Soyer's Culinary Campaign

dy Stratford de Redcliffe-The sanctuary of high diplomacy-Lord Stratford de Redcliffe-Signor Roco Vido-His apartment-Importance

in the East, to which the beautiful mirage of an Oriental sunset lent an indescribable charm, a shrieking voice was heard from the lower terrace, saying, "Il signor, la table d'outre est servi! et il se refroidit fortement! La soupe il étoit tout à fait déménagée of the tureen!" Looking over the railing, I perceived the interpreter of the hotel, who was unfortunately the possessor of several tongues, addressing himself to me. He, no doubt, meant to imply that the table

d, though nearly two miles in circumference, which is now so full t

ntic American bagatelle board, where, when the ball is violently thrown to the top, it descends by degrees, catching the points in every direction in its way down. Next to it music was heard. Boys were romping, some playing with marbles, or five para pieces, making use of the stones for their point of departure. Lemonade, cakes, raki, and variegated bonbons, oranges, lemons, &c., were briskly purchased by the promenaders, who, amongst this cohue-bohue of industry, were seen gaily crossing and recrossing the green paths. Some reclined against the grave-stones, forming, as it were, an arm-chair. Amongst them, however, were but few Mussulmans, some turning Dervishes and

residence of Lord Stratford de Redcliffe, interested me most, as I was in duty bound to pay my humble respects to his lordship and her ladyship the next morning. It brought to my mind from

s of diamonds high towards the heavenly sphere. Eight o'clock was striking at the Catholic church of Saint Mary. All was darkness and silence. Hastily retiring to my bed-room, perfectly satisfied with having fed my mind,

of the staircase, inviting each traveller to his morning meal. There was a goodly number present, and we sat down about thirty-five. The majority were military men, of various ranks, mostly French and English. Some expressed their regret at my absence the pre

h trees, from which spot a most favourable view of the rich mass of building around is obtained. Modest grandeur, boldness, and simplicity of execution, seem to have been the architect's sole ambition. I shall probably, in another chapter, describe the beauty and comfort of its interior. The porter having taken my card, I was immediately shown into the library. A few moments spent in this sanctuary of belles lettres af

you did,

eneficial, and be well received by the authorities at the various hospitals, which, in your department, are much in want of so

ired to superintend and, if possible, improve the diet at the Hospital, but have also honoured me with their full c

ase," replied her ladyship; "for without such pow

of the unlimited confidence reposed in me, it will be my pride to try and make all my contemplated improvements with the present governmental allowance; and I have no doubt that in time, by judicious organization and good management, as well as by using everything to the best advantage, I shall economize, instead of increasing the expense to the na

ook, will furnish the details, as he daily prepares large quantities of comforts,-such as beef-tea, mutton and chicken broth, calves'

ormation from Signor Roco

I will sen

always understood that the hospitals

eginning of the campaign, after the battle of the Alma, none of th

horus is sometimes so rough

ay; and since the battle of Inkermann, it often goes to Kululee, where we have opened another hospital, nearly three miles from this. Before you

's most humble serv

Excellency, who, though much engaged (being surrounded by mountains of official papers), received me in a most cheerful and friendly manner. After I had said a few words relative to the mission entrusted to me by the British Government, and her ladyship had briefly narrated our former conversation, Lord Stratford kindly expressed the pleasure it would give him to h

ou all the information you may require upon the subject. He is a

he ambassadress then ordered the footman in waiting to conduct me to Signor Roco's apartment; expressing her desire to meet me with hi

language of the Italian opera. A few words from the footman soon brought me in amicable contact with the major-domo of the Palais d'Angleterre, who spoke excellent English, and, like his illustrious master, was surrounded by archives, but only of culinary and household affairs. The contents of these, though not so important t

e then united Courts were to assemble. The day was fixed for the 21st of March, 1854, and the invitations were cordially accepted, most especially by the representative of the Czar; he being, no doubt, anxious to read upon the brow of the diplomatist the political feeling of his nation. That very day, towards noon, the Sultan's mother died. In the morning she had written a letter to his Excellency, expressive of her full confidence that he would study the future welfare of her son in his relations with the British Government. On account of this mournf

hen only a few hours' notice of the postponement is given; and I cannot but quote

ment préparé. Lisez l'histoire, et vous y trouverez que, dans tous les temps et chez tous les peuple

tistically-prepared dinner. Read history, and you will ascertain that at all periods, and amongst all nations