“Yes, sir, directly.” Speaking down the trumpet: “Below! a Welsh rabbit and fresh toast--two kidneys underdone--scalloped oyster--a chop--two taters! Look sharp below!” To the barmaid: “Two stouts, miss--one pale--four brandies hot, two without--one whisky--three gin--pint sherry--bottle of port!” “What an intelligent waiter!” thought I, “to have so good a memory.” Having waited till he had given his orders, I again said, “Pray, my fine fellow, in which room are my friends going to sup? They have a private room, no doubt?” “Yes, sir, a private room for two.” “No, not for two--for six.” “Oh! I don’t mean that, sir: I want a rump-steak for two,” said he; “stewed tripe for one--three grogs--bottle pale Bass.” And off he went to the coffee-room. “Plague upon the fellow!” said I to myself. As the barmaid could not give me any information upon the subject, and I perceived through a half-opened door on the right-hand side of the bar a table laid for six, I went in, making sure it was for my friends, and that they had not yet arrived. Indeed, I had myself returned from my appointment much sooner than I had expected. I sat down, and was reading the evening paper, when a waiter came in. “After you with the paper, sir.” “I have done; you may take it.” “There’s the _Times_, sir, if you have not seen it.” “No, I have not; let me have a look at it.” After reading one of the leaders, my attention was drawn to a long article written by the Crimean correspondent of that journal. When I had read it carefully a second time, a few minutes’ reflection on my part enabled me to collect my ideas, and established in my mind a certain assurance that I could, if allowed by Government, render service in the cooking of the food, the administration of the same, as well as the distribution of the provisions. These were matters in which I could detect, through the description of that eye-witness, the writer of the above-mentioned article, some change was much needed. I therefore wrote the following letter to the _Times_, it being then nearly one o’clock in the morning:-- THE HOSPITAL KITCHENS AT SCUTARI. _To the Editor of the Times._ SIR,--After carefully perusing the letter of your correspondent, dated Scutari, in your impression of Wednesday last, I perceive that, although the kitchen under the superintendence of Miss Nightingale affords so much relief, the system of management at the large one in the Barrack-hospital is far from being perfect. I propose offering my services gratuitously, and proceeding direct to Scutari, at my own personal expense, to regulate that important department, if the Government will honour me with their confidence, and grant me the full power of acting according to my knowledge and experience in such matters. I have the honour to remain, Sir, Your obedient servant, A. SOYER. _Feb. 2, 1855._