ed, and followed, by the whole squadron: and, at
the same time, he recalled the Alexander and Swiftsure. The wind
was, at this time, north north-west; and blew what seamen call a
top-gallant breeze. It was necessary to take in the royals, to haul
up on a wind. The admiral made the signal to prepare for battle;
and, that it was his intention to attack the enemy's van and centre
as they lay at anchor, according to the plan previously developed.
His idea, in this disposition of his force was, first, to secure
the victory; and, then, to make the most of it, as circumstances
might permit. A bower cable of each ship was immediately got out
abaft, and bent forward. They continued carrying sail; and standing
in for the enemy's fleet, in close line of battle. As all the
officers of the squadron were totally unacquainted with Aboukir
Bay, each ship kept sounding as she stood in.

"The enemy appeared to be moored in a strong and compact line of
battle, close in with the shore; their line describing an obtuse
angle in it's form, flanked by numerous gun-boats, four frigates,
and a battery of guns and mortars on an island in their van. This
situation of the enemy seemed to secure to them the most decided
advantages; as they had nothing to attend to but their artillery,
in their superior skill in the use of which the French so much
pride themselves, and to which, indeed, their splendid series of
land victories are in general chiefly to be imputed.

"The position of the enemy presented the most formidable obstacles:
but the admiral viewed them all with the eye of a seaman determined
on attack; and it instantly struck his eager and penetrating mind,
that "where there was room for an enemy's ship to swing, there was
room for one of our's to anchor." No farther signals were
necessary, than those which had already been made. The admiral's
designs were fully known to his whole squadron; as was his
determination to conquer, or perish in the attempt. The Goliah and
Zealous had the honour to lead inside, and to receive the first
fire from the van ships of the enemy, as well as from the batteries
and gun-boats with which their van was strengthened. These two
ships, with the Orion, Audacious, and Theseus, took their stations
inside the enemy's line, and were immediately in