CHAPTER I

THE CALL (OCTOBER 1854)

The Battle of the Alma--The _Times_ special correspondent--State of the hospitals at Scutari--Popular indignation--An appeal for nurses. II. Answer to the appeal--Lady Maria Forester and Miss Nightingale--Sidney Herbert and Miss Nightingale. III. Letters that crossed--Miss Nightingale's offer: Sidney Herbert's suggestion--Miss Nightingale's official instructions. IV. Co-operation of the _Times_ Fund--Selection of nurses for the expedition. V. Miss Nightingale's demeanour--A pocket-book and some letters 145