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

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.”