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

small, the soldiers would poke a rusty nail into it; if large, a nail with a piece of leather attached. Other operators would cut a piece off the cover in order to mend the bottom or side; and as after that scientific repair leakage was unavoidable, they were obliged to keep putting in fresh water, or to let the canteen burn. After our interview, General Codrington promised me his assistance. The Congress was then sitting, and rumours of peace were flying about. I asked the general whether it would not be better to prevent more stoves being sent out. He replied-- “Perhaps it would.” “I am glad to hear you say so, your excellency, it being a sign of peace, as war I consider at all times unprofitable.” “On the contrary, Monsieur Soyer; we are making greater preparations than ever for war.” It was decided that, for the time being, one stove should be delivered to each regiment, and be removed from company to company, in order to give all the men an insight into the method of using them, and of my system of cooking. This was immediately done; and on the receipt of the following from Colonel Blane, I went to Colonel Halliwell:-- [Illustration: SOYER’S VILLARETTE ON CATHCART’S HILL. Taken unexpectedly by a Non-Commissioned Artist in the Rifle Brigade.] HEAD-QUARTERS, CRIMEA. MY DEAR SIR,--By applying to Colonel Halliwell of the Fourth Division, he will give you possession of the hut which has been built for yourself and suite, and will assist you in every manner possible. I am, yours ever, S. J. BLANE, Col., _Mil. Sec. to Gen. Sir W. Codrington, Commanding_. To Monsieur Soyer. In a very short space of time my tents were pitched, and myself and my people were installed, on that celebrated spot called after that great and deeply-regretted man, General Cathcart--viz., Cathcart’s Hill. This was now my castle, and proud was I of the noble site granted to me, as well as of my neighbours, from whom I received a most kind and friendly reception. Indeed, it was with the highest gratification that