HOSTILITIES AT TABLE.
Culinary education of the soldier-pupils--Meeting with Miss
Nightingale--Reforms in the hospitals--Testimonials--Miss
Nightingale’s carriage rescued--That lady’s exertions--Her
faith--General Lüders’s visits--Marshal Pelissier--Grand
ceremonies--Trip to Yalta--The _Alar_--A peculiar position--Rescued
at last--A pleasant excursion--Prince Woronzoff’s palace--Dinner at
sea--Outside the harbour--The banquet--Wanted at head-quarters--A
new dish--“The great Macédoine à l’Alexandre II., or the Contrast
of Peace and War”--Decorations--Reviews--The festival--Reflections.
As two or three months had still to elapse before the final evacuation
of the Crimea took place, I employed the interval in completing the
culinary education of my soldier-pupils, anxious that they might be able
to confer the benefit of my instructions upon others, when the remainder
of the stoves should be issued either at home or abroad. By the aid of
my receipts, which were to be printed upon parchment, framed, and hung
up in every barrack kitchen, the cooks could not fail in the proper
performance of their duties. I very much regret that, owing to some
misunderstanding, one or two regiments did not receive my personal
attendance, though I believe they had the stoves. To the colonels of
those regiments I beg to offer this as an apology for the apparent
neglect, which I assure those gentlemen I can only attribute to some
oversight on the part of those I employed to see the stoves shifted from
one regiment to the other. It was no easy matter to traverse such an
immense space of ground, upon which above forty regiments were encamped;
and the difficulty was increased by my having to deal with different
persons in each. Although I had several of my own men to go about and
assist me, I was the responsible person; and all I have to say is, that
from six or seven in the morning till night, their humble servant was on
horseback, reviewing his various regiments, which, for a bad cavalier,
was a great exertion, especially after so severe an illness. Yet to that
exertion I believe I owe my recovery, as it enabled me gradually to get
the better of a most violent attack of dysentery, which had at one time
reduced me so low, that the following civilian doctors, who were my
neighbours at Scutari--viz., Messrs. Burn, Howard, and Fraser--were
almost inclined to give me up.
Upon my arrival at Balaklava I met Miss Nightingale, who had left
Scutari a few days previous to my departure from that place, in order to
take the management of two new hospitals, under the superintendence of
Dr. Taylor, my Scutari culinary friend. He told me that, to his sorrow,
he had completely failed in the construction of the kitchen in those
Crimean hospitals, on account of not being able to obtain the necessary
utensils, &c. I immediately proposed to set this to rights for him, as I
had to build two new extra-diet kitchens at Miss Nightingale’s request.
Dr. Taylor accepted my offer, and in less than a week both kitchens were
satisfactorily completed, and they were also in full activity. In the
extra-diet kitchens Miss Nightingale’s new stoves were adopted. The
establishment called the Left Wing Hospital was in charge of the Sisters
of Charity; the other, called the Right Wing, in that of Miss Stuart, a
most excellent lady, and although of high family, subordinate to Miss
Nightingale. During a period of six months, she rendered the greatest
service, by ably assisting that lady in her exertions.
I substituted my caldrons for the old ones in the large hospital
kitchens. Slight wooden sheds were built to shelter them; and the
establishments, at last complete, formed two of the most elegant,
cleanly, and useful hospital kitchens in the camp--burning but little
wood, instead of always running short, as was the case when the common
caldrons, placed upon two stones in a dark stone building which could
never be kept clean, were in use. They met with the approval of both
Drs. Hall and Taylor. I explained to these gentlemen, that with those
stoves and a few planks, an excellent hospital or camp-kitchen could
easily be made, instead of the very inferior ones before in use; and
that for an army of a hundred thousand men or more, it would only be
necessary to increase the number, as the stoves would never get out of
repair, and might easily be carried with the army, either on mules, or
by any other conveyance which the Land Transport Corps might adopt.
The two following letters confirm the truth of my assertions. The one is
from Miss Nightingale, and the other from Dr. Taylor:--
SCUTARI BARRACK HOSPITAL, _July 28th, 1856_.
I have great pleasure in bearing my testimony to the very essential
usefulness of Monsieur Soyer, who, first in the General Hospitals
of Scutari, and afterwards in the Camp Hospitals of the Crimea,
both general and regimental, restored order where all was
unavoidable confusion, as far as he was individually able,--took
the soldiers’ rations and patients’ diets as they were, and
converted them into wholesome and agreeable food.
I have tried his stoves in the Crimean hospitals where I have been
employed, and found them answer every purpose of economy and
efficiency.
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE.
Monsieur Soyer’s cooking-stoves have been solely used in the Right
and Left Wing Hospitals, Light Infantry Corps, during the last
three months for the regimental hospital diets, for which they are
admirably adapted as regards despatch, cleanliness, and economy.
G. TAYLOR, M.D.,
_S. Surgeon, 1st Class_.
_Crimea, 5th July, 1856._
It was on the way to these hospitals that the vehicle conveying Miss
Nightingale and her nurses was upset, and they all had a most miraculous
escape. It was drawn by a mule, and no doubt driven by a donkey, who
drove over a large stone, and thus caused the accident.
One of the nurses was severely wounded. After this accident, Colonel
Macmurdo gave Miss Nightingale the carriage, a sketch of which appeared
in the _Illustrated London News_ of the 30th August, 1856. Upon leaving
the Crimea, after a long search, I succeeded in rescuing it from the
hands of some Tartar Jews, as I considered it a precious relic for
present and future generations. The Jews were going to purchase it the
next day among a lot of common carts, harness, horses, &c. I called upon
Colonel Evans, of the Light Infantry Corps, and spoke to him upon the
subject, when he kindly allowed me to purchase it. I sent it to England
by the _Argo_, and the sketch was taken on board that ship by Landells,
the artist of that journal. It arrived and was safely landed at
Southampton; and Mr. Andrews, the mayor of that city, very kindly
allowed the carriage to remain in his warehouse till my return to
England.
[Illustration]
The extraordinary exertions Miss Nightingale imposed upon herself after
receiving this carriage would have been perfectly incredible, if not
witnessed by many and well ascertained. I can vouch for the fact, having
frequently accompanied her to the hospitals as well as to the monastery.
The return from these places at night was a very dangerous experiment,
as the road led across a very uneven country. It was still more perilous
when snow was upon the ground. I have seen that lady stand for hours at
the top of a bleak rocky mountain near the hospitals, giving her
instructions, while the snow was falling heavily. I observed this to
the Rev. Mr. Holt, who accompanied her almost daily as her clerical
orderly, as he called himself, and he admitted that it was very
imprudent on her part. All one could say to her on the subject was so
kindly received, that you concluded you had persuaded her to take more
care of herself. Yet she always went on in the same way, having probably
forgotten good advice in her anxiety for the comfort of the sick.
I often warned her of the danger she incurred in returning so late at
night, with no other escort than the driver. She answered by a smile,
which seemed to say, “You may be right, but I have faith.” So impressed
was I with a sense of the magnitude of the danger she was daily
incurring, that I addressed a letter to a noble duchess, who, I knew,
had much influence with her.
It was reported that the Russian general, Lüders, intended to pay
Marshal Pelissier a visit at the French head-quarters, and that the
general and his Staff were to be received at the Tchernaya Bridge at
seven in the morning. As I had that day to go to the Highland Brigade at
Kamara, accompanied by one of my cooks, we started at five; and after
receiving the popottes at the various regiments, I left my artiste and
galloped to the bridge.
I found about thirty thousand troops drawn up in line, extending from
the bridge to General Pelissier’s head-quarters. After the salvo of
artillery, a most warm reception was given by General MacMahon to
General Lüders, both commanders-in-chief remaining at the French
head-quarters to receive him. The cavalcade, consisting of French and
Russians, set off at a hard gallop along the line of French troops,
which extended about four miles. The discharges of cannon and the firing
of musketry never ceased. The day was a brilliant one, and the sun’s
rays glittered upon the helmets, swords, cuirasses, and bayonets,
reflecting myriads of diamonds in the air. The various uniforms of the
Staff which accompanied General Lüders, and in particular that of the
Cosaques du Don, gave to this martial and animated scene an _éclat_
hardly ever witnessed even at the grandest review, which is generally
held on a flat surface, this being cheerfully accidented by hillock and
dale. On such occasions, the army is generally formed in square, instead
of being in a long line eight files deep on one side only, as on the
occasion to which I now refer. The reception by General Pelissier was
brilliant, and worthy of that offered to him on the Mackenzie Heights a
few days previous.
Amongst the excursions we had projected was one which had been some time
pending. It was to be a trip to Yalta by water, where we intended to
spend a couple of days. A vessel had been provided, the provisions were
ordered, and guests in abundance were invited. A series of fine days had
followed, and the whole management was placed in the hands of the person
with whom the idea of the excursion originated, the Rev. Mr. Parker.
What man amongst the numbers in the Crimea did not know that
distinguished, enterprising, and worthy man? His fame extended far and
wide, and he was equally celebrated for his benevolence and
intelligence; and he never saw a difficulty in anything he undertook,
from the building of a church to an hospital, a hut, kitchen, or an
ice-house. Workmen and materials were found by him, people hardly knew
how or where. Under his clerical wand, wooden palaces were erected, not
without difficulty, but still the work was accomplished. If any good
provisions arrived in the harbour, the worthy minister was the first to
hear of it, and, to oblige his friends, made all inquiries and obtained
every information respecting price and quality. Like all clever men, he
was fond of good living, and was not at all a bad judge of the good
things of this life. It was during the time that he officiated at
Balaklava, that the church, which once had the appearance of a barn, was
changed into a handsome religious edifice. Sebastopol had fallen, and,
as a trophy, one of the bells of the Greek church ornamented his
building, and called the faithful to their duty as regularly as the peal
of any parish church. He was, in fact, the perfection of the _aumônier
du régiment_; but, as in the case of all great geniuses, now and then,
success was followed by failure, and victory by defeat--which the
following will prove.
The day for the excursion had been fixed, postponed, and was again
decided upon. For this change of plan I cannot account; no doubt it was
owing to some unavoidable cause. At length the day was finally settled;
there was to be no more postponing--off we must go. Our vessel was
called the _Alar_, and she belonged to Mr. Crockford. As she was very
small and short of accommodation, she was soon filled above and below.
The evening before we were to start, the news of a great event for the
following day was published in General Orders. It was to the effect that
General Lüders would honour General Codrington with his presence at a
grand review. This favour was not so highly appreciated by the nautical
tourists as by their gallant Commander-in-chief, as at that time it
materially interfered with their anticipated excursion. At all events, a
serious discussion took place as to whether the excursion would or would
not be postponed on that account. The answer “would not!” resounded in
the camp from regiment to regiment, like a _mot d’ordre_, and the final
order to all was, not to be on board a minute after eight o’clock; but
the _Alar_, by way of punctuality, started at half-past seven. I sent
two of my cooks to the vessel, but they never saw anything of the boat.
A few minutes before eight o’clock, the Rev. Mr. Parker, myself, and
others, got into a Maltese boat to join the steamer; instead of which,
the steamer joined us. Not thanking either the _Alar_ nor her captain
for their trouble in coming to us instead of allowing us to go to them,
the reverend gentleman and three more bravely boarded her, and in so
doing kicked our bark away, and left us, in consequence of the swell
caused by the motion of the paddle-wheels, very unsafely dancing an
entirely new hornpipe in the harbour of Balaklava. At last, by the
assistance of a large wave which nearly capsized us all, I managed to
get hold of the man-rope by one hand; this happened to be the left one,
so I could not raise myself on board, and there I was left hanging over
the infuriated waves, the vessel all the while increasing her speed. As
a precaution in walking through the wet fields, I had put on my
India-rubber boots, which dipping in the water, soon became as slippery
as a second-hand leech which will not take or bite at anything. The
confusion on board the vessel, already a wreck, having been just
dismasted in a serious collision with a larger steamer, prevented the
people on board from perceiving my perilous position. My strength was
rapidly becoming exhausted, and I must in a second or two have fallen
into the water, when a reverend gentleman, whose name I regret to say I
cannot recall, saw the imminent danger in which I was placed, and
rescued me. Thanks to his assistance, I managed to lay hold of another
rope with my right hand. I fancied I could travel miles in that
position, it appeared to be so safe. Other assistance arrived, and a few
minutes after I was hauled upon deck, scrambling amongst the wreck and
loose ropes. A friendly voice addressed me with, “Hallo, Soyer! you are
behind time.”
I replied, “I should have preferred being later still, and not have come
at all.”
When the incident was known on board, it caused much merriment among our
fellow-adventurers. As we were going on pleasure, all were allowed to
laugh at the various adventures, as well as misadventures, of the party
so I laughed, and all laughed, soon afterwards, and very heartily. We
were no sooner out of the harbour, than the good ship _Alar_, which had
not received her proper quantum of breakfast or ballast in her wooden or
iron stomach, began her hanky-panky rolling tricks, which never ceased
from the time we started till our return. Breakfast was ready and upon
the table; but, for some unaccountable reason, no one appeared ready for
breakfast. As we were out upon a pleasure excursion, each person was at
liberty to enjoy himself in his own way. Some did this by remaining upon
deck, others by looking overboard, &c., till at length the generous sun,
taking pity upon us, threw out his beams and guided us round the
beautiful rocky coast of the Balaklava and Lukan shores. A few glasses
of champagne were circulated, healths were pledged, and everything got
cheerful and lively; and the joy had even extended to some of the ladies
on board.
Indeed, reader, I have not yet had time to introduce our fair companions
to your notice; but I will do so shortly. Some of them actually went so
far as to ask me what I thought was good for dinner. “Upon my word,”
said I to my fair interlocutor, “I do not know what will be good, madam,
but I’ll tell you what will be bad. Look behind you at that black cloud
which seems to follow us so closely: I have no doubt that is a squall
coming, which will soon spoil our bill of fare as well as our
appetites.”
In about half-an-hour we came in sight of the beautiful Palace of Lukan,
belonging to Prince Woronzoff. A short time before, we had anticipated
landing and being able to dine in the gardens. This was rendered
impossible, as the weather had assumed a very tempestuous aspect, and
bore every appearance of a violent storm. Many began to think of a
second wreck, and quite lost the idea of dining. The steamer was put
about in a very unsociable gale of wind, which, thank God, dropped
shortly after, and allowed us, after several attempts, to return safely
to our harbour. This, considering the state the _Alar_ was in after the
accident she had met with, she ought not to have left, especially upon a
pleasure-trip.
My friend, Mr. Frederick Crockford, who so kindly lent his boat,
assisted me, and we set to work during our stormy return to prepare the
dinner, which we had decided should be got ready, although almost every
one on board was ill. So we began our fantastic and gymnastic culinary
exertions by looking up the stores; and by dint of a wonderful amount of
animal and physical perseverance, we managed to dish up two turkeys, a
number of fowls, hams, roast lamb, tongues, roast beef, plum-puddings,
salad, dessert, &c. &c., and cut bread enough for more than _à
discrétion_. The reader will please to observe that it was by this time
late in the afternoon, and the _Alar_ sylph was rolling quite
sufficiently to prevent any willing turkey from remaining upon the
dish, when a tremendous wave came to its aid, and sent three parts of
our luxuries rolling about the cabin-floor, breaking no end of plates,
dishes, bottles, glasses, &c. Fortunately, our dinner was not lost, as
we knew where it was--rolling to and fro on the wet cabin-floor, playing
at the don’t-you-wish-you-may-get-me game. Mr. Crockford and myself had
succeeded in making a semi-monster lobster salad, which for safety he
had held on to all the time, almost at the peril of his valuable life,
he being knocked about fearfully against the cabin-boards and bulkheads.
At last we made the harbour. It was nearly dusk; and not being expected
back so soon, nor even the next day, we were kept dancing for above an
hour at the entrance. No doubt, this was done to sharpen our appetites.
A rumour was circulated that we should not be allowed to enter at all,
the _Alar_ being a merchant-vessel. This was our fate till about six
o’clock, when signals were made for her to enter. We availed ourselves
of this permission, and in twenty minutes the two large tables were set
out _à la marinière_. Everybody was glad to partake of the most welcome
repast ever bestowed upon a party after the enjoyment of so charming a
day of pleasure. The _salade mayonnaise_ was voted excellent. Champagne
was gaily flowing in bowls, basins, teacups, goblets, &c. Healths were
proposed; her Majesty’s first--next that of the Allied armies--then that
of the Emperor of the French, Mr. Crockford’s and mine, in honour of the
_salade mayonnaise_; and a vote of thanks was returned to the Rev. Mr.
Parker, for the extremely pleasant day he had been the cause of our
enjoying, especially the dinner in the harbour he had so well provided,
which soon made us forget our nautical tribulations.
I have almost forgotten the members of the fair sex, whose health was
proposed in the first place. They had been very ill all day. About
eleven, all, except myself, had left the _Alar_ in the full conviction
of having enjoyed themselves very much indeed. Among the party, which
would have been far too numerous, had not circumstances prevented many
of those invited from making their appearance, were Commissary Drake,
lady and daughter; Mr. and Mrs. Burnett. Lady Seymour and friend, who
were to accompany the party, did not come. This is the sum-total of the
ladies present, which for the Crimea was a very fair array of the _beau
sexe_. As it was impossible for me to return to camp that evening, the
captain and Mr. Crockford offered me a bed on board. I of course jumped
at the offer. About one o’clock we were drinking a parting glass, when a
boat was heard approaching the vessel, and a voice called out--
“_Alar_ ahoy! Is Monsieur Soyer still on board?”
“Yes,” was the answer.
In a few seconds, a gentleman, whom I recognised as my friend Captain
Brown of the _Ottowa_, stepped on board.
“Hallo, captain!” I exclaimed, “what ever has brought you on board at
this time of night?”
“I will tell you. They have sent for you from head-quarters, and you
have been sought in all directions. Captain Ponsonby has been looking
everywhere for you. A grand déjeûner is to be given to-morrow in honour
of General Lüders’ visit. I happened to hear of it where I dined and
knowing the _Alar_ had returned with you on board, I have come to inform
you that your aid is required. By the bye, you were suspended a long
time this morning between wind and water: I made so sure you could not
hold on much longer, that I had one of my sailors ready to jump over and
pick you up.”
“Thanks, captain, for two eminent services in one day. I cannot,
however, go to head-quarters till morning, as I have no pony at
Balaklava.”
“All right,” said he. “Call upon Major Ross in the morning; he will let
you have all you require.”
“At daybreak I will be there.”
“Mind, the lunch is to be ready at two o’clock.”
“I shall not be able to assist much, as there will hardly be time to
turn round. However, good-night, captain, and a thousand thanks.”
“I’m off in a few hours for Constantinople,” he called out from his
boat, “and shall be back in a week. Good-bye.”
The sentinels, as usual, cried--“All’s well.” I must say, I did not
think it was all well with me. “What can I do,” said I to myself, “for
an event of historical importance?” Neither Mr. Crockford nor the
captain could assist me, when an idea struck me:--“If you can’t give me
an idea,” said I to my friends, “at any rate lend me a dish.”
“That I will,” said the captain.
“Recollect, I want a large one.”
“You had the largest for your salad yesterday.”
“That one will do; it will hold enough for twenty-five persons.
“Then here goes,” said I, writing. “To-day I shall dress in it the
_Macédoine Lüdersienne à l’Alexandre II._”
“A very good name in honour of the event,” said Mr. Crockford. “But
pray, of what is it to be composed?”
“Oh! for that,” said I, “if I were to implore the Genius of Gastronomy,
from Lucullus to Apicius and Vitellius, or Vatel to Ude and Carême, I
could get nothing from them but inspiration; while what I require is
something substantial, and not artificial. It strikes me that a word
from you to your head man at Kadikoi (as you will not be there
to-morrow) would do more for me in a few minutes than the whole of those
defunct celebrities, whom I am not now inclined to trouble upon so
material a subject. Pray give me _carte blanche_ to get anything you may
have and I require for the composition of this modern Babylon, which
must be constructed upon a base sufficiently strong to resist the joint
attack of the heads of three of the most powerful armies in the world,
and only be destroyed after having conquered the conqueror’s _place
d’armes_, the stomach, so called in military parlance.”
The order was readily given by my friend Mr. Crockford, and we then lay
down to sleep, being both completely exhausted with the fatigues of what
was called a day of pleasure. We had hardly closed our eyelids, when
morning caused them to be reopened; so up we got. My friend started for
Constantinople, and I for head-quarters. On my way I called upon Major
Ross, who kindly lent me a pony, and told me of the message left with
him. I started immediately--bought a few things in Balaklava
market--called at Crockford’s store at Donnybrook, which I ransacked and
despoiled of condiments of every description. Instead of going direct to
head-quarters, I changed my mind and went home to prepare, having
decided, as the time was so short, to produce one good dish only,
instead of several small and insignificant ones. This was, however, to
be worthy of the occasion. I was well aware that General Codrington’s
cook, under the liberal management and command of Captain Ponsonby,
would turn out something worthy of the event. Upon arriving at my hut, I
sent two of my cooks to assist him, despatched my groom on horseback to
Kamiesch for various things, and then began the construction of my
_Lüdersienne_ upon the lid of my new field-stoves, the dish I had
brought from the _Alar_ being too small.
My novel dish was completed, and carried to head-quarters by two
soldiers; and at a quarter to two I personally placed my culinary wonder
upon the table. It was called
SOYER’S CULINARY EMBLEM OF PEACE,
_The Macédoine Lüdersienne à l’Alexandre II._
This monster dish was composed of--
12 boxes of preserved lobsters
2 cases “ lampreys
2 cases “ sardines
2 bottles “ anchovies
1 case “ caviar
1 case “ sturgeon
1 case “ thunny
2 cases “ oysters
1 pound of fresh prawns
4 pounds turbot clouté
12 Russian pickled cucumbers
4 bottles “ olives
1 bottle mixed pickles
1 bottle Indian ditto
1 bottle pickled French beans
2 bottles “ mushrooms
⅓ bottle “ mangoes
2 bottles of pickled French truffles
2 cases of preserved peas
2 cases “ mixed vegetables
4 dozen cabbage lettuces
100 eggs
2 bottles of preserved cockscombs.
The sauce was composed of six bottles of salad oil, one of Tarragon
vinegar, half a bottle of Chili vinegar, two boxes of preserved
cream (whipped), four ounces of sugar, six eschalots, salt, cayenne
pepper, mustard, and a quarter of an ounce of Oriental herbs which
are quite unknown in England.
The dining-room, decorated under the artistic superintendence of Captain
Ponsonby, presented a ravishing _ensemble_ well adapted to the occasion.
It was hung, ceiling and all, with the Allied flags, to which the
Russian standard, so long absent, had been happily reinstated in the
bond of friendship and civilization. Those few pieces of printed cloth
spoke volumes to my mind. These adopted colours of different nations had
not waved together for a long while, and their playful movements, caused
by a fresh breeze, which seemed to have purified itself in passing
swiftly over the cheerful vineyard attached to head-quarters, pleased me
very much.[25] The god of war had put his seal and autograph upon them,
just in the same manner as we see a name upon a bank-note, which only
acquires value from national convenience and conventionality. Still
these rags, which the will of mighty empires had favoured with their
high regard, were so proud of their post, that they appeared to float
and flutter in the air with more grandeur than a common piece of stuff
just brought from the loom, as was the case with them before their
glorious national christening, would have done. They appeared as proud
and superior to their brothers and sisters as a race-horse is to one of
his less fortunate fellows--a cart-horse.
I was left almost alone in that ever-memorable spot (every one having
gone to the review), giving the last _coup-d’œil_, with Captain
Ponsonby and the maître d’hôtel, to the well-provided table. The
illustrious guests were momentarily expected. Volumes, indeed, could I
read in those printed sheets--symbols and emblems of glory. Upon them
seemed engraved, in letters of gold, “L’union fait la force,” and
“Regeneration instead of destruction!” Such were my sentiments on that
memorable occasion. The world at large was interested in this mighty
fusion; the end of this grand drama I could plainly read, though merely
printed upon pieces of common calico.
Professionally, I was doubly proud of the honour of contributing my mite
of industry to this California of grandeur and great events. My monster
Macédoine was placed in the centre of the table, and, though only a few
persons were present, was much admired. “In a few minutes,” said I to
myself, “those great men whose names are echoed and re-echoed throughout
the world by the trumpet-blast of fame will be here, not only gazing
upon my impromptu _chef-d’œuvre_, but, I hope, also freely partaking
of it--and, while enjoying the pleasures of the table, cementing the
sentiments of peace and of friendship.”
So much was my mind absorbed by the superficial, that I had almost
forgotten the material. The words, “the review is over, and the generals
are coming,” recalled my wandering senses. A gorgeous cavalcade was seen
approaching, headed by four generals-in-chief in full uniform, and their
respective Staffs, wearing their decorations, followed by above thirty
generals. A few minutes after, I was attending upon Generals Pelissier,
Lüders, and Sir W. Codrington, who were sitting together--General
Pelissier on the left and General Lüders on the right of Sir William.
The following persons were sitting at the same table:--General della
Marmora and Sir Colin Campbell were facing; and at the same table sat
Admiral Freemantle; Generals MacMahon, Martinprey, Wyndham, Garrett,
Barnard, Lord Rokeby, Lord W. Paulet, Cameron; Colonels Scariatini and
M. Amazzoff, aides-de-camp to General Lüders; and the aides of the other
generals.
My anticipations were realized; for no sooner had the guests taken their
seats than the conversation became more animated. I had placed at the
apex of my pyramidal Macédoine a small card, with the dedication written
upon it. Sir W. Codrington handed it to General Lüders, who, after
showing it to several of his suite, requested permission to keep it as a
reminiscence of the day. This request was granted by Sir William with a
smile.
The entreés, roasts, and the entremêts had been handed round, and a
serious attack upon my Lüdersienne commenced, almost every guest
partaking of it twice. Captain Ponsonby requested me to remove it, as
several gentlemen at the other table wished to taste it. General
Pelissier, with whom I had the honour of conversing longer than with any
one else, was in an excellent humour, and full of that vivacity and wit
so characteristic. He bantered me several times for not having stoned
the olives which formed part of the Macédoine. I told him that time
would not permit of this, as I had received such short notice of the
banquet, and that I went the evening before on an excursion by water to
Lukan. At the same time, I expressed my regret to Sir William at not
being at home when sent for.
“Never mind, Monsieur Soyer,” replied Sir William. “I am, at all events,
very happy to see you here, and thank you kindly for your exertions.”
General Pelissier again addressed me: “You may say what you like,
Monsieur Soyer, but you might as well have stoned the olives.”
“Very true, general, if time had allowed. It is all very well for you to
take the Malakhoff in a few minutes, but it took me four hours to make
that dish.” At which reply he could not help laughing.
“Your friend General Barnard,” said he, pointing to that officer, who
was sitting at the bottom of the table, “would like to taste it. Go and
offer him some.”
I did so; but the general had been served. I then made a tour round the
table, asking each guest, above thirty in number, whether he had been
attended to.
The time was getting short, and another review--that of the English
army--had to come off. The iced champagne had performed a grand _rôle_
during the repast; all seemed highly gratified and full of animation.
What a burst of enthusiasm was elicited when General Lüders rose, and
proposed the health of her Majesty the Queen of England and that of the
French Emperor! which enthusiasm was renewed when Sir William Codrington
responded by proposing that of the Emperor Alexander.
The _mot d’ordre_ was given, and all were soon mounted, and proceeded to
the review, at which, having terminated my culinary duties, I assisted
as a spectator, arriving just time enough to have a glance at the
spectacle, which to my mind was superior in point of effect to that of
the magnificent French army in the morning. It was in a splendid square;
while the French army, though more numerous, being in a line, covered
more ground, but produced less effect. I remarked this to General della
Marmora, with whom I was conversing. He seemed to be of my opinion. The
Scotch, with their bagpipes merrily playing, were then filing past the
Etat-Major, and the vibrating sounds of their wild mountain music
impressed itself for ever on my ear. It was their last song on the
Crimean shore. A few minutes more, and all was over. General Lüders
entered his carriage, and started full gallop, followed by his Staff.
General Codrington and suite lined the fields on either side the road
along which the carriage passed. On reaching the Balaklava road, which
crosses the high mountain leading to the Guards’ camp, the Russian
general made a full stop; so did Sir W. Codrington and suite. They bade
each other adieu; and after General Lüders had returned thanks for the
excellent reception he had received, Sir William said, “I hope, general,
you are not over-tired?”
“No, not at all, thank you. I only felt rather cold standing still
during the last review.”
This was spoken in French.
The Russian cavalcade galloped away towards the Tchernaya, whilst the
English returned to head-quarters.
It was getting quite dark; the weather, which had been so warm in the
morning, turned very cold--the sky looked grey, and not a soul was to be
seen. I ascended the rocky and steep mountain on horseback. A few
minutes after, I was in lonely solitude on the top of the plateau. Not a
sign, of life was to be seen or heard; graveyards alone ornamented this
desolate spot.
“What a curious life mine is!” said I, musing. “Compare the last
forty-eight hours with the time when I was hanging by one hand,
suspended between life and death, from the man-rope of the _Alar_, in
the harbour of Balaklava.” It reminded me of a rocket, which, while
soaring brightly in its flight towards the sky, shines radiant for a few
seconds only, and then vanishes in space.