And so the joint party set sail on Friday, 2nd May aboard the lethargic steamer Robert Lowe - soon re-christened the Robert Slow by Florence. On Soyer's side there was a French chef, Thomas his secretary, and an oddball character, Peter Morrison, who had tagged along in the hope of making himself useful. His faintheartedness on approaching the combat zone ensured that he became the but of everyone's jokes.To that extent he did prove useful in helping keep up morale.
Florence had Charles Bracebridge and Robert Robertson, her 'gofer'. Robert was an ex-drummer boy medically discharged from the 68th Foot. Although only twelve years old, he was a real live wire, especially appreciated by Soyer for his sense of fun and quick wits. On the periphery of the group were four Soyer-trained soldier cooks and some Sisters of Mercy destined for nursing in the Crimea.
For once in Florence's sea-going experience, the weather was fine and the Black Sea calm for the whole voyage, which the group passed pleasantly, a combination of good food and good conversation maintaining the general air of bonhomie and good humour. They arrived at Balaklava on Monday morning at a busy time - the first shiploads of the Sardinian Army were arriving. The Captain of the Robert Lowe allowed them to live on board for the few days of his turn around - in any case, there was nothing suitable ashore in Balaklava. This meant that Flo's cabin became an instant 'floating drawing room' as Alexis put it, with various senior officers, commissioners and doctors queuing to pay their respects. Later they set out for the British Headquarters to pay respects in their turn to Lord Raglan. The little mounted group swelled as it wound up to the col and the word spread that the heroine had arrived. The atmosphere had lightened immensely during those late spring weeks; social events had been organised; they had just missed the Staffords who had held sway the previous week having escorted from Constantinople the ravishing Lady Paget who was rejoining her husband. And now the newly arrived Sardinians were milling around everywhere as newcomers tend to do, their bright uniforms and cheery music from numerous excellent bands lending an almost carnival-like feel to proceedings.
