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 122 THE WINTEK TKOUBLES. CHAP, for our troops in suflBcieut abundance; and not ' content with his pressing instructions on this subject to the Commissariat, he strove to find them the shipping with which to effect the importations ; whilst, moreover, he directed the commandant at Varna to send fresh vegetables by every vessel thence sailing. But although these efforts resulted in extensive purchases and shipments, they did not and could not provide for the cargoes such smooth voyages over the sea as might ensure their arrival in an un- damaged state ; and the quantity brought up to camp in good condition, proved constantly less than was wanted for the welfare and health of our troops.(-^*^) Lord Raglan followed up his endeavour to obtain for the soldiers good and well -chosen articles of food by requiring that general officers should enforce due attention to the messing of the men and the dressing of their food ; but the unskilfulness of the young English soldier in such matters was not a defect that could be removed by word of command. Lord Raglan had always been anxious that our soldiers when stationary should have the comfort of leaven bread, and on the very next day but one after the Council of the 6th of November, he instructed the Commissary- General to inform the Treasury that he wished to have a steam-mill and bakery sent out ' with all prac- I ' ticable despatch.' (^^) His thoughtful design was long baffled by the dilatoriness which too often marked operations attempted in England ;(-^^)