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 small dilapidated 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 and popottes, 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-like vivandières, 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 the élite of 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, the cantinières of 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 was rapidly 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.
CHAPTER XVIII.
A UNIVERSAL CALAMITY.
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 the London—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 the London, 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.”