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

the morning at the latest. Next morning I was on my way to the Scotch camp by seven o’clock. I saw Colonel Stirling, Sir Colin’s private secretary, who informed me that Sir Colin would be happy to receive me. My reception by that brave and illustrious general was highly gratifying to my feelings. “Welcome, Monsieur Soyer!” exclaimed the general, as I entered his tent. He shook me by the hand, with a smile on his face which one could see came from the heart. The fine long beard which then adorned his visage could only be portrayed by a Rembrandt or a Titian. The amiable and fine qualities of that noble-hearted general, so well known to every Englishman, made me feel proud of being so cordially received by one the pride of his country. “How are you, Monsieur Soyer?” “Never better, general,” was my answer. “I am happy to see you are enjoying good health.” “Thank God, I am. Be seated, and tell me what I can do for you.” “I shall esteem it a great favour, general, if you will allow me to place my new field-stoves in your brigade, instead of on the esplanade. Your men have, unknown to me, commenced cooking with them; and as they already know how to use them, I should prefer leaving them in their hands.” “Very well, Monsieur Soyer; select the spot, and Colonel Stirling will give you all the assistance you may require.” “Thank you, general; but I must observe that this is only a trial, and they will be removed so soon as the Commander-in-chief has seen them in use, and decided upon their merits.” After taking some refreshment, kindly offered by the general, I went to Colonel Stirling, and informed him of the general’s decision. He promised to have everything ready to commence operations the next morning. The following day I was out very early at the Inkermann heights, with a numerous party, looking towards the Tchernaya Bridge. It was the 16th of August, the day of that memorable battle, which does not require a description on my part.