“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.”
It contained only a few lines, and was to the following effect:—
To Dr. 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.