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

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.