, and I am sorry
to find it is almost as prevailing as the trade-winds. The vessel
captured the day before yesterday was set on fire, after taking out
what could be useful for firewood.

"Sunday, 29th July: off Candia.--A small vessel, captured yesterday by
the Culloden, gave some information of the enemy's fleet. The Admiral
having made the signal that he had gained intelligence of them, we are
proceeding with a brisk gale for Alexandria. If at the end of our
voyage we find the enemy in a situation where we can attack them, we
shall think ourselves amply repaid for our various disappointments.
The Alexander also spoke a vessel which gave information; but, having
had no communication with the Admiral, we have not been able to learn
the different accounts: we are however satisfied with the purport of
the signal he made yesterday.

"Monday.--I find from Captain Ball that the enemy were seen steering
towards Alexandria _thirty_ days ago, and we are once more making the
best of our way for that place. I also understand that two of our
frigates were seen a few days since at Candia; it seems decreed we
shall never meet with them. I am rather surprised the Admiral did not
endeavour to fall in with them, as they probably have certain
information where the enemy's fleet are, from vessels they may have
spoken with, and they otherwise would be a great acquisition to our
squadron."

It may now be stated, that in the mean time the French expedition had
landed the troops and taken possession, not only of Alexandria, but
Cairo; and that their fleet, consisting of thirteen sail of the line,
four frigates, two brigs, and several bombs and armed vessels, had
taken up a position in the Bay of Aboukir, in which, according to the
opinion of their admiral, they could "defy the British navy."

As a particular list of both fleets will be given in a subsequent
place, I need now only mention that the force of the British fleet was
fourteen ships of seventy-four guns, one of fifty, and the Mutine
brig. The fleet was manned with 7,000 men; but as the Culloden, which
was not in the action, must not be included, the actual force may be
estimated 6,300 men and 872 guns, while the enemy's force, actually
opposed, may be reckoned 8,000 men, and 1,208 guns throwing a
broadside of one-half more weight than the British.

On the junction of the squadron, the following orders were given by
the Admiral:

Vanguard, at sea, 8th June 1798.

GE