Soyer's Culinary Campaign

er-Phonetic experiments-Mr. Stafford's kind reception-Model of the stove inspected by the Duke of Cambridge and by Lord Panmure-Interview with Mr. Brunel-Dr. Mayne-Question of patent-Sir Benjami

cordially received. After a few words on my part, as I had not had the pleasure of seeing Lord Panmure since I left the Reform Club, he inquired what I proposed doing in respect to the cooking department o

brave fellows in the camp;-see what you can do! Your joyful countenance wil

Crimea had the same small tin camp-kettle I had seen in the camp at Chobham, it would be impossible for me to im

hing more applicable for the camp, and which can be

I consider practicable strikes me, I will have a model of

ll,

risk going there and setting to work immediately. I shall start in the full conviction of being able to do some good, if your lordship honours me with your f

o that effect, and furnish you with lett

m, through the medium of the public press; such acceptance on the part of your l

. Soyer; but I must make some

nce to your lordship as well as the Government; more especial

can start,-the mail le

eparture for so long and unexpected a journey, I have some impor

it to you, Soyer; but the

anxiety and promptitude; not a day

r; come and see me b

rdon, to whom shall I address myself fo

one else," was Lo

you in the incessant business yo

lways be here; but do not hesitat

ainly w

ested me to call again prior to my departure for the East, stating that she would give me some important letters of introduction to persons at Scutari, which would be most useful to me. After promising to do this, I retired. My inten

nd having paid my respects, he inquired if I was going to Scutari, to which I replied in the affirmative. In a few words I gave h

Grace yesterday." I then made a few inquiries respecting the state o

you all the information you may require, as he was with me

shall do myself the pleasure

cuisine, who kindly initiated me into all the doings, both in the camp and in

mple apparatus to take out with me of which I understood the working, and which might be put in action immediately on my arrival. In a very short time I hit upon an idea which I thought could be easily carried out, and would answer perfectly. Losing no time, I jumped into a

to Lord Shaftesbury, to whom I had the honour of being perm

several useful observations respecting the importance of my mission. I bade him adieu. His lordship kindly wished me all the success I

I had the pleasure of being acquainted. Others were engaged testing samples of preserved milk in glasses; and having asked me to test some, I selected one which they all a

requesting that I might have all I required in my department upon application to the purveyor. He then put me in communication with a gentleman in charge of the stores, who would give me all the inf

t I might call till doomsday, and not be able to see him. This, of course, I took for granted, as no doubt the doctor would upon this solemn occasion be more engaged than ever. I must, however, observe that he at first took me for a merc

u. Why didn't you tell me you was Monseer Soyewere, then I should have knowed

; but did I not g

ere from five such letters as that," said he, showing my card to

y. Thank you for the wrinkle.

asure of a very interesting interview with that gentleman, who had then just returned from Scutari. Having given me the necessary details of what was most required, and about the numbe

tage of a little more of your valuable information upon any subject which may stri

ou think o

of days at

ll parcels, which you will be kind enough to deliver for me-one especiall

ppy; jusqu'au plais

our of meeting the Duke of Cambridge, which gave me an excellent opportunity of explaining its merits. The Duke appeared to approve of it, and particularly noticed the great economy of fuel consequent upon the construction and smallness of the furnace. The Duke made some important remarks, and gave me a few hints upon the cooking regulations both in the hospitals and in the camps. These I took note of, and after explaining my plan of transport, I was quite delighted at havin

, I wish you well, and

nmure I had better wait till he went to take his luncheon. I then stated that my object was to sho

e in a few minutes, and you will have plenty of tim

minutes before Lord P

er, what hav

lordship. It is one which will, I believe, suit

y given to the Duke of Cambridge, Lord Panmure approved of it, and reque

ow many cooks I sh

g many people; besides, I hope to be able, in a very short time, to instruct

o cook their rations to the best advantage, and that your instructions should remain for ever among them. Well, I have settled a

e next

artily by the hand, "Good-bye, if I do n

confidence with which you have honoured me. I assure you that it will cause me to be most careful and economical, and it will be my pride to improve the diet without increasing the ex

Soyer, that you w

d upon me for that, were

s you arrive, and let

pleasure of an interview. He at once gave his full and entire approval of the principle, saying, "You really come at a most propitious time; Dr. Mayne and myself are actually busily engaged discussing a plan for establishing kitchens in the Smyrna hospital. Yours

require tinning; and the whole, though light in weight, will be extremely strong, and will last several years without needing repairs, or, at least, very trifling ones, that will not interfere with their u

equired for the purpose. I should like Dr. Mayne to see it; if you can, call as you go

greatest o

return, the doctor had examined the model, and seemed much pleased, saying-"It will answer very well." I left the addr

interest in our descriptive conversation, followed me to the

I shall put my name

take out a patent, you

aking it more complete I could take out either registration or patent, but I would not do that for the world; as it would be immediately report

e his final orders, showing him at the same time the model, which he seemed to appreciate thoroughly. He gave me the best advice, an

at once favoured me with an audience. "I am come," said I, "to announce my departure. I wish, ere I leave to-morrow,

e Duke. He will be highly pleased with it, and he

the honour of showing it to Lord Panmure, and Mr. Brunel, the celebrated engineer, all of whom were much pleased with its efficacy, simplicity, and economy; more especially Mr. Brunel, w

ly." I also remarked that one stove might be placed in a tent or hut containing fifty or sixty men; and they could cook there without the smallest inconvenience or difficulty, whil

hess observed that she had written several letters of introduction for me. "

hat the kindness and great encouragement I had received from them would be for ever engraved in my memor

se you should be taken

ears on that head, and am quite resigned to whatever Providence may dictate. Once more I beg

ntroduce me to General Vivian, of the Turkish Contingent, and his brother, Captain Ramsay, the general's aide-d

he hospitals in the East, and also with Miss Nightingale. I was very kindly received; but, instead of giving me an encouraging prospect of success, that lady very candidly informed me that the number of letters she daily

in order to surmount them. And with the power so graciously conferred upon me

cceed, and shall be happy to hear of an a

ieu, and thanking her for h

urring daily. I was thus placed in an awkward position, and was, moreover, pestered at home by intrusive visitors, and no end of ridiculous letters. I thought of starting alone; but, upon reflection, I decided upon passing the evening at the Adelaide Hotel, at London Bridge, and in the morning looking out for another party; thus, to my great annoyance,

ngratulating me upon my proposed journey, and wishing me success in my u

dear fellow, I can tell you what, there is a chance for you-it is only f

replied; "but I cannot leave my business at a minu

this evening

othes ready f

you require in Paris, where I sh

hours I will give y

had called upon several of his friends, with some of whom I was acquainted, and to my surprise, when I reached the station, I found about twenty assembled to bid us farewell. If I mention this circumstance, it is only to have an opportunity of publicly thank