“Not at all, general--no masons, carpenters, nor engineers. My stoves are adapted for the open air, to cook in all weathers, and to follow the army.” “I am aware of that, as I saw the model when you were here last.” “Exactly. All I shall require will be three bell-tents for myself and assistants, as I must reside in the camp.” “Very well; I will give orders to that effect.” “I would also recommend you to select a regiment near head-quarters for your own convenience in visiting and watching the progress of the kitchens.” “I think the Guards in the First Division will suit our purpose best. Do you know where they are?” “I do; but perhaps you will be kind enough to send some official with me to select the spot.” “We will ride over this afternoon. You had better dine with us this evening. You know the greater part of the gentlemen of my Staff; and those you do not, know you.” “Many thanks, general, for your kind invitation, which I accept with the greatest pleasure.” “Have you anything in that parcel to show me?” “Yes; one of my new bread-biscuits, which I wish you to taste.” On opening the parcel, he took it out, saying, “Lord bless you! this will be too hard for my teeth.” “Not so hard as you think. It is much softer than the ordinary biscuit which it is intended to replace. At any rate, it may be issued in turn, and will afford an excellent change for the troops. I have kept some above three months, and they are quite good. The Duke of Newcastle tasted one of them, and was much pleased with it.” Having broken a piece off and tasted it, the general partook of some and found it very good, though not nearly so hard as he anticipated. He declared that it was much more palatable than the common biscuit, and that he quite enjoyed it. General Simpson was at that time very unwell, and he seldom ate anything but arrowroot and biscuit soaked in boiling water. I tasted some of his fare, and found it tolerably good, but not nutritive enough for a man who worked hard. He informed me that he was often occupied eight or ten hours a day writing. As his complaint was diarrhœa, I proposed boiling some plain rice after the receipt given in Addenda, which was at all times so much approved of by the doctors. This I did the next day. The general took a great deal of bodily exercise in the camp and in the trenches. On quitting General Simpson, I paid my respects to General Eyre, with whom I had some business to transact. He was then at the head of the Ordnance Office, and General Simpson had referred me to him for all I might require from that department. The general gave me a very kind reception, and granted all that I required. Having two hours to spare, I made up my mind to go to the French camp or head-quarters. I had not had the pleasure of seeing General Pelissier since he received the appointment of Commander-in-chief. As I was going out, I met General Jones, the engineer. “Do you recollect, Monsieur Soyer, where we met last?”