But, that doesn't diminish the importance of food to soldiers like William Fleming and his companions at Camp Butler. The soldiers' rations were plenty and of good quality, but as Charles Johnson noted, their preparation lacked the skilled, delicate hand of woman.
Each day, two men from each company were detailed to kitchen duty. On their first day they served as assistants to two other men, who on the previous day were, themselves, the assistants. Together the four men prepared and cooked for the 100 men in their company.
Each day, two men from each company were detailed to kitchen duty. On their first day they served as assistants to two other men, who on the previous day were, themselves, the assistants. Together the four men prepared and cooked for the 100 men in their company.
And so on their second (and final) day of kitchen duty, they were the experts who instructed their replacements in the art of cooking.
