Soyer's Culinary Campaign: Being Historical Reminiscences of the Late War.: With The Plain Art of Cookery for Military and Civil Institutions

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 _cortège_, 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