Though rather late—it was dusk—I borrowed a pony from the Commandant and a mule from Colonel Dennis. By way of a change I rode the mule, and off we went in true campaigning style. We were overtaken by night before we could reach head-quarters. It was at all times imprudent to be out after dark, as violence and robbery were of daily occurrence. At length, after a détour of about a mile, we saw the gleam of several lights, and riding towards them, found ourselves safe at head-quarters, having fortunately hit upon the place. The party were at dinner. After waiting a short time, the steward came and told me that dinner was over, and the gentlemen were taking their wine. I then begged him to inform Colonel Steele of my arrival, and say I should feel obliged if he would step into his room for a few minutes, as I had something important to communicate. Upon receiving my message, Colonel Steele immediately came out.
“Good evening, colonel. Very sorry to disturb you.”
“Never mind that, Monsieur Soyer. But what brings you here so late at night? Are you staying here?”
“No, my dear colonel; I am still at Balaklava, but on the Baraguay d’Hilliers instead of the London.”
“Indeed. Well, she’s a much better vessel. But what can I do for you?”
“I will tell you. I am much annoyed at a mistake which has occurred in the printing of a letter of mine which has appeared in this number of the Illustrated London News. There are only two words misplaced, but they entirely alter my meaning. Pray read those few lines, colonel,” I continued, giving him the paper, and pointing them out; the letter being to the following effect:—
That in the description they gave of the opening of my kitchen at Scutari, in the number of the 14th inst., an error crept in, occasioned by the omission of a word, which entirely alters my sentiment, and if not contradicted would reflect much discredit upon the authorities at Scutari, [and thereby inflict a serious injustice. The sentence to which I referred appears in the paper thus—] “That I prepared my bill of fare according to the provisions allowed, which are at all times of an inferior quality;” whilst the passage should run as follows:—“That I prepared my bill of fare according to the provisions allowed, which at all times are of an inferior quality at Constantinople in comparison to English provisions.”
“I suppose you meant to say, the provisions to be obtained.”
“Exactly, colonel.”
“What do you wish me to do?”