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

the description of that eye-witness, the writer of the above-mentioned article, some change was much needed. I therefore wrote the following letter to the _Times_, it being then nearly one o’clock in the morning:-- THE HOSPITAL KITCHENS AT SCUTARI. _To the Editor of the Times._ SIR,--After carefully perusing the letter of your correspondent, dated Scutari, in your impression of Wednesday last, I perceive that, although the kitchen under the superintendence of Miss Nightingale affords so much relief, the system of management at the large one in the Barrack-hospital is far from being perfect. I propose offering my services gratuitously, and proceeding direct to Scutari, at my own personal expense, to regulate that important department, if the Government will honour me with their confidence, and grant me the full power of acting according to my knowledge and experience in such matters. I have the honour to remain, Sir, Your obedient servant, A. SOYER. _Feb. 2, 1855._ After despatching this letter, I again inquired about my friends and my anticipated supper, which for some time had escaped my memory. “Did you ring, sir?” “No, I did not, sir, but the bell has;” recognising my stupid waiter. “Oh, sir! are you here?” “Of course I am; don’t you see me?” “Well, sir, your friends have had supper; they inquired everywhere for you; I told them you could not wait, as you had two ladies to see home as far as Brompton.” “You foolish fellow! I never spoke to you about ladies, Brompton, or any such thing; I merely asked you where my friends were to sup; to which you replied, ‘Rump-steak for two, tripe for one, two taters, pat of butter, one pale Bass, and three kidneys for a gentleman, underdone.’” “No more you did, sir. It was number three who told me to say so; not you, sir; you’re quite right, sir!” “I am sure I am right; but as for you, your head is quite wrong!” “Well, I assure you, sir, we have so much to do at times, we hardly know what we are about.” “I don’t think you do,”