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

François 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 Buyukderé: 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 _à 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