Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Narrative Of The Expedition Of Buonaparte.
which measure he attributed to want of provisions . This letter was received on the 30 th , by the same courier . The 20 th he wrote to the General , that he had at length heard of ( he victory of the Pyramids , and the raking of Cairo , and found a passage for entering the port of Alexandria : that letter Buonaparte received the cth of August . On the nig ht of the 1 st of August the English attacked him . On the moment he perceived the En-lish squadron , he dispatched an officer
to apprise the General of his dispositions and plans : this officer perished on the road . It seemed that Admiral Brueys was unwilling to return to Corfu , before he had ascertained the practicability of entering the port of Alexandria ; and that the army , of which he had received no intelligence for a long time , was in a position iti which it would not be obliged to retreat . His want of foresight , however , proved his ruin , and afforded a glorious day to Britain .
Buonaparte , on his arrival at Alexandna , entered into an agreement with the Notables of that city to prevent the soldiers of his army from disquieting the inhabitants by vexation , rapine or threats , and to punish outrages of that nature with the greatest severity . One instance only occurred , in which a French soldier was shot at the head of his battalion for plundering one of ths natives of a watch . This act of rigorous justice , so seldom witnessed by the Egyptians ,
impressed thein with great confidence in the General's conduct . This was still further strengthened by his solemn engagement to compel none of the inhabitants to change their religion , and to requite no innovation in their religious practices . He also assured them of security for their persons and property , so long as the Cheiks or Notables adhered to their solemn oath of not betraying or attempting any injury against the French army , neither acting against its interests , nor entering into any conspiracy that might be formed against it .
In his progress he addressed proclamations to the Pacha of Egypt , the Pacha of Cairo , and the Commander of the Caravan , offering to the two first the preservation of their revenues and appointments , and security to the merchants under the direction of the latter , provided they did not take up arms against him . These , were followed by an address to the people of Cairo , on his entering that capital : — ' People of Cairo have done riht not to take any part against me . Let
, you ^ all those who are under any fear be composed , and let those who have quitted their houses return to them . Let prayers be offered up to-day as usual ; for I wish that they may be always continued . Entertain no fear for your families , your houses , your property , and , above all , the religion of your Prophet , whom I love . As it is absolutely necessary that some persons should be immediately charged with the
administration of the police , in order that tranquillity may not be interrupted , there shall be a divan composed of seven persons , who shall assemble at the mosque of Ver ; and there shall alwajs be two with the Commandant of the place , and four shall be occupied i » maintaining public tranquillity , and in watching over the police , [ fO HE CONTIKl-ED . 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Narrative Of The Expedition Of Buonaparte.
which measure he attributed to want of provisions . This letter was received on the 30 th , by the same courier . The 20 th he wrote to the General , that he had at length heard of ( he victory of the Pyramids , and the raking of Cairo , and found a passage for entering the port of Alexandria : that letter Buonaparte received the cth of August . On the nig ht of the 1 st of August the English attacked him . On the moment he perceived the En-lish squadron , he dispatched an officer
to apprise the General of his dispositions and plans : this officer perished on the road . It seemed that Admiral Brueys was unwilling to return to Corfu , before he had ascertained the practicability of entering the port of Alexandria ; and that the army , of which he had received no intelligence for a long time , was in a position iti which it would not be obliged to retreat . His want of foresight , however , proved his ruin , and afforded a glorious day to Britain .
Buonaparte , on his arrival at Alexandna , entered into an agreement with the Notables of that city to prevent the soldiers of his army from disquieting the inhabitants by vexation , rapine or threats , and to punish outrages of that nature with the greatest severity . One instance only occurred , in which a French soldier was shot at the head of his battalion for plundering one of ths natives of a watch . This act of rigorous justice , so seldom witnessed by the Egyptians ,
impressed thein with great confidence in the General's conduct . This was still further strengthened by his solemn engagement to compel none of the inhabitants to change their religion , and to requite no innovation in their religious practices . He also assured them of security for their persons and property , so long as the Cheiks or Notables adhered to their solemn oath of not betraying or attempting any injury against the French army , neither acting against its interests , nor entering into any conspiracy that might be formed against it .
In his progress he addressed proclamations to the Pacha of Egypt , the Pacha of Cairo , and the Commander of the Caravan , offering to the two first the preservation of their revenues and appointments , and security to the merchants under the direction of the latter , provided they did not take up arms against him . These , were followed by an address to the people of Cairo , on his entering that capital : — ' People of Cairo have done riht not to take any part against me . Let
, you ^ all those who are under any fear be composed , and let those who have quitted their houses return to them . Let prayers be offered up to-day as usual ; for I wish that they may be always continued . Entertain no fear for your families , your houses , your property , and , above all , the religion of your Prophet , whom I love . As it is absolutely necessary that some persons should be immediately charged with the
administration of the police , in order that tranquillity may not be interrupted , there shall be a divan composed of seven persons , who shall assemble at the mosque of Ver ; and there shall alwajs be two with the Commandant of the place , and four shall be occupied i » maintaining public tranquillity , and in watching over the police , [ fO HE CONTIKl-ED . 1