Monsieur A. Soyer,
Guards’ Encampment, Sebastopol.
Balaklava, 9th Dec., 1855.
Dear Monsieur Soyer,—I am favoured with your letter of 29th ult., and am glad to hear so favourable a report of the compressed vegetables which have recently arrived out.
I sent to Constantinople some time ago for a supply of haricot beans, with, the view to being issued with salt pork, as you recommended; and their introduction generally will be greatly benefited by your personal superintendence and advice, as you propose.
We shall all have great pleasure in seeing you here again, and availing ourselves of your valuable suggestions and services.
The winter has fairly set in, after two months of beautiful weather. Cold, damp, and discomfort prevail to a certain extent, and we move about in a sea of mud; but, as a set-off, we have abundance of supplies of all kinds, including fuel—the men are well clothed, and the erection of the huts is well advanced, notwithstanding their late arrival and the difficulty in transporting them to the front.
I remain, dear Monsieur Soyer,
Yours very faithfully,
Geo. Maclean.
Monsieur Soyer, &c.,
Scutari.
P. S.—I have written for a six months’ supply of Chorlet’s compressed vegetables as a reserve, and to guard against unforeseen contingencies. We have fresh vegetables, potatoes, and onions, more regularly; but cannot always expect this will continue. The quantity sent for will be about 10,000,000 of rations.—G. M.
Camp, May 11th, 1856.