In making up the following receipts, the author has been actuated by a
desire to aid the efforts of those of his countrymen who, with the best
intentions, lack the knowledge to utilize them; and having personally
assisted in the concoction of the various dishes he treats of, using
only camp fires, camp kettles, and soldiers’ rations, he knows that a
little attention on the part of any sensible man--and none other should
ever attempt to cook--will produce the most savory and gratifying
results.