M. Soyer, Scutari.
About the 5th of September, I was at head-quarters, when who should walk in but Sir Edmund Lyons! I had not had the pleasure of seeing him before, and I took this opportunity of introducing myself, and informing the Commander of the British Fleet in the Black Sea, that I was very anxious to pay my respectful compliments to him.
Upon this, Sir Edmund Lyons, with the kindest feeling, at once offered me his hand, saying, “Monsieur Soyer, I assure you I am delighted to make your acquaintance. You are doing much good for our brave soldiers; but you must not forget our worthy sailors. Come and see us on board the Albert; you will be well received and quite welcome. I have heard much about your field-kitchens, and it was only the other day I was reading a very important complimentary letter which General Pelissier had written in their favour.”
“He did me that honour, admiral, and he seemed highly gratified.”
“I can assure you he was, Monsieur Soyer, for I heard him say so.”
A few days after the grand opening ceremony, a meeting took place, by order of the Minister-at-War and General Simpson, to consider the possibility of supplying a pint of hot soup to the men in the trenches during the winter. The meeting was held at Lord Rokeby’s head-quarters, on the 3rd or 4th of September. I was ordered to be present. On my way there I had the pleasure of meeting General Barnard, who in his humorous manner addressed me thus:—
“Hallo, General Soyer! I’m not so much behind as I thought; for you are only just going to the general meeting, or the meeting of generals.”
“You are right, general,” I replied. “Thank you for the noble title you have bestowed upon me, and at the seat of war too.”
“The fact is, I understood the meeting was to be held at head-quarters, and went half-way there, when I met some officers who told me it was to be at Lord Rokeby’s. But they cannot proceed without you, general. Never mind, Soyer, we are only a few minutes behind time.”
When we arrived, the Board was sitting. Sir Colin Campbell had sent a message, stating that some important duties would prevent his attendance. The proceedings then commenced, and the order was read by General Bentinck; which, as far as I can recollect, was worded thus:—