In March 1855 Victoria and Albert and their two eldest sons visited the military hospital at Fort Pitt, Chatham, and met some of the 450 soldiers who had returned there from the Crimea. The queen made detailed notes and sketches of many of the men in her journal. She later wrote to Lord Panmure, Secretary for War, criticising the hospital buildings for their high windows, small wards, and lack of a dining room.