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

your guests.” I immediately set to work, and in a few hours extra provisions and rations had taken various shapes and forms; some were being stewed, others baked, and some boiled. Everything was going on so smoothly, that I almost wished the lunch had been for that day. My men had returned from their daily regimental rounds, and were all at work. In the midst of this, the worthy general begged of me to give him a call, when he informed me that he was sorry to say that the Russian general’s visit was postponed, General Sir W. Codrington having invited him to head-quarters for that day. “No matter,” said I; “if your lunch is not postponed too long, the provisions will improve, instead of deteriorating.” “You think so?” “I am sure of it, general. All the animal food we get in the camp is too fresh: the beast is no sooner slaughtered than it is either in the pot, oven, or on the gridiron.” “We shall be about twenty.” “So I perceive, and that my name figures amongst your illustrious guests. You must, however, general, leave me entirely free on that occasion; I will sit down to table when I think proper.” “Do as you like, but you must sit down with us.” “On that day, general, I claim precedence, and even command, over the head of your division.” He laughed heartily, saying, “It shall be so. To-morrow there is to be a review of two divisions in honour of General Vassileffsky, and no doubt the lunch will come off the day after.” “Very well, general; only give me due notice, I will answer for the rest. After such success at head-quarters, the Fourth Division must not fail.” As there was nothing more to be done, I gave my people a holiday to see the ruins of Sebastopol, which they had not been able to do owing to the press of business. I thought I might as well go myself, as my engineer, Mr. Phillips, had not seen them. The horses were ordered--Mesnil and Phillips accompanied me. We mounted