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

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