Page:The invasion of the Crimea Vol 7.djvu/422

 378 TIIK WINTKU TKOUBLES. CIJAP. Mr Maedonald went into the markets of Coii- ^'- stantinople, thero bougiit the goods that were wanted, and snpplied every man of the regiment with a suit of flannels or other woollens, thus equipping our troops with the means of resisting mortal cold by the aid of whnt was called the ' " Times " Fund.' Involving as it did a disclosure of gross, staring neglect, the appeal of the surgeon of the 39th proved only of course too well fitted to offend official rulers : since, to ask or receive for our troops the assistance of Mr Maedonald was to seal the condemnation of those who in matters closely concerning the health and life of our soldiers should have thoroughly excluded all room for the action of private benevolence. Under such conditions, perhaps, it was hardly to be expected that the audacious candour of the surgeon of the 39th would readily find any imitators amongst men in the public service ; and, instead of waiting to be asked for his aid, Mr Maedonald had to offer it. ' Here I am,' he said in effect, ' here I am with large means ' in my hands for adding, so far as is possible, ' resources are almost entirely in money, I have ' the markets of this great city at my command ; ' so, if only you will tell me of any wants now ' felt in the hospitals, I will do my best to meet ' them at once by going, as it were, across the ' street, and buying what you require.' Public servants, however, apparently were
 * to the comfort and wellbeing of our sick and
 * wounded soldiery ; and although, it is true, my