an angular passage towards Alexandria; while Admiral
Nelson, by immediately proceeding to Alexandria, most materially
shortened the distance. The smallness of his squadron, too, making it
expedient to sail in close order, the space which it occupied was
extremely limited; and, having no frigates to detach on the look out,
the chance of descrying the enemy, unless very near, amid the haze of
the atmosphere in that climate, was prodigiously circumscribed. Under
these circumstances, the distance of about thirty-five leagues, between
Candia and the Barbary coast, must be considered as leaving more than
sufficient space for two of the largest fleets ever known mutually to
pass without the smallest observation of one another. In returning to
Syracuse, the British squadron, by steering up to the northward, while
the enemy kept a southern coast for Alexandria, had the chance of
falling in with them rendered still less likely than before.

Pleased with the information which they had received, though still
unable implicitly to rely on the fact, after such repeated
disappointments, not a moment was lost in carrying all possible sail for
Alexandria.

On the 1st of August, at noon, they had the happiness to descry the port
of Alexandria; with an aspect, however, far different from what it had
before presented to their disappointed view. They perceived, with
delight, that it now appeared filled with ships; and had, soon, the
undescribable transport to behold the French flag flying on board
several of them. A tumult of joy animated every bosom in the British
squadron, at sight of the enemy. The humblest individual felt himself a
hero; and had a great right so to feel, since every individual was
eagerly prepared to risque his life for the safety and glory of his king
and country. The brave admiral was calm, but no mortal can convey to
another the sense of ineffable delight which glowed in every fibre of
his frame. The bliss of his bosom, at this impressive moment, was that
of extatic perfection; for, it admitted not the smallest doubt of
success. His calmness was the result of his piety; for his noble heart
was pouring forth to Heaven the sacred effusions of gratitude,
anticipatory of the glorious conquest which he was about to prove the
honoured medium of atchieving. This perfection of bliss is felt but by a
few favoured mortals, and with none will it consent to abide. That it
was, for a moment, felt by the immortal Nelson, when he