian language, -interrogated him, and asked him how he got on board. His reply was, -"With the baggage, to be sure." He then, boldly and in a fine tone of -voice, suiting the action to the word, told the following tale:--"I am -an orphan and a Russian serf belonging to Prince Meshersky. My name is -Daniel Maximovitch Chimachenka; and since my owner, the prince, went to -the war, the serfs have been much ill-treated by the agent in charge. -This was particularly the case with myself, as I was attached to the -agent's personal service. He beat me daily, and gave me scarcely -anything to eat. One day, two English officers passed through the -village, and I held their horses for them while they took some -refreshment. When they came out, they gave me a shilling. Though it was -nearly dark, I watched the road they went, and followed them at a -distance. After walking some time, I lost sight of them, and slept in -the wood till daybreak. Two days after, having travelled through forests -and over mountains in order to avoid detection, I found myself at -Balaklava. This was only just before the departure of the fleet. I was -determined to follow those kind people the English, who had given me so -much money for so little work. Being aware that you were all going away, -I bethought myself of hiding on board one of your ships, thinking that -when discovered you could not treat me worse than the prince's agent had -done. I made the attempt in two different vessels, but was discovered -and put on shore again. This vessel being one of the last, I went on -board assisting some Maltese sailors with the luggage, and amidst the -bustle managed to hide away amongst the horses." In this manner the -youth got to Constantinople. - -The following letter, published in the journal of that city, will inform -my readers of the rest:-- - - Monsieur Soyer, now so well known in the East, has taken under his - protection a Russian boy who was in the greatest destitution, - having stowed himself away on board the steam-ship _Argo_ at - Balaklava. He was only discovered when the muster of soldiers and - deck-passengers was called. The poor lad was in rags and - barefooted. He had received a terrible contusion on the head, and - his black swollen eyes and blood-stained face rendered his - appearance anything but prepossessing. Being cross-questioned by a - passenger who understood Russian, he stated that he got on board - under pretence of assisting the sailors with some luggage, and - contrived to hide himself amongst the horses till the ship was at - sea, fearing that he should be put on shore, as had already - happened to him twice before. During the night, he came upon deck - and fell asleep. About three in the morning, a violent hurricane - came on, and a heavy sea broke over the bows, nearly washing the - soldiers and himself overboard. It was at this juncture that he - received the contusion, and became for some time senseless. He - asked for nothing to eat during the passage, fearing discovery, but - satisfied the cravings of hunger with orange-peel and pieces of - broken biscuit, which the soldiers had thrown about the deck. He - said that he was an orphan, twelve years old, and left his native - village through the ill-treatment of his owner's agent. Some - English gentlemen, in passing through the village, gave him a piece - of money for holding their horses; so he decided upon following - such kind people, in the hope of obtaining employment and living - amongst them.[30] He appears very intelligent, and is quite - indignant at being taken for a Tartar. He is, he says, a true - Russian. Instead of allowing him to be turned adrift in - Constantinople, Monsieur Soyer claimed and took him under his - protection, taking a certificate from the captain to that effect, - in presence of General Garrett and his Staff, who were passengers - on board the _Argo_. As he is now free, no doubt a prosperous - future is in store for the poor Russian lad, through the kindness - of Monsieur Soyer.--_Journal de Constantinople et Echo de - l'Orient_, Thursday, 21st July, 1856. - -[Illustration: THE BOY AS FOUND.] - -[Illustration: THE BOY AS HE IS.] - -While on shore at Constantinople, I sent this unsightly and -dirty-looking urchin to a Turkish bath, and by this simple, "gentle," -and delightful Oriental process removed two or three coats of dirt from -his skin. I had a suit of livery _a la Russe_ made for him, which -greatly improved his appearance. When quite recovered from the effects -of his bruises and black eye, he turned out to be a very smart, clean, -and extremely intelligent lad. So grateful was he for my kindness, that -he came every morning at six o'clock to fetch my clothes to brush, -kissing my hands at the same time, whether awake or asleep, as a mark of -his gratitude. I have him with me in London, and intend to educate him, -and hope he will turn out a good man of business and useful to society. -It is most probable that had he been left to himself in Constantinople, -he would have become a great rascal or a thief; for he possesses enough -intelligence to be either a clever, honest man, or an arrant rogue. - -We were anchored in the Bosphorus, opposite the Barrack Hospital. It was -about ten in the morning. Everybody had an extra wash upon the occasion, -and all were dressed in their best. The weather was very warm and fine, -and all appeared gay and merry. General Garrett being anxious to see the -wonders of the Mahomedan city, I offered, as I was now pretty well -acquainted with its _chefs-d'oeuvre_, to be his _cicerone_, which -offer he immediately accepted. We started, accompanied by Colonel Hughes -and Major Dallas. After paying our respects to Admiral Grey at the -Admiralty, we hired two caiques and repaired to the ancient quarter of -Stamboul. There we took horses, and for six hours ascended and descended -the intolerable muddy and badly-paved streets of the real -Constantinople, where are to be seen so many Mussulman works of -art--viz.: St. Sophia, the Bazaar, Seraglio Palace, and Hippodrome, &c. -&c. &c., with which the general and suite were much delighted. Our -intention was to dine at Messirie's Hotel, and we had just arrived -there, when we were informed that the Sultan that day intended to give a -grand dinner in honour of Generals Pelissier and Codrington. Captain -Hall, who brought the news, requested General Garrett to pay an -immediate visit to Lord Redcliffe, adding, that no doubt the ambassador -would wish him to be present. General Garrett replied--"It would be -utterly impossible for me to be present at the ceremony, inasmuch as I -cannot get my uniform, which is at the bottom of the hold of the _Argo_. -I will, however, pay my respects to Lord Stratford." - -We immediately started for that purpose. The general remained some time -with our ambassador, and upon coming out informed us of the kind -reception and invitation he had received to be present at the grand -Dolma Batchi Palace banquet, saying he must manage to go somehow. The -only difficulty was to get his own uniform, or any other that would fit -him, for the occasion. I merely left my card at the Embassy, intending -to pay my respects to Lord Stratford some other day. - -This banquet had been postponed for several days, on account of the -non-arrival of Sir W. Codrington from Balaklava. The dinner was at last -decided to take place on the 18th of July, 1856, at seven o'clock. The -English general had not arrived, but was hourly expected. About three -P.M. his ship appeared in sight, and at five entered the Bosphorus. All -on board who were invited were ready dressed; so they only had to -disembark at the splendid marble terrace which forms the landing-place -of the Sultan's new palace of Dolma Batchi, where numerous attendants -were waiting to receive them. But, as usual, "Man proposes, and God -disposes." The severe gale we encountered on leaving Balaklava, far from -sparing the great _Algiers_, had delayed her more than it did our good -ship. While passing in front of Therapia, her progress was again -arrested by one of the most furious hurricanes ever known in the -Bosphorus. - -The illustrious guests had arrived minus the Commander-in-chief, who was -expected every minute. They were sitting in the grand reception-room. -The dinner-hour arrived, and the doors of the magnificent Mahomedan -hall were thrown open to the assembled guests. They were amazed at the -splendour and richness of the architecture of that cathedral-like -throne-room, which is a perfect copy of St. Sophia on a very splendid -scale, the dome being only fourteen feet less in height than that of St. -Sophia. The appearance of the table, placed in the centre, though very -large and well garnished with elegant table ornaments, fruits, flowers, -and a most _recherche_ dessert, left, as far as the dinner goes, much to -desire. The mixture of French and Turkish cookery, of which I much -approve, would have been preferable to all French, so difficult of -perfect execution, particularly at Constantinople. As a whole, the -_coup-d'oeil_ was perfectly pyramidal and magical. The guests were -seated according to rank and precedence, and each had his name and -number on his plate, which plan prevented any confusion. The soup, as -well as several _hors-d'oeuvres_ and other dishes, had been handed -round, when a tremendous hurricane shook the frame of the stupendous -edifice, extinguished the lights in the orchestra, and made the colossal -chandelier (perhaps the largest in the world) swing to and fro until -fears were entertained of its falling. For a short time we were -uncertain whether it was a hurricane or an earthquake; and though the -festive board was encircled by old invincibles whom the cannon of -Sebastopol had never unnerved for a minute, it must be confessed that -the fear of an earthquake produced an ominous silence. - -In a short time the music recommenced, and every one was himself again. -The busy traffic of a large banquet had resumed its regular course; the -guests had forgotten this vexatious event, and were conversing -cheerfully. When the dinner had been removed, and the dessert was placed -upon the table, the band played the "Sultan's Grand March," and his -Sublime Majesty entered in all his Oriental pomp, followed by the -dignitaries of the empire. This pageant was indeed worthy of the antique -style of Oriental grandeur. Still, it is to be regretted that it had -lost much of its magnificence from having been simplified and -modernized. After this gracious mark of cordial union between the -Mahomedan monarch and his Allied guests, which has been so well and -elegantly described by the public press, the Sultan retired; and thus -ended this sumptuous entertainment, which will ever hold a distinguished -place in the gastronomic annals of nations. It was at least the first, -and probably will prove the last, at which the magnates of three great -nations met together beneath the roof of the great Pacha's palace to -partake of Mahomedan hospitality _a la Francaise_, which in my opinion -ought to have been Anglo-Franko, but at all events half Turko. - -The only thing to be regretted was the untoward absence of Sir W. -Codrington, which happened as follows:--The _Algiers_ started a few -hours after the _Argo_; but being considerably heavier than that -vessel--being a man of war--and owing to the bad weather and foul winds, -she arrived ten hours after us, instead of four or six, as had been -expected. In spite of this delay, she would have arrived in time, but -for the extraordinary hurricane which came on as she entered the -Bosphorus. Every gentleman invited was dressed and ready to land upon -arriving at Dolma Batchi Stairs. It was all to no purpose; for on coming -before Therapia, the safety of the ship compelled the captain to order -the anchors to be let go; and as no caiques could venture out, it was -impossible to land. My chief reason for mentioning this fact is because -it was reported in Constantinople and Pera that the French and English -commanders of the Allied armies disagreed politically, and would not -meet. Through my friendly influence with important persons in -Constantinople and Pera, I caused this report to be contradicted by the -press, as it might have left an evil impression upon the public mind. - -The _Argo_ was to sail about four P.M. the next day. At two I went on -board to claim my Russian _protege_, and found the boy, who was aware of -my being in Constantinople, and as the steamer was about to sail, had -lost all hope of being rescued by me. In expectation of being landed at -Constantinople and left to the mercy of the world, he was seated on the -poop of the ship, anxiously looking out with the same anxiety as Sister -Anne from the top of the tower, in the tale of _Bluebeard_, to see if -any one was coming. At length he perceived a caique with two caidjees -approaching the ship _Argo_; in it was seated a rather stout gentleman, -dressed in the Oriental style, as he afterwards related, with a large -white round hat, encircled with a turban of white and red gauze, and -wearing a bournous. "It can only be my new master," exclaimed the boy to -those around--or at all events he made them comprehend as much. Nothing -could exceed the boy's joy when I set foot upon deck; but, as I was not -aware of his anxiety, I took but little notice of him, as I had many -persons to see in a short space of time. Observing this, the poor lad -began to cry. Had he been retaken, he would have been sent to the mines -for fifteen years, and afterwards as a soldier for life. I requested the -captain to draw up a statement to the effect that the boy had run away -of his own accord, and begged of General Garrett to be present as a -witness; and he was accordingly transmitted to me as a free boy from the -time of his destitution. - -The following is a copy of the statement:-- - - -_Steam-ship "Argo," Constantinople, 16th July, 1856._ - - I hereby certify that a Russian boy, about twelve or fifteen years - of ago, was found on board this ship after leaving the Crimea. He - states that he came on board for the purpose of getting employment. - His name, he says, is Daniel, and that he was a serf of Prince - Meshersky's. Monsieur Soyer, a passenger on board, now takes him - into his service, to prevent his starving. - -H. B. BENSON, _Commander_. - - N.B.--The boy's name is Daniel Maximovitch Chimachenka. He says he - is an orphan--has been very badly treated by his master's - steward--and begged of Monsieur Soyer to grant him protection, and - is very willing to go with him wheresoever he pleases rather than - return to his former master. As he was quite destitute on arriving - at Constantinople, Monsieur Soyer is kind enough to take him under - his protection. - - I hereby certify that the above is quite correct, having - interrogated the boy in his own language (Russian). - -P. POUTEAU, _Kt. S. A._ - - - -I then bade a cordial farewell to all my _compagnons de voyage_, who -were very anxious to have my company to London; but I had made up my -mind to take six months' holiday, and travel wherever my fancy might -lead me, especially to my native city of Meaux, which I had not seen for -twenty-six long years. I also wished to write this work in peace, having -lost my notes. I informed them that I could not have the pleasure of -accompanying them, as I meant to take a Continental tour, but hoped to -meet them in London upon my return, which would probably be in the -beginning of the then ensuing spring. - -Wishing to visit at my leisure the civil and military institutions of -this interesting city of Constantine, and, above all, to become well -acquainted with the system of cookery, in which I had already recognised -a deal of merit and originality, I determined to remain some weeks at -Constantinople, as well as to offer to his Sublime Majesty the Sultan, -through the kind intercession of Lord de Redcliffe, to whom I had paid -my humble duty, a complete set of my various culinary works, as well as -my magic and model stoves. I established myself at the hotel, and, -accompanied by a friend, and my Russian boy dressed _a la Cosaque_, -proceeded to visit on horseback all the curiosities of the Mahomedan -city. - -As I have already observed, though I frequently wished to inspect -minutely the great metropolis of Constantine, my incessant duties never -allowed me time for this: I therefore now devoted my leisure time to -seeing Constantinople. I had fixed three weeks as the space requisite to -visit in detail the wonders of that city. To do this, I engaged a -dragoman of some intelligence, and requested him to conduct me to every -place worthy of being seen, at the same time acquainting him that three -weeks would be the utmost stay I should make in Constantinople. - -Having obtained a firman, or _passe-partout_, we were to be seen flying -from palace to palace, mosque to mosque, bazaar to bazaar, kiosque to -kiosque, hospital to hospital, cemetery to cemetery, prison to prison; -from turning to howling dervishes, and from the Sweet Waters of Europe -to those of Asia, and last, not least, to the Sultan's kitchen, which to -me was the only object of paramount interest. - -Almost every one attached to the army had left the banks of the -Bosphorus and returned to England. Only now and then did one meet a -British uniform in Pera. These were the officers of the Commissariat or -the Turkish Contingent. Amongst the former were Commissaries Smith, -Adams, Osborn, &c. - -The post-office and hospitals were given up: Therapia and Buyukdere -alone could boast of possessing the tail of the British army and navy. -General Storks was still on a visit to Lord Stratford de Redcliffe; Sir -Edmund Lyons was on board his splendid man-of-war, the _Royal Albert_, -in the Bosphorus; Admiral Grey had left, and only a few acting naval men -remained at the Admiralty. - -I afterwards addressed the following letter which appeared in the -_Times_:-- - - -M. SOYER AT CONSTANTINOPLE. - -_To the Editor of the Times._ - - SIR,--In reply to no end of inquiries from persons meeting me in - the streets of Pera, Bujukdere, Therapia, the Isles des Princes, - &c., as to what I am doing in Turkey now the whole of the army has - gone, and as every one here seems so anxious, probably others may - feel interested, it has struck me, sir, to inform you personally - why I remain here. In the first place, Constantinople and its - vicinity are far from being destitute of vital interest, and those - who have only seen its beauty from the Bosphorus, and then at first - sight condemned the interior of this gigantic city of Constantine, - have seen nothing, and are utterly incompetent to speak of it, much - less to write upon the curiosities, manners, customs, and way of - living, of this singular and almost unknown people, though lodged - nearly in the centre of Europe. Thanks now to my last visit to - Constantinople, which time nor duty did not admit of before, I now - know it and its neighbourhood as well as London, and much better - than Paris. I am pretty well acquainted with Turkish institutions, - as well as manners and habits, which indeed deviate so much from - our fashions that they cannot prove uninteresting to relate, if not - to follow. Though so many authors have written upon Turkey, they - have yet left me several virgin pages, and those pages are upon the - national cookery of the Moslem people. - - They have many dishes which are indeed worthy of the table of the - greatest epicure, and I shall not consider my Oriental mission - terminated to my satisfaction till I see in the bills of fare of - France and England their puree de volaille au ris, tomates, et - concombres, and puree de Bahmia aromatisee a la creme, by the side - of our potages a la Reine, Tortue, Jullienne, and Mulligatawny; - near our whitebait, red mullets, turbot, and salmon, their fried - sardines, bar fish, gurnet, sturgeon, red mullets aux herbes, - oyster pilaff, mackerel, salad, &c.; and with our roast beef, - saddle-back of mutton, and haunch of venison, their sheep, lamb, or - kid roasted whole, and the monster and delicious kebab; by our - entrees of supreme de volaille, salmis, and vol-aux-vents, their - doulmas kioftee, sis kebabs, haharram bouton, pilaff au cailles, - &c.; with our vegetables, their Bahmia, fried leeks and celery, - Partligan bastici, and sakath kabac bastici; with our macedoines, - jellies, charlottes, &c., their lokounds, moukahalibi, Baclava - gyneristi, ekmekataive. Their coffee, iced milk, and sherbet--in - fact, all their principal dishes might, with the best advantage, be - adopted and Frenchified and Anglicised. Not so their method of - serving, in which they mix sweet and savoury dishes throughout the - repast; and less likely still their method of eating with their - fingers, though, after several trials, I must admit that it has - some peculiar advantages; their sauces being of a thinnish nature, - require to be absorbed with a piece of bread in order to partake of - them, which could not be performed equally well with a knife or - fork. Their custom of serving only one hot dish at a time is not - new to us, we having borrowed it from the Russians, who probably - took it from the Turks. No nation as yet has been able to boast of - having introduced a single innovation in the way of living to this - singularly incommunicative race, the cause of which I can only - attribute to the immense distance placed between the relative - social position of the two sexes: for while in Europe the "_beau - sexe_" forms the soul of society and sociability, in Turkey they - are kept in entire seclusion, and almost without any kind of - education. My stay here has not only produced me the high honour of - an interview with the Sultan, but also the advantage of becoming - acquainted with one of the most useful and principal officers of - his Sublime Majesty's household, called the Hachji Bachji, or - general-in-chief of the culinary department of his Sublime Majesty - the Padischah, and he speaks with pride of having held that office - five years with the late Sultan and Padischah Mahmoud, and has now - retained it seventeen years with his present Sublime Majesty. - Independent of the private kitchen of the Sultan, he has under his - command in the various palaces about six hundred men cooks, and had - in the time of Sultan Mahmoud upwards of one thousand. Having - expressed a wish to become acquainted with some of the principal - Turkish dishes, and the way in which the dinner was served, he not - only gave me the required information, but invited me to a dinner, - "_a la Turc_," at the new palace of Dolma Batchi. We were only four - guests, including himself; above seventy small dishes formed a - luxurious bill of fare, which, after the Turkish fashion, were - partaken of quickly, as the Moslems only taste a mouthful of each - dish which may take their fancy. He then informed me that the - repast we had partaken of was the _fac-simile_ of the dinner daily - served up to his Majesty the Padischah, who always takes his meals - alone, and as no bill of fare is made, every dish in the Turkish - cookery code must be prepared daily throughout the year, and only - varies in quantity according to the abundance or scarcity of the - provisions to be obtained in the various seasons, so that his - Sublime Majesty may find everything he may desire within his - Imperial call. Further details upon this subject I shall give when - I publish my other work, which will be entitled "The Culinary - Wonder of all Nations." - - The Armenian cookery turns very much upon the Turkish style, while - the Greek has a type of its own, which, I regret to say, is far - from meeting with my approbation, though in high Greek families I - have partaken of most excellent dinners; but the Turkish dishes - were always the most satisfactory, the common cookery of the Greeks - being sloppy and greasy, while, _per contra_, the Turk has studied - the art of preserving the essence of all the provisions employed, - which method will at all times produce a palatable as well as a - nutritive food. Prior to my departure, which will be in a few days, - I shall pay a visit to Scutari, to contrast the present state of - that busy spot with its now, as I hear, totally deserted aspect. My - remarks upon this subject I shall do myself the pleasure of sending - in a future letter, in hopes that they may prove interesting to the - thousands who have visited that celebrated place on the Asiatic - side of the Bosphorus. - - With the highest consideration, I have the honour to remain, - -Sir, your obedient servant, -_Pera, Constantinople, Hotel d'Angleterre_, A. SOYER. - -_Sept. 8, 1856._ - - - -This visit was more laborious than most persons may imagine, but the -idea of beginning a new and agreeable campaign, after having terminated -a long, dreary, and perilous one, was very pleasing. I was free as -regarded my actions, and my health was partly restored. Shortly after my -arrival at Scutari, my governmental mission as well as hospital duties -ceased, these establishments being closed. I therefore settled -everything with the Purveyor-in-chief, Mr. J. S. Robertson, General -Storks, Miss Nightingale, and Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, who all -honoured me with documents expressive of their high approbation of my -services. Prior to my final departure, I sent the full report of my -proceedings and labours at Scutari, as well as in the camp, to Lord -Stratford de Redcliffe. - -The following is his Excellency's reply:-- - - -THERAPIA, _August 2nd, 1856_. - - DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--I return you the papers you were good enough - to send for my perusal. The honourable testimonials you have - obtained have been well earned. - - I shall have much pleasure in asking the Sultan's permission as to - your sending him the articles you mention. - -Sincerely yours, -STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE. - -A Monsieur -Monsieur Soyer. - - - -The day after the receipt of the above letter from his Excellency I was -summoned by Mr. Etienne Pizanni, the first dragoman of the Embassy, who -left a message at the Hotel d'Angleterre to the effect that the -following morning I was to be at Topane Cannon Foundry landing-place, -with the various articles I intended to offer for the acceptance of his -Sublime Majesty. At ten o'clock precisely I arrived. The caique of the -Embassy was already waiting. A few minutes after we had crossed the -short and chopping waves, _aux collerettes d'argent_, or bright silver -hue, which, with the morning breeze, take birth in that fairy lake, the -cradle of romance and beauty, as night approaches. Shortly after we were -safely landed on the monster marble quay, the private landing-place of -the Sultan, which proudly unites the Bosphorus with the gigantic palace -of Dolma Batchi; from here we were inducted to the Grand Chamberlain's -kiosque, where coffee-cups and chiboques of great value, being -ornamented with gold, pearls, emeralds, and diamonds, were filled by -slaves and handed to us, and partaken of with great gusto. - -In a few minutes Prince Galamaki was shown into the apartment. He had -come for the purpose of taking leave of his Sublime master prior to -leaving Turkey for his post as ambassador to the Court of Vienna; and -having myself had the honour of knowing this distinguished diplomatist -when he was ambassador to the Court of St. James's, he at once -recognised me, and the conversation being opened by Mr. Pizanni, we had -a most interesting dialogue on semi-diplomatic matters, embracing a -period of fifteen years. - -Two hours had now elapsed. Chibouques and coffee had been handed round -many times, when the Prince remarked that his Majesty was later than -usual. Shortly after, an officer of the palace entered, and desired Mr. -Pizanni and myself to accompany him to the Sultan's private palace, a -distance of several hundred yards. Crossing a floral carpet of sweet -perfume, interwoven with plots of choice exotic plants and flowers, -marble fountains, vases, baths, &c., we ascended a staircase, and were -introduced to a simply, but costly-furnished apartment, when Mr. Pizanni -remarked that we had already made a near approach to the person of his -Majesty. Hardly had he uttered the remark, when a eunuch entered, and -requested us to follow him. We passed through several long dark -corridors, richly tapestried, and here and there interposed with -coloured glass, which threw a golden-yellow light, reflecting a peculiar -hue on the eunuchs who were here and there stationed, keeping guard. -Silence reigned supreme. We soon reached a very spacious area. A screen -was suddenly removed, when, standing on the summit of a grand crystal -staircase, most brilliantly illuminated with resplendent vermilion glass -shades, stood erect a figure, which, at first sight, I took for an idol -or statue belonging to this enchanting place. Mr. Pizanni advanced, with -great veneration, towards it, bidding me follow, over a highly-polished -glassy-looking floor, which I did not without fear of slipping--when, to -my astonishment, I found myself standing before Abdul Medjid Khan, the -Padischah, who, though simply attired in a rich robe de chambre and a -plain fez,--which I believe is the oriental dress of reception,--the -sublimity of the monarch's countenance will never be effaced from my -memory. Mr. Pizanni, addressing his Majesty in the Turkish language, -introduced me, when, through that gentleman, I ascertained that his -Majesty wished me well, and that his heart was well disposed towards me -(meaning a great deal in a few words). His Majesty was then informed of -the purport of my mission, commencing at the hospitals of the Bosphorus, -then in the Crimea. His approbation was expressed by the slow movement -of the head from left to right, the body remaining motionless. Then took -place the offering of my various productions, culinary and literary, -eight in number, which lay on a large, richly-ornamented piece of -furniture, in the centre of this large cupola. The simplicity of the -field-stove obtained his Majesty's high approbation. "I well understand -them," said he, talking all the time to Mr. Pizanni, who translated word -for word to me. After having complimented me very highly on the services -of my undertaking, "I am much pleased," were the last words his Majesty -uttered. We then retreated backwards. Though the conversation had been -varied and animated, not a movement on the part of his Majesty did I -perceive all the twenty minutes we were conversing. We left the idol as -we found it.[31] - - * * * * * - -The time fixed for my stay in the far-famed city of Constantinople was -fast drawing to a close; a short visit to the Isles des Princes, that -focus of nightly revels, was to put a final seal to my Mahometan review. -I went there on a Sunday, and had the pleasure of meeting, amongst -thousands, with Admiral Lyons and his maritime staff. Here monks, -caidjees, donkeys, green fruit, cakes, fireworks, and gambling-tables -thrive in a most flourishing manner. As the night approached, the -Admiral left to join his ship, escorted down the silvery Bosphorus by -hundreds of lighted torches, and shouts from thousands of visitors. The -next day I was on board the _Albert_, anchored before Bujukdere, and -bade adieu to the gallant admiral. I then paid my farewell respects to -his Excellency Lord de Redcliffe and his family; the day was now fixed -for my departure, everything was packed up, and my Russian boy, Daniel -Maximovitch Chimachenka, had, with the greatest intelligence and -delight, corded my last box, and seemed as if he was already breathing -the air of freedom. For some time previous, a monster gipsy party had -been in embryo; illness had prevented this rural festivity coming off, -but on my return to Pera, it was luckily fixed for the following -day--the illustrious Mr. Messirie being the giver of this monster -pic-nic. At five the next morning every one was attired in their best -summer array, and streams of people were pouring from all directions to -the Galata Pier. A steamer, gaily trimmed, was waiting for the guests. -When all were on board, the paddles commenced their revolutions; and, as -we floated along the limpid bay of the Golden Horn, Greek music kept -time with our race. Soon we arrived at Therapia, and landed on the pier -of the Hotel d'Angleterre, where light refreshments were provided for -the innumerable guests. About forty caiques with double caidjees were -waiting near the shore, while two caiques of large dimensions were -filled with instrumental musicians. We then all started, crossing the -Bosphorus towards Ibraham Pasha's marble palace, and to the melodious -sound of the music, we landed in one of the many pretty valleys of which -the Bosphorus alone can boast; it was called the Sultana, near the -Sultan's valley. Such a culinary encampment I never before beheld; four -men-cooks were busily engaged in dishing up sixteen hot _entrees_, fowls -were being grilled, quails and dotrelles were being roasted, kaboub -frizzling, and all kinds of fish were submitted to the science of -cookery; four sheep and two lambs were roasted whole in the adjacent -forest, while a table for about a hundred and fifty people was laid out -under the shadowy folds of a huge tree, luxuriously situated at the base -of a delightful Turkish fountain; sherbet, ices, jam, and cakes were -also freely partaken of. At twelve, to the minute, the open-air banquet -was placed upon the table, and soon the warning note of the tum-tum -assembled all around it. Oriental fruit and flowers profusely ornamented -the festive board, while Smyrna melons of large dimensions perfumed the -air. The banquet lasted two hours, after which dancing and oriental -games were in full swing in all directions, including the Greek, -Armenian, and Albany dances, accompanied by the twang of music, to the -great delight of the participators, as well as the admiration of several -hundred Turkish spectators, both men and women, dressed in their best, -this being their Sabbath. It gave this scene a purely oriental aspect, -which cannot be beheld anywhere but under the heavenly paradise of -Mahomet. As the evening approached, more animated became the party, and -no finale could have wound up the day's fun better than the dance of all -creeds, each dancer holding a lighted torch, which flickered about the -forest like so many will-o'-the-wisps. Turkish fireworks terminated this -day of romance, which ended to the sorrow of all. Iron pots elevated on -poles, along the shore, filled with wood and vitriol, were then fired, -throwing a blaze of light on the caidjees, who were gaily fluttering -round the shore on the agitated ripples of the Bosphorus; each caique, -headed by its pot of fire--blue, green, or yellow--bands of music, -hurrahs of twelve times three to Mr. Messirie, the donor of this -magnificent fete, and at midnight, landing at Therapia terminated this -ever to be remembered day. - -My last day was devoted to my grand review of the Asiatic shore, Barrack -Hospital, &c., and I devoted the morning hour to my final call on -numerous oriental friends from whom I had received so much kindness and -friendship during my long sojourn in the East. - -Arriving early the next morning at Smyrna, where forests of fig-trees -abound, caravans of camels and noted brigands thrive--while at the Hotel -des deux Augustes, I wrote my Scutari journal, of which the following is -a copy, being the continuation of that which appears at page 496: - - -HOTEL DES DEUX AUGUSTES, SMYRNA, - -_September 14th, 1856_. - - Having devoted my last day in Constantinople to visit the Asiatic - side of the Bosphorus, I and a few friends went accordingly to - Scutari. Our first visit was to the Selinie Quicklaci, so well - known by the English as the Barrack Hospital, in anticipation of - gathering the latest details relating to that once so celebrated - spot. We found it occupied by four thousand Turkish soldiers of the - Imperial Guard, lately arrived from Erzeroum. Ten or twelve - thousand is the number it will hold; but at a pinch, as we were - informed by one of the officers, "and no one acquainted with the - place can doubt it," fifteen thousand may be quartered in this - monster barracks, which, in consequence of the events of the last - three years, will be long remembered in the history of England. - - After some formalities, we obtained permission from the governor, - Selim Pacha, to enter the precincts of the late British Hospital; - and the scene, I need not say, was entirely changed, everything - having put on an Oriental aspect, and nothing remains as evidence - of its late occupation by the British army but a few shelves and - numbers of the beds in the various wards and corridors; and on the - staircase, the partitions of the dispensaries and extra-diet - kitchens, which in a few weeks longer will have passed into - oblivion. The various offices which were from morning to night - crowded, as well as the residence of General Storks, are now - occupied by the commanding officers of the Turkish army, by whom - business seems to be transacted quietly by signs, salutations, and - kissing of hands, such being the Turkish fashion, scarcely a word - being spoken by these living automatons. We were very politely - shown through the building, accompanied by several officers. The - large kitchen in the yard, which I had the fitting of, still - remains, the partition which formerly divided it to form an - extra-diet kitchen only being removed, making it now one vast - cook-house. The twenty-four large boilers, set in marble, were in - use for making the daily meal for the troops, which that day was - the meat Pilaff, a dish suitable for the million of any nation, it - being composed principally of rice, and the addition of a little - spice or curry-powder will make it highly palatable to the English - soldier. The kitchen-floor, after the Turkish fashion, was anything - but cleanly; but in their cooking apparatus the contrary exists, - the copper boilers being well tinned and very clean. The - meat-house, store-rooms, &c., present but a meagre appearance - contrasted with that, when filled with meat and provisions of all - kinds, during their occupation by the English. Returning thence, we - were attracted to the building by a band of music rehearsing in the - Malakoff ward, the brassy sounds of which in former days would have - proved anything but harmonious to the ears of the patients: several - airs arranged by the late Donizetti, the Sultan's band-master, and - brother of the celebrated maestro, were performed for us with great - precision, especially "God save the Queen" and the "Sultan's - March," though still with the Oriental twang, which at first is - anything but agreeable or pleasing to a European ear. We then - walked round the barracks, through those I recollect once - encumbered, but now empty corridors, the immensity of which is - almost indescribable: the centre of the pavement alone, which in - some parts is nearly worn out by the daily traffic between the rows - of beds placed on either side, brought to my mind those days of - sorrow and anguish in which so many brave men had nobly expired in - the service of their country. Before leaving, I was very anxious to - visit another department, viz., the one so lately occupied by Miss - Nightingale, when, to my astonishment, our _cicerone_, without - being asked, conducted us to it. But what an extraordinary change - was there!--no longer were hangings of black cloth curtains before - the doors; neither was seen within the pleasing appearance of the - well though simply furnished apartment, erst filled on all sides - with religious books, &c., relics of departed soldiers bequeathed - to their friends and relations, and numerous samples of diet - comforts, many of which I had experimented upon before that - benevolent lady in her sanctorum. The walls were also devoid of a - fine portrait of her Majesty, and numerous scripture drawings; - added to that, the loss of the gentle voice of that excellent lady - mingled with that of her devoted satellites. No article of - furniture is now to be seen there, with the exception of a common - Turkish divan, "which is far from breaking the monotony of the bare - whitewashed walls," round which were seated a dozen of - dark-coloured warlike-looking officers, who very politely rose when - we entered. Hardly had we seated ourselves, at their request, than - an army of Chiboukchi Bachis entered and presented us with long - chibouques; which while we were smoking, the same formidable army - re-appeared, each bearing a cup of coffee and sherbet, which we - partook of; and a few minutes after, we retired, through thick - clouds of smoke, the smell of coffee, and no end of salutations - from our illustrious hosts, among whom were Osman Pacha, whose - politeness will for ever be engraved upon my memory. My mind was so - struck with the sudden _changement a vue_ at the time, that I could - almost have attributed it to an effect of the magic wand of - Harlequin. - - Thanking them for their kind entertainment, we retired, they - politely conducting us to the grand entrance. We then took a stroll - through the town, which we found comparatively deserted: the names - of the streets remain, as well as the designations of Clarendon - House, Russell House, Chaplain House, Victoria House, &c. We next - visited Hyder Pacha, called the General Hospital, where there were - about three hundred and forty sick, and amongst them were about ten - sick Polish soldiers: there were no cases of cholera, and but few - of fever, dysentery, &c. Nothing there seemed changed, except the - introduction of Turkish utensils in lieu of English ones. The - numbers of the beds were engraved upon copper crescents, and each - man had a round tinned copper tray, tankard, and spitting-vase; and - here and there were copper water-jugs of an elegant form, and - basins of elaborate workmanship for the doctors to wash their - hands. Cleanliness seemed to be closely attended to. The kitchen - there remains exactly as I had planned it; and the extra diets, - though very limited, were prepared on charcoal stoves. - - We then went to the Cemetery, which we found in very good order, - with the exception of two tombstones not yet fixed; one in memory - of Capt. W. R. N. Campbell, of the 5th Dragoon Guards, who died at - Scutari, the 23rd of December, 1854; and the other to the memory of - Lieut. J. M. Holford, 25th Regiment, who died November 29th, 1854. - And though there was a Turkish guard or labourer in the Cemetery, - he could not inform our dragoman when or where they were to be - placed; and as there are no English remaining in Scutari, it would - be prudent of the friends of the deceased to inquire as to their - placement, for if left to the Turkish authorities a mistake might - occur, and we could find no indication of the spot where the - remains were interred. The grave of Major Sorrell, with whom I had - the pleasure of being acquainted, and whose death (by fever) was so - lamented, he being only ill one day, is marked by a plain piece of - board bearing his name. There is also the grave of the Russian - General Chekachoff, who was wounded at the Alma and taken prisoner: - he died a few days after his arrival at Scutari, in his last - moments expressing his gratitude for the kindness he had received - from the medical officers who attended him. This fact was related - to me by Signor Marco Vido of the British Embassy, who was present - at his decease. His grave bears no more permanent memento. - - The spot selected for the Scutari Monument about to be erected, - though not in the centre of the Cemetery, will be a lasting - national testimonial to the memory of the brave, as it will form a - landmark which cannot fail to be seen from the Sea of Marmora, - Pera, Stamboul, the Isles des Princes, Kadikoi, &c. &c. The - tombstones, though not numerous, are well executed and in good - preservation: amongst them may be mentioned those of the Honourable - Grey Neville, 5th Dragoon Guards, and Henry Neville, Grenadier - Guards, sons of Lord Braybrooke, surviving each other only six - days--both wounded at Inkermann. There is also a memento to William - Frederic Viscount Chewton, son of the Earl of Waldegrave, killed at - Alma, September 20th, 1854. - - The wooden cavalry barracks present a most desolate heap of ruins - and destruction, and are about to be removed. - - We were now obliged to return through the grand Champ des Morts, - the vast and mournful spot where millions of souls have rested for - centuries in the dark shade of the cypress forest; and I can assure - you, Mr. Editor, that the day was anything but one of gaiety, but, - on the contrary, very solemn though interesting. - - With the highest consideration, I have the honour to remain, &c. - -Our next stay was at Malta, where I received a most gratifying reception -from the governor, military and civil authorities, as well as from the -gentlemen of the press. A stay of ten days in that city of ancient -chivalry will in my memory form an historical page of most agreeable -reminiscences, and could I have accepted all the dinners offered me by -the officers of various regiments, whom I had met in the Crimea, three -months would hardly have sufficed in fulfilling the invitations. To -Colonel Haley of the 47th, I cannot but feel grateful for the -magnificent banquet he gave on the occasion, when about fifty of the -heads of the army there stationed sat around the festive board, and at -which our epicurean soldier distinguished himself by concocting a most -excellent potage aux crevettes, and two dressed fish, peculiar to -Malta.[32] - -Our next stay was at Marseilles, and being accompanied by Mr. Robertson, -the celebrated photographist of Constantinople, we once more degustated -the celebrated bouillabaisse. We afterwards took a stroll through the -part of France so lately inundated, where we met the celebrated Horace -Vernet; after a few hours at Lyons, we reached Paris the same evening, -which to our astonished eyes displayed quite a new aspect, with her -Rivoli rods of fire, magnificent palaces, and stupendous streets. Above -two years had elapsed since my last visit, and had created, under the -guidance of the imperial wand of Napoleon III., these wonders. After -gazing with amazement over that far-famed city, I retired to my native -place, Meaux en Brie, the birthplace of Bossuet, which I had not visited -for upwards of twenty-six years, having only a local interest in the -place, I being the last of my family left. During the progress of this -work, when returning to Paris, I had, after an application, the honour -of an interview with his Imperial Majesty the Emperor, who took a most -vivid interest in the descriptive narrative I gave him of my Eastern -mission, and entered into the most minute details on hospital and camp -cookery, &c. Our interview took place at the Chateau des Tuileries, and -lasted about half an hour; and after submitting and explaining to his -Imperial Majesty a model of my field-stove, he desired to have an -ordinary one forwarded from London, to serve as a model for his army. -His Majesty also took a vivid interest in the perusal of my simple -hospital dietary and army receipts. The affability of his Majesty -towards me in alluding to his high appreciation of my services in the -East, more than repays me for my very humble duties.[33] - - * * * * * - -In accordance with my aforementioned promise, having already gathered so -much matter for this narrative work, I find myself compelled to reserve -what I have so carefully collected for another work, already mentioned -in a note at the foot of preceding page, in which I shall insert only -the dishes most renowned in each country, and thus render them practical -everywhere. I have, during my six months' travels since leaving the -Crimea, personally visited and become acquainted with the cookery of -Russia, Turkey, Germany, Greece, Malta, Italy, and France, also that of -its great provincial towns--of the latter till now unknown to me. They -all enjoy a high reputation for peculiar dishes so much esteemed by the -real gourmet. With Strasbourg, my culinary peregrinations closed. I -addressed to the local paper of that antique and interesting city the -following letter respecting the production of its delicious _foies gras_ -and erroneous Inquisitional Romance:-- - - - -ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE "COURIER DU BAS RHIN." - - It has been said and generally credited in England and in France, - that the enormous development of the fat livers is obtained by a - system of torture inflicted by the Strasburghers upon the - unfortunate goose, the protecting bird of the Capitol. A certain - English publication states, "they are confined in dark cellars, - nailed to the floor by the feet before a slow fire which is kept - constantly burning, and they are then crammed to repletion, so much - so that the first cramming keeps the digestive organs in action for - weeks. This system of torture, worthy of the mysteries of the - Spanish Inquisition, dries up the frame of the poor bird to a - skeleton, and thus the liver acquires its enormous development - under the combined influence of cramming, want of exercise, and the - constant slow heat." - - "I am happy," says Monsieur Soyer, "to show there is no truth in - this statement, and, from personal observation while at Strasbourg, - to be able to contradict those absurd fables so long credited in - England. I can certify that the geese intended for fattening are - allowed to roam about the farms and grass-fields in Alsace till - they are seven or eight months old, kept in flocks, and well - watched and tended. - - "Having reached their requisite degree of maturity, they are - brought to the city market by the country farmers and sold to - persons who make the fattening a special business. They are now - crammed three times a day with dry and ripe Indian meal, kept in - clean wooden cages, and allowed to drink as much water as they - like; others, in greater numbers, roam about in large barns, very - light and well ventilated: these are also kept extremely clean. - Each bird consumes about a bushel of Indian meal before attaining - the requisite fatness, and but few die from disease during the - process. I have been assured that the quality of the water in - Strasbourg contributes greatly to the development of the livers, - but cannot vouch for the authenticity of this statement." - - Here is the whole of the mystery of the cruel process so long - commented upon in England; and, far from being Torquemadas, the - parties who follow this business, on the contrary, treat the - victims destined for the celebrated _pates de foies_ with great - care and humanity. Every Englishman may henceforth eat his _pate_ - with a clear conscience, as does the French _gourmet_, without - contravening the law of Grammont. - - The livers are usually sold at five, six, ten, and even twelve and - fifteen francs each, according to the size and quality. - - There is no special market for them, but the fatteners carry them - round for sale to the pastry-cooks and private establishments. - - Independently of the liver, the dealer reaps a further profit upon - the goose (which is in general very plump and fat), besides the - down and the goose-grease. - -I purpose adding to this _recherche_ and universal bill of fare, a few -receipts from Spain, Portugal, America, India, and China; closing this -small but well-filled volume with the roast-beef and plum-pudding of Old -England, which they are at present totally incapable of cooking properly -in Paris, but which I intend compelling them to do, inasmuch as they now -have in that city of gourmets and cradle of gastronomy nearly as good -meat as any to be found in the English metropolis. - -The work will be published at a moderate price, and printed in different -languages, and will, I hope, prove acceptable to the public, as well as -beneficial, in a culinary point of view, to all nations. - - * * * * * - -A few weeks after my visit to his Majesty the Emperor Napoleon III., and -having delivered my report upon the kitchens for the working classes, to -my joy the time had arrived to sail for England's happy land, which two -years previous I had so unexpectedly left. Double pleasure was attached -to my return, for I felt assured that within its sea-girt shore -thousands of true British hearts were wishing me well, to use his -Majesty the Sultan's term. And indeed I was not disappointed, for in -less than forty-eight hours after my arrival in its mighty metropolis, I -had been so fervently shaken by the hand, that I could not but help -exclaiming for a short time, "Save me from my friends." Added to this, -my kind reception by the home authorities was to me more than -gratifying: then the last, though not least, reminiscence of my late -campaign which occurred in Hyde Park, on the occasion of the -distribution of the Order of Valour by her Most Gracious Majesty, when, -being recognised amongst the thousands assembled in the stand by the -valiant general, Sir Colin Campbell, the elevation of my hat was not -sufficient for the impetuosity of the major-domo of this grand and -imposing ceremony--the last link of the late memorable Crimean Campaign. -On my going towards Sir Colin I was greeted with a hearty shake of the -hand, and the usual kind and affable inquiries so peculiar to the -amiable General having passed between us, I could not help expressing to -the gallant warrior how highly gratified I had been by the admirable and -perfect manoeuvring of the troops. Shortly after he bade me adieu, -and, accompanied by his staff, left the ground. At this time I much -regretted not having had the opportunity of paying my duty to one of the -generals in command, as it would have closed, in a most _apropos_ -manner, the last page of this work, my "Culinary Campaign;" but, thanks -to my star, an hour after the termination of the proceedings, while -walking along Piccadilly towards my residence, a friend's voice behind -me exclaimed--"Halloo, Monsieur Soyer!" On turning round, who, to my -astonishment, should I perceive, mounted on his Balaklava charger, and -followed by his aide-de-camp, but the very gallant general whose -absence I had just been regretting. It was no other than Lord William -Paulet, who was turning the corner to enter his chambers in the Albany. -"I have," exclaimed his lordship, "been looking out everywhere for you, -having learned from Sir Colin Campbell that you were upon the ground." - -"So have I been looking for you, my lord, and with great anxiety, but -unfortunately I was deprived of the pleasure of meeting you." - -"By-the-bye, Soyer, I saw your portrait in the historical Scutari -painting, by Barrett, this morning at Buckingham Palace, and I consider -it an excellent likeness." - -"I am glad you think so, my lord, and for my part I consider the whole -of the picture remarkably well executed. At the same time allow me to -inform your lordship, that as you are so near home, I should have been -very sorry to have had the pleasure of meeting you in the Park." - -"Why so, Soyer?" remarked his lordship, leaning over his charger, and -still retaining my hand in his. - -"Well, my lord, the reason is simple. Having so prosperously commenced -my culinary campaign under your command and very kind assistance, while -your lordship was Brigadier-general of Scutari, nothing could be more in -accordance with my wishes than that the last page of a work which I am -now about completing, in anticipation of perpetuating the style of -cookery introduced by me both at Scutari and in the camp before -Sebastopol, should terminate at the very threshold of your door, and -while you were returning from the last national ceremony relating to the -great Crimean campaign." - -"Well, upon my word, it is very remarkable; and I am happy to think, -Soyer, that you have written a work upon so important and interesting a -subject." - -We then parted. A few minutes had thrown a curtain over this grand -military display, which will ever be remembered in history, as well as -graven on the memory of man. - -The Author, after his laborious campaign, in bidding adieu to his -readers, does not intend to remain _Soyer tranquille_, as he is most -anxious, after having chronicled his culinary reminiscences of the late -war, to put his views into action by simple practice; and as he had no -other object in writing this book, he sincerely hopes it may be the -means of causing a lasting amelioration in the cooking for both army and -navy, and all public institutions. Such a result to his labours, after -his long culinary experience, would make the author happy indeed, and he -would for the future be found as traced below. - -[Illustration: SOYER TRES HEUREUX.] - - - - -ADDENDA. - - INTRODUCTION.--THIS PART OF THE WORK, THOUGH THE LAST, I CONSIDER - NOT THE LEAST, BEING THE MOST USEFUL. IT NEEDS NO PREFACE. ITS - CONTENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: FIRST, THE NEW HOSPITAL DIETS; SECONDLY, - THE COOKING FOR THE ARMY AND NAVY; THIRDLY, THE LONDON SUPPER; - FOURTHLY, THE CHEAP RECEIPTS, WHEREBY THE WEALTHY CAN, AT A - TRIFLING EXPENSE, AID IN WINTER THE WORKING CLASSES AND THE NEEDY. - -SOYER'S HOSPITAL DIETS, - - AS INTRODUCED BY HIM WITH THE CONCURRENCE OF THE LEADING MEDICAL - GENTLEMEN OF THE BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITALS IN THE EAST. - - * * * * * - - REMARK.--THE IMPORTANCE ATTACHING TO WEIGHTS AND MEASURES IN THE - ACCOMPANYING RECEIPTS IS FULLY RECOGNISED; IT IS THEREFORE - NECESSARY THAT REGIMENTAL AS WELL AS CIVIL HOSPITALS SHOULD BE - SUPPLIED WITH SCALES, AND WITH MEASURES FOR LIQUIDS. - - * * * * * - - _Correct Bill of Fare for Hospital Diet for the Army in the East, - as first introduced by Monsieur Soyer in the Great Barrack - Hospital, Scutari, and subsequently in others, while on his - Government Mission during the late War, for the Sick, Wounded, and - Convalescent, and applicable to all Hospitals throughout the United - Kingdom of Great Britain._ - - -NO. 1.--SEMI-STEWED MUTTON AND BARLEY. SOUP FOR 100 MEN.[34] - -Put in a convenient-sized caldron 130 pints of cold water, 70 lbs. of -meat, or about that quantity, 12 lbs. of plain mixed vegetables (the -best that can be obtained), 9lbs. 6oz. of barley, 1lb. 7oz. of salt, -1lb. 4oz. of flour, 1lb. 4oz. of sugar, 1oz. of pepper. Put all the -ingredients into the pan at once, except the flour; set it on the fire, -and when beginning to boil, diminish the heat, and simmer gently for two -hours and a half; take the joints of meat out, and keep them warm in the -orderly's pan; add to the soup your flour, which you have mixed with -enough water to form a light batter; stir well together with a large -spoon; boil another half-hour, skim off the fat, and serve the soup and -meat separate. The meat may be put back into the soup for a few minutes -to warm again prior to serving. The soup should be stirred now and then -while making, to prevent burning or sticking to the bottom of the -caldron. - -The joints are cooked whole, and afterwards cut up in different messes; -being cooked this way, in a rather thick stock, the meat becomes more -nutritious. - -_Note._--The word "about" is applied to the half and full diet, which -varies the weight of the meat; but 1/2lb. of mutton will always make a -pint of good soup: 3lbs. of mixed preserved vegetables must be used when -fresh are not to be obtained, and put in one hour and a half prior to -serving, instead of at first; they will then show better in the soup, -and still be well done. - -All the following receipts may be increased to large quantities, but by -all means closely follow the weight and measure. - - -NO. 2.--BEEF SOUP. - -Proceed the same as for mutton, only leave the meat in till serving, as -it will take longer than mutton. The pieces are not to be above 4 or -5lbs. weight; and for a change, half rice may be introduced; the -addition of 2lbs. more will make it thicker and more nutritive; 1/4lb. -of curry powder will make an excellent change also. To vary the same, -half a pint of burnt sugar water may be added--it will give the soup a -very rich brown colour. (Vide Receipt No. 32.) - - -NO. 3.--BEEF TEA. RECEIPT FOR SIX PINTS. - -Cut 3lbs. of beef into pieces the size of walnuts, and chop up the -bones, if any; put it into a convenient-sized kettle, with 1/2lb. of -mixed vegetables, such as onions, leeks, celery, turnips, carrots (or -one or two of these, if all are not to be obtained), 1oz. of salt, a -little pepper, 1 teaspoonful of sugar, 2oz. of butter, half a pint of -water. Set it on a sharp fire for ten minutes or a quarter of an hour, -stirring now and then with a spoon, till it forms a rather thick gravy -at bottom, but not brown: then add 7 pints of hot or cold water, but hot -is preferable; when boiling, let it simmer gently for an hour; skim off -all the fat, strain it through a sieve, and serve. - - -NO. 3A.--ESSENCE OF BEEF TEA. - -For camp hospitals.--"Quarter pound tin case of essence." - -If in winter set it near the fire to melt; pour the contents in a -stew-pan and twelve times the case full of water over it, hot or cold; -add to it two or three slices of onion, a sprig or two of parsley, a -leaf or two of celery, if handy, two teaspoonfuls of salt, one of sugar; -pass through a colander and serve. If required stronger, eight cases of -water will suffice, decreasing the seasoning in proportion. In case you -have no vegetables, sugar, or pepper, salt alone will do, but the broth -will not be so succulent. - - -NO. 4.--THICK BEEF TEA. - -Dissolve a good teaspoonful of arrowroot in a gill of water, and pour it -into the beef tea twenty minutes before passing through the sieve--it is -then ready. - - -NO. 5.--STRENGTHENING BEEF TEA, WITH CALVES-FOOT JELLY OR ISINGLASS. - -Add 1/4oz. calves-foot gelatine to the above quantity of beef tea -previous to serving, when cooking. - - -NO. 6.--MUTTON AND VEAL TEA. - -Mutton and veal will make good tea by proceeding precisely the same as -above. The addition of a little aromatic herbs is always desirable. If -no fresh vegetables are at hand, use 2oz. of mixed preserved vegetables -to any of the above receipts. - - -NO. 7.--CHICKEN BROTH. - -Put in a stewpan a fowl, 3 pints of water, 2 teaspoonfuls of rice, 1 -teaspoonful of salt, a middle-sized onion, or 2oz. of mixed vegetables; -boil the whole gently for three quarters of an hour: if an old fowl, -simmer from one hour and a half to two hours, adding 1 pint more water; -skim off the fat, and serve. A small fowl will do. - -_Note._--A light mutton broth may be made precisely the same, by using a -pound and a half of scrag of mutton instead of fowl. - -For thick mutton broth proceed as for thick beef tea, omitting the rice; -a tablespoonful of burnt sugar water will give a rich colour to the -broth. - - -NO. 8.--PLAIN BOILED RICE. - -Put 2 quarts of water in a stewpan, with a teaspoonful of salt; when -boiling, add to it 1/2lb. of rice, well washed; boil for ten minutes, or -till each grain becomes rather soft; drain it into a colander, slightly -grease the pot with butter, and put the rice back into it; let it swell -slowly for about twenty minutes near the fire, or in a slow oven; each -grain will then swell up, and be well separated; it is then ready for -use. - - -NO. 9.--SWEET RICE. - -Add to the plain boiled rice 1 oz. of butter, 2 tablespoonfuls of sugar, -a little cinnamon, a quarter of a pint of milk; stir it with a fork, and -serve; a little currant jelly or jam maybe added to the rice. - - -NO. 10.--RICE WITH GRAVY. - -Add to the rice 4 tablespoonfuls of the essence of beef, a little -butter, if fresh, half a teaspoonful of salt; stir together with a fork, -and serve. - -A teaspoonful of Soyer's Sultana Sauce, or relish, will make it very -wholesome and palatable, as well as invigorating to a fatigued -stomach.[35] - - -NO. 11.--PLAIN OATMEAL. - -Put in a pan 1/4lb. of oatmeal, 1-1/2oz. of sugar, half a teaspoonful of -salt, and 3 pints of water; boil slowly for twenty minutes, "stirring -continually," and serve. A quarter of a pint of boiled milk, an ounce of -butter, and a little pounded cinnamon or spice added previous to serving -is a good variation. - -This receipt has been found most useful at the commencement of dysentery -by the medical authorities. - - -NO. 12.--CALVES-FOOT JELLY. - -Put in a proper sized stewpan 2-1/4oz. of calves-foot gelatine, 4oz. of -white sugar, 4 whites of eggs and shells, the peel of a lemon, the juice -of three middle-sized lemons, half a pint of Marsala wine; beat all well -together with the egg-beater for a few minutes, then add 4-1/2 pints of -cold water; set it on a slow fire, and keep whipping it till boiling. -Set it on the corner of the stove, partly covered with the lid, upon -which you place a few pieces of burning charcoal; let it simmer gently -for ten minutes, and strain it through a jelly-bag. It is then ready to -put in the ice or some cool place. Sherry will do if Marsala is not at -hand. - -For orange jelly use only 1 lemon and 2 oranges. Any delicate flavour -may be introduced. - -_Note._--I find that the preparation now manufactured by Messrs. Crosse -and Blackwell, of Soho-square, London, is preferable to any other, being -also cheaper than boiling calves' feet on purpose, which takes a very -long time, and is more difficult to make. This preparation will keep as -long as isinglass, to prove which I am induced at the same time to give -the following receipt, when the other cannot be procured. Ox-feet or -cow-heel may be used instead of calves-feet, only requiring an hour -more simmering. In summer ice must be used to set the jelly. - - -JELLY STOCK, - -Made from calf's feet, requires to be made the day previous to being -used, requiring to be very hard to extract the fat. Take two calf's -feet, cut them up, and boil in three quarts of water; as soon as it -boils remove it to the corner of the fire, and simmer for five hours, -keeping it skimmed, pass through a hair sieve into a basin, and let it -remain until quite hard, then remove the oil and fat, and wipe the top -dry. Place in a stew-pan half a pint of water, one of sherry, half a -pound of lump sugar, the juice of four lemons, the rinds of two, and the -whites and shells of five eggs; whisk until the sugar is melted, then -add the jelly, place it on the fire, and whisk until boiling, pass it -through a jelly-bag, pouring that back again which comes through first -until quite clear; it is then ready for use, by putting it in moulds or -glasses. Vary the flavour according to fancy. - - -NO. 13.--SAGO JELLY. - -Put into a pan, 3oz. of sago, 1-1/2oz. of sugar, half a lemon-peel cut -very thin, 1/4 teaspoonful of ground cinnamon, or a small stick of the -same; put to it 3 pints of water and a little salt; boil ten minutes, or -rather longer, stirring continually, until rather thick, then add a -little port, sherry, or Marsala wine; mix well, and serve hot or cold. - - -NO. 14.--ARROWROOT MILK. - -Put into a pan 4oz. of arrowroot, 3oz. of sugar, the peel of half a -lemon, 1/4 teaspoonful of salt, 2-1/2 pints of milk; set it on the fire, -stir round gently, boil for ten minutes, and serve. If no lemons at -hand, a little essence of any kind will do. - -When short of milk, use half water; half an ounce of fresh butter is an -improvement before serving. If required thicker, put a little milk. - - -NO. 15.--THICK ARROWROOT PANADA. - -Put in a pan 5oz. of arrowroot, 2-1/2oz. of white sugar, the peel of -half a lemon, a quarter of a teaspoonful of salt, 4 pints of water; mix -all well, set on the fire, boil for ten minutes; it is then ready. The -juice of a lemon is an improvement; a gill of wine may also be -introduced, and 1/2oz. of calf's-foot gelatine previously dissolved in -water will be strengthening. Milk, however, is preferable, if at hand. - - -NO. 16.--ARROWROOT WATER. - -Put into a pan 3oz. of arrowroot, 2oz. of white sugar, the peel of a -lemon, 1/4 teaspoonful of salt, 4 pints of water; mix well, set on the -fire, boil for ten minutes. It is then ready to serve either hot or -cold. - - -NO. 17.--RICE WATER. - -Put 7 pints of water to boil, add to it 2 ounces of rice washed, 2oz. of -sugar, the peel of two-thirds of a lemon; boil gently for three-quarters -of an hour; it will reduce to 5 pints; strain through a colander; it is -then ready. - -The rice may be left in the beverage or made into a pudding, or by the -addition of a little sugar or jam, will be found very good for either -children or invalids. - - -NO. 18.--BARLEY WATER. - -Put in a saucepan 7 pints of water, 2oz. of barley, which stir now and -then while boiling; add 2oz. of white sugar, the rind of half a lemon, -thinly peeled; let it boil gently for about two hours, without covering -it; pass it through a sieve or colander; it is then ready. The barley -and lemon may be left in it. - - -NO. 19.--SOYER'S PLAIN LEMONADE. - -Thinly peel the third part of a lemon, which put into a basin with 2 -tablespoonfuls of sugar; roll the lemon with your hand upon the table to -soften it; cut it into two, lengthwise, squeeze the juice over the peel, -&c., stir round for a minute with a spoon to form a sort of syrup; pour -over a pint of water, mix well, and remove the pips; it is then ready -for use. If a very large lemon, and full of juice, and very fresh, you -may make a pint and a half to a quart, adding sugar and peel in -proportion to the increase of water. The juice only of the lemon and -sugar will make lemonade, but will then be deprived of the aroma which -the rind contains, the said rind being generally thrown away. - - -NO. 20.--SEMI-CITRIC LEMONADE. RECEIPT FOR FIFTY PINTS. - -Put 1oz. of citric acid to dissolve in a pint of water; peel 20 lemons -thinly, and put the peel in a large vessel, with 3lbs. 2oz. of white -sugar well broken; roll each lemon on the table to soften it, which will -facilitate the extraction of the juice; cut them into two, and press out -the juice into a colander or sieve, over the peel and sugar, then pour -half a pint of water through the colander, so as to leave no juice -remaining; triturate the sugar, juice and peel together for a minute or -two with a spoon, so as to form a sort of syrup, and extract the aroma -from the peel and the dissolved citric acid; mix all well together, pour -on 50 pints of cold water, stir well together; it is then ready. A -little ice in summer is a great addition. - - * * * * * - -_Observation._--The two following Lemonades, which have been submitted -to eminent Doctors at Scutari, have been approved of, and can be made -for either the Hospitals or the Camp, and will be found to answer -equally for domestic consumption, if lemons are not to be obtained. - - -NO. 21.--SOYER'S CHEAP CRIMEAN LEMONADE. - -Put into a basin 2 tablespoonfuls of white or brown sugar, 1/2 a -tablespoonful of lime juice, mix well together for one minute, add 1 -pint of water, and the beverage is ready. A drop of rum will make a good -variation, as lime juice and rum are daily issued to the soldiers. - - -NO. 22.--TARTARIC LEMONADE. - -Dissolve 1oz. of crystallized tartaric acid in a pint of cold water, -which put in a large vessel; when dissolved, add 1lb. 9oz. of white or -brown sugar--the former is preferable; mix well to form a thick syrup; -add to it 24 pints of cold water, slowly mixing well; it is then ready. - -It may be strained through either a colander or a jelly-bag; if required -very light, add 5 pints more water, and sugar in proportion; if citric -acid be used, put only 20 pints of water to each ounce. - - -NO. 23.--CHEAP PLAIN RICE PUDDING, FOR CAMPAIGNING, - -In which no eggs or milk are required: important in the Crimea or the -field. - -Put on the fire, in a moderate-sized saucepan, 12 pints of water; when -boiling, add to it 1lb. of rice or 16 tablespoonsful, 4oz. of brown -sugar or 4 tablespoonsful, 1 large teaspoonful of salt, and the rind of -a lemon thinly pealed; boil gently for half an hour, then strain all the -water from the rice, keeping it as dry as possible. - -The rice-water is then ready for drinking, either warm or cold. The -juice of a lemon may be introduced, which will make it more palatable -and refreshing. - - -THE PUDDING. - -Add to the rice 3oz. of sugar, 4 tablespoonsful of flour, half a -teaspoonful of pounded cinnamon; stir it on the fire carefully for five -or ten minutes; put it in a tin or a pie-dish, and bake. By boiling the -rice a quarter of an hour longer, it will be very good to eat without -baking. Cinnamon may be omitted. - - -NO. 23A.--BATTER PUDDING. - -Break two fresh eggs in a basin, beat them well, add one tablespoonful -and a half of flour, which beat up with your eggs with a fork until no -lumps remain; add a gill of milk, a teaspoonful of salt, butter a teacup -or a basin, pour in your mixture, put some water in a stew-pan, enough -to immerge half way up the cup or basin in water; when boiling put in -your cup or basin and boil twenty minutes, or till your pudding is well -set; pass a knife to loosen it, turn out on a plate, pour pounded sugar -and a pat of fresh butter over, and serve. A little lemon, cinnamon, or -a drop of any essence may be introduced. A little light melted butter, -sherry, and sugar, may be poured over. If required more delicate, add a -little less flour. It may be served plain. - - -NO. 24.--BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING. - -Butter a tart-dish well, and sprinkle some currants all round it, then -lay in a few slices of bread and butter; boil one pint of milk, pour it -on two eggs well whipped, and then on the bread and butter; bake it in a -hot oven for half an hour. Currants may be omitted. - - -NO. 25.--BREAD PUDDING. - -Boil one pint of milk, with a piece of cinnamon and lemon-peel; pour it -on two ounces of bread-crumbs; then add two eggs, half an ounce of -currants, and a little sugar: steam it in a buttered mould for one hour. - - -NO. 26.--CUSTARD PUDDING. - -Boil one pint of milk, with a small piece of lemon-peel and half a -bay-leaf, for three minutes; then pour these on to three eggs, mix it -with one ounce of sugar well together, and pour it into a buttered -mould: steam it twenty-five minutes in a stew-pan with some water (see -No. 115), turn out on a plate and serve. - - -NO. 27.--RICH RICE PUDDING. - -Put in 1/2lb. of rice in a stew-pan, washed, 3 pints of milk, 1 pint of -water, 3oz. of sugar, 1 lemon peel, 1oz. of fresh butter; boil gently -half an hour, or until the rice is tender; add 4 eggs, well beaten, mix -well, and bake quickly for half an hour, and serve: it may be steamed if -preferred. - - -NO. 28--STEWED MACARONI. - -Put in a stewpan 2 quarts of water, half a tablespoonful of salt, 2oz. -of butter; set on the fire; when boiling, add 1lb. of macaroni, broken -up rather small; when boiled very soft, throw off the water; mix well -into the macaroni a tablespoonful of flour, add enough milk to make it -of the consistency of thin melted butter; boil gently twenty minutes; -add in a tablespoonful of either brown or white sugar, or honey, and -serve. - -A little cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon-peel, or orange-flower water may be -introduced to impart a flavour; stir quick. A gill of milk or cream may -now be thrown in three minutes before serving. Nothing can be more light -and nutritious than macaroni done this way. If no milk, use water. - - -NO. 29.--MACARONI PUDDING. - -Put 2 pints of water to boil, add to it 2oz. of macaroni, broken in -small pieces; boil till tender, drain off the water and add half a -tablespoonful of flour, 2oz. of white sugar, a quarter of a pint of -milk, and boil together for ten minutes; beat an egg up, pour it to the -other ingredients, a nut of butter; mix well and bake, or steam. It can -be served plain, and may be flavoured with either cinnamon, lemon, or -other essences, as orange flower-water, vanilla, &c. - - -NO. 30.--SAGO PUDDING. - -Put in a pan 4oz. of sago, 2oz. of sugar, half a lemon peel or a little -cinnamon, a small pat of fresh butter, if handy, half a pint of milk; -boil for a few minutes, or until rather thick, stirring all the while; -beat up 2 eggs and mix quickly with the same; it is then ready for -either baking or steaming, or may be served plain. - - -NO. 31.--TAPIOCA PUDDING. - -Put in a pan 2oz. of tapioca, 1-1/2 pint of milk, 1oz. of white or brown -sugar, a little salt, set on the fire, boil gently for fifteen minutes, -or until the tapioca is tender, stirring now and then to prevent its -sticking to the bottom, or burning; then add two eggs well beaten; steam -or bake, and serve. It will take about twenty minutes steaming, or a -quarter of an hour baking slightly. Flavour with either lemon, cinnamon, -or any other essence. - - -NO. 32.--BOILED RICE SEMI-CURRIED, FOR THE PREMONITORY SYMPTOMS OF -DIARRHOEA. - -Put 1 quart of water in a pot or saucepan; when boiling, wash 1/2lb. of -rice and throw it into the water; boil fast for ten minutes; drain your -rice in a colander, put it back in the saucepan, which you have slightly -greased with butter; let it swell slowly near the fire, or in a slow -oven till tender; each grain will then be light and well separated. - -Add to the above a small tablespoonful of aromatic sauce, called -"Soyer's Relish or Sultana Sauce," with a quarter of a teaspoonful of -curry powder; mix together with a fork lightly, and serve. This quantity -will be sufficient for two or three people, according to the -prescriptions of the attending physician. - - -NO. 33.--FIGS AND APPLE BEVERAGE. - -Have 2 quarts of water boiling, into which throw 6 dry figs previously -opened, and 2 apples, cut into six or eight slices each; let the whole -boil together twenty minutes, then pour them into a basin to cool; pass -through a sieve; drain the figs, which will be good to eat with a little -sugar or jam. - - -NO. 34.--STEWED FRENCH PLUMS. - -Put 12 large or 18 small-size French plums, soak them for half an hour, -put in a stew-pan with a spoonful of brown sugar, a gill of water, a -little cinnamon, and some thin rind of lemon; let them stew gently -twenty minutes, then put them in a basin till cold with a little of the -juice. A small glass of either port, sherry, or claret is a very good -addition. The syrup is excellent. - - -NO. 35.--FRENCH HERB BROTH. - -This is a very favourite beverage in France, as well with people in -health as with invalids, especially in spring, when the herbs are young -and green. - -Put a quart of water to boil, having previously prepared about 40 leaves -of sorrel, a cabbage lettuce, and 10 sprigs of chervil, the whole well -washed; when the water is boiling, throw in the herbs, with the addition -of a teaspoonful of salt, and 1/2oz. of fresh butter; cover the saucepan -close, and let simmer a few minutes, then strain it through, a sieve or -colander. - -This is to be drunk cold, especially in the spring of the year, after -the change from winter. I generally drink about a quart per day for a -week at that time; but if for sick people it must be made less strong of -herbs, and taken a little warm. - -To prove that it is wholesome, we have only to refer to the instinct -which teaches dogs to eat grass at that season of the year. I do not -pretend to say that it would suit persons in every malady, because the -doctors are to decide upon the food and beverage of their patients, and -study its changes as well as change their medicines; but I repeat that -this is most useful and refreshing for the blood. - - -NO. 36.--BROWNING FOR SOUPS, ETC. - -Put 1/2lb. of moist sugar into an iron pan and melt it over a moderate -fire till quite black, stirring it continually, which will take about -twenty-five minutes: it must colour by degrees, as too sudden a heat -will make it bitter; then add 2 quarts of water, and in ten minutes the -sugar will be dissolved. You may then bottle it for use. It will keep -good for a month, and will always be found very useful. - - -NO. 37.--TOAST-AND-WATER. - -Cut a piece of crusty bread, about a 1/4lb. in weight, place it upon a -toasting-fork, and hold it about six inches from the fire; turn it -often, and keep moving it gently until of a light-yellow colour, then -place it nearer the fire, and when of a good brown chocolate colour, put -it in a jug and pour over 3 pints of boiling water; cover the jug until -cold, then strain it into a clean jug, and it is ready for use. Never -leave the toast in it, for in summer it would cause fermentation in a -short time. I would almost venture to say that such toast-and-water as I -have described, though so very simple, is the only way toast-water -should be made, and that it would keep good a considerable time in -bottles. - -_Baked Apple Toast-and-Water._--A piece of apple, slowly toasted till it -gets quite black, and added to the above, makes a very nice and -refreshing drink for invalids. - -_Apple Rice Water._--Half a pound of rice, boiled in the above until in -pulp, passed through a colander, and drunk when cold. - -All kinds of fruit may be done the same way. - -Figs and French plums are excellent; also raisins. - -A little ginger, if approved of, may be used. - -_Apple Barley Water._--A quarter of a pound of pearl barley instead of -toast added to the above, and boil for one hour, is also a very nice -drink. - -_Citronade._--Put a gallon of water on to boil, cut up one pound of -apples, each one into quarters, two lemons in thin slices, put them in -the water, and boil them until they can be pulped, pass the liquor -through a colander, boil it up again with half a pound of brown sugar, -skim, and bottle for use, taking care not to cork the bottle, and keep -it in a cool place. - -_For Spring Drink._--Rhubarb, in the same quantities, and done in the -same way as apples, adding more sugar, is very cooling. - -Also green gooseberries. - -_For Summer Drink._--One pound of red currants, bruised with some -raspberry, half a pound of sugar added to a gallon of cold water, well -stirred, and allowed to settle. The juice of a lemon. - -_Mulberry._--The same, adding a little lemon-peel. - -A little cream of tartar or citric acid added to these renders them more -cooling in summer and spring. - -_Plain Lemonade._--Cut in very thin slices three lemons, put them in a -basin, add half a pound of sugar, either white or brown; bruise all -together, add a gallon of water, and stir well. It is then ready. - -_French Plum Water._--Boil 3 pints of water; add in 6 or 8 dried plums -previously split, 2 or 3 slices of lemon, a spoonful of honey or sugar; -boil half an hour and serve. - -For _Fig, Date, and Raisin Water_, proceed as above, adding the juice of -half a lemon to any of the above. If for fig water, use 6 figs. - -Any quantity of the above fruits may be used with advantage in rice, -barley, or arrowroot water. - - -EFFERVESCENT BEVERAGES. - -_Raspberry Water._--Put 2 tablespoonfuls of vinegar into a large glass, -pour in half a pint of water; mix well. - -_Pine-apple Syrup._--Three tablespoonfuls to a pint. - -_Currant Syrup._--Proceed the same. - -_Syrup of Orgeat._--The same. - -_Orange-Flower Water._--The same, adding an ounce of lump sugar, is a -most soothing drink, and is to be procured at Verrey's, in Regent -Street, or Kuntz's, opposite Verrey's. Put two tablespoonfuls to a glass -of water. It is also extremely good with either Soda, Seltzer, or Vichy -Water, the last of which is to be obtained at the depot, -Margaret-street, Cavendish-square. - - - - -ARMY RECEIPTS. - -SOYER'S FIELD AND BARRACK COOKERY FOR THE ARMY. - - -N.B.--These receipts are also applicable for barracks, in camp, or while -on the march, by the use of Soyer's New Field Stove, now adopted by the -military authorities. These receipts answer equally as well for the -navy. - -[Illustration] - -Each stove will consume not more than from 12 to 15lbs. of fuel, and -allowing 20 stoves to a regiment, the consumption would be 300lbs. per -thousand men. - -The allowance per man is, I believe, 3-1/2lbs. each, which gives a total -of 3500lbs. per thousand men. - -The economy of fuel would consequently be 3200 lbs. per regiment daily. -Coal will burn with the same advantage. - -Salt beef, pork, Irish stew, stewed beef, tea, coffee, cocoa, &c., can -be prepared in these stoves, and with the same economy. - -They can also be fitted with an apparatus for baking, roasting, and -steaming. - - -NO. 1.--SOYER'S RECEIPT TO COOK SALT MEAT FOR FIFTY MEN. - -_Head-Quarters, Crimea, 12th May, 1856._ - -1. Put 50 lbs. of meat in the boiler. - -2. Fill with water, and let soak all night. - -3. Next morning wash the meat well. - -4. Fill with fresh water, and boil gently three hours, and serve. Skim -off the fat, which, when cold, is an excellent substitute for butter. - -For salt pork proceed as above, or boil half beef and half pork--the -pieces of beef may be smaller than the pork, requiring a little longer -time doing. - -Dumplings, No. 21, may be added to either pork or beef in proportion; -and when pork is properly soaked, the liquor will make a very good soup. -The large yellow peas as used by the navy, may be introduced; it is -important to have them, as they are a great improvement. When properly -soaked, French haricot beans and lentils may also be used to advantage. -By the addition of 5 pounds of split peas, half a pound of brown sugar, -2 tablespoonfuls of pepper, 10 onions; simmer gently till in pulp, -remove the fat and serve; broken biscuit may be introduced. This will -make an excellent mess. - - -NO. 1A.--HOW TO SOAK AND PLAIN-BOIL THE RATIONS OF SALT BEEF AND PORK, -ON LAND OR AT SEA. - -To each pound of meat allow about a pint of water. Do not have the -pieces above 3 or 4 lbs. in weight. Let it soak for 7 or 8 hours, or all -night if possible. Wash each piece well with your hand in order to -extract as much salt as possible. It is then ready for cooking. If less -time be allowed, cut the pieces smaller and proceed the same, or parboil -the meat for 20 minutes in the above quantity of water, which throw off -and add fresh. Meat may be soaked in sea water, but by all means boiled -in fresh when possible. - -I should advise, at sea, to have a perforated iron box made, large -enough to contain half a ton or more of meat, which box will ascend and -descend by pulleys; have also a frame made on which the box might rest -when lowered overboard, the meat being placed outside the ship on a -level with the water, the night before using; the water beating against -the meat through the perforations will extract all the salt. Meat may be -soaked in sea water, but by all means washed. - - -NO. 2.--SOYER'S ARMY SOUP FOR FIFTY MEN. - -_Head-Quarters, 12th May, 1856._ - -1. Put in the boiler 60 pints, 7-1/2 gallons, or 5-1/2 camp kettles of water. - -2. Add to it 50lbs. of meat, either beef or mutton. - -3. The rations of preserved or fresh vegetables. - -4. Ten small tablespoonfuls of salt. - -5. Simmer three hours, and serve. - -P.S.--When rice is issued put it in when boiling. - -Three pounds will be sufficient. - -About eight pounds of fresh vegetables. - -Or four squares from a cake of preserved ditto. - -A tablespoonful of pepper, if handy. - -Skim off the fat, which, when cold, is an excellent substitute for -butter. - - -NO. 2A.--SALT PORK WITH MASHED PEAS, FOR ONE HUNDRED MEN. - -Put in two stoves 50lbs. of pork each, divide 24lbs. in four -pudding-cloths, rather loosely tied; putting to boil at the same time as -your pork, let all boil gently till done, say about two hours; take out -the pudding and peas, put all meat in one caldron, remove the liquor -from the other pan, turning back the peas in it, add two teaspoonfuls of -pepper, a pound of the fat, and with the wooden spatula smash the peas, -and serve both. The addition of about half a pound of flour and two -quarts of liquor, boiled ten minutes, makes a great improvement. Six -sliced onions, fried and added to it, makes it very delicate. - - -NO. 3.--STEWED SALT BEEF AND PORK. - -For a Company of One Hundred Men, or a Regiment of One Thousand Men. - -_Head-Quarters, 12th June, 1855._ - -Put in a boiler, of well-soaked beef 30lbs., cut in pieces of a quarter -of a pound each. - - 20lbs. of pork. - 1-1/2lb. of sugar. - 8lbs. of onions, sliced, - 25 quarts of water. - 4lbs. of rice. - -Simmer gently for three hours, skim the fat off the top, and serve. - -_Note._--How to soak the meat for the above mess.--Put 50lbs. of meat in -each boiler, having filled them with water, and let soak all night; and -prior to using it, wash it and squeeze with your hands, to extract the -salt. - -In case the meat is still too salt, boil it for twenty minutes, throw -away the water, and put fresh to your stew. - -By closely following the above receipt you will have an excellent dish. - - -NO. 4.--SOYER'S FOOD FOR ONE HUNDRED MEN, USING TWO STOVES. - -_Head-Quarters, Crimea._ - -Cut or chop 50lbs. of fresh beef in pieces of about a 1/4lb. each; put -in the boiler, with 10 tablespoonfuls of salt, two ditto of pepper, four -ditto of sugar, onions 7lbs. cut in slices: light the fire now, and then -stir the meat with a spatula, let it stew from 20 to 30 minutes, or till -it forms a thick gravy, then add a pound and a half of flour; mix well -together, put in the boiler 18 quarts of water, stir well for a minute -or two, regulate the stove to a moderate heat, and let simmer for about -two hours. Mutton, pork, or veal, can be stewed in a similar manner, but -will take half an hour less cooking. - -_Note._--A pound of rice may be added with great advantage, ditto plain -dumplings, ditto potatoes, as well as mixed vegetables. - -For a regiment of 1000 men use 20 stoves. - - -NO. 5.--PLAIN IRISH STEW FOR FIFTY MEN. - -Cut 50lbs. of mutton into pieces of a quarter of a pound each, put them -in the pan, add 8lbs. of large onions, 12lbs. of whole potatoes, 8 -tablespoonfuls of salt, 3 tablespoonfuls of pepper; cover all with -water, giving about half a pint to each pound; then light the fire; one -hour and a half of gentle ebullition will make a most excellent stew; -mash some of the potatoes to thicken the gravy, and serve. Fresh beef, -veal, or pork, will also make a good stew. Beef takes two hours doing. -Dumplings may be added half an hour before done. - - -NO. 6.--TO COOK FOR A REGIMENT OF A THOUSAND MEN. - -_Head-Quarters, Crimea, 20th June, 1855._ - -Place twenty stoves in a row, in the open air or under cover. - -Put 30 quarts of water in each boiler, 50lbs. of ration meat, 4 squares -from a cake of dried vegetables--or, if fresh mixed vegetables are -issued, 12lbs. weight--10 small tablespoonfuls of salt, 1 ditto of -pepper, light the fire, simmer gently from two hours to two hours and a -half, skim the fat from the top, and serve. - -It will require only four cooks per regiment, the provision and water -being carried to the kitchen by fatigue-parties; the kitchen being -central, instead of the kitchen going to each company, each company -sends two men to the kitchen with a pole to carry the meat. - - -NO. 7.--SALT PORK AND PUDDINGS WITH CABBAGE AND POTATOES. - -Put 25lbs. of salt pork in each boiler, with the other 50lbs. from which -you have extracted the large bones, cut in dice, and made into -puddings; when on the boil, put five puddings in each, boil rather fast -for two hours. You have peeled 12lbs. of potatoes and put in a net in -each caldron; put also 2 winter cabbages in nets, three-quarters of an -hour before your pudding is done; divide the pork, pudding, and cabbage -in proportion, or let fifty of the men have pudding that day and meat -the other; remove the fat, and serve. The liquor will make very good -soup by adding peas or rice, as No. 1a. - -For the pudding-paste put one quarter of a pound of dripping, or beef or -mutton suet, to every pound of flour you use; roll your paste for each -half an inch thick, put a pudding-cloth in a basin, flour round, lay in -your paste, add your meat in proportion; season with pepper and a minced -onion; close your pudding in a cloth, and boil. - -This receipt is more applicable to barrack and public institutions than -a camp. Fresh meat of any kind may be done the same, and boiled with -either salt pork or beef. - - -NO. 8.--TURKISH PILAFF FOR ONE HUNDRED MEN. - -Put in the caldron 2lbs. of fat, which you have saved from salt pork, -add to it 4lbs. of peeled and sliced onions; let them fry in the fat for -about ten minutes; add in then 12lbs. of rice, cover the rice over with -water, the rice being submerged two inches, add to it 7 tablespoonfuls -of salt, and 1 of pepper; let simmer gently for about an hour, stirring -it with a spatula occasionally to prevent it burning, but when -commencing to boil, a very little fire ought to be kept under. Each -grain ought to be swollen to the full size of rice, and separate. In the -other stove put fat and onions the same quantity with the same -seasoning; cut the flesh of the mutton, veal, pork, or beef from the -bone, cut in dice of about 2oz. each, put in the pan with the fat and -onions, set it going with a very sharp fire, having put in 2 quarts of -water: steam gently, stirring occasionally for about half an hour, till -forming rather a rich thick gravy. When both the rice and meat are done, -take half the rice and mix with the meat, and then the remainder of the -meat and rice, and serve. Save the bones for soup for the following day. -Salt pork or beef, well soaked, may be used--omitting the salt. Any kind -of vegetables may be frizzled with the onions. - - -NO. 9.--BAKING AND ROASTING WITH THE FIELD STOVE. - -By the removal of the caldron, and the application of a false bottom put -over the fire, bread bakes extremely well in the oven, as well as meat, -potatoes, puddings, &c. Bread might be baked in oven at every available -opportunity, at a trifling cost of fuel. The last experiment I made with -one was a piece of beef weighing about 25lbs., a large Yorkshire -pudding, and about 10lbs. of potatoes, the whole doing at considerably -under one pennyworth of fuel, being a mixture of coal and coke; the -whole was done to perfection, and of a nice brown colour. Any kind of -meat would, of course, roast the same. - -_Baking in fixed Oven._--In barracks, or large institutions, where an -oven is handy, I would recommend that a long iron trough be made, four -feet in length, with a two-story movable grating in it, the meat on the -top of the upper one giving a nice elevation to get the heat from the -roof, and the potatoes on the grating under, and a Yorkshire pudding, at -the bottom. Four or five pieces of meat may be done on one trough. If no -pudding is made, add a quart more water. - - -NO. 10.--FRENCH BEEF SOUP, OR POT-AU-FEU, CAMP FASHION. FOR THE ORDINARY -CANTEEN-PAN. - -Put in the canteen saucepan 6lbs. of beef, cut in two or three pieces, -bones included, 3/4lb. of plain mixed vegetables, as onions, carrots, -turnips, celery, leeks, or such of these as can be obtained, or 3oz. of -preserved in cakes, as now given to the troops; 3 teaspoonfuls of salt, -1 ditto of pepper, 1 ditto of sugar, if handy; 8 pints of water, let it -boil gently three hours, remove some of the fat, and serve. - -The addition of 1-1/2lb. of bread cut into slices or 1lb. of broken -biscuits, well soaked, in the broth, will make a very nutritious soup; -skimming is not required. - - -NO. 11.--SEMI-FRYING, CAMP FASHION, CHOPS, STEAKS, AND ALL KINDS MEAT -OF. - -If it is difficult to broil to perfection, it is considerably more so to -cook meat of any kind in a frying-pan. Place your pan on the fire for a -minute or so, wipe it very clean; when the pan is very hot, add in it -either fat or butter, but the fat from salt and ration meat is -preferable; the fat will immediately get very hot; then add the meat you -are going to cook, turn it several times to have it equally done; season -to each pound a small teaspoonful of salt, quarter that of pepper, and -serve. Any sauce or maitre d'hotel butter may be added. A few fried -onions in the remaining fat, with the addition of a little flour to the -onion, a quarter of a pint of water, two tablespoonfuls of vinegar, a -few chopped pickles or piccalilly, will be very relishing. - - -NO. 11A.--TEA FOR EIGHTY MEN, - -Which often constitutes a whole Company. - -One boiler will, with ease, make tea for eighty men, allowing a pint -each man. Put forty quarts of water to boil, place the rations of tea in -a fine net, very loose, or in a large perforated ball; give one minute -to boil, take out the fire, if too much, shut down the cover; in ten -minutes it is ready to serve. - - -NO. 12.--COFFEE A LA ZOUAVE FOR A MESS OF TEN SOLDIERS, - -As I have taught many how to make it in the camp, the canteen saucepan -holding 10 pints. - -Put 9 pints of water into a canteen saucepan on the fire; when boiling -add 7-1/2 oz. of coffee, which forms the ration, mix them well together -with a spoon or a piece of wood, leave on the fire for a few minutes -longer, or until just beginning to boil. Take it off and pour in 1 pint -of cold water, let the whole remain for ten minutes or a little longer. -The dregs of the coffee will fall to the bottom, and your coffee will be -clear. - -Pour it from one vessel to the other, leaving the dregs at the bottom, -add your ration sugar or 2 teaspoonfuls to the pint; if any milk is to -be had make 2 pints of coffee less; add that quantity of milk to your -coffee, the former may be boiled previously, and serve. - -This is a very good way for making coffee even in any family, especially -a numerous one, using 1 oz. to the quart if required stronger. For a -company of eighty men use the field-stove and four times the quantity of -ingredients. - - -NO. 13.--COFFEE, TURKISH FASHION. - -When the water is just on the boil add the coffee and sugar, mix well as -above, give just a boil and serve. The grouts of coffee will in a few -seconds fall to the bottom of the cups. The Turks wisely leave it there, -I would advise every one in camp to do the same. - - -NO. 14.--COCOA FOR EIGHTY MEN. - -Break eighty portions of ration cocoa in rather small pieces, put them -in the boiler, with five or six pints of water, light the fire, stir the -cocoa round till melted, and forming a pulp not too thick, preventing -any lumps forming, add to it the remaining water, hot or cold; add the -ration sugar, and when just boiling, it is ready for serving. If short -of cocoa in campaigning, put about sixty rations, and when in pulp, add -half a pound of flour or arrowroot. - - -EASY AND EXCELLENT WAY OF COOKING IN EARTHEN PANS. - -A very favourite and plain dish amongst the convalescent and orderlies -at Scutari was the following:-- - -Soyer's Baking Stewing Pan, the drawing of which I extract from my -"Shilling Cookery." The simplicity of the process, and the economical -system of cooking which may be produced in it, induced me to introduce -it here. - -Each pan is capable of cooking for fifteen men, and no matter how hard -may be the meat, or small the cutting, or poor the quality,--while fresh -it would always make an excellent dish. Proceed as follows:--Cut any -part of either beef (cheek or tail), veal, mutton, or pork, in fact any -hard part of the animal, in 4oz. slices; have ready for each 4 or 5 -onions and 4 or 5 pounds of potatoes cut in slices; put a layer of -potatoes at the bottom of the pan, then a layer of meat, season to each -pound 1 teaspoonful of salt, quarter 1 of pepper, and some onion you -have already minced; then lay in layers of meat and potatoes alternately -till full; put in 2 pints of water, lay on the lid, close the bar, lock -the pot, bake two hours, and serve. - -[Illustration: SOYER'S BAKING STEWING PAN.] - -Remove some of the fat from the top, if too much; a few dumplings, as -No. 21, in it will also be found excellent. By adding over each layer a -little flour it makes a thick rich sauce. Half fresh meat and salt ditto -will also be found excellent. The price of these pans is moderate, and -they last a long time--manufacturers, Messrs. Deane and Dray.[36] - - -SERIES OF SMALL RECEIPTS FOR A SQUAD, OUTPOST, -OR PICKET OF MEN, - -Which may be increased in proportion of companies. - - -CAMP RECEIPTS FOR THE ARMY IN THE EAST. - -(_From the Times of the 22nd January, 1855._)[37] - -_No. 15. Camp Soup._--Put half a pound of salt pork in a saucepan, two -ounces of rice, two pints and a half of cold water, and, when boiling, -let simmer another hour, stirring once or twice; break in six ounces of -biscuit, let soak ten minutes; it is then ready, adding one teaspoonful -of sugar, and a quarter one of pepper, if handy. - -_No. 16. Beef Soup._--Proceed as above, boil an hour longer, adding a -pint more water. - -_Note._--Those who can obtain any of the following vegetables will find -them a great improvement to the above soups:--Add four ounces of either -onions, carrots, celery, turnips, leeks, greens, cabbage, or potatoes, -previously well washed or peeled, or any of these mixed to make up four -ounces, putting them in the pot with the meat. - -I have used the green tops of leeks and the leaf of celery as well as -the stem, and found, that for stewing they are preferable to the white -part for flavour. The meat being generally salted with rock salt, it -ought to be well scraped and washed, or even soaked in water a few hours -if convenient; but if the last cannot be done, and the meat is therefore -too salt, which would spoil the broth, parboil it for twenty minutes in -water, before using for soup, taking care to throw this water away. - -_No. 17._--For fresh beef proceed, as far as the cooking goes, as for -salt beef, adding a teaspoonful of salt to the water. - -_No. 18. Pea Soup._--Put in your pot half a pound of salt pork, half a -pint of peas, three pints of water, one teaspoonful of sugar, half one -of pepper, four ounces of vegetables, cut in slices, if to be had; boil -gently two hours, or until the peas are tender, as some require boiling -longer than others--and serve. - -_No. 19. Stewed Fresh Beef and Rice._--Put an ounce of fat in a pot, cut -half a pound of meat in large dice, add a teaspoonful of salt, half one -of sugar, an onion sliced; put on the fire to stew for fifteen minutes, -stirring occasionally, then add two ounces of rice, a pint of water; -stew gently till done, and serve. Any savoury herb will improve the -flavour. Fresh pork, veal, or mutton, may be done the same way, and half -a pound of potatoes used instead of the rice, and as rations are served -out for three days, the whole of the provisions may be cooked at once, -as it will keep for some days this time of the year, and is easily -warmed up again. - -N.B. For a regular canteen pan triple the quantity. - - -NO. 20.--RECEIPTS FOR THE FRYING-PAN. - -Those who are fortunate enough to possess a frying-pan will find the -following receipts very useful:--Cut in small dice half a pound of solid -meat, keeping the bones for soup; put your pan, which should be quite -clean, on the fire; when hot through, add an ounce of fat, melt it and -put in the meat, season with half a teaspoonful of salt; fry for ten -minutes, stirring now and then; add a teaspoonful of flour, mix all -well, put in half a pint of water, let simmer for fifteen minutes, pour -over a biscuit previously soaked, and serve. - -The addition of a little pepper and sugar, if handy, is an improvement, -as is also a pinch of cayenne, curry-powder, or spice; sauces and -pickles used in small quantities would be very relishing; these are -articles which will keep for any length of time. As fresh meat is not -easily obtained, any of the cold salt meat may be dressed as above, -omitting the salt, and only requires warming; or, for a change, boil the -meat plainly, or with greens, or cabbage, or dumplings, as for beef; -then the next day cut what is left in small dice--say four ounces--put -in a pan an ounce of fat; when very hot, pour in the following:--Mix in -a basin a tablespoonful of flour, moisten with water to form the -consistency of thick melted butter, then pour it in the pan, letting it -remain for one or two minutes, or until set; put in the meat, shake the -pan to loosen it, turn it over, let it remain a few minutes longer, and -serve. - -To cook bacon, chops, steaks, slices of any kind of meat, salt or fresh -sausages, black puddings, &c. Make the pan very hot, having wiped it -clean, add in fat, dripping, butter, or oil, about an ounce of either; -put in the meat, turn three or four times, and season with salt and -pepper. A few minutes will do it. If the meat is salt, it must be well -soaked previously. - - -NO. 21.--SUET DUMPLINGS. - -Take half a pound of flour, half a teaspoonful of salt, a quarter -teaspoonful of pepper, a quarter of a pound of chopped fat pork or beef -suet, eight tablespoonfuls of water, mixed well together. It will form a -thick paste, and when formed, divide it into six or eight pieces, which -roll in flour, and boil with the meat for twenty minutes to half an -hour. Little chopped onion or aromatic herbs will give it a flavour. - -_A plainer way, when Fat is not to be obtained._--Put the same quantity -of flour and seasoning in a little more water, and make it softer, and -divide it into sixteen pieces; boil about ten minutes. Serve round the -meat. - -One plain pudding may be made of the above, also peas and rice pudding -thus:--One pound of peas well tied in a cloth, or rice ditto with the -beef. It will form a good pudding. The following ingredients may be -added: a little salt, sugar, pepper, chopped onions, aromatic herbs, and -two ounces of chopped fat will make these puddings palatable and -delicate. - - - - -BILL OF FARE FOR LONDON SUPPERS. - - In introducing the subjoined Bill of Fare, applicable to the London - suppers, I must here repeat that which I have previously mentioned, - that my idea is far from replacing the dishes now so much in vogue - both at the "Albion," Simpson's in the Strand, Evans' Cider - Cellars, and such-like places; but now and then a couple of dishes - taken from these receipts cannot fail to prove agreeable to the - partakers, without much interfering with the regular routine of the - nightly business of such establishments. - - -NO. 1.--PLAIN MUTTON CHOPS AND RUMP STEAKS. - -Though almost anybody can boast of being able to cook a plain steak or a -chop, very few can say they can do them to perfection. First of all, to -obtain this important point, either the mutton or beef ought to be kept -till properly set, according to season; secondly, the chop especially is -more preferable when cut and beat, some time before cooking, so as to -set the meat and prevent its shrinking; it at all times requires a sharp -fire (the broiling City fires may be taken as an example, and the -continual red heat of the gridiron); lay your gridiron over a sharp -fire, two minutes after lay on your chop or steak, turn three or four -times; when half done, season highly with salt and pepper, and when -done, serve _immediately_, on a very hot dish. Ten minutes will do a -steak of 1-1/2lb., and about six minutes a chop. - - -NO. 2.--RUMPSTEAK AND POTATOES. - -Of all steaks, rumpsteaks are far more preferable than any other, not -excepting the fillet of beef, as the meat in England is so rich, while -in France they eat only the fillet of beef--that being the only eatable -steak of a French ox. Have your steak cut as even as possible, nearly an -inch thick, and weighing from about 1-1/2lbs. to 2lbs.; broil it sharply -as described above, season when properly done, lay it on a very hot -dish, put on 2oz. or more of maitre d'hotel butter (No. 2), turn it -three or four times on the dish quickly, when a most delicious gravy -will be formed, then place about a pound of fried potatoes round it, and -serve. For smaller steaks, for cooking be guided by size. - -_Ditto with Anchovy Butter_, of which use 2oz. in lieu of the maitre -d'hotel butter, and omit the potatoes. - -_Same with Pimento Butter._ - -_Same with Shalot Butter_, well rubbing the dish prior to putting the -steak on it. - - -NO. 3.--MUTTON AND LAMB CUTLETS A LA BOUCHERE. - -The word a la bouchere, in English, means the butcher's wife's plain -fashion, and at one time had only the merit of economy; but a real -gourmet, the illustrious Cambaceres, who lived in the time of the first -Empire, being served with this dish at a little country inn, while -travelling, discovered the correctness of the proverb that "the nearer -the bone the sweeter the meat," and on returning to Paris introduced it -to the fashionable circle, and for a long period this exquisite -cotelettes d'agneaux de maison, or house-lamb cutlet, and the dainty and -justly celebrated cutlets de presale, were figuring on all the -banqueting tables of the Paris gourmets in perfect _neglige_, being -dressed in the following unceremonious manner:--Take either a neck of -lamb or mutton, neither too fat nor too lean, chop the cutlets about six -inches in length, cutting them as usual, leaving a bone in each; flatten -them with the chopper, not trimming them at all, season them highly with -salt and pepper, broil them very quick, and serve hot. Lamb, mutton, and -veal cutlets may be done the same. - -For plain cutlets with fried potatoes, cut them either a la bouchere _or -trim them_, and proceed as for rumpsteak. - -_Ditto for Cutlets_ a la maitre d'hotel. - -For relishing sauce, see List of Sauces. - - -NO. 4--LAMB AND MUTTON CUTLETS, SEMI-BOUCHERE. - -Cut your cutlets from the neck, one inch thick; beat them flat with a -chopper without trimming them, roll them in flour, butter over; season -with salt, pepper, a little chopped shalot; broil on a sharp fire, turn -three or four times, and serve. - - -NO. 5.--RELISHING STEAK. - -(Mutton, Veal, Pork, Chops and Cutlets, Fowls, Pigeons, Grilled Bones, -Kidneys, &c.) - -Chop fine a tablespoonful of green pickled chillies: mix with two pats -of butter, a little mustard, a spoonful of grated horseradish; have a -nice thick steak, spread the steak on both sides with the above, season -with half a teaspoonful of salt, put on a gridiron on a sharp fire, turn -three or four times; put on a hot dish with the juice of half a lemon -and two teaspoonfuls of walnut ketchup, and serve. If glaze is handy, -spread a little over the steak. - -Mutton, lamb, veal, pork, chops and cutlets may be done the same; as -well as kidneys; also grilled fowls, pigeons--the latter may be egged -and bread-crumbed. Proceed the same for cooking according to size. Any -of the above may be half done before rubbing in the Chili butter. - - -NO. 6.--FILLET DE BOEUF, PARISIAN FASHION. - -Cut a piece of the fillet of beef crosswise, including some fat, the -thickness of an inch; beat it slightly flat with a chopper, set on a -gridiron, put it on a very sharp fire, turn it two or three times; when -half done, season with a quarter of a teaspoonful of salt, quarter that -of pepper, put on a hot plate, rub over with an ounce of maitre d'hotel -butter (as No. 2); serve up with fried potatoes. - -Mutton chops, veal chops, and lamb chops may be dressed similar. - - -NO. 7.--FILLET OF BEEF, SEMI-CHATEAUBRIANT. - -Cut it double the thickness of the above, butter lightly over, set on -the gridiron on a slowish fire, turn several times; when half done, -place it nearer the fire; season with half a teaspoonful of salt, -quarter one of pepper, a little cayenne, and serve with sauce a la -Mussulman (as No. 17). Maitre d'hotel butter or anchovy butter may be -used instead; serve fried chipped potatoes round. - - -NO. 8.--CHOPS, SEMI-PROVENCAL, OR MARSEILLES FASHION. - -When the chop is half broiled, scrape half a clove of garlic and rub -over on both sides of the chop; serve with the juice of a lemon. For -semi-Provencal, the clove of garlic is cut in two, and the flat part is -placed at the end of a fork and rubbed on the chop. - - -NO. 9.--CHOP OR STEAK A LA SULTANA. - -Add a tablespoonful of Sultana sauce in a dish to each pound of meat; -place in a dish and serve; when the steak is done, turn it in it three -or four times, and it will make a most delicious gravy. - - -NO. 10.--MUSHROOM KIDNEY SANDWICH. - -Broil 3 plain kidneys a la Brochette to keep them flat. Broil also 6 -large mushroom heads; well season with salt and pepper (cayenne if -approved of). A few minutes will do them; then rub a little fresh butter -inside the mushrooms; dish up each kidney between two mushrooms while -very hot, and serve. - -If a large quantity is required, proceed thus--well butter a sautepan, -lay in 20 or more heads of large mushrooms just washed, season well with -salt and pepper; let stew for twenty minutes gently in an oven, or till -done; make your kidney sandwich as above, add a tablespoonful of the -gravy over, and serve. The same may be served on thin toast; a -tablespoonful of the Sultana Sauce to every half-dozen kidneys, make a -dish worthy an Epicurean. The stems of the mushrooms may be stewed and -served with the dish. - - -NO. 11.--MINCED SANDWICHES. - -Cut in small thin slices some dressed ham, ox tongue, game, or poultry, -with a few pickled gherkins and olives, the whole in equal portions; mix -well together; butter the bread and spread some mustard over, place the -cut meat over the butter, cover over with the other slice, cut small, -and serve. - - -NO. 12.--KIDNEYS SAUTE, WITH SHERRY, PORT, OR CHAMPAGNE. - -Cut three kidneys each in five pieces, put an ounce of butter in the -pan; when very hot, and beginning to smoke, add the kidneys; stir round -for two or three minutes with a spoon till set; add a teaspoonful of -flour, quarter ditto of salt, the third part of that of pepper; mix -well; add half a gill of broth, a small wineglass of either of the above -wines; if no broth, use water, adding a little glaze. A tablespoonful of -colouring (No. 15) is a great improvement to the appearance of the -sauce. Ox, calf, or pig's kidneys may be dressed the same, following the -proportions according to the quantity made. All the above are extremely -good on toast, which would require a little more liquor. A few mushrooms -are an improvement. If brown sauce can be obtained, omit the flour and -broth. Do not let them boil; a few minutes will do them. - - -NO. 13.--SEMI-CURRIED KIDNEYS. - -Take three kidneys, which forms a portion, make a small incision in the -fleshy part, so as to enable you to remove the outer skin; cut each in -five pieces crosswise, put some butter in a stewpan, salt, pepper, a -little chopped onions, give it a fry, add the kidneys, stir them for a -few minutes till set, put four tablespoonfuls of curry sauce (No. 9), -and serve. If no curry sauce, add a quarter of a teaspoonful of curry -powder, one of flour, and one gill of broth; serve with rice. - - -NO. 14.--KIDNEY TOAST. - -Split the kidney in two, remove the sinews and outer skin, mince it up, -and then chop fine; place in a stewpan some chopped eschalot and -parsley, with a small piece of butter, and fry the same lightly; when -done, add a small spoonful of Sultana Sauce, a little flour, and boil -again; while boiling, mix in the chopped kidneys; add salt, pepper, and -nutmeg to taste. - -Spread the composition upon slices of toast slightly buttered; mask them -up with bread-crumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, place in a sharp oven -for ten minutes, brown them with the salamander, and serve quite hot. - - -NO. 15.--MUTTON, LAMB, OR VEAL CUTLETS EN PAPILLOTE, OR WRAPPED IN -PAPER. DITTO, QUARTER OF FOWLS AND HALF PIGEONS, DEVILLED. - -Cut two or three veal or mutton cutlets half an inch thick, then put in -a saute, or frying-pan, four tablespoonfuls of oil, season your chops -thoroughly with salt and pepper, cook them gently in the pan, turning -them several times; before they are quite done, take them off, add in; -mix with oil remaining in the pan two tablespoonfuls of fine chopped -onions, one tablespoonful of chopped parsley, fry these gently on the -fire for a few minutes, stirring continually; when they become a little -yellowish, add a tablespoonful of flour, mix quick, then put in a pint -of broth, boil till forming a thick sauce, add salt and pepper in -proportion; put back the chops into the pan, simmer a few minutes, -turning them; cut some paper in the shape of a heart, large enough to -envelope one chop, oil it well, put a tablespoonful of the sauce on the -paper, then place on it a chop, then more sauce, and plait the paper -round the edge of the cutlet to inclose it; then place in the pan in a -hot oven, or broil slowly. These cutlets might be prepared the day -before using, and placed more conveniently in paper when cold. - - -NO. 16.--PORK CHOPS A LA TARTARE, - -Which has one great charm--simplicity. It is seldom to be obtained, even -in Crim Tartary, and when it is, the animal is in no very nice -condition. When procurable in a first-class Tartar family, they are -dipped in vinegar for about an hour prior to being fried or broiled. -Thin slices of raw onions are eaten with the above, and a kind of -cucumber peculiar to Russia, and most delicious when properly pickled; -they are cut in slices with the onions very thinly, the chop is then -placed over a layer while very hot, and another layer placed over the -chop, until it forms a vegetable sandwich. Such is the dish so much -relished by our hospitable Tartar families. - - -NO. 17.--LAMB CHOPS A L'AFRICAINE. - -Cut a lamb chop as usual, broil it very sharply, turning it continually; -when nearly done, season highly with salt and pepper, rub over with -chutnee (about a teaspoonful to each chop) on both sides, then broil -another minute and serve. Light melted butter with a chopped girkin -makes a good variation for such as veal, pork, and broiled fowls, -pigeons, and also for devilled poultry. - -I must also observe that chutnee is excellent with all kinds of broiled -devils; a little curry-powder may be introduced. - - -LAMB CHOPS A LA PRINTANIERE. - -Add to the maitre d'hotel butter (as No. 2) chopped tarragon and chervil -instead of parsley. - - -PORK CHOPS WITH PIMENTO BUTTER. - -Plain broil, and rub over, in proportion, half an ounce to each chop. -Add two tablespoonfuls of mushroom ketchup on the dish. - - -NO. 18.--LAMB CHOPS A LA BOULANGERE. - -This lady, the boulangere, or baker's wife, was invented by a lady of -the French Court, in opposition to the masculine manners of the -butcher's wife. - -Cut and trim neatly, eight, ten, or twelve small lamb cutlets, enough -for a small entree; season lightly with salt, pepper, and a little -cayenne; dip them gently in olive oil, then in the flour box, and broil -very gently on a slow fire; while doing put a gill of cream in a -stewpan, set it on the fire, and when boiling add in two ounces of fresh -butter, a tablespoonful of chopped chervil, the juice of half a lemon, a -little salt and pepper; stir quick till the butter is melted and it -forms a nice smooth sauce, then pour it over your cutlets and serve -quick. - - -NO. 19.--STEWED TRIPE. - -Select two pounds of double tripe, cut in strips of a quarter pound -each, put in a clean stew-pan, add a pint of water, ditto of milk, two -teaspoonfuls of salt, half that of pepper, eight middling-sized onions -carefully peeled, which put in; set to boil rather fast, then simmer -till done, which will be in half an hour or rather more; turn out into a -deep dish or tureen, and serve. - - -NO. 20.--CURRIED TRIPE. - -Make about a pint of curry sauce, as No. 9; cut each half-pound in four -pieces; warm gently in it for half an hour, and serve with rice. - - -NO. 21.--GRATIN TRIPE IN SHELL. - -Add to the above 2 yolks of eggs; mix quick; having taken the stewpan -off the fire, stir quick; put in the scolloped shells, throw breadcrumbs -over a little butter, put in an oven, salamander the top, and serve. - - -NO. 22.--TRIPE LYONNAISE FASHION. - -When any cold tripe remains; cut in thin slices about the thickness of -an inch square, mince 2 onions, put some butter, in proportion, in a -frying-pan, add in the onions, fry till they are partly done, add the -tripe, let fry for about 10 minutes, tossing them; season with salt and -pepper, three teaspoonfuls of vinegar to each 1lb., and serve. This is a -very favourite dish in Lyons and Paris, both amongst the gourmet and the -gourmand. Well dry the tripe on a cloth before frying; it will take 3 -ounces of butter to the pound. - - -NO. 23.--GRILLED CHICKEN WITH SHARP SAUCE. - -Prepare your chicken as for grill, oil it over slightly, season with -salt and pepper in proportion to size, then place it on a gridiron, on a -rather fierce fire. When ready done, put by degrees two tablespoonfuls -of Sultana Sauce over it, losing none of it. When done, have on a dish -an ounce of butter; pour over the butter another tablespoonful of sauce; -mix well, and after turning the chicken two or three times, serve it up. - -For Relishing Sauce proceed the same, pouring half a pint of that sauce -over it, No. 12. - - -NO. 24.--BROILING OR UNIVERSAL DEVIL. - -Any kind of bones which are to undergo the process of broiling ought not -to exceed a quarter of a pound each in weight, a deep incision being -made in the fleshy part. The same for game and poultry. Rub each piece -with the Mixture No. 70, the quantity according to palate, and broil -very sharply, turning the bones often. - -Strong plain gravy may be served under all. - - -NO. 25.--SANDWICHES FOR EVENING PARTIES. - -Chop fine some cold dressed ham--say about a quarter of a pound, put it -in a basin with a tablespoonful of chopped gherkins and a teaspoonful of -mustard, a little pepper or cayenne; put about 6oz. of butter in a -basin, and with a spoon stir quickly till it forms a kind of cream; add -the ham and seasoning, mix all well; have the sandwich bread cut in thin -slices. Have already cut, thinly intermixed with fat, either cold roast -beef, veal, lamb, mutton, poultry, fowl, pheasant, grouse, partridge, -&c., either of which lay evenly, and not too thick, on your bread; -season with a little salt and pepper, cover over with another piece of -bread; when your sandwich is ready, cut them in any shape you like, but -rather small and tastily, and serve. You may keep them in a cold place, -if not wanted, as they will keep good under cover for twelve hours. -Chopped tongue may be introduced instead of ham, in thin slices. - - -NO. 26.--LAMB'S FRY. - -Cut in middling-sized pieces about 1lb. of lamb's fry, fairly mixed; put -one quart of water in a stew-pan; when boiling, add in the fry, boil -fast for ten minutes, lay the fry on a cloth, dry it well, have some -fine bread-crumbs ready made, to which you add a teaspoonful of salt, -two of chopped parsley, a little grated nutmeg, break and beat one or -two eggs well, dip the fry in by pieces, roll them in the breadcrumbs, -and slightly beat with a knife, to make the breadcrumbs adhere to the -fry; have some fat or lard very hot, though not burning, ready in a -frying-pan, in which place your fry for three or four minutes, when -nicely coloured take off, and dish very hot on a napkin; serve with -either fried parsley or chervel, free from water, which have ready in a -wire colander; dip the colander in the fat, which will fry the parsley -in less than a minute. For lamb fry devilled, rub over with mixture -prior to using. See receipt No. 70. This I consider a light dish for -supper. - - -NO. 27.--MUTTON OR LAMB CHOPS A LA TURC. - -Cut either thin, put on a dish, season with salt and pepper, mince an -onion; pick out 20 leaves of parsley, add over a little oil, rub the -chop in it well, let them soak in it two hours; plain broil sharply, and -serve. This is an imitation of the Turkish kybob. - - -NO. 28.--LOBSTER CURRY. - -Make about a pint of curry sauce, No. 9, take the flesh of a -middle-sized lobster, which cut in neat slices, let them simmer for ten -minutes in the sauce; serve on a dish, on toast, or in the shell, or -bordered by rice. Boiled as No. 8 in Hospital Receipts. - - -NO. 29.--LOBSTER CURRY IN THE SHELL. - -Add one or two raw yolks of eggs to the above receipt while boiling hot, -mix quickly; when the eggs are set, put the meat back in the shells, -cover the surface with bread crumbs, a few small pieces of butter on -each; put in the oven; when nicely browned, serve. By extracting the -meat from the body, tail, and claws, without breaking the shells, they -can be filled again with the preparation, and put together as a whole -lobster; or split the lobster lengthways and serve in two halves. - - -SCALLOPED LOBSTER. - -Put in scallop in lieu of shell. Proceed the same. - - -NO. 30.--LOBSTER AU GRATIN FOR THOSE THAT DO NOT LIKE CURRY. - -Chop a middling-sized onion, and put it in a stewpan with 2oz. of -butter; fry of a light brown, add a small tablespoonful of flour, stir -together, pour over half a pint of milk, season with half a teaspoonful -of salt, a quarter of pepper, and an eighth of cayenne, a little sugar, -nutmeg, and chopped parsley; boil a few minutes, till rather thick, add -the lobster meat, give a boil, add the yolk of an egg, mix quick, fill -the shells--egg and bread-crumb, put in an oven for ten minutes, brown -on the top with a hot salamander or shovel, and serve. - - -NO. 31.--LOBSTER CUTLETS. - -Cut a lobster in dice, letting the flesh weigh about half a pound; when -done, put in a pan 2oz. of butter, 2 teaspoonfuls of chopped onions; put -all on the fire, fry for a minute or two, add 1 teaspoonful of flour; -mix well, stir in for a minute; add half a pint of milk; season with -salt, pepper, and one saltspoonful of cayenne, two teaspoonfuls of -chopped parsley; let all boil for a minute or two, stirring all the -time; add in your lobster, give it a boil; add two yolks of eggs; mix -quick, put on a dish to cool. When quite cool and firm, divide in six -parts, giving each the shape of a small cutlet; egg and breadcrumb -twice. Put a piece of the very small claw to the end of each cutlet, so -as to form a bone; fry for a few minutes, like you would a sole, in -plenty of fat; lay on a cloth, and serve on a napkin, with plenty of -fried parsley; you may adopt any shape you choose, if cutlets are too -troublesome, as you would a croquette. No sauce is requisite. - -The lobsters for the two preceding receipts may be prepared, shaped, and -bread-crumbed hours before wanted. - - -NO. 32.--CRABS AU GRATIN IN THE SHELL. - -Have the crab prepared as for plain, lay in the empty shell a layer of -the soft part, then a layer of American crackers or biscuit, grated, -then add the fleshy part of the crab over, on which pour a tablespoonful -of mushroom ketchup, cover it with slices of cold, hard eggs, cut -crosswise; season with a little salt, pepper, and cayenne; cover all -with the remainder of the soft part of the crab, make it even with a -knife; egg, and breadcrumb over, or more grated biscuit; put a few nuts -of butter on the top, set in an oven for twenty minutes or half an hour, -and serve very hot. - - -NO. 33.--STEWED OYSTERS ON TOAST. - -Open a dozen of oysters, put them in a small stew-pan, add to them two -grains of black pepper, a little salt, butter, cayenne, and sugar; set -on the stove for a few minutes until set--say three or four minutes; -having only given them a slight boil, put in a piece of butter as big as -a walnut, which you have mixed with half a teaspoonful of flour, shake -the stew-pan round by the handle, to melt the contents, put it back on -the fire just to simmer, and serve on toast. A drop of cream is an -improvement. If not enough liquor add a drop of milk. - -Over-stewed oysters are as bad as over-cooked kidneys. For a large -quantity, proceed the same. The only thing to be observed is, that the -oysters are properly set before serving, they being neither raw nor -overdone. - - -NO. 34.--OYSTERS STEWED AMERICAN FASHION. - -Take a dozen large oysters in their liquor, bring them to a boil, add -salt, pepper, and a piece of butter about the size of a nutmeg, and half -a teaspoonful of chopped chervil, and serve with cracker biscuits. - - -NO. 35.--FRIED OYSTERS, NEW YORK WAY. - -Take 12 large raw oysters, dip them in Indian meal, throw them into the -hot fat immediately, like you would fried fish, and serve as soon as -browned. - - -NO. 36.--OYSTER SOUP, NEW YORK WAY, FOR A PARTY OF FIVE PERSONS. - -Take 50 oysters and the liquor, place them in a pan with salt, cayenne -pepper, and a teaspoonful of chopped chervil; when boiling, add a -_liason_ (or thickening) of 5 yolks of eggs, with a piece of butter the -size of an egg, and serve. - -Should the oysters not give liquor sufficient, add water and salt, if -necessary. One-fourth of this quantity may, of course, be made. - - -NO. 37.--GAME FOR SUPPER. - -In spite of the petite soupers de la Regence, in the early part of the -reign of Louis XV., when the gastronomic art was nightly unfolding its -luxurious delicacies before the illustrious guests of the Court of -France, game, dressed in numerous shapes, forming the most succulent -dishes, used to adorn the bills of fare of those nocturnal bacchanalian -repasts which had almost triumphed over the daily festive board, the -dinners then at Court being only a secondary consideration when compared -with the suppers. For my part, I much prefer the former, which, as I -have already mentioned, forms the focus of sociability; but when you -are compelled to sup late, why not partake of game, which is much -lighter food than solid meat, overdone kidneys, or oysters; for what can -be more relishing and palatable for supper than the remains of either -pheasant, grouse, partridge, &c., devilled or plain broiled, while plain -roast game is also highly recommendable for such meals. - - -NO. 38.--SOYER'S GROUSE AND BLACK GAME SALAD. - -This dish is also very commendable and relishing. Roast a young grouse, -not overdone; when cold, cut in eight pieces; put in a salad bowl enough -salad for two persons, lay the pieces of grouse over with 2 or 4 hard -eggs cut lengthwise; make the sauce thin, put in a basin a tablespoonful -of finely-chopped shalot, 1 ditto of parsley, ditto of pounded white -sugar, the yolks of 2 raw eggs, a teaspoonful of salt, quarter one of -pepper, 2 tablespoonfuls of Chili vinegar, 4 of oil; mix all together -with a spoon, whip half a pint of cream, which add carefully to your -mixture; it will then constitute a delicious salad sauce; pour over your -salad, and mix carefully. Pheasants and partridges, when properly kept, -are also very good. - - -NO. 39.--LOBSTER SALAD, FOR TWO PERSONS. - -Take a middle-sized lobster, break the claw carefully, extract the tail -without splitting it, cut your lobster in fine, though large, slices, -crosswise, put some salad in a bowl in proportion for two, either coss -or cabbage lettuce, or endive, or mixed salad, have boiled 3 or 4 hard -eggs, cut crosswise when cold, then form a crown on your salad by -intermixing alternate layers of egg and lobster, placing the soft part -of the interior of the fish in the centre. Cucumber and beet-root may be -used instead of eggs. Then put into a basin a small teaspoonful of salt, -quarter ditto of pepper, 2 tablespoonfuls of vinegar, 4 of oil, a little -sugar, stir well together, pour over your salad, which mix gently with a -spoon and fork, and serve; the addition of chopped parsley, tarragon, -and chervil, or chopped shalot, is an improvement. - - -NO. 40.--CRAB SALAD, WITH EGGS. - -Place the soft part of the crab in a bowl, having made it into a pulp; -add to it the quantum of oil, vinegar, salt, pepper; mix all well -together, as above. If too thick, add half a gill of milk, to form a -thinnish sauce; put your salad in a bowl according to proportion, over -which put lightly the meat of the crab; pour your sauce over, having cut -four eggs lengthwise in quarters; toss it well, stir round, and serve as -above. - - -NO. 41.--NEW SALAD, TARTAR FASHION. - -Prepare your salad, well washed and dried; (cabbage or coss lettuce are -preferable); boil 4 onions; when cold cut in thick slices; cut also 4 -pickled cucumbers, Israelite fashion, put a layer of the salad at the -bottom, then a bed of cucumber and onion, and another of salad, at the -top; have 2 mild salt herrings, ready broiled, with all the bones -extracted; cut it in small square pieces, season with salt, pepper, -vinegar, and oil, in proportion, tossing all well together, as this plan -is preferable to using a spoon and fork. - - -NO. 42.--PLAIN SALAD, WITH ANCHOVIES. - -Put your salad in a bowl, wash and shake as above; wash and scrape a -dozen of anchovies; bone them by splitting them up; have 2 hard eggs, -chopped fine; put them over the salad; chop about 2oz. of either -piccalilli, pickle, or plain gherkin. The above is for four persons; -then add salad enough for that number; season with a teaspoonful of -salt, a quarter that of pepper, 4 tablespoons of oil, 2 of vinegar; stir -well, but lightly, and serve. Coss and cabbage lettuce are preferable. -Any one who does not object to oil, 5 tablespoonfuls may be used to 2 of -the best French vinegar. For mixed salads proceed the same. Anchovies, -eggs, and gherkins may be omitted, and yet will make an excellent salad. - - -NO. 43.--ENDIVE SALAD. - -Highly appreciated by French gourmets. - -Wash quickly four heads of very white endive. The French is much -preferable to the English, and is imported in abundance to the London -markets. Why they should be washed quickly is, that if they remain in -the water any length of time they become as bitter as gall. Take off the -green leaves, if any; cut the stem off and the leaf in two when too -long, shake well in a cloth to dry, and put in your salad bowl, which -you have previously rubbed with a piece of garlic; add in your salad, a -teaspoonful of salt, quarter one of pepper, 5 tablespoonfuls of oil, 2 -of vinegar; rub a piece of garlic on two crusts of bread, each about the -size of a walnut; add them to your salad, which you stir well for a few -minutes with a spoon and fork, and serve. The garlic in this salad, far -from being objectionable, gives only a slight flavour, to which no one -can object, but which, on the contrary, is highly appreciated by the -gourmet. Garlic may be either increased or diminished according to -taste. - - -NO. 44.--OMELETTES WITH FINE HERBS. - -Six eggs will make a nice omelette for two persons for supper; add a -teaspoonful of salt, quarter ditto of pepper, break them carefully in a -basin, as a tainted egg will spoil all the rest; add three-quarters of a -tablespoonful of salt, a quarter one of pepper, two of chopped parsley, -half a one of fine chopped onions; beat them well; add 2oz. of butter in -a nice clean and dry frying-pan, place it then on the fire, and when the -butter is very hot then pour in your eggs, which keep mixing quick with -a spoon until all is delicately set, then let it slip to the edge of the -pan, _en masse_, laying hold of the handle, raising it slantwise, which -will give an elongated form to the omelette; turning the edges, let it -set a minute, turn on a dish, and serve. - - -NO. 45.--OMELETTES WITH MUSHROOMS. - -Add in a couple of middling-sized mushrooms, cut very thin, and proceed -as above. - - -NO. 46.--FOR BACON AND HAM OMELETTES. - -Cut 2oz. of either in small dice, not too salt, fry two or three minutes -in the butter before putting in the eggs,--and proceed as above. - - -NO. 47.--OMELETTES WITH SPRUE GRASS. - -Cut the sprue half an inch in length, plain boil them in salt and water -till done, add two tablespoonfuls to your eggs,--and proceed as above. - - -NO. 48.--OMELETTES WITH PARMESAN. - -For Parmesan omelettes, put into your eggs two tablespoonfuls of grated -Parmesan cheese--Gruyere or any good dry English cheese will do as well. - - -NO. 49.--POACHED EGGS WITH CREAM. - -Put in a small pan a pint of water, a teaspoonful of salt, four of -vinegar; when boiling break carefully in the pan two, three, or four -nice fresh eggs, simmer for four or five minutes, or till properly set -firm, but not hard; serve either on toast or on a plain dish. Put in a -small stewpan half a gill of cream, a little salt, pepper, and sugar; -when the cream is on the boil add an ounce of fresh butter, take off the -stewpan, toss it round till the butter is melted, pour over and serve. -Fried ham and bacon may be laid on toast, poached eggs placed over, and -served plain. None other but fresh eggs will poach; the quality may be -ascertained by holding them up to the candle; if the shell is spotted, -they are useless for poaching, though of use for other purposes. - - -NO. 50.--POACHED EGGS WITH MAITRE D'HOTEL BUTTER. - -Put two ounces of maitre d'hotel butter in a hot stewpan, and stir round -till melted; pour over your eggs which you have placed on toast. - - -NO. 51.--POACHED EGGS, SEMI-CURRIED, WITH HAM OR BACON. - -Proceed as No. 56, pouring a gill of curry sauce over. - - -NO. 52.--BATTERED EGGS WITH MUSHROOMS. - -Put in a stewpan 2oz. of butter, break over four fresh eggs, add a -tablespoonful of chopped mushrooms, half a teaspoonful of salt, quarter -that of pepper. Set on the fire, and stir continually with a wooden -spoon till it forms a thickish consistency; have buttered toast on a -plate, pour your eggs over, and serve. - - -NO. 53.--BATTERED EGGS WITH SPRUE GRASS. - -Add 2 tablespoonfuls of boiled sprue grass (as No. 47), and proceed as -above. - - -NO. 54.--HAM WITH SHALOTS, PARSLEY, AND CHERVIL. - -Cut in small dice 1 oz. of clean cooked ham, put in your eggs, and cook -as above. A spoonful of either shalot, parsley, or chervil will vary -this dish. - - -NO. 55.--MIRRORED EGGS. - -Put 1 oz. of butter into a small tin pan, spreading it all over, in it -crack 4 eggs without breaking the yolk if possible, season over with -salt and pepper, and small nuts of butter here and there; put in an oven -before the fire till set, and serve. - - -NO. 56.--EGGS AU MIROIR, WITH HAM OR BACON. - -Cut the ham or bacon in thin slices, fry a few minutes in a pan, put on -your plate, break your eggs over, set in oven till set, and serve, and -proceed as above. The ham may be cut in thicker slices if preferred, but -will take rather longer cooking. - - -NO. 57.--EGGS WITH CHOPPED HAM OR TONGUE. - -Cut 2oz. of dressed ham in small dice, butter the bottom of the plate or -dish, and place the ham upon it; break the eggs over, season, and -proceed as before. - - -NO. 58.--EGGS AND MUSHROOMS. - -Wash, peel, and slice a few mushrooms, butter the dish thickly, spread -the mushrooms over, season with salt and pepper, and set the dish in the -oven till the mushrooms are done; break the eggs over and proceed as -before. - - -NO. 59.--EGGS AND TRUFFLES. - -Wash, peel, and cut in very thin slices, a fresh truffle, butter the -dish, add a tablespoonful of sherry; salt and pepper; lay the slices of -truffles flat over the bottom of the dish, and put it in the oven a few -minutes; when boiled a minute or two, break the eggs over and cook as -usual. English truffles are excellent for this purpose. - - -NO. 60.--EGGS WITH SPRUE GRASS. - -Boil about a quarter of a pint of sprue grass; butter the dish as usual, -spread the grass over, season with a little powdered sugar, salt, and -pepper; break the eggs over, place in the oven, and proceed as before. - - -NO. 61.--EGGS A LA BONNE FEMME. - -Cut a middle-sized onion in dice, put it in a stewpan with a pat of -butter, and fry of a light brown; when done add a teaspoonful of -vinegar; butter the dish lightly, spread the onions over, season with -pepper and salt, and break the eggs over; put in the oven; when done -mask the eggs with fried bread-crumbs, and serve. - - -NO. 62.--CURRIED EGGS. - -Boil three eggs for ten minutes, put them in cold water; when, cold, -shell, cut them in two lengthwise, and throw them into a curry sauce, -give them a boil, dish them on the flat side in the form of a star; this -will make a very good and pretty dish. Eggs boiled too hard are very -unwholesome, especially for supper; done this way they will be perfect; -they may be put entire in the sauce, and cut when dished up; they will -take the flavour of the curry just the same. - - -NO. 63.--EGGS A LA TRIPE, OR ONION SAUCE. - -Boil 3 eggs as above, cut them in slices, and put in a sauce you have -prepared thus:-- - -Cut 2 middle-sized onions in slices, put them in a stewpan with an ounce -of butter, and fry them till done without taking colour; add a small -tablespoonful of flour, and moisten with a teacupful of milk: season -with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, give a boil, toss the eggs up in the -sauce, and serve. The same may be served with tomato sauce. - - -NO. 64.--EGGS WITH TOMATO SAUCE. - -Proceed as for curried eggs, using tomato sauce instead of curry. - - -NO. 65.--RAREBIT A LA SOYER, WITH SHERRY OR CHAMPAGNE. - -Cut half a pound of rich cheese in small dice; put in a stewpan 2 pats -of butter with a teaspoonful of mixed Durham mustard, a little salt, -half a teaspoonful of pepper, one wineglass of sherry or champagne; put -on a slow fire, stir gently with a wooden spoon till properly melted, -though not stringy, which might occur if turned too quickly; have a nice -toast half an inch thick done at the last minute, pour your cheese over -and serve. Leaving it a few minutes in an oven is an improvement. - - -NO. 66.--FRIED POTATOES. - -Fried potatoes being much lighter for supper than baked ones, would be -an excellent introduction to the London supper bill of fare. I shall -also observe that a potato when well fried does not retain a particle of -grease, and therefore is not rich, or likely to be so, when properly -done. Where a quantity are required, put in a wide stew-pan, three or -four pounds of either lard, beef, or mutton fat;--see receipt No. 20, -page 544, how to clarify the two last. Set it upon the fire, and while -heating, peel a pound of potatoes about the size of a large egg, cut -them in thin slices crosswise upon a clean cloth, to absorb the -moisture, taking care they are well separated; when the fat is hot, "but -not burning," which you will ascertain by its giving out a light smoke, -or else dip your finger in cold water and let a drop fall in the fat--if -it hisses it is then at a proper heat; throw in the potatoes, and keep -moving them with a skimmer to prevent them sticking together; in about -three or four minutes they will be cooked and well fried, of a pale gold -colour; take; them out upon a cloth, sieve, or colander; sprinkle -scientifically with salt, and serve plain, or upon a napkin, or round a -steak, fillet of beef, &c. - - -NO. 67.--FRIED POTATOES WITH MAITRE D'HOTEL BUTTER. - -While in the colander, and just having been fried, add to a portion of -potatoes about half an ounce of maitre d'hotel butter, toast till -melted, and serve either plain or round steak. - - -NO. 68.--FRIED POTATOES WITH CAYENNE PEPPER. - -When just done throw half a saltspoonful of cayenne over them, toast -them, and serve. - - -NO. 69.--CHIPPED OR RIBBONED POTATOES. - -Cut some potatoes crosswise about the thickness of an inch, then peel -them thinly in ribbons, fry as above--they will require a little longer -doing; when they are crisp take them out, place them on a clean cloth, -and sprinkle them over with salt, cayenne, and black pepper to fancy, -and serve. - - -NO. 70.--SOYER'S UNIVERSAL DEVIL MIXTURE, - -Which will be found applicable to all devilled food. - -To devil the same, rub each piece over with the following mixture, -laving made a deep incision in any article of food that may be subjected -to this Mephistophelean process. Put in a bowl a good tablespoonful of -Durham mustard, which mix with four tablespoonfuls of Chili vinegar; add -to it a tablespoonful of grated horseradish, two bruised shalots, a -teaspoonful of salt, half ditto of cayenne, ditto of black pepper, and -one of pounded sugar, two teaspoonfuls of chopped chillies, if handy; -add the yolks of two raw eggs,; take a paste-brush, and after having -slightly seasoned each piece with salt, rub over each piece with the -same, probing some in the incisions. First broil slowly, and then the -last few minutes as near as possible the Pandemonium fire. The yolks may -be omitted. - - -NO. 71.--A PLAINER WAY FOR THE MILLION. - -Mix the mustard with plain vinegar; add one half more cayenne; use the -same quantity of salt, pepper, and sugar; use onions instead of shalots. -The liquor of pickles is even preferable to vinegar. - -Proceed as above for grilling; remains of meat, game, and poultry are -very relishing when done as above, especially for an early luncheon or a -late supper. - - -NO. 72.--CHICKEN, AMERICAN FASHION. - -Have a small fowl ready for grilling, season with salt, pepper, and a -little cayenne; beat an egg well, rub it over; mix some American grated -crackers with maize, roll it in and beat it with a knife to make it -adhere to the chicken; put it on a gridiron, and when hot through put -small nuts of butter here and there; broil to a very nice colour and -serve 2 doz. stewed oysters, as No. 33, on toast, which place under the -fowl. Any sharp sauce instead of oysters will do for this dish. - - -NO. 73.--HERRING A LA ROB ROY. - -Well wash and clean a red herring, wipe it dry and place it in a -pie-dish, having cut off the head, and split it in two up the back; put -a gill or two of whiskey over the herring, according to size, hold it on -one side of the dish, so that it is covered with the spirit, set it -alight, and when the flame goes out the fish is done. - - -NO. 74.--COLD ASPARAGUS SALAD, WHILE IN SEASON. - -A very refreshing and delicious dish for supper. - -When this vegetable is in season, put in a soup plate a tablespoonful of -vinegar, two of oil, quarter teaspoonful of salt, half that of pepper, -mix together, a little chopped parsley may be introduced, and dip each -head of cold grass as you eat them in the mixture. - - -NO. 75.--NEW POTATO SALAD, GERMAN FASHION. - -Boil some rather waxy potatoes, peel when just done, cut in slices, put -them in a bowl, add to every pound one tablespoonful of vinegar, two of -oil, half a teaspoonful of salt, quarter that of pepper toss up well, -and eat it cold. Add a little chopped parsley. - - -NO. 76.--NEW POTATO SALAD, FRENCH HARICOT, AND HARICOT BEANS. - -Have your vegetables properly cooked, and when cold put a pound of -French or the other beans in a bowl, season with salt, pepper, oil, -vinegar, as above, and a teaspoonful of chopped parsley; toss well, and -serve. The French beans only require to be boiled in a plain way. The -French haricots--put a pint in two quarts of cold water, add one ounce -of butter, and boil very gently for two hours, or till tender, let it -get cold and make your salad. For lentils proceed the same as haricots. - - -NO. 77.--BOUILLABAISSE ANGLICISED. - -The fish I would recommend in England for that far-famed dish would be -red mullet, whiting, and barble, or a small turbot, all cut up -crosswise, in pieces of about two ounces to a quarter of a pound each; -slice up two large onions, place them in a good-sized stewpan, large -enough to contain your fish all at the bottom--a flat wide pan is -preferable. Add to this two tablespoonfuls of olive oil, and fry the -onions of a pale brown colour; next place the pieces of fish in the pan, -cover them with warm water, only just to the depth of the contents. To -each pound of fish, sprinkle about half a teaspoonful of salt, or a -little more, a quarter that quantity of pepper, half a bay leaf, the -flesh of half a lemon, without pips or rind, cut in dice; cut also two -tomatos in dice, having extracted the seed, add a glass or two of sherry -or light wine, a few peppercorns, and half a clove of garlic, instead of -four, as done at Marseilles, as mentioned at page 61; set on a fierce -fire, and boil very fast from ten to twelve minutes. By this time the -liquor should be reduced to a third of its original quantity; add a -small portion of saffron, according to taste, a tablespoonful of fresh -chopped parsley; allow all to boil one minute longer, and remove from -the fire, for it is then ready for dishing up. (For which process see -page 61.) - -_Second-class Bouillabaisse._--Use gurnet, plaice, soles, &c. -Bouillabaisse may be made also of fresh-water fish, such as perch, -tench, trout, and pike, proceeding precisely as above; if the broth is -required for an invalid, omit the wine and some of the seasoning, -according to the order of the doctor. - - -NO. 78.--SOYER'S CRIMEAN CUP A LA WYNDHAM. - -Thinly peel the rind of half an orange, put it into a bowl with a -tablespoonful of crushed sugar, and macerate with the ladle for a -minute; then add one large wine-glass of Maraschino, half one of Cognac, -half one of Curacoa. Mix well together, pour in two bottles of -soda-water, and one of champagne, during which time work it up and down -with the punch ladle, and it is ready. - -Half a pound of Wenham Lake ice, if to be procured, is a great -improvement. - - -NO. 79.--SOYER'S BALAKLAVA NECTAR. - -Thinly peel the rind of half a lemon, shred it fine, and put it in a -punch-bowl; add 2 tablespoonfuls of crushed sugar and the juice of 2 -lemons, the half of a small cucumber sliced thin with the peel on; toss -it up several times, then add 2 bottles of soda-water, 2 of claret, 1 of -champagne, stir well together and serve. - - -NO. 80.--PIERCE'S CLARET AND CHAMPAGNE CUP A LA BRUNOW. - -This gentleman, whose excellent and useful book I have quoted in the -body of this work, has favoured me with the following claret and -champagne cup, which ought, from its excellency, to be called, the -nectar of the Czar, as it is so highly appreciated in Russia, where for -many years it has enjoyed a high reputation amongst the aristocracy of -the Muscovite empire. - -To three bottles of claret, take two-thirds of a pint of Curacoa, one -pint of sherry, half ditto of brandy, two wine-glasses of ratafia, three -oranges, and one lemon, cut in slices; some sprigs of green balm, ditto -of borage, a small piece of rind of cucumber, two bottles of German -Seltzer-water, three ditto of soda-water; stir this together, and -sweeten with capillaire or pounded sugar until it ferments, let it stand -one hour, strain it, and ice it well; it is then fit for use. - -The same for Champagne Cup.--Champagne instead of claret; noyeau instead -of ratafia. - -This quantity is for an evening party of forty persons. For a smaller -number reduce the proportions. - - -SAUCES. - -1.--MELTED BUTTER. - -Put 2oz. of butter in a stew-pan holding about a quart, and 2oz. of -flour, half a teaspoonful of salt, a quarter one of pepper; mix together -with a spoon till forming a thick paste, add a pint of cold water, place -all on a fire, stir continually; take the pan off the fire when it -simmers; add another of fresh butter in it, stir till melted; it is then -ready for use. A little grated nutmeg and a drop of vinegar is an -improvement. This sauce being the base of so many others, requires -attention in making, and as flour will sometimes be stronger than at -others, and likely to make it too thin or too thick, take for a rule -that the proper thickness when done ought to form a transparent coating -over the back of the spoon. - - -2.--BEURRE A LA MAITRE D'HOTEL, OR HOTEL KEEPER'S BUTTER. - -Put on a plate a quarter of a pound of fresh butter, a quarter of a -spoonful of salt, ditto of pepper, two of chopped parsley, the juice of -a middle-sized lemon (if no lemon, use vinegar), and a little grated -nutmeg; mix well together, and keep in a cool place till required. This -is excellent with kidneys and all broiled meats. Nutmeg may be omitted. - - -3.--ANCHOVY BUTTER, OR BEURRE D'ANCHOIX. - -Take 6 anchovies from a bottle, scrape and wash them, pound and pulp -them, or bruise them on a board; mix 6oz. of fresh butter, pass through -a sieve, and use when required. Keep the sauce in a cold place. - - -4.--CHERVIL AND TARRAGON BUTTER. - -To 2oz. of butter add a teaspoonful of chopped chervil and tarragon; add -salt, pepper, a little cayenne, 1 tablespoonful of tarragon vinegar, or -the juice of half a lemon. - - -5.--PIMENTO, OR CHILI BUTTER. - -For 2oz. of butter put a teaspoonful of chilies chopped fine, 1 of -parsley, a scrape of garlic as large as a pea; add to it half a -teaspoonful of salt, a little pepper, and the juice of half a lemon; mix -well. - - -6.--SHALOT BUTTER. - -Put a quarter of a pound of butter and a teaspoonful of chopped shalot -in a dish, a little cayenne, salt, pepper, half a teaspoonful of -mustard, the juice of a lemon; mix together. - - -7.--BLACK BUTTER, OR BEURRE NOIR. - -Put 2oz. of butter in a stewpan, set it on the fire till it acquires a -brownish colour, throw in about 20 parsley leaves, 2 tablespoonfuls of -vinegar, half a teaspoonful of salt, a quarter of pepper; boil together -one minute. It is also excellent with boiled mackerel and skate. - - -8.--ONION SAUCE, OR SAUCE A LA TRIPE. - -Peel and cut 6 onions in slices, put them in a stewpan with 2oz. of -butter, a teaspoonful of salt, one of sugar, half one of pepper; place -on a slow fire to simmer till in pulp, stirring now and then, to prevent -getting brown; add a tablespoonful of flour, a pint of milk, and boil -till of a proper thickness. This sauce should be a little thicker than -melted butter. - - -9.--CURRY SAUCE. - -Peel and cut 2 middling-sized onions in slices, 1 apple, cut in dice, -and an ounce of bacon; put them in a stewpan with two ounces of butter; -put it on the fire and fry gently for five or six minutes; add 3 -teaspoonfuls of flour, 1 of curry powder, moisten with a pint and a half -of milk, add half a teaspoonful of salt, and 1 of sugar; boil till -rather thick; pass through a sieve, and serve with any article requiring -curry sauce. - - -10.--BREAD SAUCE. - -Put in a stewpan 4 tablespoonfuls of bread-crumbs, a quarter of one of -salt, an eighth of pepper, 6 pepper corns; peel a small onion, cut it in -four, add it to the crumbs, with half a pint of milk and half an ounce -of butter. Boil for ten minutes, and you will have an excellent sauce. -Add more milk if requisite. - - -11.--MAITRE D'HOTEL SAUCE. - -Mix 2oz. of maitre d'hotel butter to half a pint of hot melted butter -sauce, and shake, and when the butter is melted it is ready. - - -12.--RELISHING SAUCE, - -For broiled bones, fowls, meat, fish, &c. &c. - -Put a tablespoonful of chopped onions into a stewpan, with 1 of Chili -vinegar, 1 of common vinegar, 3 of water, 2 of mushroom ketchup, 2 of -Harvey's sauce, 1 of anchovies; add to it a pint of melted butter, as -receipt No. 1; let it simmer until it adheres to the back of the spoon; -add half a teaspoonful of sugar; it is then ready for use. The many -ingredients found in this are always to be obtained in every tavern. - - -13.--TOMATO SAUCE. - -Cut in dice 2oz. of lean ham or bacon, put either in a stewpan, with -2oz. of butter, a sliced onion, a few sprigs of parsley, 4 peppercorns, -and 1 bay-leaf; fry on the fire till getting slightly brown; add in then -about 2lb. of fresh tomatoes, cut across, lightly extract the seed; let -them stew about fifteen minutes, or till in pulp; add to it 2 -tablespoonfuls of flour; mix well; then about a pint of broth or milk, a -teaspoonful of salt, quarter that of pepper, one of sugar, a sprinkle of -cayenne, boil all ten minutes; pass through a sieve or colander; put -them back again in the stewpan; give another boil, it is then ready for -use when required. A tablespoonful of ketchup may be added; also a piece -of glaze, if handy. - - -14.--SEMI-SULTANA. - -Add 3 tablespoonfuls to 1 pint of thin melted butter; boil a few -minutes; it is then ready. - - -15.--PICCALILLY SAUCE. - -Cut in slices, or in small dice, 2oz. of mixed pickles, called -piccalilly, add it to half a pint melted butter, with 2 tablespoonfuls -of liqueur, and use when required. - - -16.--BROWNING FOR SAUCES. - -Put half a pound of brown sugar into an iron saucepan, and melt it over -a moderate fire for about twenty-five minutes, stirring it continually, -until quite black, but it must become so by degrees, or too sudden a -heat will make it bitter, then add two quarts of water, and in ten -minutes the sugar will be dissolved. Bottle for use. - - -17.--NEW MAYONNAISE SAUCE. - -Put a quarter of a pint of melted aspic or savoury jelly upon ice in a -stew-pan, which keep whisking until becoming a white froth, then add -half a pint of salad oil and six spoonfuls of tarragon vinegar, by -degrees--first oil and then vinegar, continually whisking until it forms -a white smooth sauce, to all appearance like a cream; season with half -a teaspoonful of salt, a quarter ditto of pepper, and a little sugar; -whisk it a little more, and it is ready to serve; it is usually dressed -pyramidically over the article it is served with. The advantage of this -sauce (which is more delicate than any other) is, that you may dress it -to any height you like, and it will remain so for a long time; if the -temperature is not too hot, it will remain hours without melting or -appearing greasy. - - -NO. 18.--MUSSULMAN SAUCE. - -Put in a pint stew-pan two yolks of eggs, a quarter of a pound of -butter, a quarter teaspoonful of salt, half that of pepper, the juice of -a middling-sized lemon; put on a slow fire, and stir round quickly till -the whole forms a thick rich sauce; it is then ready for using. This -must be done extremely quick, else it will turn to oil; two minutes will -do it. If too thick, add a drop of milk. - - -19.--TOMATOES, AMERICAN WAY. - -Cut the tomatoes in two, leaving the seeds and juice in; cut a -middling-sized onion in dice, pass it in butter till slightly browned; -add the tomatoes, salt, pepper, a teaspoonful of vinegar, and sufficient -bread-crumbs to thicken them; stew gently for twenty minutes, and serve -with roast meat or poultry. - -_Bread Crumbs._--Take a piece of the crumb of a stale loaf, not too -hard, put it in a cloth, bruise it with your hand well, till it falls in -crumbs; pass it through either a wire sieve or colander, and use when -required. - - -20.--HOW TO MELT FAT. - -Take 3 or 4lbs. of either beef or mutton suet, cut in small dice; put in -a stewpan, with half a pint of water; place on the fire to melt, -stirring now and then; when the suet turns to a light yellow colour, -pour it through a colander, which you have already placed in a basin, -press the suet with the back of a spoon to extract the oil of the fat; -it is then ready for use, and will keep a long time without spoiling; -you may fry many times with the same. - - -21.--CHOPPING OF HERBS, PARSLEY, CHERVIL, &C. - -This may appear a very simple thing to do well, yet it is often done -badly, by which the flavour is lost. The herbs should be well washed and -dried, and then the leaves taken in the left hand, pressing upon them -with your fingers, and chop as fine as possible, not by placing the -point of the knife on the board, and raising it and letting it fall, but -with a good sharp cut, so that they are cut, not pressed. Onions should -be peeled, and cut in halves lengthwise, and then with a thin knife cut -each half in slices, leaving them joined at the root; again cut into -slices contrariwise, and then from top to bottom; thus having cut into -very small squares, chop it with both hands with the knife. You may also -wash them. When half-chopped, press them in a cloth, and chop them still -finer, and use when required. Proceed the same for shalots. - - - - -RECEIPTS FOR THE NEEDY. - - -Having promised a friend, when first I commenced this work, that I would -insert in its pages a number of receipts for the poor, I fulfil my -obligation by re-publishing some receipts which I first brought out in -the year of the famine, 1847; and with all the intention I had of still -further simplifying them I find their improvement an impossibility. I -have, however, withdrawn some receipts of dishes, which were only -applicable to that period, and I have at the same time introduced a few -new ones, which I feel confident will tend to the comfort of humble -families. - -In making the receipts Nos. 1 and 2 public, I did not suppose that they -would meet with the entire approbation of the nation, particularly by -those who imagine that nothing can be good except plenty of animal food -is used for the subsistence of man. I shall not enter into a culinary -digression to prove it, but I am so satisfied of the _failure_ of the -quantity of nourishment generally obtained by those who cannot make -anything good, even with plenty, for want of having the practical -judgment, that I make bold to affirm, that the little animal substance I -recommend, if closely followed, will produce all the nourishment -requisite when amalgamated in the way described. - -As regards the peelings and ends of vegetables which I use in my -receipts, it is a well-known fact, that the exterior of every vegetable, -roots in particular, contains more flavour than the interior of it; -which is my reason for recommending only the washing well of those -vegetables before they are cut for use, thereby increasing the vegetable -produce of the country, and using that which has hitherto only increased -the "_malaria_" of our courts and alleys by its decomposition. - -Having thus explained my reasons, I now give publicity to my receipts -for making soups and other dishes in this form; which I trust will prove -useful to the benevolent and the whole laborious and industrious -population of the county, and produce economy in all charitable -institutions, and comfort in every cottage. - -Almost all the productions of nature can be made available, and produce -wholesome and nutritious food for man. The following is a short list, -taking them in rotation, according to the quantity of nutriment they -contain:--Beef, mutton, venison, pork, veal, lamb, hare, rabbits, bacon, -lard, dripping, butter, oil: _of farinaceous substances_,[38] Indian -corn, wheat, rice, barley, rye, buck-wheat, oats, peas, beans, lentils: -of _vegetables and roots_--yams, potatoes, Jerusalem artichokes, -parsnips, turnips, carrots, mangel wurzel, onions, leeks, green peas, -cauliflowers, celery, kelp, Irish moss, dillisk, French beans, greens, -spinach, sorrel, salads of all kinds: _of condiments_--as salt, pepper, -cayenne, curry, chilies, mustard, allspice, mace, cloves, ginger, -cinnamon, &c.: _of herbs_--savory, parsley, mint, thyme, marjoram, -basil, bay-leaf, and all sorts, both culinary and medicinal, or their -essences, all of which, when properly blended with food, add to its -nourishing qualities; but the grand secret is, to obtain from the above -all the nutriment they possess, which is done by following my receipts, -and reducing the animal and vegetable substances to a glaze, and mixing -it with the farinaceous, and thereby obtaining a palatable and agreeable -food, and economizing the productions of nature to an immense extent; -for, by the system at present adopted, more than fifty per cent. of the -animal and vegetable productions are lost, and the nutriment from the -farinaceous ingredients is rendered less, in consequence of being -unpalatable. In my visits to the different charitable institutions of -this city, I have been surprised at the want of knowledge manifested in -making of soups. In some parishes, I found 100 pounds of meat, cut into -pieces of a quarter of a pound each, put into 100 gallons of water, at -twelve o'clock of one day, to be boiled until twelve o'clock the next -day; by such proceedings the osmazome of the meat is lost by evaporation -from the boiler, and only the gelatine and fibrine is left; the former -has been proved by a medical board, instituted at Paris, for the purpose -of inquiring into the subject, to contain no nutriment whatever, and the -latter contains about the same as a piece of dry wood. What would be -said of a cook who would put a quarter of a pound of meat, or even a -piece weighing thirty pounds, to roast before a large fire for -twenty-four hours? What nutriment would it contain at the end of that -period? My principle is easily illustrated by putting twelve onions into -a gallon of water, and boiling them for as many hours; no smell arises -from it; but cut the half of one, and fry it, and the perfume will be -diffused over the whole house: thus I extract the aroma of every -ingredient which I employ, and any one carefully following the receipts -will produce a palatable and nourishing food. - -The old plan of soaking farinaceous ingredients is not bad, but in many -instances it cannot be practised, in which case I would recommend that -peas be put into soft boiling water,[39] and that the ebullition does -not cease until the peas are reduced to a pulp. Indian meal must also be -put into boiling water, and be well boiled for two hours. Rice and -barley may be put into cold water, and be boiled until they can be -easily mashed between the fingers; the length of time depends upon -their quality.--All kinds of food made of farinaceous ingredients, as -Indian meal, peas, rice, &c., increase in quantity when made the day -previous, and require more water when warmed up. - -It will be perceived that I have omitted all kinds of spice except in -those dishes which are intended expressly for them, as I consider they -only flatter the appetite and irritate the stomach, and make it crave -for more food; my object being not to create an appetite but to satisfy -it; and when those dishes in which spice is introduced are given to the -poor, it should only be done by the advice of the medical man; but in -those cases where they have been accustomed to have them, they must be -reduced by degrees until their taste is brought round to that point most -conducive to health. - - -NO. 1.--FOR TWO GALLONS. - - Two ounces of dripping 0-1/2 - Quarter of a pound of solid meat, at 4d. per lb. (cut - into dice one inch square) 1 - Quarter pound of onions, sliced thin - Quarter pound of turnips; the peel will do, or one - whole one cut into small dice 1 - Two ounces of leeks; the green tops will do, sliced - thin - Three ounces of celery - Three quarters of a pound of common flour 1 - Half a pound of pure barley, or one pound of Scotch 1-1/2 - Three ounces of salt } - Quarter of an ounce of brown sugar } 0-1/4 - Fuel 0-3/4 - Two gallons of water 0 - -- - 6 - -I first put two ounces of dripping into a saucepan (capable of holding -two gallons of water), with a quarter of a pound of leg of beef without -bones,[40] cut into square pieces of about an inch; and two -middling-sized onions, peeled and sliced; I then set the saucepan over a -coal fire, and stirred the contents round for a few minutes with a -wooden (or iron) spoon until fried lightly brown. I had then ready -washed the peeling of two turnips, fifteen green leaves or tops of -celery, and the green part of two leeks; (the whole of which, I must -observe, are always thrown away.) Having cut the above vegetables into -small pieces, I threw them into the saucepan with the other ingredients, -stirring them occasionally over the fire for another ten minutes; then -added one quart of cold water, and three quarters of a pound of common -flour, and half a pound of pearl barley, mixing all well together; I -then added seven quarts of hot water, seasoned with three ounces of -salt, and a quarter of an ounce of brown sugar, stirred occasionally -until boiling, and allowed it to simmer very gently for three hours; at -the end of which time I found the barley perfectly tender. The above -soup has been tasted by numerous noblemen, members of parliament, and -several ladies who have lately visited my kitchen department, and who -have considered it very good and nourishing. - -This soup will keep several days when made as above described; but I -must observe, not to keep it in a deep pan, but in rather a flat vessel, -where the air could act freely upon it. Stir it now and then, until -nearly cold: or otherwise the next day it will be in a state of -fermentation: this does not denote the weakness of the soup, because the -same evil exists with the very strongest of stock, or sauce, if not -stirred, or if confined in a warm place--(a fact known to every -first-rate cook). - -The expenses make it come to three farthings per quart in London; but, -as almost everything can be had at less cost in the country, the price -of this soup will be still more reduced. In that case a little -additional meat might be used, and by giving away a small portion of -bread or biscuit, better support would be given to the poor at a -trifling cost, and no one, it is to be hoped, hereafter, would hear of -the dreadful calamity of starvation. - -The same for one hundred gallons, to be made in the boilers, such as are -given by the different relief committees, or in any other vessel, either -iron or copper, in general use. - - Twelve pounds of solid meat, at 4d. per lb., cut into - pieces one inch square, or sixteen pounds with - bones, at 3d. per lb. 4 0 - Three pounds two ounces of dripping 1 0 - Twelve pounds of onions, sliced thin 0 8 - Six pounds of leeks, ditto } - Six pounds of celery, ditto } 3 1 - Eight pounds of turnips, washed only, and cut into } - half an inch square } - Thirty-seven pounds and a half of flour, seconds 7 0 - Twenty-five pounds of pearl barley previously - soaked 6 9 - Nine pounds of salt 0 3 - One pound seven ounces of sugar 0 9 - -------- - L1 1 8 - -Have ready a spatula, or a piece of board the shape of a cricket-bat, -about six inches wide, tapering towards the top as a handle (which must -be from one foot and a half to two feet above the surface of the -vessel), to stir with; take twelve pounds of solid meat, or sixteen -pounds with the bones (legs or clods of beef are excellent for the -purpose, but any kind of edible meat, from beef to doe venison will do), -cut in pieces about one inch square; put the dripping[41] in the -boiler; light the fire; when the fat is melted, add the onions: fry ten -minutes, stirring it all the time; add the vegetables and the meat; fry -for twenty minutes, or until a thick glaze is produced; then add the -salt and sugar, and four gallons of cold water; then add the flour; keep -stirring quickly, until quite smooth; add the barley, and fill by -degrees with hot water;[42] boil for three hours, or until the barley is -quite tender, and serve.[43] - -In case either the barley or rice does not produce the thickness -required (as those ingredients may differ in quality), then add, if too -thin, a few pounds of flour or oatmeal, previously mixed with cold -water, to make it in a liquid batter, and pour it in when boiling about -twenty minutes before serving it out. But the proper thickness is easily -ascertained when the soup hangs lightly on the back of the spatula or -ladle, and near the consistence of a thin stirabout. - - -NO. 2.--FOR TWO GALLONS. - - Quarter of a pound of beef, at 4d., cut into pieces of - one inch square 1 - Two ounces of dripping, or melted suet 0-1/2 - Quarter of a pound of turnips or carrots, cut into dice - half an inch square 0-1/4 - Four drops of essences 0-1/4 - One and a half pound of maize flour 3 - Three ounces of salt } - Quarter ounce of brown sugar } 0-1/4 - One teaspoonful of black pepper, ground fine } - Fuel 0-3/4 - -- - 6 - -Take two ounces of either dripping, American lard, or suet, to which add -the turnips or carrots; fry for ten minutes, add one quart of cold water -and the meal, well mixing, and moisten by degrees with seven quarts of -hot water; boil for two hours, and season with three ounces of salt, one -quarter ounce of brown sugar, one teaspoonful of black pepper, _two -drops_ of essence of garlic, _one drop_ of essence of mint, one drop of -essence of celery; stir quickly, and serve directly. - - -RECEIPT NO. 3. - - No. 2. 6 - As No. 2--and add one pound of potatoes 1 - -- - 7 - -For those who have the chance of procuring a few potatoes once a week, -they may be used with advantage in the following manner:-- - -Having prepared the soup according to Receipt No. 2, when nearly done, -wash a pound of potatoes, pick out the black spots, if any, and cut them -in very small dice; put them into the soup to boil for twenty minutes, -or a little longer, until done, and the soup is ready, and will strongly -taste of potato; the short time of ebullition preserving all the aroma -of that inconstant root. - -Having promised to make my receipts public, for the benefit of the -laborious classes of society, as well as for the poor, I think that if a -man could treat his family once a week with a food called potato soup, -each member of it, who had previously fed on that root, and who are -_now_ nearly deprived of that food, would worship the day of the week -when such a luxury should be displayed on their humble table. - - -RECEIPT NO. 4. - - Quarter of a pound of bacon 1-1/2 - One ounce of dripping 0-1/4 - Quarter of a pound of onions } - Quarter of a pound of turnips or carrots } - Two ounces of leeks and celery } 1 - Quarter ounce of mint, shred fine } - Pound and a quarter of yellow peas 3-1/2 - Half-pound of common flour 1 - Two ounces and a half of salt } - Half ounce of sugar } 0-1/4 - -- - 7-1/2 - -Have a quarter of a pound of fat bacon[44] cut into dice, peel and slice -two good-sized onions, or three small ones, and put both into a stewpan, -with one ounce of dripping; fry them gently until lightly brown, then -add two ounces of turnips, two ounces of carrots, and one ounce of -leeks, and one ounce of celery; cut them thin and slanting (but, as I -have before observed, any kind of vegetable will answer the purpose, if -the same proportion is used); fry for ten minutes, and fill up with -seven quarts of water, and, when boiling, add a pound and a quarter of -split peas, and let them simmer for two or three hours, until reduced to -a pulp, which depends on the quality of the pea; then add two ounces of -salt, half an ounce of sugar, quarter of an ounce of mint, mix one half -pound of flour in twelve ounces of water, to a thin batter, pour into -the soup, stir it well, boil one quarter of an hour, and serve. - - -NO. 5.--MEAGRE PEA SOUP. - -This is the same as the former, with the exception that the bacon and -dripping are omitted, and oil or butter used in their stead. Buttermilk -could with advantage be used; in which case, add three ounces of salt. -Although this food is entirely deprived of animal substance, yet the -farinaceous ingredients will act generously on the digestive organs, -particularly to a stomach which has suffered from want of food. - - -NO. 6.--THE FISHERMAN'S FOOD FOR THE COAST. - - Four pounds of fish 4 - Three ounces of salt } - One half-ounce of sugar } 0-1/4 - One quarter-ounce of pepper } - Bay-leaf, thyme 0-1/2 - Two pounds of oatmeal 4 - -- - 8-3/4 - -Cut four pounds of fresh fish of any kind in large pieces; put it in -your pan, with three ounces of salt, half an ounce of sugar, a little -pepper, two bay leaves, a little thyme, one quart of water, and let it -stew gently; mix two pounds of oatmeal with seven quarts of lukewarm -water, and pour it over the fish; stir it gently, so as not to break it -too much; let it boil twenty minutes, and it is done. - -A red herring or dried salt fish, previously soaked, is exceedingly good -to make this food; but omit the salt if all salt fish is used. - - -NO. 7.--CURRY FISH. - - Four onions, sliced } - One bay-leaf } 0-1/2 - Two apples, sliced } - Quarter of a pound of fat 1-1/2 - Three ounces of salt } - Half an ounce of sugar } 0-1/4 - One pound of rice 2 - An ounce of curry powder 0-3/4 - Six pounds of fish 6 - --- - 11 - -Put into a stew-pan four onions, a small bunch of bay-leaf, thyme, and -savory; two apples, if convenient, with a quarter pound of fat, three -ounces of salt, and quarter ounce of sugar, and fry for fifteen minutes. -Put one pound of rice, and four quarts of water, and boil till tender: -add one ounce of curry powder, mixed in a little water. Cut up six -pounds of cheap fish into pieces of the size of an egg; add to the -above, and boil for twenty or thirty minutes, according to the kind of -fish. Salt and dried fish, previously soaked, cooked in this way, is -excellent, omitting the salt. - - -NO. 8.--FOOD FOR THE COAST. - - Three haddocks 3 - Two pounds of salt } - Quarter of an ounce of sugar } 0-1/2 - -- - 3-1/2 - -Take three middle-sized haddocks; remove the gills and interior, and cut -open; rub them with two pounds of salt, a quarter of an ounce of sugar; -let them remain twenty-four hours, turning occasionally; pass a twig -through the eyes, and hang them in a cool, well ventilated place, until -rather dry. - -Conger eel cut into slices one inch thick, halibut, plaice, mackerel, -treated in the same manner (if large they must be crimped) will keep for -some time; they can he boiled, baked, broiled, or fried. A pound haddock -will take twelve minutes broiling, from fifteen to twenty frying, twenty -minutes baking or boiling. - - -NO. 9.--SAVOURY RICE FOOD. - - Six pounds of bones 3 - Ten quarts of water } - Three ounces of salt } - Bay-leaf, &c. } - Two onions, cut thin } 1 - Half an ounce of sugar } - Half a pound of vegetables, cut small } - Half a pound of oatmeal 1 - Pound of rice 2-1/2 - Two ounces of dripping 0-1/2 - -- - 8 - The bones can be sold after using for 2 - -- - 6 - -Having saved the bones of the previous day, a very good food may be made -as follows:--Take six pounds of bones, which break into small pieces, -and boil in ten quarts of water for four hours; having added three -ounces of salt, a small bunch of thyme, bay-leaf and savory, put into a -stew-pan the fat, and two onions cut thin, half a pound of vegetables, -as carrots, turnips, celery, &c., cut very thin, half ounce of sugar; -put it on the fire for fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally; add half -a pound of oatmeal, and mix well; moisten with two gallons of the stock -from the bones, add one and a quarter pound of rice, previously soaked; -boil till tender, and serve. - - -NO. 10.--RICE PANADA. - - One pound of rice 2 - Three-quarters of an ounce of sugar } - Two ounces of salt } 0-1/2 - One pound of flour 2 - Half an ounce of curry powder at 6d., or a - quarter of a pound of treacle 0-1/2 - -- - 5 - -Boil a pound of rice (previously washed) in one gallon of water, for one -hour; add three quarters of an ounce of sugar, two ounces of salt; mix -with some cold water, to make a thin paste, one pound of flour or -oatmeal, and half an ounce of curry powder; add it to the rice, and boil -for twenty minutes, and serve. - -Should it be preferred sweet, add a quarter of a pound of treacle -instead of the curry. - -This will make ten pounds of solid food. - - -NO. 11.--PEAS PANADA. - - Quarter of a pound of fat bacon or American pork 2 - Two ounces of dripping 0-1/2 - Four ounces of onions or leeks 0-1/4 - One pound and a half of peas 3 - Half an ounce of salt } - Half a pound of Indian meal } 1 - -- - 6-3/4 - -Cut a quarter of a pound of fat bacon or American pork into small dice, -put it into a stew-pan with two onions or tops of leeks; well wash, and -cut them thin, and fry ten minutes; add one pound and a half of peas, -half ounce of salt, quarter ounce of sugar, and one gallon of water, -boil till it becomes a puree or pulp, then add sufficient oatmeal, -common flour, or Indian meal, to make it thick, and boil thirty -minutes.[45] This food is very strengthening, and might be made several -days previous to using; it will keep well--if no vegetable is to be -obtained, a small quantity of essence of herbs would improve it. - - -NO. 12.--PEAS PANADA, SWEET. - - One pound of peas } - Half an ounce of salt } 2 - An ounce of dripping 0-1/2 - Half a pound of Indian meal 1 - Quarter pound of treacle 1 - -- - 4-1/2 - -Boil in one gallon of water, one pound of peas, add half an ounce of -salt, one ounce of dripping or melted suet, mix with it half a pound of -Indian meal, boil for two hours, stirring it well, add a quarter of a -pound of treacle; this can be eaten hot or cold. - - -NO. 13.--CHEESE STIRABOUT. - - One pound of Indian meal 2 - Three ounces of salt 0-1/4 - Half a pound of cheese 2 - Quarter ounce of mustard 0-1/2 - -- - 4-3/4 - -Put two gallons of water in a stewpan, and boil; take some Indian meal, -the quantity depends on the quality, and add it gradually to the water, -stirring it all the time so that it should be quite smooth and thick: -add three ounces of salt; simmer on the side of the fire for two hours, -taking care that it does not burn; add half a pound of strong cheese, -broken small or grated, with a little mustard: give it a boil and serve. - -Or put it into baking tins, allow it to get cold, cut it into pieces, -which fry or bake. - - -NO. 14.--INDIAN MEAL POULLENTA. - - One pound of meal 2 - Quarter of a pound of sausage meat 1 - -- - 3 - -Prepare the meal as above (which must be very thick) without the cheese; -place it in baking tins; place a thin layer of sausage meat or black -pudding upon it, and cover it with more of the meal; bake it for twenty -minutes and serve. - -This is an excellent and cheap dish, and fit for the tables of the -wealthy if a strong gravy is poured over it when served. - - -NO. 15.--SAVOURY HOMINY. - - Two quarts or four pounds of Indian corn 8 - Quarter of a pound of dripping 1 - Two onions } - Three ounces of salt } 0-1/2 - -- - 9-1/2 - -Take two quarts of Indian corn and soak it for twenty-four hours in -water, put it into a pot containing two gallons of boiling water and -simmer for five hours; draw off the water, if any, add a quarter of a -pound of dripping, two onions, sliced thin, three ounces of salt, put it -on the fire for twenty minutes, keep stirring it all the time, so that -it does not burn, and serve. This will produce two gallons of excellent -food. The puree made from the whole corn, as above, is much sweeter and -more wholesome than that made from the ground meal. The great mistake at -present in the use of Indian meal is, that it is not cooked enough, it -being used similar to flour; it should, on the contrary, be well mixed -with boiling water and allowed to simmer for never less than two hours; -it then loses its raw taste and increases in quantity. - - -NO. 16.--ST. PATRICK'S SOUP. - - One pound of meat at 4d. 4 - Two ounces of dripping 0-1/2 - Vegetables 1 - Salt, sugar - Flour 1 - Spice } - Dillisk[46] } 0-1/2 - -- - 7 - -Take one pound of meat without bones, and cut into small pieces, put -into a stew-pan two ounces of dripping, one ounce of leeks, one ounce of -celery, one ounce of carrots, two ounces of turnips, and fry for ten -minutes; then add the meat with two ounces of salt, half ounce of sugar, -and fry until a thick glaze is produced; then add one quart of cold -water and half a pound of flour; then add two ounces of dillisk, well -washed and chopped fine; a little mixed spice and pepper. Boil -three-quarters of an hour, and serve. - - -NO. 17.--CHEAP OYSTER PORRIDGE. - -On many parts of the coast oysters can be had for three shillings per -thousand; they can be made, without much trouble, into a nourishing and -palatable food, by putting two dozen into an earthen pan, with the -liquor from them, and add three spoonfuls of flour; place it on the -fire, stirring them round; add a little salt and pepper and they are -done. This can be added to the porridge made of the Indian corn and -rice, or in the other receipts, where fish is used; a little lard is an -improvement; also a bay-leaf, mint, and an onion sliced. - -Mussels and cockles can be used in the same way in proportion of two -dozen to the quart. - - -NO. 18.--CABBAGE STIRABOUT. - -Well wash two pounds of cabbage, take out the stalks, and cut it -slanting in slices; put into a stewpan with a quarter of a pound of -dripping, lard, or butter; half ounce of salt, quarter ounce of pepper, -one ounce of sugar, put it on the fire for ten minutes, stir it well, -then cover it with water and stew for twenty minutes, and mix it with -stirabout, previously made of Indian corn meal. - -Young nettles done in this way are exceedingly wholesome, and any kind -of green vegetables can be cooked in this manner. - - -NO. 19.--CONGER EELS. - -Put a slice of about two pounds weight into a saucepan, or earthen pot, -with two onions sliced thin; a small quantity of dillisk, well washed -and chopped fine, quarter ounce of salt, and a little pepper, add two -quarts of water, and stew for one hour; ten minutes before using take -out the fish and thicken with a little flour, previously mixed with some -water; boil ten minutes, pour it over the fish, and serve--if onions or -dillisk are not to be had, use half a pound of any vegetable cut fine: -_halibut and similar fish_ can be cooked in the same manner. - - -RECEIPT NO. 20. - -Take three dozen of mussels, wash them, and place them in a stewing pan -over the fire for five minutes, so that the shell is open; take them -off, and remove the upper shell: sometimes a small crab will be found in -them, which remove, as they are rather unwholesome; replace them, with -their liquor and bottom shell, in the pan, add a spoonful of flour, -mixed with some butter or lard, and a spoonful of chopped parsley; stir -it in, and stew for five minutes, and serve. - -For a large quantity have ready the large boiler, put therein four -pounds of lard or butter, and four pounds of sliced onions, and fry for -five minutes; have ready two pails full of mussels with their liquor out -of their shell, which put in the boiler, with one pound of salt, two -ounces of pepper, two ounces of sugar, and two pounds of chopped -parsley; have ready two pounds of flour, mixed with water, to the -consistence of good cream, and put it into the boiler; boil for ten to -fifteen minutes, stir it gently with a wooden spatula, and serve; if not -required meagre, use instead of the flour and water the same quantity of -boiling stock, from the bones of meat, or from cow-heel, well stewed, -parts of which, cut small, can be added: any flavour of herbs may be -given, if liked. - - -NO. 21.--THE POOR MAN'S POTATO PIE. - -Wash and peel six pounds of good potatoes, cut in slices, take one pound -of fat mutton or beef cut into small dice, mix the whole with pepper and -salt, cover with 51 paste, and bake one hour and half, and serve. - -In all the foregoing receipts, a greater quantity of meat may be used by -those who can afford it, as I am a great advocate that every trade -should flourish and that wealth should support luxury. However great the -quantity of meat that may be used, no longer time should be used in -cooking it. Take the same proportion of the receipts for any larger -quantity. - - - - -ANECDOTES, ETC. - - -THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S HEAD-QUARTERS PRIOR TO THE BATTLE OF INKERMANN. - -[Illustration: THE DAWN OF INKERMANN.] - -His Royal Highness's quarters were situate about one hundred and thirty -yards to the left of the windmill on the Woronzoff Road. Five parallel -bell-tents were occupied--one by the duke, the others by Colonel -Macdonald, Colonel Tyrwhitt, Major Clifton, and Dr. Gibson, his staff. -M. Comte, _chef de cuisine_ to the duke, and to whose devotion to all -who came in his way and needed help while in the Crimea I before have -had in this work occasion to allude, has since related to me that on the -morning of the Battle of Inkermann he got up at three o'clock, the -weather being chilly and damp and a thick heavy fog surrounding the -camp, and having lit his fire he made himself some tea, when, about -five, as he was quietly smoking his pipe _a la bivouacaire_, within -range of the fire (of his open-air battery) the duke came up to him, -exclaiming, "Halloo! M. Comte, you are about early this morning." - -"Yes, your Highness," he replied; "the fact is, the weather is so cold -and damp, that for the life of me I could not sleep, therefore I turned -out and made myself a cup of tea." - -"You are right," said the duke, warming his feet by the fire; "the -weather is truly wretched." - -Hardly had the duke said these words, than several volleys of musketry -and loud shouts reverberated through the camp, something like the growls -of thousands of wild animals. Leaving no doubt that it was an attack of -the enemy, the duke immediately left me and ran for his horse, and was -soon mounted, and started alone towards the scene of action; a few -minutes after, his staff followed in the wake of their gallant leader. -So sudden was his departure, that, having made a bowl of tea which I had -intended for him, though I ran after him with it in my hand, his -Highness started without partaking of it. Not till five o'clock in the -evening did the duke return, his horse wounded, and a bullet having -passed through his coat-sleeve without injuring him. Major Clifton had -been wounded in the cheek during the battle, and came back to quarters -during the day to have his wound dressed by Dr. Gibson. On returning -once more to the field of battle, he had his horse shot under him. When -he again returned he was seen carrying the saddle of his defunct animal -on his back. At the return of the staff in the evening, the outside of -the duke's head-quarters had the appearance of a field hospital, M. -Comte having taken on himself to supply refreshment to all the wounded -who were brought to his nursing care. I have heard that no less than six -or seven hundred had been supplied with succour in the course of two or -three days by his Highness's faithful _chef de cuisine_. - -On the 11th of the same month, and while the duke was staying on board -the _Resolution_, in the harbour of Balaklava, our heroic _chef de -cuisine_ was ordered to remain in possession of the commandant's house -in Balaklava, awaiting the return of his royal master, and also having -under his charge no less than fifteen female prisoners of war, whom he -was charged by the authorities to watch over with the aid of sentries, -as it was thought that these female Amazons might fire Balaklava. -Amongst them was the Governor's wife and children. All the men being -ordered out of the establishment, the Governor's lady, with a smile on -her lips, in very good French, inquired of M. Comte if two gentlemen -present would be allowed to remain, which favour, after serious -consideration on the part of the new Governor _pro tem._, was granted, -these gentlemen being of the advanced ages respectively of three and -five years. "Never did I feel a greater relief," said M. Comte, "than -when these lady prisoners were taken out of my charge, as each day -discovered some fresh attempts at conspiracy." It was during the -governorship of this semi-warrior that the dreadful storm took place in -the Bay of Balaklava, and uprooted the beautiful avenue of poplar trees -which ornamented his capital, and which, to his sorrow, much disfigured -the prettiest part of his dominions. - -On a previous occasion, just after landing, before the battle of the -Alma, this indefatigable culinary artist, who by the bye is an old -traveller, was seen, under a heavy shower of rain, cooking beneath the -wings of an open umbrella, preparing a dish of fried croquettes, at a -time when the duke himself did not anticipate such a delicacy. The -umbrella was used to stop the rain falling in the pan, which would have -prevented the completion of this dainty dish, water and fat being -irreconcilable foes. - -[Illustration: A STORM IN A FRYING-PAN.] - -Early the following morning an alarm took place, when our warrior-cook -deserted his umbrella, and shouldered his gun in his right as -commander-in-chief of his own battery (_de cuisine_). The moon was -faintly shining, and with its rays appeared the duke, who indistinctly -seeing some one, exclaimed, "_Who's there?_" when M. Comte replied, "It -is me, your Highness. Having heard the alarm, I considered your tent and -my battery could not be too well guarded, so I have just taken up this -musket to be on the defensive." The duke replied, "Really, Comte, vous -etes impayable;" and immediately started with his staff to the supposed -scene of action. After a few hours everything was restored to order, -when Comte grounded arms, inspected his battery, and had breakfast ready -to the minute as usual. - -[Illustration: THE CULINARY SENTRY.] - - -A VISIT TO THE SULTAN'S NEW PALACE OF DOLMA BATCHI. - -In the month of March, 1856, I was fortunate enough to obtain an order, -which I procured by great favour, to visit this huge pile of marble, -prior to its final completion and occupation by his Majesty the Sultan -and his harem; and although many parts of it were open to the public by -ticket, yet very few visitors could boast of having seen so much of the -interior as myself of this stupendous and most elegant area, where the -modern houri of Mahomet were shortly to be located, they at this time -still remaining in the old palace on the Bosphorus. The large room -preparing for the reception of the Sultan's favourites had but very -little moveable furniture, but at the same time was most elegantly -decorated. Nothing but couches were placed round the room, while the -flooring was of highly-polished wood of a most tasty design; the whole -of the hangings and coverings were of a rich satin of a lavender colour, -with a large flowery pattern; twenty chandeliers, of immense -dimensions--about seven feet in height--sprang from the ground, proudly -bearing each more than one hundred wax-lights. The wall was after the -Oriental fashion, which I do not much admire, here and there painted _al -fresco_, representing various views of either landscape, colonnades, -palaces, &c. In spite of this defect, the effect was so peculiar at the -first glance, that it produced on me a most extraordinary sensation. To -my surprise I found the ceiling remarkably low, but which I found, on -consideration, would not appear so to its future innumerable tenants, -from their habit of squatting on the floor. The effect of the light on -this apartment had been tried two nights before, and the ends of the -wax-lights still remained in the sockets of the chandeliers, and which, -when lit, must have had a most extraordinary effect. Here for the first -time I had an uninterrupted view from the interior of a harem, through -the latticed windows, which are now made on an improved principle to the -old Turkish style, which give you more than ever an opportunity to see -from the inside without being seen, the exterior of which is also -painted with views of landscapes, which are visible from the Bosphorus. -At the further end of this stupendous kind of drawing-room were several -apartments for the favourites, most gorgeously decorated by valuable -Oriental tapestry, hanging curtains, ottomans, &c. Next I was shown a -narrow corridor with three doors; I learned that these were the -penitential cells for any of the naughty beauties who might need -correction; however, the dungeons did not bear a very dreadful aspect. -From here we went to the Sultan's bedroom, which was gorgeously -decorated with deep golden fringe and crimson velvet hangings of the -richest description; the decorations of this room are almost -indescribable. We then visited another room, called the Sultan's Cabinet -de Travail, where I was much struck to see it entirely fitted up in the -European style, quite _a la Francaise_, after the style of Louis XV. -Upon inquiring of my ciceroni, I learned that the whole of the furniture -of the apartment had been presented to the Sultan by the Emperor of the -French, Napoleon III., and I must say that the quiet, though superb, -manner in which it was fitted was a most pleasant relief to me after -wandering through so many gaudy and superfluously grand apartments. The -Sultan had already occupied himself in this room. The carpet and table -were covered with the finest red French cloth, while the ceiling was of -a good elevation; in fact, the Tuileries (which I have lately visited) -cannot boast a more tasty or better fitted-up apartment. The staircase -leading to the harem was very striking, the lantern at the summit being -covered with paintings, representing windows with pots of flowers, -vases, birds, &c.; yet the whole of these, though well painted, -presented quite a theatrical aspect to the really charming appearance of -the marble staircase. My guide had observed to me while in the Cabinet -de Travail, that he never recollected any stranger entering it before; -he then showed me the chef-d'oeuvres of the palace, which were the -ladies' baths--the most expensive and luxurious part of this costly -palace, the bath being the greatest luxury of the Turks, the whole of -them being inlaid with sapphire stone boldly carved. We then passed -through the Throne Room, which I have already described in this work: it -is a regular _facsimile_ of St. Sophia, but more gaudy. We then walked -through the Reception Room for the ambassadors, which is simply -decorated with gold and white, in the European style. On turning to the -left, we came to the grand crystal staircase with its thousand jets of -red light. I then begged to be shown the kitchen, which request at first -I perceived was objected to by my guide, who expressed himself that it -was impossible; but being armed with formidable letters, and making use -of M. Roco Vido's name, who is well known to the Sultan's grand hatchi -batchi, or chief cook, I at length prevailed on him to induct me to this -pandaemonium of scientific handicraft, where between three and four -hundred cooks were busily engaged manipulating the most _recherche_ -dishes _a la_ Turk, many of which I had the pleasure of tasting. The -appearance and bustle of the kitchen, which was quite new to me, put me -more in mind of a public market than what it really was; every man-cook -was dressed in the Oriental fashion, all looking very clean. The copper -vessels which they use are daily tinned--which fact I learnt from the -_Chef_,--and shone like so much silver. The process of the Turkish -cookery, though slow, I much approve of, as the succulence and aroma of -every kind of food are retained, and it is far superior to our system, -everything being cooked or stewed on the top of red-hot ashes laid on -slabs of stone or marble. The floor of the kitchen was rather ill-paved, -and the attendants were in the habit of strewing everything on the -ground not wanted for use--an untidy trick. I could trace from the -interior of this monster establishment no less than twenty huge shaft -chimneys sprouting out from the roof of this gastronomic temple. It was -now near twelve o'clock, when a shower of tray-bearers made their -appearance in the kitchen, and with the greatest celerity were loaded -with heaps of dishes belonging to the first, second, and third course. I -ascertained on inquiry that these were for the dinners of the ladies of -the harem. White snowy-looking cloths were thrown over each tray, and -they were carried, to my astonishment, to the old palace on the -Bosphorus, a distance of nearly half a mile, on the bearers' heads,--the -large kitchen at the latter place having been destroyed by fire, and the -Sultan's meals only being prepared there in a private kitchen, his -Majesty always dining alone; which order was instituted by Mahomed II., -the story being, that that monarch had so little confidence in those -around him, that he always feared they would rob him of his food while -carrying it from plate to mouth. Delighted with my visit, I deposited in -my cicerone's hands the golden key, in the shape of bakschish, with -which I had so successfully opened the palace door of the Sublime -Porte. - - -THE PARISIAN KITCHEN FOR THE WORKING-CLASSES, - -OR FOURNEANT DE L'IMPERATRICE - -The kitchens for the working-classes are sixty-eight in number, each -capable of supplying from one thousand to twelve hundred mechanics with -good food, for which each one pays about two-thirds of the value -received, although nothing is given gratuitously. They are attended by -Sisters of Charity, and kept extremely clean, while the deficit is, I -believe, made up by her Majesty the Empress and the municipality of -Paris, from whom these institutions derive their name of Fourneant de -l'Imperatrice. The provisions are supplied from the central market of -Paris, the Halle au Ble, which is under the superintendence of the -Comptroller-General, M. Durand, by whom I was treated with the greatest -courtesy while drawing up the report I made to his Majesty by imperial -command; and I much regret that want of space prevents my giving it at -full length here, although the report had chiefly a local importance. -Wagons take the different articles of food early in the morning to all -the establishments. These are most useful institutions, and in case of a -scarcity of food, provisions could always, at a trifling expense, be -dressed here for the needy. Indeed, every metropolis, and all large -mercantile towns, ought to follow this excellent example, which, I -believe, owes its origin to England. - - -THE TRAVELLING GENTLEMEN OF THE CRIMEA. - -I cannot pass without notice the following little anecdote, related to -me by Colonel Carleton of the Coldstreams--the principal personage -connected with it. The day after the battle of Inkermann (said the -gallant colonel) the field was visited by many T. G.'s, some of them -contorting their optics with eye-glasses, and taking a survey of the -many dead on the field, near to the spot where he was busily engaged in -paying the last duty to the remains of the defunct brave; whereupon he -made inquiry of one of his men if the gentlemen were known who seemingly -took such an interest in the awful spectacle. He then desired them to -come to him, which request, with a kind smile, they soon obeyed; but -much were they disappointed when, instead of addressing them in a -friendly manner, the Colonel ordered them to take their coats off and -shoulder a pick and dig graves, which disagreeable task they could not -avoid, as discipline was the order of the day, though very disgusting -the task to our curious and no doubt wealthy pleasure-hunters. They -were, the Colonel afterwards ascertained, merchants from one of our -great commercial cities. When trapped, it was morning; when they -finished their task, it was night. Thus our amateur gravediggers had not -only a hard day's work, but a very unpleasant one in the bargain. - - -THE CONSUMPTION HOSPITAL, BROMPTON. - -_A Visit to the Kitchen, by Request._ - -While at the Reform Club, Captain Lyons, R.M., requested me to visit the -kitchen of the above hospital, in the anticipation that I might be able -to make some improvements in that department, if any should be -requisite. The day following I went and found the place in the most -perfect order, while all at once a stove of a very showy structure -caught my eye, in which were placed eight or ten copper caldrons, well -fixed in either iron or brick frames, each being labelled beef-tea, -coffee, tea, &c. I could not but approve of the elegant appearance these -utensils presented, but at the same time give my disapprobation of their -having copper in use, while screwed down so tightly that but a small -chance remained of their being properly tinned. In removing the lid, I -remarked to the Captain that not the slightest particle of tin remained, -and that therefore the cooking could not be done in any other but a -highly dangerous manner. I then explained to the woman cook where the -danger lay; when she quietly answered that there could be no danger, as -she had each boiler cleansed two or three times a day; which of course -was the root of the evil, having no doubt been the cause of the entire -disappearance of the tin. In asking her how long it was since they were -tinned, she replied,--"Not since she had been engaged there, nor, -probably, since they had been fixed up;" when I explained to her the sad -mistake in not having well tinned all such boilers, in large -establishments such as this, where the utensils are in daily use, as -they ought to be tinned at least once in every three months. I then made -about a gallon of beef-tea with the hospital rations, in less than an -hour, to which quick process she much objected, saying that she was -certain the patients would not like it, as in that time it could not be -thoroughly done, as she always stewed it for at least six or seven -hours, by which time the meat was done to ribbons. I begged the Captain -to allow several basins of my broth to be sent to the different wards to -various patients, which was done, whom we afterwards visited. When the -Captain inquired of one how he felt, he answered that he felt a great -deal better that day, his taste having returned to him, which was a -proof of the superiority of my plan over that of their cook's--a system, -I regret to say, practised in many large establishments. (For Beef-tea, -see Hospital Diets.) - - -COPIES OF LETTERS - - FROM THE MILITARY AUTHORITIES, ADDRESSED TO M. SOYER DURING HIS - STAY IN TURKEY AND THE CRIMEA. - - -HEAD-QUARTERS, SCUTARI, _August 3rd, 1855_. - - DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--As you are about to leave the hospitals at - Scutari for Balaklava, I think, in justice to your unremitting - attention and zeal in your endeavours to improve the culinary - department, it is incumbent on me, as the military commanding - officer of the troops in the Bosphorus and Dardanelles, to express - to you how much the sick and wounded of this army, as well as those - who have their interest at heart, are indebted to you for the - improvement you have made in the cooking of these establishments. - Your alterations of the kitchens and stoves must add much to the - economy of fuel, which is of the greatest consequence here; and - your successful attempts, combined with simplicity of making such - palatable beverages and soups out of so small a portion of - ingredients, is highly advantageous. - - Wishing you a pleasant voyage, and hoping to find the cooking in - camp as much improved as the cooking here, - -I am, yours ever faithfully, - -(Signed) W. PAULET, _Brigadier-General_. - - I am sure General Simpson will afford you every assistance in - carrying out your wishes. - - -HEAD-QUARTERS, SCUTARI, _20th Nov., 1855_. - - MY DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--I regret exceedingly to learn that you - have been ill, and hope you are recovered by this time. When do you - leave for the Crimea? I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you - before you depart. The British army owes you much, and is grateful - for all you have done. - - Thanks to your exertions, we have at least ameliorated our military - system of cookery, and we thank you sincerely for it. - - Accept my best wishes, and believe me, yours truly, - -H. K. STORKS, - -_Brigadier-General_. - - - - -HEAD-QUARTERS, SCUTARI, _March 22nd, 1856_. - - MY DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--I cannot allow you to leave Scutari - without expressing my perfect satisfaction with all you have done - to ameliorate the culinary system for our soldiers. The kitchens - you have established at Scutari answer admirably, and I am - satisfied that we are as much redevable, if not more so, to the - cooks for the good health we now enjoy, as to the doctors. - - Pray receive, my dear Monsieur Soyer, the assurance of my - sentiments of kind regard. - -Yours truly, -H. K. STORKS, -_Brigadier-General_. - -To Monsieur Alexis Soyer. - - - - -SOYER'S VILLARETTE, _May 15th, 1856_. - - After doubting many of your enthusiastic views as to cooking, I - acknowledge that I am fairly beaten. Every one to his trade. - -Yours very truly, -C. A. WINDHAM, -_Major-General, Commander of Staff_. - - - - -CAMP, FIRST DIVISION, _May 25th, 1856_. - - MONSIEUR SOYER,--I accept, with many thanks, the portable - cooking-stove you have been kind enough to present me; and I - perceive it will henceforth be the means of my eating after a - civilized fashion, so long as I have a coat-pocket to carry it in. - - I beg your acceptance of an inkstand, made with a Russian - grapeshot. It bears upon its surface the proof of having been - projected during the siege, and will, therefore, serve you as a - lasting reminiscence of your sojourn in the camp. - - I also hope it will cause you to bear in mind the assurance of the - value I attach to all the exertions and arrangements you have made - to ameliorate the position of our brave soldiers, by teaching them - to utilize their rations, and improve the cooking of their - food--formerly so often spoiled or wasted. - - Pray accept the assurance of my highest consideration. - -ROKEBY. - - - - -HEAD-QUARTERS, SCUTARI, _May, 1856_. - - DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--Many thanks for your obliging letter of the - 29th April. - - I thank you for the trouble you have taken with Marshal Pelissier, - and am much flattered by the cordial acknowledgment of his - Excellency. Should you have occasion to see him again, pray tell - him so. - - I sincerely compliment you upon the success of your stoves. The - British army owes you much; and I assure you we are highly - sensible of the value of your devotion, and the disinterested and - honourable sentiments you have displayed. - - Our system of military cookery much required reform, and in - introducing a new one you have rendered us immense service. - - Pray accept, my dear Monsieur Soyer, the assurance of my esteem and - highest consideration. - -H. K. STORKS, -_Brigadier-General_. - - - - -LIGHT DIVISION CAMP, SEBASTOPOL, _June 7th, 1856_. - - General Lord William Paulet, commanding Light Division, having - inspected the camp cooking-stoves issued by Monsieur Soyer for - trial to the ten regiments composing his division, has much - pleasure in stating that they answer in every respect. They consume - not a quarter so much fuel; they boil the meat more regularly, and - the vegetables, and therefore make better soup; they never smoke, - which is invariably the case with all barrack cook-houses. You can - use them either out of doors or inside, and would prove useful in - all standing camps or barracks; and may be issued to the troops - according to the number required occupying a barrack, and the - remainder being kept in store, they being so portable. - - Lord William would like to see them in all quarters occupied by - troops where the cook-houses are not good, and the saving of fuel - would pay the expense. - - -SCUTARI BARRACKS HOSPITAL, _April 9th, 1855_. - - It gives me great pleasure to testify, after visiting Monsieur - Soyer's kitchen in the above establishment, and comparing the - quality and economy of the many excellent preparations made for the - use of the sick, that those prepared from his formulae are very - superior to those previously supplied. - - I consider, if the suggestions of Monsieur Soyer be acted on, that - he will have conferred a great boon on the sick and convalescent - soldier, and for such improvement will deserve the thanks of every - person having feeling for the British soldier, and who desires to - ameliorate his condition. - -HUGH BIRT, F.R.C.S.E., -_Civil Surgeon of the 1st Class to the Scutari Hospital_. - - - - -HYDER PASHA HOSPITALS, SCUTARI, _May 1st, 1855_. - - This is to certify that Monsieur Soyer has, in his visits to the - above hospitals, rendered a very important service, by clearly - demonstrating that the dietary for the sick may, by his improved - method of cooking, be greatly enhanced in value by making it, out - of the usual materials, more nutritious, more palatable, and more - advantageous for every purpose. - -H. G. W. MACELLERY, - -_1st Class S. Surgeon, Superintending Medical Officer, -Hyder Pasha Hospitals_. - - - - -BALAKLAVA, _June 15th, 1855_. - - MY DEAR SIR,--In reply to your letter of the 7th instant, there - will be no difficulty whatever in giving to the troops occasionally - salt beef and pork on the same day, should they wish it. - - Trusting soon to have the pleasure of seeing you in the Crimea, - -I remain, yours very truly, -WILLIAM FILDER. - -A. Soyer, Esq., -&c. &c. &c. - - - - -_June 16th, 1855._ - - MY DEAR SIR,--I am much obliged to you for the trouble you have - taken in my behalf, and feel confident that any arrangement entered - into by you will be as excellent as the other results I have - witnessed, of that ability and energy by which our poor fellows - have so much benefited. I will deliver your message to Colonel - Daniell. - -Believe me, my dear Sir, yours very truly, -J. W. CARLETON. - - - - -_3rd September, 1855._ - - MY DEAR SIR,--I was not well the day of your former feast, which - unfortunately deprived me of the pleasure of tasting your good - things; and to-day I am compelled to go down to Balaklava to see - after stores for the troops embarking for Kertch. But I know all - will do well under your able direction, and hereafter I shall have - the satisfaction of witnessing the beneficial results of your - labours in the camp kitchens. - -Sincerely yours, -J. HALL. - - - - -PURVEYOR-IN-CHIEF'S OFFICE, SCUTARI, - -_August 8th, 1855_. - - MY DEAR SIR,--I have much pleasure in acknowledging the receipt of - your letter. If I have done anything to help you, it is because I - have seen it to be my duty to the public, and because your - admirable arrangements have all the object of making the sick man - delight in his diet, which, I fear, was not the case previous to - your arrival. - - I can, perhaps, more than any one appreciate the good you have - done. Why, then, should I not heart and soul help you in an object, - the attainment of which induced you to leave England?--viz., the - good of the soldier. - - Go on, and success to you. I will endeavour to help you as much as - I can at Balaklava, as I have felt it my duty and pleasure to do - here. - -I am, my dear Sir, yours truly, -J. SCOTT ROBERTSON. - -Monsieur Alexis Soyer, -Balaklava. - - - - -GUARDS' CAMP, FIRST DIVISION, SEBASTOPOL, -_October 16th, 1855_. - - I hereby acknowledge the receipt of five of Monsieur A. Soyer's - field-kitchens or camp stoves, which are now in active use by the - cooks of the Coldstream Guards. And I hereby further acknowledge - the receipt of a sixth camp-stove from Monsieur Soyer, for the use - of the hospital of the said regiment. I cannot speak too highly in - praise of these camp-kitchens for the great comfort and convenience - they afford, the great economy and diminution of fuel, whether - placed in the open air or under cover, and enabling the cooks to - soak their salt meat properly; also to make puddings of rice and - other things; and in cases of emergency, any quantity of - rice-water, barley-water, or lemonade can be made, as well as soup, - beef-tea, &c. If split peas were issued as rations by the - Commissariat once or twice a week, when salt pork and beef are - given, it would be a great addition to the soldier's comfort, as - well as a most wholesome and nutritious food, and very strongly - recommended by Monsieur Soyer. Speaking for the Brigade of Guards, - which I have the honour at this time to command, I have to thank - Monsieur Soyer for all his kindness, and the very great boon he has - given us by granting us the use of his stoves, which are the models - for the rest of the army in the Crimea. - -GORDON DRUMMOND, Colonel, -_Commanding Brigade of Guards_. - - Monsieur A. Soyer, Guards' Encampment, Sebastopol. - - -BALAKLAVA, _9th Dec., 1855_. - - DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--I am favoured with your letter of 29th ult., - and am glad to hear so favourable a report of the compressed - vegetables which have recently arrived out. - - I sent to Constantinople some time ago for a supply of haricot - beans, with, the view to being issued with salt pork, as you - recommended; and their introduction generally will be greatly - benefited by your personal superintendence and advice, as you - propose. - - We shall all have great pleasure in seeing you here again, and - availing ourselves of your valuable suggestions and services. - - The winter has fairly set in, after two months of beautiful - weather. Cold, damp, and discomfort prevail to a certain extent, - and we move about in a sea of mud; but, as a set-off, we have - abundance of supplies of all kinds, including fuel--the men are - well clothed, and the erection of the huts is well advanced, - notwithstanding their late arrival and the difficulty in - transporting them to the front. - -I remain, dear Monsieur Soyer, - -Yours very faithfully, -GEO. MACLEAN. - -Monsieur Soyer, &c., -Scutari. - - P. S.--I have written for a six months' supply of Chorlet's - compressed vegetables as a reserve, and to guard against unforeseen - contingencies. We have fresh vegetables, potatoes, and onions, more - regularly; but cannot always expect this will continue. The - quantity sent for will be about 10,000,000 of rations.--G. M. - - -CAMP, _May 11th, 1856_. - - SIR,--One of your cooking-stoves was tried by me yesterday and - to-day. - - It answers to perfection; I never tasted better soup than was this - day made by a soldier out of _the regular rations_. - - The quantity of fuel saved by this stove is enormous. - - I trust that your information is correct--viz., that Government - have made arrangements to supply the army with these - cooking-stoves. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your obedient servant, -ALEXANDER MAXWELL, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 46th Regiment_. - -Monsieur Alexis Soyer. - - - - -CAMP, SEVASTOPOL, _May 21st, 1856_. - - MY DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--I can have no hesitation in saying that - your stove is the best I have seen, and the men of my regiment are - very much pleased with it. - - I think you told me that ovens could be fitted to them also; if so, - they will be a boon conferred on the British soldier, which he - will, I am sure, highly appreciate. - -Yours very faithfully, - -B. DAUBENEY, -_Commanding 55th Regiment_. - - - - -CAMP, NEAR SEBASTOPOL, _May 23rd, 1856_. - - SIR,--I have the honour to report that the result of the - experimental cooking by Monsieur Soyer's stove and boiler has been - most satisfactory. - - The small quantity of fuel required is a great advantage, a small - stick carried by each man of a company would afford sufficient fuel - to cook a meal. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your most obedient humble servant, -W. SPARKE, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 38th Regiment_. - -The Major of Brigade. - - - - -CAMP, SEBASTOPOL, _May 25th, 1856_. - - SIR,--I have to acknowledge your letter of this morning, and have - much pleasure in stating that during the short period we had the - opportunity of using your field-stove, nothing could be more - satisfactory, both in its superiority as a means of cooking a large - quantity of rations in a short time, and also from the small - quantity of fuel used in doing so. I must also give it as my - opinion, that it is admirably suited for operations in the field, - but requires to have the outer casing protected in some way; - probably an open netting of iron wire would do so, with a couple of - loops, so that two stoves could be attached and carried by one mule - or horse. - -I remain, Sir, - -Yours very faithfully, -RAMSAY STUART, -_Lieutenant-Colonel 21st Fusiliers_. - -Alexis Soyer, Esq., -&c. &c. &c., -Crimea. - - - - -CAMP, SEBASTOPOL, _26th May, 1856_. - - SIR,--I beg leave to state that I approve most highly of your - field-stoves. - - Each company in my regiment has had good opportunities of fully - testing their qualities; and both in the cooking of fresh and salt - meat have been found to answer the purpose for which they were - intended, remarkably well. - -I have the honor to be, Sir, - -Your most obedient humble servant, -B. RILEY, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 48th Regiment_. - -Monsieur A. Soyer. - - - - -FOURTH DIVISION, CAMP, SEBASTOPOL, _26th May, 1856_. - - MONSIEUR SOYER,--In reply to your letter of the 21st of this month, - relative to the field-stoves, I beg to state that the stove has - been tried by the 57th Regiment, and I am of opinion that it is - well adapted for the purpose intended. - - It affords every facility for cooking, and saves a considerable - quantity of fuel; and two of the stoves to one company on the march - would be far preferable to the camp-kettles now in use. - -I have the honour to be, - -JOHN A. STREET, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 57th Regiment_. - -Monsieur Soyer, -Fourth Division. - - - - -CAMP, SEVASTOPOL, _27th May, 1856_. - - SIR,--I have the honour to state, for the information of the - Major-General commanding the Fourth Division, that Monsieur Soyer's - cooking-stove has been tried in the 57th Regiment, and I am of - opinion that it is well adapted for the purpose intended; there is - a very considerable saving of fuel, and little difficulty in - cooking; and two stoves per company would be far preferable to the - camp-kettles now in use. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your obedient servant, -JOHN A. STREET, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 57th Regiment_. - -Lieut.-Col. Smith, A.A.G., -Fourth Division. - - - - -CAMP BEFORE SEBASTOPOL, _26th May, 1856_. - - SIR,--With reference to No. 3 of this day's order, I have the - honour to state that during the short period we had the opportunity - of using Monsieur Soyer's field-stove, nothing could be more - satisfactory, both in its superiority as a means of cooking a large - quantity of rations in a short time, and also from the small - quantity of fuel used in doing so. - - I must also give it as my opinion that it is admirably suited for - operations in the field, but requires to have the outer casing - protected in some way; probably an open netting of iron wire would - do so, with a couple of loops, so that two stoves could then be - attached and carried by one mule or horse. - - I have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient servant, - -RAMSAY STUART, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 21st Fusiliers_. - - The Assistant-Adjutant-General, &c. &c. &c., Fourth Division. - - -CAMP, SEBASTOPOL, _26th May, 1856_. - - SIR,--In compliance with Division Order No. 3 of this day's date, I - beg leave to state that I approve most highly of the Soyer - field-stoves. - - Each company in my regiment has had good opportunities of fully - testing their qualities; and both in the cooking of fresh and salt - meat, they have been found to answer the purpose for which they - were intended, remarkably well. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your most obedient humble servant, -B. RILEY, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 48th Regiment_. - -The Brigade-Major, -Second Brigade, -Fourth Division Camp. - - - - -CAMP, FOURTH DIVISION, _27th May, 1856_. - - SIR,--In compliance with divisional orders of yesterday's date, - directing officers commanding corps to report on Monsieur Soyer's - stove, - - I have the honour to state I consider Monsieur Soyer's stove cooks - the men's rations infinitely better than the ordinary way. The - saving of fuel, also, to Government is a very important - consideration; and moreover I am informed by Monsieur Soyer that - the men's rations can easily be baked by his stove, which I - consider very desirable, so as to enable the men to have a change - in the way of cooking their dinner. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your most obedient servant, -F. C. EVELEGH, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 20th Regiment_. - - The Assistant-Adjutant-General, - - Fourth Division. - - -CAMP, SEBASTOPOL, _27th May, 1856_. - - SIR,--Having had one of your field-stoves in use for some weeks, - for the men of the 23d Fusiliers, and all the companies having - taken their turn of cooking with it, I am happy to be able to bear - testimony to the great improvement you have effected in the - soldiers' cooking. Your field-stoves are clean, easy to use, and - very economical of fuel; they cook the soldiers' food extremely - well, and the men like them very much, each company having been - anxious to retain the stove as long as possible. The great saving - of fuel, also, renders these stoves particularly valuable in a camp - like this. - -I am, Sir, - -Your obedient servant, -HENRY W. BUNBURY, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 23rd Fusiliers_. - -Monsieur Alexis Soyer, -&c. &c. &c. - - - - -LIGHT DIVISION CAMP, _May 27th, 1856_. - - SIR,--I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your letter respecting - the field-stove, and have no hesitation in giving my testimony as - to its great efficiency, both as to economy of fuel and the simple - method of cooking, the result of which can scarcely fail to be - satisfactory, even with the most ignorant and unskilful performer. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your most obedient servant, -PERCY HILL, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 2nd Bat. Rifle Brigade_. - -Monsieur Soyer, -Fourth Division Camp. - - - - -CAMP OF THE LIGHT DIVISION BEFORE SEBASTOPOL, - -_27th May, 1856_. - - MY DEAR SIR,--I am happy to inform you that your new stove has been - used, with great success, in the 77th Regiment. - - It dresses the men's dinners remarkably well, and a great saving of - fuel is effected by using it--about a stone of coals a day. - - I consider it admirably adapted for cooking in the field, and it is - very portable. - -I am, my dear Sir, - -Very faithfully yours, -R. J. STRATON, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 77th Regiment_. - -Monsieur Soyer, &c. &c. - - - - -CAMP BEFORE SEVASTOPOL, _28th May, 1856_. - - SIR,--Having tried your stove, I consider it the best possible - cooking apparatus for the army, whether in barracks or standing - camp. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your most obedient servant, -A. RUSSELL, Major, -_Commanding 1st Bat. Rifle Brigade_. - - Monsieur A. Soyer, Camp, Fourth Division. - - -CAMP, SEVASTOPOL, _28th May 1856_. - - MONSIEUR SOYER,--The cooking-stove sent to my regiment on trial was - in use one week, and I am glad to be able to tell you was highly - approved of. - - The soup was richer and superior in flavour, and the meat better - boiled. - - It has the great advantage of cleanliness, also being capable of - service in the open air, needing only a shed to keep the weather - off those employed. - -Yours very obediently, - -W. H. WELLESLEY, Colonel, -_Commanding Royal Fusiliers_. - -Monsieur A. Soyer. - - - - -CRIMEA, _31st May, 1856_. - - I hereby certify that Soyer's field-kitchen for fifty men has - recently been tried in the battalion under my command, in cooking - soldiers' rations, and that it appears perfectly to answer all - purposes. It possesses many advantages--viz., the small quantity of - fuel required, its lightness and portability, and requiring, when - in use, the attendance of only one man. It is in every respect - preferable to the cooking coppers generally used in barracks. - -R. W. HUEY, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 2nd Bat. 1st Royal Regiment_. - - - - -CAMP, KAMARA, _1st June, 1856_. - - I have much pleasure in bearing my testimony to the great advantage - of Monsieur Soyer's field-stove over the usual method of cooking - practised by an army, from the economy in fuel, the little - attention it requires when the fire is once lighted, and its - construction enabling the soldier to cook in the open air in all - weathers. The slow process of boiling, also, which is easily - regulated by the men after a day's instruction, produces a more - nutritious soup, and renders the meat more tender than when cooked - in the ordinary way. Altogether, I consider the improvement one of - great utility. - -JOHN DOUGLAS, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 79th Highlanders_. - - To Monsieur Alexis Soyer. - - -CRIMEA, _June 2nd, 1856_. - - SIR,--I have much pleasure in bearing testimony in favour of your - stove, which is highly approved by my men; and from its - cleanliness, and economy in fuel, I think it must supersede the old - method of cooking. - -I remain, Sir, - -Your obedient servant, -EDWARD W. WALKER, Colonel, -_Commanding Fusilier Guards_. - -Monsieur Soyer, &c. &c. - - - - -CAMP, KAMARA, _2nd June, 1856_. - - SIR,--In answer to yours of the 21st May last, I am of opinion that - your "field-stove," if taken into general use in the army, would be - a great improvement over the old system of cooking with - camp-kettles. It requires but little attendance, a great deal less - fuel, without the least regard to situation, and may be used with - perfect freedom in any description of weather. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your obedient servant, -A. LEITH HAY, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 93rd Highlanders_. - - Monsieur Alexis Soyer, Cathcart's Hill, Crimea. - - -LIGHT DIVISION CAMP, _4th June, 1856_. - - SIR,--I have much pleasure in being able to bear testimony to the - efficacy of your field-stoves. Their extreme simplicity and their - consuming so little fuel, render them particularly applicable to - the use of soldiers. The men of the regiment under my command all - approve of them. - -I have the honour to be, Sir, - -Your obedient servant, -A. C. GOODENOUGH, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 34th Regiment_. - - Monsieur Alexis Soyer, Cathcart's Hill. - - -CAMP, SEBASTOPOL, _7th June, 1856_. - - I have witnessed the working of Monsieur Soyer's patent portable - kitchen for troops, and consider it most excellent--the process - simple, saving of fuel great, and always insuring a good meal to - the soldier, in camp or barrack, it will be a great boon, should it - be generally adopted. - -THOMAS KELLY, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 31st Regiment_. - - - - -CAMP BEFORE SEBASTOPOL, FOURTH DIVISION, -_June 14th, 1856_. - - Major-General Garrett approves highly of the cooking-stoves - introduced by Monsieur Soyer, which have been made trial of by all - the regiments of the Fourth Division, and have given great - satisfaction to the men, and have been approved by commanding - officers. - - In a standing camp, or in quarters, they are admirable; they can be - put up in an instant anywhere, either in or out of doors, and they - never smoke. If attention is paid to the proportions of meat, - water, and the necessary ingredients, when cooking commences, the - most careless soldier can scarcely fail in making a good mess. - There is also a great saving of fuel; and as only a certain amount - of fire can be kept going, a steady and even process of cooking is - insured, by which, without any great skill on the part of the - soldier, a good dinner is in due course produced. - -A. GARRETT, Major-General, -_Commanding Fourth Division_. - - - - -LIGHT DIVISION CAMP, CRIMEA, _14th June, 1856_. - - MY DEAR SIR,--It gives me great pleasure to send you my opinion of - your camp-stove--the 90th Light Infantry under my command having - had one on trial for some weeks, during which time I watched it - very closely. If generally used in the army, I consider it will be - as great a boon to soldiers as it must be a saving to the public. - Its portability for camp purposes, where one mule can carry two - stoves to cook everything for one hundred men, and without the - necessity for a cook-house, is an important consideration; but the - more so when its portability does not affect its qualities for - general purposes in barracks, &c. The smallest quantity of fuel is - required to light it and to keep it sufficiently hot, and the - degree of heat being so well and simply regulated, waste of fuel - becomes impossible, and the cooking much improved over ordinary - coppers in the usual barrack cook-houses. With the addition of your - very simple receipts, it appears to me that there is everything we - can require, not only to make the most of a soldier's rations, but - to render them both wholesome and palatable. - - You were good enough to superintend personally at my - cook-houses--until that time, the soldiers threw away, or used for - other purposes than intended, the fat of the pork ration; with your - plain instructions, they afterwards spread it on their bread as - butter, and no wonder they were exceedingly fond of it, for it was - pure and sweet, and far superior to the rank bad butter they - purchased in the canteens, &c., in the Crimea. It will not be - wasted again. I am happy to have this opportunity to acknowledge a - great service rendered, and I wish that your camp-stoves may meet - with the success they deserve, that they may be generally used in - the army, not only in camp, but in quarters, hospitals, &c. - -I am, dear Sir, very faithfully yours, - -ROBERT CAMPBELL, Colonel, -_Commanding 90th Light Infantry_. - - Monsieur Alexis Soyer, &c. &c. - - -CAMP, SEBASTOPOL, _14th June, 1856_. - - MY DEAR SIR,--I have just received your letter. - - In reply, I have now to state, from what I have seen of your - stoves, that they are most admirably adapted for the purpose - intended. They economize fuel, which is a great thing; and they - will be a great "boon" to the soldier, in every respect. - -I am, yours very truly, - -THOMAS INGRAM, Lieut-Col., -_Commanding 97th Regiment_. - - To Monsieur Soyer, &c. Barrack Hospital, Scutari. - - -HEAD-QUARTERS, SEBASTOPOL, _19th June, 1856_. - - SIR,--In acknowledging your letter of the 15th instant, I have to - observe that one of your camp-stoves has been in constant use in - the 56th Regiment for the last two months, and from inquiries from - the men themselves, and my own observation, I am decidedly of - opinion that they possess very considerable advantages over any - other means of cooking at present in use in the British army, and I - would strongly advocate their being furnished to all barracks, not - only on account of their superiority in rendering the soldiers' - ration much more wholesome than when prepared by the means - ordinarily used, but also for their great economy of fuel and - labour. - - All these advantages were clearly demonstrated on the occasion of - Lord Gough's visit to the camp of the 56th, when, with ten of the - stoves in operation, you superintended so successfully the cooking - of five hundred men's rations. - -I remain, your very obedient servant, - -A. W. LACY, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 56th Regiment_. - - Monsieur Soyer, &c. &c. - - -CAMP, KADIKOI, _June 26th, 1856_. - - DEAR MONSIEUR SOYER,--The kitchen which you were kind enough to - leave in our camp has been working admirably; the men are quite - delighted with it, because it saves them so much trouble and cooks - their rations so far superior to the old way: the saving in fuel - must be immense. I trust, when we get back to England, every - regiment may be served with them. - -Believe me, very truly yours, - -W. PEEL, Lieut.-Col., -_Commanding 11th Hussars_. - - - - -SCUTARI, _August 11th, 1856_. - - MY DEAR SIR,--The department to which I belong having been broken - up consequent on the return of the English army from the East, I - hope you will allow me, before I leave this country, to express to - you the obligation I feel for your invaluable services in the - hospitals here and at Kululee. To the important information and - improvements which from the first you brought to bear upon the - culinary department at each hospital, have the sick been indebted - for much of the comforts they enjoyed when in hospital; nothing - does tend to console a patient, or to restore him, so much as the - nicety of the food which is given him: on the other hand, the - badly-cooked food which is so often found in hospitals where the - cooks have not been trained, retard no doubt the convalescence of - the sick, the patient rather turning from his meal than desiring - it. It was not so, however, with the hospitals here from the time - you commenced your improvements in the kitchens. - - I could not, for myself, have desired anything better than the - meals which, through your management, were furnished daily to the - patients. I think the general management of the kitchen has been - admirable, and, considering the vast numbers which had to be cooked - for, in every way successful. I believe your system introduced into - the general hospitals of the army generally, would be attended with - incalculable advantage in every way, to the sick as well as the - convalescents, and, I have no doubt, with much economy. - - You are aware how much pleasure it gave me to see the working of - your excellent field-kitchens at the First Division, when I visited - the Crimea in September last on duty. So much was I struck with - their excellence, and the little expense attending them, that I - addressed a letter to Sir Benjamin Hawes on the subject at the - time, suggesting the propriety of at once introducing them into the - hospitals in the front, where I believe they were very much wanted. - I can only hope that ere long not a regiment in the service will be - without them; and I am sure that will be the wish of all who have - seen them in operation. - - Wishing you a happy return to England, where you left your family - and friends with the patriotic and humane object of rendering your - gratuitous services to the army in the East at a time when so much - suffering was endured by the soldiers both in hospital and in the - field, and with my thanks for your valuable assistance to my - department, - -Believe me to be, yours very sincerely, - -T. SCOTT ROBERTSON, -_Purveyor-in-Chief_. - - To Monsieur Soyer. - - -MALTA, _September 8th, 1856_. - - SIR,--In reply to your letter requesting me to give you my opinion - on the subject of your military cooking stove, I now beg to give - you the opinion I have formed of them. - - I will first mention that the stove was used by each of the - companies of the 47th Regiment in succession. The non-commissioned - officers and soldiers all spoke most favourably of it. - - The portable cooking stove has, in my mind, many important - advantages to recommend it--one very important one being that it - can cook in any situation whatsoever, and in any weather, and with - the smallest possible consumption of fuel of any kind which may be - available--a very great consideration in localities where fuel is - scarce or difficult of access. I imagine those stoves would have - answered admirably for cooking in the trenches before Sebastopol, - taking little room, consuming little fuel, and showing but little - smoke, and cooking the food as securely and perfectly in bad - weather as in fine. - - For field hospitals they would answer admirably, _especially as - carrying their own fuel_ on a march. The cooking for the sick could - commence instantly on the halt taking place. - - I think here at Malta they would be very useful in many of the - encampments; in fact, anywhere that troops are suddenly placed they - (the cooking stoves) would be found of great use. Even they could - answer very well in the event of troops having on any emergency to - embark in vessels inadequately provided with cooking apparatus. - - Fully convinced of their merits, I wish the invention all the - military success and encouragement it deserves. - -I have the honour to be your very obedient servant, - -M. J. HALEY, -_Colonel commanding 47th Regiment_. - - To Monsieur Alexis Soyer. - - P.S. There is one observation I cannot help adding, which is that, - however desirable it is to give the army improved utensils for - cooking, little progress will be made in military cookery and - teaching the soldiers to turn such rations or other articles of - food to account in the most advantageous and ready manner, unless - it is some one person's particular business to teach cooking. We - ought to have a non-commissioned officer for the special duty, and - who would be responsible for imparting instruction in that most - essential craft; recollecting a most important _maxime de - guerre_:--"C'est la soupe qui fait le soldat." - - -13, KENSINGTON PARK TERRACE NORTH, _July, 1857_. - - DEAR SIR,--I understand that you are about to publish some - observations respecting your valuable labours in the culinary - department in the military hospitals of Scutari and the Crimea. If - you permit me, I shall be happy to add a few remarks, such as - occurred to me during the period I was engaged by the Government as - one of the physicians in the Barrack Hospital. One of the first - duties in the treatment of the sick was to ascertain the quality of - the food adapted to invalids labouring under every form of fever, - of acute and chronic diarrhoea, and especially dysentery. It is - in vain to attempt to cure these diseases by medicines only; a - carefully regulated diet was of the first consequence; and I was - early disappointed and embarrassed by the wretched state of the - kitchens and diet intended for the sick. I was in the habit of - frequenting the kitchen which belonged to the division of the - hospital in which I was doing duty, and observing the mode of - cooking, and soon found that the soldier-cooks were quite ignorant - of their art. I have constantly examined and tasted the mutton and - fowls, the soups, the vegetables, and the puddings, and I do not - hesitate to affirm that they were as unpalatable and unsavoury and - as objectionable as they could be. The practice of cooking the - fowls was to put them into nets--a dozen or more in one net; - several nets were placed in large coppers; and then to boil them as - rapidly as possible, with fierce heat. I have many times examined - their quality after this process of rapid boiling, and always found - them extremely tough and uneatable, and generally the sick soldier - could not masticate them, especially as so many of the sick were - suffering from spongy gums and decayed teeth, the effects of - scurvy. The mutton, generally bad in quality, was always very badly - cooked, and the broths or soups very destitute of flavour. No one, - sir, can know so well as a physician the great value of palatable - and easily digestible food--it is of more consequence than the - whole contents of the apothecary's shop. - - I do not desire to flatter you, nor unnecessarily to disparage the - former miserable system of cooking. Your presence in that essential - department of the healing art inspired us with new hopes. In a few - days we discovered the superiority of your successful efforts to - unite the agreeable and nutritive qualities of food. Under your - instructions, the meat became savoury and eatable--the soups were - relished--the puddings were pleasant, and enjoyed--the tea and - coffee were refreshing. Those invalids who before your arrival - seemed to yield most patiently to their hard lot of - semi-starvation, and often went without the medical comforts, now - looked out anxiously for the hour when these creature blessings - were usually distributed. The Government, with a proper generosity, - gave almost a _carte blanche_ to the Medical Staff to order every - medical comfort to the poor sick soldier who could no longer wield - a sword or shoulder a musket, and who were perishing by diseases - aggravated by improper diet and bad cooking. The art of the - _cuisine_ yields not in importance to medicine itself--it is the - handmaid of the physician; and I would rather trust to its curative - powers than to the physic of the doctors, if I were limited to the - alternative of either the one or the other. - -I am, dear Sir, your obedient servant, - -ROBERT WOOLLASTON, _M.D. Lond., F.S.C.S., -Late one of the Physicians of the Barrack -Hospital at Scutari_. - - To Monsieur Soyer. - -_Copy of Letter addressed by the Author to the Right Honourable the Lord -Panmure, K.T., &c. &c. &c., relating to the completion of his Mission, -in the shape of a Journal._ - - MY LORD,--I beg to close this little journal by stating the reason - of my long absence since the treaty of peace. It was with the - intention of writing a work which will, I hope, perpetuate the - ameliorations I have been enabled (through the confidence reposed - in me by your lordship) to introduce in the diets for the - hospitals, as well as the cooking for the army. And this can be - effected in a very short time, without increasing the expense to - the nation, but will, on the contrary, be likely to tend to - economy, it being well recognised by the faculty that change of - food is as essential to the soldier in health as change of diet is - to the invalid. This work will also, with little trouble, have the - effect of making cooks of the soldiers, and teach them at the same - time to make the most of their rations either in camp or in - barracks. - - With the most profound respect, I have the honour to remain, - -Your Lordship's obedient servant, -A. SOYER. - - - - - - -USEFUL INVENTIONS - - -SOYER'S SCUTARI TEAPOT. - -This teapot, which is registered, is manufactured by Messrs. Deane and -Dray, London Bridge, and sold by all ironmongers in the kingdom. - -[Illustration] - -The top of the minaret forms the lid, and the tube which holds the tea, -being moveable, allows every facility for cleaning, and amongst its many -advantages the most prominent are its cheapness, elegance, and -simplicity. It can be made any size. - - -PATENT ROTARY KNIFE-CLEANER. - -Amongst the many tribulations of small families, one of the worst is -knife-cleaning, which is one of the most disagreeable of all household -duties--and what is worse than a dirty knife? Yet where is the house -where the housewife is not well up in the household duties who does not -experience this inconvenience? A gentleman named Detheir, a nephew of -the celebrated Detheir of the Great Northern Hotel, has really invented -a knife-cleaner which ought to be introduced in all public institutions, -commercial houses, and private families. So much do I approve of this -machine as a public boon, that I trust they will be made at such a -moderate price as to come within the reach of all. - - - - -INDEX TO ADDENDA. - - -HOSPITAL DIETS. - -Apple Barley Water, 523 - -Arrowroot Milk, 517 - -Arrowroot Water, 517 - - -Baked Apple Toast-and-Water, 522 - -Barley Water, 518 - -Batter Pudding, 519 - -Beef Soup, 514 - -Beef Tea, 514 - -Boiled Rice, 521 - -Bread-and-Butter Pudding, 520 - -Bread Pudding, 520 - -Browning for Soups, 522 - - -Calf's-foot Jelly, 516 - -Cheap Plain Rice Pudding for Campaigning, 519 - -Chicken Broth, 515 - -Citronade, 523 - -Currant Syrup, 523 - -Custard Pudding, 520 - - -Date Water, 523 - - -Effervescent Beverages, 523 - -Essence of Beef Tea, 515 - - -Figs and Apple Beverages, 521 - -Fig Water, 523 - -French Herb Broth, 522 - - -Jelly Stock, 517 - - -Macaroni Pudding, 520 - -Mulberry Water, 523 - -Mutton and Veal Tea, 115 - - -Orange-Flower Water, 523 - - -Pine Apple Syrup, 523 - -Plain-boiled Rice, 515 - -Plain Lemonade, 523 - -Plain Oatmeal, 516 - - -Raisin Water, 523 - -Raspberry Water, 523 - -Rice with Gravy, 516 - -Rich Rice Pudding, 520 - -Rice Water, 518 - - -Sago Jelly, 517 - -Sago Pudding, 521 - -Semi-citric Lemonade, 518 - -Semi-stewed Mutton and Barley Soup for one hundred Men, 513 - -Soyer's Cheap Lemonade, 519 - -Soyer's Plain Lemonade, 518 - -Spring Drink, 523 - -Stewed French Plums, 521 - -Stewed Macaroni, 520 - -Strengthening Beef Tea, 515 - -Summer Drink, 523 - -Sweet Rice, 516 - -Syrup of Orgeat, 523 - - -Tapioca Pudding, 521 - -Tartaric Lemonade, 519 - -Thick Arrowroot Milk, 517 - -Thick Beef Tea, 515 - -Toast-and-Water, 522 - - -ARMY RECEIPTS. - -Army Soup for fifty Men, 526 - - -Baking and Roasting with the Field Stove, 528 - -Baking in Oven, 529 - -Beef Soup, 532 - - -Camp Soup, 531 - -Cocoa for eighty Men, 530 - -Coffee for ten or eighty Men, 529 - - -Easy way of Cooking in Earthen Pan, 530 - - -French Beef Soup, or Pot-au-Feu, 530 - - -How to Soak and Plain-boil Rations of Salt Beef and - Pork on Land and at Sea, 525 - -How to Cook for a Regiment of one thousand Men, 527 - - -Pea Soup, 532 - -Plain Irish Stew for fifty Men, 527 - - -Receipts for Frying-pan, 532 - - -Salt Meat for fifty Men, 525 - -Salt Pork, with Mashed Peas, for one hundred Men, 562 - -Salt Pork and Pudding, with Cabbage and Potatoes, 527 - -Semi-Frying, Camp Fashion, 530 - -Soyer's Food for one hundred Men, for using two stoves, 527 - -Stewed Salt Beef and Pork for one hundred Men, or a Regiment - of one thousand Men, 526 - -Stewed Fresh Beef and Rice, 532 - -Suet Dumplings, 533 - - -Tea for eighty Men, 529 - -Turkish Pilaff for one hundred Men, 528 - - -BILL OF FARE FOR LONDON SUPPERS. - -Battered Eggs with Mushrooms, 546 - -Battered Eggs with Sprue Grass, 546 - -Bouillabaisse Anglicised, 550 - - -Ditto, Second Class, 550 - - -Chicken, American fashion, 549 - -Chipped or ribboned Potatoes, 548 - -Chop or Steak a la Sultana, 536 - -Chops semi-Provencal, or Marseilles fashion, 536 - -Cold Asparagus Salad, 549 - -Crab Salad, 543 - -Crabs au Gratin in the Shell, 541 - -Curried Eggs, 547 - -Curried Tripe, 539 - - -Eggs with Tomato Sauce, 547 - -Eggs with chopped Ham or Tongue, 546 - -Eggs with Mushrooms, 546 - -Eggs with Truffles, 546 - -Eggs with Sprue Grass, 547 - -Eggs a la Bonne Femme, 547 - -Eggs au Miroir with Ham or Bacon, 546 - -Eggs a la Tripe or Onion Sauce, 547 - -Endive Salad, 544 - - -Fillet de Boeuf, Parisian fashion, 535 - -Fillet de Boeuf, semi-Chateaubriant, 536 - -Fried Oysters, New York way, 542 - -Fried Potatoes, 547 - -Fried Potatoes with Maitre d'Hotel Butter, 548 - -Fried Potatoes with Cayenne Pepper, 548 - - -Game for Supper, 542 - -Gratin Tripe in Shell, 539 - -Grilled Chicken with Sharp Sauce, 539 - - -Ham and Bacon Omelettes, 545 - -Ham with Shalots, Parsley, and Chervil, 546 - -Herring a la Rob Roy, 549 - - -Kidneys Saute, with Sherry, Port, or Champagne, 537 - -Kidney Toast, 537 - - -Lamb Chops a l'Africaine, 538 - -Lamb Chops a la Printaniere, 538 - -Lamb Chops a la Boulogne, 538 - -Lamb's Fry, 540 - -Lobster Curry, 540 - -Lobster Curry in Shell, 540 - -Lobster au Gratin, 540 - -Lobster Cutlets, 540 - -Lobster Salad, 543 - - -Minced Sandwiches, 536 - -Mirrored Eggs, 546 - -Mushroom Kidney Sandwich, 536 - -Mutton and Lamb Cutlets a la Bouchere, 535 - -Mutton and Lamb Cutlets semi-Bouchere, 535 - -Mutton, Lamb, or Veal Cutlets, en Papillote, 537 - -Mutton or Lamb Chops a la Turc, 540 - - -New Potato Salad, German fashion, 549 - -Ditto, with French or Haricot Beans, 549 - - -Omelettes with fine Herbs, 544 - -Omelettes with Mushrooms 545 - -Omelettes with Sprue Grass, 545 - -Omelettes with Parmesan, 545 - -Oysters stewed American fashion, 542 - - -Plain Mutton Chops and Steaks, 535 - -Plain Salad with Anchovies, 544 - -Poached Eggs with Cream, 545 - -Poached Eggs with Maitre d'Hotel Butter, 545 - -Poached Eggs semi-curried with Ham or Bacon, 545 - -Pork Chops a la Tartare, 538 - -Pork Chops with Pimento Butter, 538 - - -Rarebit a la Soyer, with Sherry or Champagne, 547 - -Relishing Steak, 535 - -Rumpsteak and Potatoes, 534 - - -Salad, new, Tartar fashion, 543 - -Sandwiches for Evening Parties, 540 - -Sauces, List of, 551 to 554 - -Scalloped Lobster, 540 - -Semi-curried kidneys, 537 - -Soyer's Broiling or Universal Devil, 539 - -Soyer's Grouse Salad, 543 - -Soyer's Universal Devil Mixture, 548 - -Ditto for the Million, 549 - -Soyer's Balaklava Nectar, 560 - -Soyer's Crimean Cup a la Wyndham, 550 - -Stewed Tripe, 539 - -Stewed Oysters on toast, 542 - - -Tripe Lyonnaise fashion, 539 - - -A SERIES OF RECEIPTS FOR THE NEEDY, 555 TO 566. - - -ANECDOTES, ETC. - -The Duke of Cambridge's Head-Quarters prior to the Battle of Inkermann, 567 - -A Visit to Dolma Batchi Palace, 570 - -The Travelling Gentleman of the Crimea, 573 - -The Consumption Hospital, 574 - -Copies of Letters, 575 to 591 - -Patent Rotary Knife Cleaner, 593 - - LONDON: - SAVILL AND EDWARDS, PRINTERS, CHANDOS STREET, - COVENT-GARDEN. - - * * * * * - - - -SOYER'S SULTANA'S SAUCE, Analysed by Dr. Hassall. - - -I have examined with much care several samples of M. SOYER'S NEW EASTERN -OR SULTANA SAUCE, and I am of opinion that it is an excellent -preparation. While it is a good stomachic, its flavour is delicious; -moreover the ingredients of which it is composed are of the purest and -most wholesome description. - -ARTHUR WILLIAM HASSALL, M.D., - -Author of "Food and its Adulterations," "Adulterations -Detected," &c. &c. - -8, BENNETT STREET, ST. JAMES'S STREET, -_14th August, 1857_. - -[Illustration] - -SOLE AGENTS--MESSRS. CROSSE AND BLACKWELL. - -[Illustration: THE SULTANA'S SAUCE - -Is an entirely New Concoction, in which most wholesome Oriental -Ingredients and Aromatic Herbs are introduced. It is at once appetizing -and nutritious, and applicable to all kinds of cold Meat, Hashes, Stews, -Chops, Steaks, Fish, Soups, Poultry, and above all, Salads. A small -quantity will suffice to give a most exquisite relish to any of the -above dishes.] - - -FOOTNOTES: - -[1] He also approved of my observation, that I was well aware that -people could not expect to find those dishes on the bill of fare every -day, but only one or two nightly. To insure success, I would advise the -proprietors of all extensive supper-houses to adopt the plan I so -successfully introduced at the Reform Club many years since, which was -to make a small bill of fare of eight or ten dishes which were ready, -and cross out such as run short during the evening, recommending only -those which remained. This saved time, words, and confusion; besides -giving an opportunity of introducing one or two novelties daily, which -would pay well if properly attended to. It would also gratify the -consumer, who should not be kept waiting for his supper till fresh -provisions were sent for and cooked, as at that hour many persons would -content themselves with a less variety of dishes rather than wait. - -[2] For Receipts, see Addenda. - -[3] This spot is little known to the English in general, and to many who -have travelled over the world; but as no such delightful place exists -anywhere but in England, how can it possibly interest an Englishman? -First of all, it is too close for the wealthy, and too far for the -people, being six miles by coach from either Windsor or Staines. During -the five months I spent there last summer, the greatest number of -visitors I counted daily was about twenty or thirty round the lake, -which is seven and a half miles in circumference. I should also observe -that Louis Napoleon, being a man of great taste, has imitated it in the -Bois de Bologne as nearly as possible; and by going there, every -Englishman will have an idea of that which he possesses at home, without -troubling himself, while in London, to go as far as Virginia Water. - -[4] I have since learned that this gentleman during the campaign did so -much good, and was so earnest in his endeavours to relieve the -sufferings of the wounded at the battle of Inkermann, the allied as well -as the Russian troops, that I intend to devote a page of this work to -him, and also mention the names of the generals and others who spoke in -such high terms of his exertions. - -[5] I had bought a cash-belt, but upon trying it, on the point of our -departure, I found it too short. This circumstance caused me to place -everything in my pocket-book. - -[6] That his Majesty was going early in March to the Crimea I can assert -as a positive fact. Having met with many unbelievers on this subject in -the Crimea is the cause of my relating this anecdote; and no doubt -nothing but the following unexpected news could have prevented his -majesty from following out his determination. - -[7] A magnificent palace, dedicated to the Empress Eugenie, designed by -the Emperor, is now in course of erection near the spot. - -[8] This remark may probably come to the notice of his friends, and lead -to a monument being erected to his memory, which, no doubt, he well -deserves. - -[9] I earnestly recommend the adoption of this plan in every public -institution, civil or military. For example, put in the caldron, which -we will suppose holds fifty gallons, so much water, so many pounds of -meat, vegetables, salt, pepper, and sugar; add the barley, light the -fire; stir now and then with a long wooden spaddle to prevent the barley -sticking at the bottom of the caldron; when boiling, reduce the fire. -Simmer gently two and a half hours, if mutton is used; if beef, three -hours. Never skim it, only take the fat off, if any, which use for other -purposes, or instead of butter (see Hospital receipt in Addenda). If two -or more boilers are required, the quantities given in the scale only -need increasing. - -[10] If I dwell so minutely upon these apparently frivolous details, it -is only because I wish to show that I did not introduce anything until -it had first met with the approval of the medical gentlemen. - -[11] I believe I am correct in stating that, in the French army, one -soldier has to cook for a squad of sixteen men, while in camp: and that -he has charge of two canteen kettles. I always saw five or six men -cooking for a company in each kitchen; there were ten kitchens to a -regiment of ten companies. This the soldiers told me themselves. - -I make this remark to corroborate what I afterwards said in Paris before -several French officers who contradicted me, but who, I believe, were -not in the Crimean war. They stated that they only had two cooks to one -company while campaigning. Upon making inquiries of a corporal who had -charge of that department in his regiment while in the Crimea, he -assured me that it was one man to each kettle, and not one to -two--afterwards divided into two messes, forming a squad of nine or ten -men, which would be equal to one hundred men to a regiment of one -thousand in strength, instead of eight, as I at first calculated, or -about ten squads to a company. While in barracks, comparatively -speaking, it only requires a few men per regiment. - -[12] If I have here related this anecdote, it is with the intention of -showing the effect produced by the report upon all engaged in the -hospitals, who felt that a gentleman of that age, though very capable, -might, with his antique notions, upset what was then going on so well. - -[13] I have such confidence in the nutritive qualities and the -importance to the army and navy of these bread-biscuits, that I intend -to recommend their adoption in both departments. For a campaign they are -invaluable; and at sea they would make an excellent change, being as -light as bread. - -[14] The difficulty of recollecting the names and the rank of military -men in the Crimea is great. This is particularly the case with me. The -performance of my manifold duties compelled me to cross and re-cross -hundreds of times from vessel to vessel, hospital to hospital, and camp -to camp. I met and received attentions and aid from numbers, of whom it -is impossible to retain more than a slight photographic sketch of their -noble Saxon countenances. From the peculiarity of my costume, I was -almost as well known to every one in the camp as a _chien du regiment_. - -I offer this explanation as an apology to any one whom I may have -inadvertently annoyed--if any such there be--in my account of my Crimean -campaign, by not giving the proper rank or name. - -[15] A peculiar kind of turbot found in the Black Sea, with scales, each -scale something like the head of a large iron nail; and though, when the -fish is thickly covered, it in a measure spoils its appearance, yet it -does not in the slightest interfere with the quality, but, on the -contrary, leaves a gelatinous succulence round it, entirely peculiar to -this rough-outfitted denizen of the ocean. - -[16] Sir Michael Shaw Stewart's sister. - -[17] This is the ancient who, after partaking of the best dinner ever -prepared, unfortunately inquired of his private secretary how his cash -account stood, and finding that he had only a few millions of dollars -remaining, for fear of being in future obliged to dine badly, or at -least compelled to curtail his incalculable expenditure, one day dined -magnificently by himself, and ordering the most luxurious banquet that -Rome could boast of. On that solemn occasion, though there were enough -culinary _chefs-d'oeuvre_ to delight an immense number of epicures, he -only invited himself! "Sublime idea!" he ejaculated; "after dining like -two Vitelliuses, or several Luculluses, to die in the midst of plenty!" -Thereupon he swallowed poison, and was found dead at the head of his -table. - -[18] Ahmet Pacha, who speaks French, has his country residence at the -_greater_ Chamlija; and that of Selim Pacha, where we dined, is in the -_lesser_ Chamlija. - -[19] That kitchen was put up at the South Union Workhouse, where no -doubt it still remains. In some institutions steam tubes have since been -introduced into the boiler amongst the food. This, I beg to say, forms -no part of my plan, as has been publicly reported. I disapprove of the -system altogether, for many reasons, which it would be out of place to -discuss in this work. - -[20] He related the following anecdote of something that had passed -between him and Sir John Campbell, on the eve of the attack of the 18th -of June. Sir John had for some time inquired after him, and at last -meeting him going to his master's quarters, called out and said, -"Francois, how much am I in your debt?" - -"Why, Colonel, it is only the middle of the month; I will give you your -small bill at the end." - -"No, no," said Sir John, "I want it now, Francois." - -"Have I offended you, Colonel?" - -"Offended me, no! on the contrary, I am much obliged to you for your -kind services; but the end of this month may be to-morrow for me, as we -shall have a terrible attack upon the Redan; so I want to settle all my -little affairs to-day." - -"Oh, I'm sure, General, it will be all right." - -"Indeed I must have it--how much does it amount to?" - -"Well, General, if I must, I must--it is one pound seventeen, or -somewhere thereabouts." - -The General wished him good night, and with a smile upon his countenance -returned to his cave, and Francois to his duty. That noble-hearted man -seemed to have a presentiment that he should not survive the attack. The -tears stood in his eyes while he was relating this to me, and I found my -own in much the same state in listening to the recital. - -[21] A few days after, his Majesty honoured with his presence the grand -anniversary ball given at the French Embassy by Monsieur Thouvenel, the -French ambassador. It was also very splendid, but not being a fancy one, -did not offer the same points of interest. The English ball had the -advantage of being the first ever attended by a Moslem monarch: -nevertheless, his Sublime Majesty remained longer at the latter than at -the former, having, doubtless, taken a fancy to our European social -customs. - -[22] When I say "according to common sense," I am speaking within -bounds. Salt and pepper, fresh and preserved vegetables (the latter -either in tins or in cakes), were distributed from the regimental -quartermaster's stores to the cooks of each company for three days' -consumption at a time. The consequence was that, in a couple of days, -and sometimes in one, the three days' rations had either been consumed -or were wasted. The first day, the soup or other food was badly -prepared, on account of the excess of these ingredients; and it was -still worse on the following days, on account of their being short of -all with the exception of the meat, which was therefore boiled in plain -water with rice, but often without either salt or vegetables. The food -was thus rendered insipid and unwholesome. Such was the system I found -in general use, and it was a great pity, seeing the Government had so -liberally provided all that was required. Proper regulation was all that -was needed in order to increase the comforts of the men. The meals of -the whole army constitute a very important matter. Any improvement was -certain to be felt daily; for can anything be more unpalatable than a -piece of fresh beef boiled in plain water, without seasoning? There was -no salt to eat with it, although plenty was allowed for each man. This -is what I call want of attention and lack of common sense. I do not mean -to say this was always the case, as some quartermasters, who noticed the -evil, distributed the vegetables daily, instead of for three days at -once. Many of the men were intelligent enough to divide the allowance, -but the greater number were very careless; it therefore became of the -utmost importance to establish a rule which would not leave them the -chance of doing wrong. The great evil is, that after being thus deprived -of salt for a day or two, they then receive salt rations, which they -boil in small tin camp-kettles, and without soaking, in merely a few -pints of water, which becomes like so much brine. Thus various diseases, -which are seldom attributed to the real cause, are engendered, and all -medicinal equilibrium is completely upset. The rectifying of this was -one of the numerous difficulties I had to encounter during my mission. - -[23] For a regiment of one thousand men, increase the number of stoves -in proportion. If one hundred regiments are to be cooked for, repeat the -same in each regiment, when you will have cooked enough food to -perfection without much trouble for an army of one hundred thousand men, -at the same time effecting a saving of above 400 per cent. in fuel. - -[24] For letters of approval from generals of division, colonels in -command of regiments, medical and other authorities, see Addenda. - -[25] A few hundred yards further, where the French review had taken -place, on an ill-selected spot, the dust was blinding both to men and -horses, the wind being very high. - -[26] It was commenced by General Bentinck, continued by General Wyndham -and Lord W. Paulet, and finished by General Garrett. It was situated on -the spot once inhabited by Sir John Campbell. The Duke of Newcastle also -had his tent pitched there during his stay in the Crimea, not fifty -yards from the place where General Cathcart and other great heroes are -interred. The reader's humble and respectful servant is not a little -proud to have had the honour of having his last culinary encampment, -called Soyer's Villarette, on that celebrated and glorious locality. - -[27] Upon my asking General Garrett the reason why the lunch was fixed -so early, "So early, say you!" answered the general, laughing. "What do -you think? When I asked Major-General Vassileffsky what was the most -convenient time for him to pay me a visit, his reply was--from four to -five in the morning." - -"Which, no doubt, general, you thought too late, or too early." - -"True enough," said the general. - -[28] Lately published by George Routledge & Co. - -[29] I take this opportunity of informing Monsieur le Conte de Maison, -to whom I shall do myself the pleasure of sending a copy of this work, -that the disappointment was on our side, and that--the captain in -particular--all regretted the impossibility of acquainting those -gentlemen with our sudden departure. - -[30] Yalta, the place from whence he started, was a distance of forty -miles by road from Balaklava; the journey, however, took the lad six -days, as he did not know the direct road. He also informed me that at -night he used to climb and sleep in a tree, fearing the wild animals, -feeding on wild fruit and beech-nuts. - -[31] For a description of the interior of the Palace, see Addenda. - -[32] The Maltese culinary productions, and well-provided markets, I must -defer commenting upon till my work entitled "The Culinary Wonders of all -Nations" is produced. - -[33] A few days after, I was deputed, by order of the Emperor, to visit -and report on the public kitchen for the working classes in Paris, -called the Fourneaux de l'Imperatrice; for description of which see -Addenda. - -[34] This receipt, so much approved of by the medical authorities, was -in daily use for more than fifteen months from the date of its -introduction by me. - -[35] The following is from the _Lancet_ of August the 22nd, -1857:--"_Dyspeptic._--We recommend our correspondent to try some of M. -Soyer's new sauce, called the Sultana Sauce. It is made after the -Turkish receipt, its flavour is excellent, and it affords considerable -aid in cases of slow and weak digestion." - -[36] If no oven, put the pan in water three-parts up, and give half an -hour longer. For public institutions, fish, meat, and game may be cooked -in a similar manner, for which receipts refer to my "Shilling Cookery." - -[37] The following receipts were written by me in reply to a request -inserted in the _Times_ in January, 1855. Each receipt is for two men, -but may be increased by adding to the proportions. - -[38] Indian corn contains 750 parts of starch, 205 gluten, 30 sugar, 15 -tannin. Potatoes contain 200 parts of starch, 40 gluten, 20 sugar. - -[39] If hard water is used, add soda. - -[40] For the use of the bones, see Receipt No. 9. - -[41] If dripping cannot be had, use four pounds of fat.--See Receipt No. -21. - -[42] Hot water is the best to use, if convenient. - -[43] If colour is required, add a quart of Receipt No. 21. - -[44] If bacon cannot be had, the same quantity of solid meat of any kind -will do. - -[45] If Indian meal is used, it must be boiled two hours. - -[46] Porphyna Purpura--if not to be had, use laver or slook--the ulva -lactuca. - - * * * * * - -Typographical errors corrected by the etext transcriber: - -martys to the science of cookery=> martys to the science of cookery {pg -17} - -a letter of introducton=> a letter of introduction {pg 40} - -M. Giraldo, who had superintended the disembarkation=> Mr. Giraldo, who -had superintended the disembarkation {pg 62} - -transcendantly beautiful=> transcendently beautiful {pg 163} - -being but meagrely=> being but meagerly {pg 238} - -it wont take you ten minutes=> it won't take you ten minutes {pg 286} - -he created quited a sensation=> he created quite a sensation {pg 334} - -I cannot recal where=> I cannot recall where {pg 345} - -becomes more nutritous=> becomes more nutritious {pg 514} - -cut very then=> cut very thin {pg 517} - -a little cayanne=> a little cayenne {pg 549} - -in his vists to the above=> in his visits to the above {pg 577} - -good opportuties of fully=> good opportunities of fully {pg 582} - -Fouth Division=> Fourth Division {pg 583} - -don't recal those things=> don't recall those things {pg 332} - - -Eggs au Mivoir with Ham or Bacon, 546=> Eggs au Miroir with Ham or -Bacon, 546 {index} - - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Soyer's Culinary Campaign, by Alexis Soyer - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SOYER'S CULINARY CAMPAIGN *** - -***** This file should be named 42544.txt or 42544.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/4/2/5/4/42544/ - -Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images available at The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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