A comfortable berth—A skirmish with the rats—A doubtful victory—Arrival of reinforcements—Abandon the field—The Sardinian contingent—Naval hospital in Leander Bay—Victims of the wreck of thePrince—A Maltese cook—Magnificent bouquets—Another brush with the rats—A captain in undress—How to catch them—A receipt worth knowing—A good joke—Castle of a king in Balaklava.
A comfortable berth—A skirmish with the rats—A doubtful victory—Arrival of reinforcements—Abandon the field—The Sardinian contingent—Naval hospital in Leander Bay—Victims of the wreck of thePrince—A Maltese cook—Magnificent bouquets—Another brush with the rats—A captain in undress—How to catch them—A receipt worth knowing—A good joke—Castle of a king in Balaklava.
AQUARTERto eleven had struck when I made my first appearance on board theLondon. All had turned in and were asleep, and the lights were out in the chief cabin. The night watch showed me my berth, which I could feel, but not see; so I crept into it half undressed, the best way I could, and in a few minutes, from the fatigues of the day, I fell into a deep slumber. This lasted for several hours; and I was at last aroused by several persevering rats, who tried, at the risk of their lives, to pull a piece of Sardinian biscuit out of my great-coat pocket. This I had obtained on board theCarlo Albertoas a sample.
The presence of such unwelcome visitors made me spring quickly out of my slice of a bed, which is very judiciously called cabin-berth; and, as I found it too small for one, I had a great objection to extra lodgers. I therefore stood upon the offensive and the defensive, which caused my assailants to flee in the greatest confusion, and with such celerity that I was unable to make any of them prisoners. Relying upon the effects of their defeat, fatigue enticed me to try another dose of sleep, when all at once, with the perseverance of Zouaves, the rats returned to the assault, and running over my face, made me capitulate immediately, and leave them in possession of my nautical bedchamber. I spent the remainder of the night uncomfortably enough upon the narrowcabin benches, falling now and then on the floor by way of variation. The light at last began to peep through the cabin windows, and I could look after my garments, which I at once rescued from the teeth of my enemies, the Zouave rats. Not a morsel of the biscuit was left; they had gnawed two large holes in a new great-coat, no doubt to save the buttons, which they had not swallowed, but very nearly nibbled off. When I was dressed, I rushed upon deck, and began to breathe freely. The sun shone, and the morning gave promise of a fine day. At eight we had breakfast, and I related my night’s sport to the captain, Mr. Bracebridge, and others. Every one laughed heartily at my tribulation, which was poor consolation for such a victim as I had been.
On inquiring about Miss Nightingale, I learnt from Mr. Bracebridge that she had come on board late in the evening. I remarked that it was very imprudent of her remaining so late out in such bad weather; and I told Mr. Bracebridge that he ought to prevent it, as she was sure to be taken ill. “So I told her,” Mr. Bracebridge replied, “but she says it will not be for long—only till the sisters are installed; then she will be able to come home sooner. You were highly honoured yesterday, Monsieur Soyer; how you seemed to amuse Lord Raglan and Omer Pacha!”
“Yes, indeed, his lordship is very lively and jocular.”
Having explained all that took place, I asked him where he went after leaving us.
“As I did not see Miss Nightingale return from the Genoese heights, I went in search of her. By-the-bye, are you going with us?”
“Going where?”
“Why, to Leander Bay, to visit the sailors’ new hospital.”
“Of course I am,” I replied. “The present Admiral (Lushington), Captain Hamilton, Doctors Smart and Sutherland will accompany Miss Nightingale.”
The Doctor of theDiamondcalled for us in his boat, and beneath a glowing sun, on a fine spring day, we crossed the busy harbour. The Sardinian man-of-warwas the greatest attraction. The band played a fine march and some original melodies, which enlivened our short trip. All the shipping had hoisted their flags, and other vessels were seen in the offing, conveying the remainder of the Sardinian army.
While we were crossing, Miss Nightingale inquired about my doings of the previous day, which I carefully related to her, dwelling particularly upon the kind reception I had received from Lord Raglan and Omer Pacha, and the willingness of the former to assist me in my undertaking.
“I am very glad to hear it,” said Miss Nightingale; “but, for all that, you will have innumerable difficulties to contend with. Not a man is at work at your kitchen. They say they have no more planks, and all do just as they please. The engineering department is over-burdened with work. For my part, I can get nothing done, nor can the Purveyor-in-chief. I don’t blame any one; but if delays of this kind occur for such trifles, what will it be for so important an affair as your general and extra-diet kitchens?”
“You are right, and I thank you for the hint. Upon our return, I will go and see Captain King.”
We had then arrived in Leander Bay. I pointed out the spot at which the poor victims of the wreck of thePrincewere buried—the sight of which made a singular impression upon every member of the party, especially when I told them the number which lay there. There was scarcely any earth over them; and the workmen told us the stench from the bodies was so dreadful, they were often compelled to leave their work in consequence. Another said we did not perceive it because the wind was in another direction. Mr. Bracebridge took note of this, in order to mention the matter to Dr. Sutherland, who knew nothing of it at the time. On reaching the green mountain, at the top of which is situated the new Naval Hospital, we were greeted by the sight of a complete garden of wild flowers, vines, and aromatic plants. This repaid us for the dismal scene below. Several French soldiers were picking the flowers, and gathering salad and wild sorrel.
At the hospital we met Dr. Sutherland and Mr. Anderson, who had not recovered from the effect of his accident, and still had a pair of black eyes. The Commander had been waiting some time for us, and was on the point of retiring, when our arrival induced him to change his intention. We visited the hospital, which, though a small one, was delightfully situated. The huts were built on a new principle, with a new style of ventilation. The kitchen had then only just been commenced. I gave the sailor cook, a Maltese, who seemed very intelligent, a few hints, and promised to send the doctor a plan, and to give him my hospital receipts. The latter I had been expecting for some time from Constantinople; but they had been lost, and I was obliged to have them reprinted. The plan, however, I sent. It was adopted, and, upon my second visit, everything was going on very satisfactorily.
We then separated into groups, and enjoyed a delightful ramble over the rocks and mountains, herborising for a couple of hours. When we again reunited, we all had enormous bouquets of flowers, collected in honour of our fair lady, who could not help laughing at the appearance of her beaux and their bouquets. Only one was accepted, and the fortunate candidate was our worthy friend the invalid, Mr. Anderson. We carried our botanical harvest home, and descended the hill full of health and spirits. Even the cannon of Sebastopol was silent, at least to our ears, the wind being the wrong way for the report to reach us. In a few minutes we were once more afloat, and were about conducting Miss Nightingale on board, when she said that she wished to go to the General Hospital; so Captain Hamilton landed us as near to it as possible. We then separated—Dr. Smart and Mr. Anderson inviting me to go and see them often, as they had much to inform me of relating to the food of the army.
Dr. Smart accompanied Miss Nightingale to the hospital, and I went to find Captain King; but he had gone to the Sanatorium—at least so they told me at his office. I went up there, being anxious to have this kitchen completed, as it was really much wanted. The hospital wasgetting fuller every day, and I had a great desire to commence operations at the camp. The Captain was not there, nor could I find a single workman. To my great sorrow, I met Miss Nightingale coming down the hill, attended by a nurse or two, and the page-boy. She was walking through the mud in thin boots. The weather had entirely changed, and a heavy rain was falling. Upon meeting her, I could not refrain from expressing my fear that she would catch cold. She had been to ask the nurse at Dr. Henderson’s how the officer patient was. Upon reaching the harbour, we took a Maltese boat, and arrived on board theLondonalmost wet through.
A different cabin to the one I had occupied the night before was allotted to me. All the rat-holes had been stopped, and by special favour I was allowed a night-lamp. I had the pleasure of seeing the rats run about, which afforded me the opportunity of hunting them at my ease. I then perceived that several escaped through the bull’s-eye, which I immediately closed, and so captured three. I then commenced killing them with a stick, and in so doing made noise enough to arouse everybody. Some of the crew came to see what was the matter, while the Captain, who was half asleep, and rather deaf, told the mate to send for the police and turn the drunken man out.
Having explained to the first mate the cause of my nocturnal disturbance, he told me that they were sure to come in at the bull’s-eye, if left open, that being the easiest way for them when in harbour. “And,” said he, “they travel that way from one ship to another in bands of ten or twenty at a time.” He then showed me how to close and fasten the bull’s-eye, after which he retired to his berth. All at once, one of the brutes, which had remained concealed, in attempting to escape upset the lamp upon the floor and extinguished it, and thus compelled me for the second time to seek to repose upon the hard and unsophisticated cabin bench, when the Captain made his appearance rather in a state ofnégligé, holding, a rushlight in one hand and a sword in the other, with anightcap tied round with a red riband upon his head. In great anxiety, he inquired what the row was about.
“The row, Captain,” said I, “is nothing. It’s only the bull’s-eye in my cabin, which being half open, the rats have got in again.”
“What do you say, Monsieur Soyer?”
“Nothing,” again I shouted.
“Call that nothing? I never had such a row in my ship before. Bless my soul,” said he, “what a nuisance those rats are! They make quite as free in my cabin; but, being used to it, I do not care so much about them. The worst of it is that we can never keep a bit of cheese or a candle; they eat them up as fast as I buy them.”
“It is certainly very provoking, Captain; but why not try and catch them?”
“Oh, bless you, we have tried everything—poison, traps, broken glass. We caught a few, but I would give the world to have them all caught.”
“I can give you a receipt which will enable you to have them almost all caught in a few days.”
“The deuce you could!” said he, coming and sitting opposite to me. “Tell me how it is done—I shall be so much obliged to you; but I must go and put something on first, I am so cold.” As he said this, I perceived that the skylight over his head was open.
“Oh, never mind that; it won’t take two minutes to tell you—listen to me.”
“So I will,” he said.
“The place where you keep your cheese would be the very spot to make the trial. The thing is quite easy. Have your cheese and candles removed.”
“So I will; but I wish you would let me put a coat on—I am getting so very cold.”
“Never mind about that; I shall not keep you a minute—listen to me.”
“So I will.”
“When the cabin is perfectly empty, have it cleaned and well scrubbed.”
“That will be done.”
“When it is dry, take half a pound of good Cheshirecheese, scrape it fine, and mix it with about two pounds of rough bread-crumbs.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Perhaps you think it is a pity to give them half a pound of good cheese.”
“Not at all, because the vermin eat pounds of it daily.”
“Mix both well together.”
“Yes, I understand—and make them into balls.”
“No, not at all—only spread the lot upon the floor, leave the door and window open, and go to bed. Of course they will come and eat.”
“I should say they would,” he observed.
“The next evening do the same, cutting the cheese a trifle larger. They will come again and eat it.”
“What next?” said he.
“The third night, leave the doors and windows open; go to bed as usual, and put nothing at all in the cabin.”
“What then?” he asked again, in a state of anxiety.
“Why, of course, when they come and find nothing to eat, and being in still greater numbers than the two previous nights, they will be all caught.”
“How,” said he, “will they be all caught?”
“Why, of course, finding nothing to eat, they will be all taken in.”
“That be d——d! I have made a nice fool of myself, standing here half naked to listen to such rubbish as that.”
Having said this, he ran into his cabin, and for a long while I heard him sneezing and muttering to himself. The word “fool” was all that I could catch; and soon after all was silent till daybreak.
On waking, I at first regretted having carried the joke so far, when all at once I heard the good captain burst out laughing and sneezing. The first visit I had in the morning, while shaving in my cabin, was from the captain. As it was then only six o’clock, I made sure he was coming to challenge me, and began to think of choosing my favourite weapons, which I had so successfully employed on a similar occasion in London, after a serious discussion with a red republican on the subject of monarchy.
One afternoon, at a French restaurant in the Haymarket, a rather animated discussion,aproposof the new republic of the year ‘48, took place between myself and a person whom I afterwards ascertained to be the duellist Cournet, an officer in the French navy, who has already been mentioned in the earlier pages of this work.
My entire disapproval of the conduct of the friends of liberty, as shown by their wanton destruction of everything, both useful and ornamental, even to the court breeches and white inexpressibles of the National Guard (which were exposed to dry at every window of the Palace of the Tuileries, thus giving to that noble building somewhat the appearance of Rag Fair), was so strongly expressed, that Cournet, “taking umbrage thereat,” after calling me a monarchist and an enemy to liberty, insisted upon my meeting him the next morning, to give him the satisfaction due from one gentleman to another.
I replied to his challenge by desiring that the matter should be settled at once.
He answered, in a haughty tone, “Comme vous voudrez, monsieur. C’est à vous le choix des armes. Nous tirerons ce que vous voudrez!”
“Eh, bien,” said I, “puisque c’est à moi le choix des armes, sortons à l’instant même, monsieur, et nous allons nous tirer les cheveux.”
“As you please, sir. The choice of weapons is yours.”
“In that case, I suppose we must pull triggers for it.”
“Sir,” replied he, “we will pull any mortal thing you please.”
“Good,” said I; “then we will at once proceed to pull each other’s hair.”
The roar of laughter which followed this sally somewhat calmed the ire of this rabid and irascible duellist, more especially when he was informed who I was, and that my province was to make people live well, and not die badly.
The Captain, however, entered with a smile on his countenance, and looked altogether pleased. He begged of me to say nothing about it, as the crew would laugh at him, and it was necessary on board ship to be verysevere. Moreover, he declared that he wished to catch some of his brother captains, who, like him, were very much pestered with rats.
As I was extremely anxious to see Captain King respecting the slow progress of the kitchen, I started about seven o’clock, expecting to find him at home. After a long and disagreeable mountainous walk, I arrived too late. “But,” said his man, “you will very likely meet him at his office about nine o’clock, or else at the Sanatorium or head-quarters, or at Kadikoi, as he told me he was going to those places.”
“I suppose I have a chance of finding him anywhere, except at Sebastopol,” I replied.
More fortunate than on former occasions, I met the captain on horseback going to his office. We mounted the tumble-down rotten wooden staircase of this late palazzo, now converted into one of the principal and most important departments in the British army in the Crimea—viz., the office of the chief engineer. The large room which was dedicated to the captain would hold, at a pinch, seven or eight people of a very moderate size standing; the second about five; and the third none, being filled with plans, models, and drawings.
Such was the castle of a king in Balaklava; and I have seen from thirty to forty people waiting in the mud to have an interview with his Majesty, who, I must confess, received his loyal subjects with a most humorous and happy countenance, having always a smile for a friend and kind words for everybody. When we got in, I immediately locked the door, informing him that he, the king, was my prisoner for at least ten minutes, as that was all the time I should require. We went earnestly to business. I submitted my various plans, and requested him to have the Sanatorium kitchen finished. To this he agreed, promising to do all he could for me, at the same time observing they were short of materials and good workmen.
I then set the captain and king at liberty.
I next went to see Commissary Filder, being anxious to fix a time for inspecting the provisions in general use.
Question of fuel—Saving of hundreds per cent.—Miss Nightingale’s indisposition—Mr. Upton—Who caught the rats?—Lots of acquaintances—A short cut—Arrive at head-quarters—General Della Marmora’s visit—Interview with Lord Raglan—Inspection of field-stove—Conversation—Model admired—Omer Pacha on army cookery—Valuable suggestions—Lord Raglan’s cook—Golding’s preserved meats—Various methods—Dr. Hall—The eccentric Louis—Dr. Cumming’s letter—French head-quarters—A flying visit—Fraternization—Ride home.
Question of fuel—Saving of hundreds per cent.—Miss Nightingale’s indisposition—Mr. Upton—Who caught the rats?—Lots of acquaintances—A short cut—Arrive at head-quarters—General Della Marmora’s visit—Interview with Lord Raglan—Inspection of field-stove—Conversation—Model admired—Omer Pacha on army cookery—Valuable suggestions—Lord Raglan’s cook—Golding’s preserved meats—Various methods—Dr. Hall—The eccentric Louis—Dr. Cumming’s letter—French head-quarters—A flying visit—Fraternization—Ride home.
ONmy return to our ship, I left my card at Colonel Hardinge’s. He kindly invited me to breakfast; and I regretted that I could not accept the invitation, having promised Colonel Steele to be at head-quarters at eleven o’clock. After a little business conversation respecting the arrival of the fuel, he gave me an estimate of the number of vessels required daily for that purpose alone, the number of men employed in loading and unloading the ships, the encumbrance it caused in the harbour, the room required for storing it, the number of mules for carrying it to the various camps, and the difficulty of distribution. “No one,” said he, “can imagine the immense quantity of labour that is required for keeping up the supplies of fuel.”
“I am going to-day,” I remarked, “to see the Commander-in-chief; and I intend to submit a small model of my camp kitchen for his inspection.” In a few words I explained its principle, and stated the small quantity of fuel it would require. Colonel Hardinge remarked, “Why, you will save at least between three and four hundred per cent.; for it is not the cost of the coal or wood which is the principal item, but the labour, expense, and inconvenience of transport. All these will be greatly reduced.”
“I am much obliged to you,” I said, “for your very encouraging remarks.”
“Any more information you may require I shall at all times be happy to afford; and as you have no horses yet, whenever you want a pony, let me know.”
“I feel grateful, Colonel, for your kind reception.”
Crowds of people were waiting for an audience, yet I managed to escape. Balaklava House was indeed a palace compared with the rest of the Tartaric habitations. On arriving on board theLondon, I heard with regret that Miss Nightingale was indisposed. Mr. Bracebridge did not think it was anything very serious. Mrs. Roberts, Miss Nightingale’s head nurse, who always accompanied her and attended her during the voyage, informed me that Miss Nightingale was not going out, having much writing to do, it being post-day.
Mr. Bracebridge wished me to go with him to see Mr. Upton, the son of the architect who built the harbour and docks of Sebastopol. On my reminding him of my appointment at head-quarters (which he had forgotten), Mr. Bracebridge proposed going the next morning, as he had a particular desire to see Mr. Upton and family. “I hear,” said he, “Mr. Upton is a Warwickshire man. His father was born at the small village of Grendon, close to my place and that of your late friend, Sir George Chetwynd, of Grendon Hall.”
“Really! I know the place very well; and to-morrow I shall be happy to accompany you, unless fresh orders from head-quarters interfere with the arrangement.”
“Your pony is ready, Monsieur Soyer,” said the steward of the ship. I sent for Miss Nightingale’s page, Thomas.
“Do you want me, Monsieur Soyer?” asked the boy.
“Yes, my lad, I do. Tell your mistress I am going to head-quarters; give her my best compliments, and say I shall have the pleasure of seeing Lord Raglan; and ask her if I can take any message for her to him, or to any one else in the camp.”
The Captain, who was smoking on the upper deck, called out, “Who caught the rats?”
“You mean, who caught the captain,” said I, “who could not smell a rat?”
The boy returned, and informed me that Miss Nightingale was very much obliged to me, and that she had written to Lord Raglan upon business that very morning.
I then started. The roads were still very heavy from the immense quantity of rain which had fallen, but the weather was fine overhead, and everybody seemed to be out. People, in fact, sprang up like mushrooms in a green field after a little rain and a few hours of August sunshine. I met numerous friends and acquaintances between Balaklava and Kadikoi. Many of these—military as well as medical gentlemen—I had seen at Scutari. Indeed, the excursion put me more in mind of riding in Hyde Park on a Sunday afternoon, than being in a distant country, and at the seat of war. For above a mile it was a constant nodding of heads and shaking of hands. As my time was short, I felt anxious to get on my journey as fast as possible. I did not know the way to head-quarters, so I inquired of an officer which was the shortest road. He kindly informed me that he was going there, and knew the short cuts, but that he was in a great hurry, and if I could ride fast, he should be much pleased to show me the way. Of course I expressed my willingness to accommodate my pace to his, and away we went across country. After riding for twenty-five minutes, we arrived near the ever-celebrated farm which constituted the head-quarters. Its appearance was by no means grand nor imposing, and put me very much in mind of Shakspeare’s house at Stratford, or the humble cot of the poet Burns in Ayrshire.
My readers are too well acquainted with the locality and the non-architectural design of the house and its dependencies for me to attempt giving a description. The well-known spot was first taken as the English head-quarters, and retaken by drawing, daguerreotyping, engraving, photographing, lithographing, &c.: in fact, it became, as well as the wooden French head-quarters, so celebrated during the war-time, that the Tuileries, Windsor, and the marble palace of Dolma Bach wereactually cast into the shade, and a very deep shade too. Even cities were at a discount compared with Sebastopol. Yes, Sebastopol, pretty, picturesque Sebastopol, with its few thousand inhabitants, was in everybody’s mouth and thoughts.
The court-yard at head-quarters that morning presented a very lively scene. I found it, to my great disappointment, filled with officers’ chargers, which were being slowly led about by the orderlies. There were some belonging to Sardinians, French, and Turks, besides English ones. This sight made me despair of seeing the General that morning, and I feared that I should lose another day. Time was then precious to me.
Upon inquiry, I was informed that the Sardinian General, Della Marmora, was returning a visit to Lord Raglan and to General Canrobert, and that they would all be off directly, as a grand review of their troops was to take place the following day. This afforded me an opportunity of paying my second visit to Dr. Hall, the chief superintendent. He was out, but I was told that he would be home by one or two o’clock. On retracing my steps to head-quarters, I found, as I had been at first informed, every one on the point of departure. The different uniforms formed an exquisite contrast in the military cavalcade. The court-yard was soon cleared, and I went in, and had the pleasure of seeing General Airey, Colonel Steele, &c. Colonel Steele said I was just in time to see Lord Raglan, and I was at once ushered in.
“What have you to show me, Monsieur Soyer?” said Lord Raglan, after a kind greeting.
“I wish to submit to your lordship’s inspection the model of my field-stove, and if you approve of it, the progress of my undertaking will be greatly accelerated.”
“Very well; explain it at once.”
“In the first place, here is a simple plan of the kitchen in course of erection at the Sanatorium Hospital.” I pointed out the details, which his lordship seemed to understand at first sight.
“If that is all you require, surely you can have it done without much delay.”
“That is all; but I require men as well.”
“You shall have them—orders will be given to that effect.”
“This one will serve as a model for all the others: they will be upon a similar scale. For example, the General Hospital before Sebastopol does not require one on so extensive a scale, though the most important.”
“Well, what you require must be done. By-the-bye, Monsieur Soyer, you are very fortunate in having had the honour of escorting Miss Nightingale to the seat of war.”
“I am fully aware, my Lord, that it is a great honour.”
“The lady mentioned you in her letter to me, as well as Mr. Bracebridge, whom I know very well. I went to Balaklava the other day to visit her.”
“So I heard; but Miss Nightingale was at the Sanatorium whilst your lordship went to the General Hospital.”
“They could not tell me where she was—therefore I did not go to the Sanatorium. I saw a poor lady who seems very ill. I told her she had better take care of herself, and have some one to nurse her, instead of nursing others. She spoke very good French, and a very lady-like person she is.”
“I know whom your lordship means—the lady is Miss Wear.”
“I almost forget the name, but I believe that was it.”
Lord Raglan made many inquiries respecting Miss Nightingale, whose character he seemed to admire very much. We then returned to business matters. I expressed my desire to visit the hospital kitchens in the camp, in company with some of the authorities. To this Lord Raglan immediately acceded.
“No person could be better than Dr. Hall. Do you know him, Monsieur Soyer?”
“No, my Lord, I have not that pleasure; I called upon him twice, but unfortunately he was out.”
“He lives close at hand, and I will send for him.”
I told Lord Raglan that I had just left his hut, andthat he was absent, but would be certain to be back by three or four o’clock.
“Very well; then you can settle that together.”
As I perceived that numbers of persons were waiting to see his lordship, and that messages were continually being sent in, I said that I should be happy to wait, and would call again.
“No, no, not at all,” said Lord Raglan; “if you were to wait, you might do so for a month. What is that you have under your arm? Is it a cooking apparatus?”
“Yes, this is the model of the field stove I have invented, and which I wish to submit for your lordship’s opinion and approval, by command of Lord Panmure, who approved of it very highly. Mr. Brunel, the great engineer, did the same. They are now in use in various hospitals, particularly at Smyrna, and at Scutari, where they answer admirably. They can also be used in the field, as they will cook either in or out of doors. Those for out-of-door purposes only require to be made smaller and lighter than the hospital ones.”
Having carefully explained the principle upon which it was constructed, Lord Raglan thought it would answer perfectly, and asked, “Do you wish to have them adopted immediately?”
“Not before you have seen them at work, my Lord.”
“Ah, that will do better.”
“I am expecting some of them shortly; in fact, they should have been here before.”
“Well, you had better make inquiries about them, or they may be delayed somewhere, as this happens almost every day.”
Several gentlemen were present when I explained the principle of the stove, in which Lord Raglan seemed much interested, showing the model and taking the trouble to explain its principle to them himself. Colonel Symonds said, “Monsieur Soyer, I will go and fetch his Excellency Omer Pacha; he is much interested in this kind of thing.”
“Do, Colonel,” said Lord Raglan. Then turning to me: “I am much pleased with what I have seen, andhave no doubt those stoves will prove a great boon to the army; but mind, they must not be made too heavy, and they must be adapted for companies. Neither must you forget the smaller ones which I mentioned to you, for picket and outpost duty.” Omer Pacha entered. “Now,” said Lord Raglan, “form your own opinion of Soyer’s field stove, and let me know what you think of it.”
“Monsieur Soyer,” said Omer Pacha, “what have you good to eat there?”
“Nothing at present, your Excellency; but by-and-by, when my plans are adopted, we shall be able to cook for and feed the army with ease.”
“Ah, this is a matter of great importance. Pray explain your plans to me.” When I had done this, Omer Pacha said, “It will first be necessary to have something to cook.”
The truth of the observation I respectfully admitted, with a low bow, adding, “Your Excellency is right; but as the probability is that something to be cooked never yet entirely failed, and in expectation of better times coming, we confidently hope that the provisions for the army will shortly be on the increase instead of the decrease. This hope has induced me to invent this apparatus, of which, when its principle has been fully explained, I have no doubt you will, with Lord Raglan, approve.”
“Monsieur Soyer, I have no doubt that, as regards cooking, you are a very clever man; but if you could manage to cook a dinner out of nothing, you would be more clever still.”
“Not having tried the experiment, I really cannot say whether I could do so or not; but I will try, and then report progress to your Excellency.”
A hearty laugh from all present terminated thispetite plaisanterie. This brought to my mind the story of a very promising schoolboy, who, when asked by a learned man whether he could speak Latin, replied, “I cannot tell, sir.”
“Why can’t you tell, my boy?”
“Because I never tried, sir,” was the answer.
“At all events,” I continued, addressing Omer Pacha, “you will perceive that if I cannot make something out of nothing, I am able to do a great deal with a little, which in war-time is a very important matter.”
“Very true; but pray show me the interior of this little model.”
Having shown and explained the apparatus, Omer Pacha admitted its practicability, and, after giving me a few hints on the Turkish system of camp cookery, retired, followed by his staff, wishing me every success. Lord Raglan met Omer Pacha in the passage, and they exchanged a few words, which I could hear bore reference to the subject we had discussed. I was leaving, when Lord Raglan re-entered.
“So you are going, Monsieur Soyer?”
“Yes, my Lord. I fear my visit has been too long.”
“No, not at all—this is rather a quiet day, and before you go I wish you would be kind enough to look at my kitchen.”
“I shall be most happy to do so.”
“Do you know my cook?—his name is Armand—he is not acordon bleu, but he is a good man, and does his best with what he can get.”
“The French proverbà la guerre comme à la guerreis very applicable to the circumstances—nay, rather too much so to permit one to hope to obtain a good dinner.”
“Very true,” said Lord Raglan; “and we are really so tired of those preserved meats.”
“Indeed; but some of them are not bad.”
“The great fault is, that the meat is always overdone. How do you account for that, Monsieur Soyer?”
“If it were not so, they would not keep. When I was sent for to Deptford to report upon Golding’s preserved meats—which, no doubt, your lordship recollects——“
“I do, indeed; they were too bad to be forgotten.”
“I assure your lordship the fault was more in the cooking than in the bad quality of the meat—some of which I found in a state of liquid putrefaction. No doubt, the meat was not of prime quality, and many improperthings were introduced. Nevertheless, if the articles had been properly preserved, they would have been found as sweet when taken out as when they were put in. For example, the entrails of any animal might be enclosed in these tin cases in the state in which they came from the animal, and, if well preserved, upon opening them a couple of years after, they would be found pretty much in their original state, excepting being slightly discoloured by the cooking—but whole, and not in a liquid state, as those were. The meat was, therefore, either not cooked enough, or some atmospheric air had remained in it which caused putrefaction.”
“Could not any other way of preserving be introduced?”
“Many experiments have been tried, but almost all proved unsuccessful. I, at one time, made several myself, the results of some of which I submitted to Captain Miles, Admiral Berkeley, Sir Charles Napier, &c., and they were found very good. They were then about a month old, but the time the government wished for the test was a twelvemonth. I was certain they would keep any length of time, but as I was then very much engaged at the Reform Club, and also writing my cookery-book,The Modern Housewife, I did not pursue it further. The principal improvement in my method was the omission of the liquids previously introduced, either broth or water. I only put the meat in well seasoned, and left it to cook slowly in its own gravy; and when opened, it turned out surrounded by a firm jelly, and cut solid.”
“I should advise you to turn your immediate attention to that subject.”
“I will, my Lord, as soon as time permits. I shall now go and see your kitchen, and pay a visit to yourchef de cuisine.”
“Pray do, and see whether you can contrive to improve it. I believe it is a very bad one, for he is always complaining. When you return, lunch will be upon the table, and you can take some refreshment.”
Thanking Lord Raglan for his extreme kindness, I took my leave. I was anxious to see Colonel Steele, to inform him of the result of my interview; but ashe was out, I proceeded to the kitchen, which was some distance from the house, across the courtyard. Thechefhad gone to Kamiesch to market: I therefore postponed my visit, and returned to the dining-room to take some refreshment. Afterwards I went in search of Doctor Hall, whom at last I had the good fortune to find at home, if such a small place could be called a home. It was about ten feet square, and the height of a sentry-box, affording about enough room for four persons to stand up in, and only for two to sit down. Thispetit châletwas for all that nicely furnished, and the spot where most of the hospital business was transacted both for the East and the Crimea, it being the general head-quarters for the various medical departments. Such was the habitation, office, and château of the present Sir John Hall.
At the door I was received by his major-domo, a Frenchman named Louis, a very intelligent man, and one as well known in the camp from his extraordinary look, shrewdness, eccentricity, and style of riding, as the doctor himself. On alighting, Louis took my horse by the bridle, and walking to the entrance, introduced me to the doctor, who was very busy writing. He got up and requested me to enter, which I did.
“Pray be seated, Monsieur Soyer—I am very happy to see you. I heard of your arrival, and also of your former visits.”
“To-day, doctor, I have been more fortunate.”
“You see, Monsieur Soyer, I have so many places to visit every day, particularly in the morning, that I am very seldom at home.”
I could but smile at the word “home,” which, as my readers will understand by my description, was but a humble one. Such was the general amount of luxury in the establishments in the Crimea.
“As I am aware, doctor, of the value of your time, do not let me disturb you in the least. A few minutes will settle our business. First of all, I have a letter of introduction from Dr. Cumming.”
“Let me see it.”
It contained only a few lines, and was to the following effect:—
ToDr. Hall,Chief of the Medical Department, Crimea.Dear Sir,—Monsieur Soyer, who you are well aware has rendered us important service in the culinary department of our hospitals on the Bosphorus, prior to going to the Crimea begs of me to give him a letter of introduction to you. Hoping that his services may prove as successful in the Crimea as they have been here,I remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully,Dr. Cumming.
ToDr. Hall,Chief of the Medical Department, Crimea.
Dear Sir,—Monsieur Soyer, who you are well aware has rendered us important service in the culinary department of our hospitals on the Bosphorus, prior to going to the Crimea begs of me to give him a letter of introduction to you. Hoping that his services may prove as successful in the Crimea as they have been here,
I remain, dear Sir, yours faithfully,Dr. Cumming.
When Dr. Hall had read the letter, and expressed his satisfaction at the contents, I related the result of my interview with the Commander-in-chief, and my desire to visit the camp hospitals with the doctor at his earliest convenience. Dr. Hall immediately fixed the next day for the purpose, and kindly offered to send a pony for me about eight the next morning.
After having exchanged the usual compliments, we parted. Before I left, the doctor called Louis and gave him the order for the pony. As it was only three o’clock, and I had a few hours to spare, I felt inclined to visit the French camp, in order to compare their system of cooking with that in use among the English, as well as to make some inquiries about their provisions.
The French head-quarters did not bear the slightest resemblance to the English. The pile was entirely constructed of wood, and thus gave a wide scope to the architects to distinguish themselves in the modern science of joining and building, and to render as convenient and comfortable as possible this seat of important business transactions. It was in fact a well-built village, of which the General-in-chief was the lord; and, though not gaudy, still luxuriously comfortable, with every department distinct and well arranged. This was, to a certain extent, the case at the English head-quarters, but a farm did not afford sufficient space and accommodation. At the commencement of the campaign, it was no uncommon thing for a general to rest from the fatigues of war in a smalldilapidated room, something like a good-sized English pig-sty.
The French head-quarters, like the English, were surrounded by the staff and principal business offices, which, though answering the same purpose, presented quite a different appearance. In the arrangement of the offices and the manners of the inhabitants, one could in fact distinguish France from England, and England from France.
The vicinity was well guarded—several regiments being encamped round that select group of habitations. It was only with a silver key one could open the doors of the field kitchens andpopottes, which key was always to be found at the regimental canteen. A few bottles of wine, glasses of absinthe or vermouth, were enough to initiate me in less than two hours in all that I required to know relating to my mission.
After settling my account with three or four coquettish and cavalier-likevivandières, wishing them all the commercial prosperity imaginable, and shaking hands with several companies of the various regiments, including those of the Imperial Guard, who had just arrived, I cheerfully retired with the gratification of having conquered a portion of theéliteof the French armies—of course, I only mean in pure friendship. Moreover, I gained most honourable titles, from lieutenant to captain, colonel, and now and then general. At all events, my passport through that important part of the French camp was signed by several hundreds of those brave fellows, as well as by innumerable smiles from the fair and dark heroines, thecantinièresof the first French division. With a promise to return soon, I retired, having experienced much gratification and enriched my budget of anecdote.
In this interesting visit to the French camp, head-quarters, canteens, &c., and becoming well acquainted with the officers’ and soldiers’popottes—which name I immediately added to my gastronomic bill of fare—the three hours I had to spare nearly expired. The sun wasrapidly descending to the level of the ocean in the direction of Kamiesch.
Having paid my bill at the canteen, and shaken hands with nearly a whole regiment, I jumped on my pony and galloped all the way home, perfectly satisfied with my day’s work, which at the time I felt was one of the most interesting of my life.
Miss Nightingale dangerously ill—Her removal to the Sanatorium—Worst form of Crimean fever—General consternation—Conversation with the Captain—Better news—Visit the Sanatorium—Disembarkation of the Sardinians—Bridge over theLondon—Admiral Boxer—Act as interpreter—Overwhelmed with complaints—Soda-water for horses—All right at last—Alexandrian horse-flesh—A character—An interesting ride—The General Hospital—Reasons for my return to Turkey—Letters—Head-quarters again—Lord Raglan’s anxiety for Miss Nightingale—Return to Balaklava—Admiral Boxer and the Sardinians—All in the wrong—Quieted at last.
Miss Nightingale dangerously ill—Her removal to the Sanatorium—Worst form of Crimean fever—General consternation—Conversation with the Captain—Better news—Visit the Sanatorium—Disembarkation of the Sardinians—Bridge over theLondon—Admiral Boxer—Act as interpreter—Overwhelmed with complaints—Soda-water for horses—All right at last—Alexandrian horse-flesh—A character—An interesting ride—The General Hospital—Reasons for my return to Turkey—Letters—Head-quarters again—Lord Raglan’s anxiety for Miss Nightingale—Return to Balaklava—Admiral Boxer and the Sardinians—All in the wrong—Quieted at last.
ALAS! how short are the moments in which real happiness favours us with its charms, and how quickly it deserts one in the midst of mirth and joy! On this eventful day, I was doomed to experience the truth of the saying that “sorrow treads upon the heels of joy;” for I had scarcely set my foot upon the deck of theLondon, when P. M. came and apprised me that Miss Nightingale was not expected to live. It appeared that after my departure she had a terrible attack of fever, and was obliged to be immediately removed to the hospital. On asking to which establishment this excellent lady had been taken, I was told the Sanatorium. P. M. continued, “Several doctors, Mr. and Mrs. Bracebridge, and myself, accompanied her there—I have only been back a few minutes.”
“Why did you not take her to the General Hospital? It was much nearer.”
“Don’t you know that cholera is raging there?”
“There certainly are a few cases. Do you think I can do anything for her?”
“No, I am sure you cannot; she is not allowed to take anything, and the doctors have forbidden any one to be admitted, except her private nurse, Mrs. Roberts.”
It was then getting late—Mr. Bracebridge had not returned. The captain and P. M. gave me a full account of this lamentable event. It appeared that about noon Miss Wear had come on board to see Miss Nightingale upon business. She found that lady very poorly, but thinking it was a slight indisposition, took no notice of it, more especially as Miss Nightingale did not complain in the least. About two, by the orders of Mrs. Roberts, they were obliged to send in a great hurry for a doctor. Mrs. Roberts stated that her mistress had been suddenly taken dangerously ill—that she was in fact attacked by the worst form of Crimean fever. The first thing ordered by the doctor was her instant removal to the hospital on the heights.
“So,” said the captain, who was relating this part of the sad history, “I set all my men to work. We got a stretcher from the hospital, and she was carried very carefully by my men and some soldiers sent by the governor.”
“I followed through Balaklava,” said P. M., “amidst a regular procession of soldiers, holding a white umbrella over her face. The crowd was so great, we could scarcely pass, and it took us nearly an hour to get up to the heights. I assure you, all Balaklava was in an uproar.”
“What do the doctors say of the case?”
“That the lady is dangerously ill, and that no one must go near her, not even Mr. Bracebridge.”
“What mournful tidings!” I said. “I should not be surprised if she caught the fever from the patient at Dr. Henderson’s. I warned her of the danger of exposing herself so much several times.”
“By-the-bye, where is Mr. Bracebridge?”
“I left him there.”
“Does he intend to come back, or stay where he is?”
“I don’t know, but I do not see what good he can do there.”
“I hope we shall hear better news when he returns.”
“Now, Mr. Soyer, tell us about your visit to head-quarters. Did you see Lord Raglan?”
“Certainly I did.”
“And how were you received?” asked the captain.
“Admirably,” I replied.
“I hear his lordship is a most amiable and kind man.”
“He is indeed, I assure you; and I cannot but express my gratitude for the reception he afforded me. I am certain he will be very sorry to hear of Miss Nightingale’s serious and sudden illness, for he inquired very kindly after her this morning.”
My companions made many more inquiries respecting the events of the day; but I had forgotten all, I was so absorbed by this unexpected blow. It seemed likely to upset all our plans. I spoke to the captain of the several visits Miss Nightingale had paid to the sick officer at Dr. Henderson’s at the time he was so dangerously ill, remarking upon her neglect of herself by going all day without refreshment, and braving all weathers. We could not help noticing how singular it appeared, that after her hard labours at Scutari, and escaping both the cholera and fevers which raged there, she should be so suddenly taken ill at Balaklava. It was indeed very melancholy and remarkable. At last Mr. Bracebridge returned. He informed us that Miss Nightingale was a little better, but that such a violent case of fever required a certain time. “Mrs. Roberts,” he continued, “is with her, and the boy to go for the doctor, in case he should be needed.”
“Poor boy!” said the captain, “how he cried when he saw his mistress carried upon a stretcher by soldiers!”
“Yes,” said Mr. Bracebridge, “he is a very affectionate lad.”
After a few questions about my visit to Lord Raglan, being all very much fagged, we retired for the night. Upon that occasion, owing to excessive fatigue and the absence of rats, which had at length been successfully turned out of my cabin without making use of my receipt, I enjoyed a comfortable night’s rest. The next morning, at eight precisely, Louis was at his post with the pony, of which I could not, however, make use, not knowingwhat alteration Miss Nightingale’s illness might cause at both hospitals, where, no doubt, my presence would be required. I sent Dr. Hall a note, apologizing for not waiting upon him that day, and postponing our visit to the day following, if agreeable to him. Louis promised to send me an answer at five o’clock by the doctor’s courier. No news had been received at the General Hospital from the Sanatorium; therefore Mr. Bracebridge and myself went up the first thing, instead of going to Mr. Upton, as we had previously arranged. On our arrival, the report was anything but favourable; and this seemed to paralyse all our energies. Indeed, for a few days no business of consequence was transacted. My kitchen at the Sanatorium alone progressed. I offered my services to Drs. Henderson and Hadley, in case I could be of use to Miss Nightingale. Dr. Henderson said, “I am the only cook she requires at present. We must wait nearly a week before I can leave her in your hands, even should her illness take a favourable turn.” I then begged of him to give me his private opinion of her state.
“She is suffering, I assure you, Monsieur Soyer, from as bad an attack of fever as I have seen; but I should say the chances are in her favour, because she does not fret in the slightest degree, but is perfectly composed.”
On calling at the General Hospital for Dr. Hall’s reply, I found that he had fixed the same time the next day for our visit. We then returned on board theLondon. Many inquiries respecting Miss Nightingale had been made by almost all the authorities, amongst whom were Sir John Macneil, Captain Tulloch, Admiral Boxer, the Governor, Commissary Filder, and Dr. Sutherland. The latter went at once to see her. Finding she had all proper attention, he came in the evening, and requested us to leave her as quiet as possible. He told Mr. Bracebridge on no account to go near her, not even if sent for, as any excitement might be fatal. This request was of course punctually attended to.
The remainder of the Sardinian army had now arrived. The disembarkation kept the harbour in a constantbustle, morning, noon, and night. It was, in fact, a real maritime bivouac, and our vessel very much resembled the famed metropolis from which it takes its name. During the night a strong bridge was built over it, communicating with the shore on the one side, and one of the Sardinian ships, which had been towed alongside, on the other. This was made for the purpose of landing men and horses. At five in the morning I was up and on deck, as from the noise it was impossible to sleep. The first person on board was Admiral Boxer, as busy as could be, giving his orders. On seeing me, he inquired about Miss Nightingale.
“What a good job,” said he, “they were able to remove her from here!”
“You are right, admiral. I perceive you are about to put the troops from one of the vessels on shore.”
“From one, say you? I am landing the whole of the Sardinian army, and some of our own troops besides.”
“At any rate, I think this is one of the greatest curiosities of the Crimean war.”
“Why?” asked the admiral, talking to twenty others at the time.
“Why, admiral, pray who would have thought of seeing while in the Crimea a Sardinian army cross London Bridge?”
“Ha! ha! ha! true enough; that’s not bad; singular things are seen and done in time of war. What do you think of their soldiers, Monsieur Soyer?”
“Fine fellows!”
“They are fine fellows. But I wish they spoke English—we should get on much quicker.”
“I’ll speak to them for you, if you like, admiral.”
“Ah, to be sure, so you can.”
I immediately set about acting as interpreter between the English admiral and the Sardinian captains. In his anxiety to get rid of them as quickly as possible, Admiral Boxer asked whether they had pretty much what they required; a question which brought about ten complainants on deck, who surrounded me. One had no hay, barley, or water for his horses. They all spoke atthe same time, and made a hubbub which could only be feebly imitated at the Paris Stock Exchange.
“What’s all this row about? This will never do,” said the admiral. “Pray don’t tell them who I am, or they will bother my life out.”
“I have told them, and that’s why they are making such a row. I asked them, as you wished me, whether they had everything they wanted.”
“I said pretty much what they wanted.”
“I know you did, admiral, and so I told them; but they say they don’t know the meaning of that.”
“Tell them they are fine fellows—fine fellows, and that there is a beautiful camp ready for them, where they will find everything they require, without any drawback. I will send lots of men to wait upon them directly; but they must get out of the harbour before night.”
General della Marmora sent for the admiral; so he left me to settle the matter, which I did in a very few words.
“My dear fellows,” said I to them, “your valuable services will be much better appreciated by your sovereign and General-in-chief if you put up with a little inconvenience for the present, and remain quiet, than if, on the contrary, you are too particular.”
“Do you know, monsieur, that our horses have not had a drop of water to-day?”
“Colonel,” said I, “I am not at all surprised at that; and more, you must put up with it.”
“Why?” he asked.
“Simply because you can’t get it, unless you like to do as I did yesterday—give them soda-water.”
“Do you mean to say there is no water at all in this grand vessel?”
“None, except soda-water.”
“Eh bien,” said another, “give de soda-water alors.”
“What, for the horses?”
“Oui, for the chevals!”
“Here, my man,” said I to one of the crew, “tell the steward to bring a dozen of soda-water for the colonel’s horse. Mind, colonel, it costs a shilling a bottle; but, as you are a good customer, and take a dozen, no doubt he will let you have it cheaper.”
“I will not pay a sou for this bubbling water. I know what you mean. It fizzes like champagne, but it is not good to drink. The horses will never touch it. I thought it was spring-water that you called soda-water.”
At all events, the soda-water was brought, to the great annoyance of the colonel, who thought he should have to pay for it; but I sent for some sherry and a few glasses, and we drank a bottle or two, instead of giving it to the horses, to the great gratification of the colonel, who, after partaking of it, said he liked it much better with sherry than brandy. About twenty banabaks soon after arrived with water in skins and leathern horse-buckets. The horses were properly watered; and thus ended the Sardinian revolt in the harbour of Balaklava, on the 14th of May, in the year 1855, beneath the ruins of the Genoese Tower and fortifications built by their ancestors.
The Sardinian troops and horses soon after crossed new London Bridge; by eight o’clock I was mounting my horse to go and meet Dr. Hall. The troops that had then landed were in full march towards their very picturesque camp at the top of the mountain; a band of music was playing at their head, and their artillery train and baggage-waggons followed. The weather was brilliant, and the heat of the sun intense. Louis was mounted upon a fine black horse, which the doctor had brought from Alexandria. Nobody but Louis could ride him, on account of his tricks. His appearance was worthy of the finest circus in the world for the performance of the high school of equitation. To this splendid animal Louis owed his reputation and popularity; and, as he lived at head-quarters, all the Staff knew him. It is hardly possible to describe his personal appearance. He was short in stature, with extraordinary large ears; his long moustaches, hair, and eyebrows were between the colour of a canary bird and that of the dun pony I was riding. His dress was of a similar colour, with the exception of his cap, which was, if possible, of an intenseryellow. This contrast of colours in an individual mounted upon such a splendid charger, caused him to be remarked by every one throughout the camp.
Our ride seemed very short, for Louis, who is a very clever fellow, was full of anecdote, and related some that were really very amusing. He spoke several languages, frequently mingling one with another. He spoke his own language, the French, worse than any other, he had been so long away from his native land. He was present at the battles of Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, and the Tchernaya, where his charger was wounded close to the Traktir Bridge, he, as usual during an action, keeping in close attendance on his brave master, more especially if danger was imminent; and no better fate had he at the battle of Inkermann, where he was seriously wounded in the leg, and the traces of both wounds are, I regret to say, still apparent. On the eve of my departure from the seat of war, I, out of veneration for this once splendid charger, purchased him of his owner, who would probably have been obliged to abandon his faithful steed to the tender mercies of the hungry inhabitants, who, doubtless, had they got him in their clutches, would have given him a dressingà la Tartare, or perhaps converted his body into those suspicious articles of food, sausages. On his voyage home, in charge of a careful groom, Neptune had no more respect for this four-legged hero than for the commonest quadruped; for not only was he pitched, bit, and tossed about in all directions, but worse still, when the shipClarendonarrived off Cadiz, she struck on a sunken rock, and the most valueless animals were thrown overboard; but “Inkermann,” with his usual luck, in spite of Mars and Neptune, escaped the plunge taken by his less fortunate companions, and is now in London, enjoying, as hitherto, his full feed, though in the profoundest retirement, having sold out of the army. Louis spoke very highly of his master, and never seemed to be pleased or displeased at anything—good news, bad, or indifferent, were all the same to him. If you said to him, “The weather is very bad,” he would answer, “I have nothing to do with that, no more than if it were fine.” Onasking him, at our first interview, if he was a Frenchman, “Of course I am,” he replied; “all my family were Frenchmen.” I must say that, with all his eccentricity, he was very obliging; and I feel very grateful for the kind attentions he paid me, particularly during my serious illness, when he often visited me. Upon our arrival, the doctor’s horse was at the door, and his master soon made his appearance.
“Good morning, Doctor! I fear we are behind time.”
“I can always employ my time here,” said he, looking at his watch; “you are only a few minutes late.”
We then, started. Louis asked whether he was to accompany us; to which the doctor answered, “No: I expect Dr. Henderson from Balaklava, so be in the way; tell him we are gone to the General Hospital.”
During our ride, I told my companion about the Sardinian insurrection near our new London Bridge, which seemed to amuse him very much. He informed me that Miss Nightingale had passed a better night, but was far from being out of danger. The cannon of Sebastopol made a fearful noise.
“Have you seen Sebastopol yet, Monsieur Soyer?”
“Yes, I have, Doctor, and was rather close, too!” and I related our Nightingale campaign.
“To-day you will have another view, quite as good, though not so dangerous.”
We then began talking upon business, and I was speaking of my having visited the military and civil hospitals in France, when Dr. Henderson galloped after us, and a conversation ensued relative to the arrival of the armies, and the fact that many of the men had been attacked by fever, before their hospitals were ready. Dr. Hall decided upon a course of action, and we alighted at the General Hospital. The doctor, Mr. Mouatt, was unfortunately out, but was expected back shortly. Dr. Henderson left us, and I accompanied Dr. Hall round several huts. He visited all the worst cases, which were at that time very numerous. We then repaired to the kitchen, which, as I have before said, was far from being equal to the requirements of suchan immense hospital. It was in the open air, and ill provided with things necessary for the establishment. Having pointed this out to Dr. Hall, he immediately agreed that one similar to that at the Sanatorium should be erected; but Dr. Mouatt was not present. The want of materials and of workmen was so great, that, previous to its erection, I was obliged to leave the Crimea and return to Scutari for a short time. My head man there had been taken ill, and his life was, as he thought, in great danger. Several times prior to my return he had threatened to run away, which would quite have upset all my former efforts.
I remained in the Crimea about ten days longer, and my reader will perceive that every minute of my time was occupied. I devoted some of it to the most important hospital of all—the one before Sebastopol; a plan for the improvement of which I immediately made and forwarded to the proper parties, so much was I impressed with the necessity of having a kitchen erected immediately. Fearing that I should be obliged to leave the Crimea for Scutari before it could be even commenced, the day after my visit I wrote two official letters, one to Lord Raglan, and the other to Dr. Hall. The General-in-chief and Dr. Hall had both visited the spot, and agreed with me that it was one of the most important hospitals in the East. It was situated under the very walls of Sebastopol, subject to a divided attack, or to asortie, and might at any moment be suddenly encumbered with a large number of wounded, requiring a great quantity of nutritious articles, more particularly beverages, after any surgical operation. In reply I received the following communications:—