I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
John Croomes.
Monsieur Soyer,
Crimea.
0112/19 War Department, 7th December, 1855.
Sir,—With reference to your letters of the 10th and 14th November, I am directed to acquaint you that Lord Panmure has pleasure in affording you the facilities you desire in making another visit to the Crimea for the purpose of seeing that a proper use is made of the cooking stoves which have been ordered to be sent out.
His lordship has written to Sir W. Codrington, instructing him to allow you the use of a hut, and to extend to you the same advantages which you were afforded under Sir James Simpson’s command; but I am to add, that up to the present time, none of the stoves have been actually dispatched, although it is expected that a portion of them will be ready very shortly.
You must exercise your own discretion, therefore, as to the time for your proceeding to the Crimea.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
E. Chumley.
Monsieur Soyer,
Scutari.
War Department, 25th April, 1856.
Sir,—I am directed by Lord Panmure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 31st March, and to express his lordship’s pleasure in learning that the cooking arrangements which you have introduced in the hospitals at Scutari have answered so perfectly.