From the introduction - "The following songs were written at different periods during the Russian War, when old friends and comrades used to meet nightly in each other's tents, or round the camp-fire, and every one was expected to sing when his turn came round. The poem of Inkermann was written whilst the Author was confined to his couch from severe wounds received at that battle, when having but few books ad no other means of amusement, time hung heavily on his hands."

"To Lady Stratford de Redcliffe, this volume is inscribed, as a token of esteem and gratitude from one of the many wounded soldiers who experienced kindness and attention at her hands when laid up in the ilitary hospital at Scutari."

More information on Scutari military hospital:
http://www.florence-nightingale-avenging-angel.co.uk/scutari.htm