lson was raised to the rank of Viscount; a reward which, his
biographer, Southey, justly observes, was inadequate for services of
such paramount importance to the interests of England.

DISSOLUTION OF THE NORTHERN CONFEDERACY.

After the battle of Copenhagen it was intended to act against the
Russians before the breaking up of the frost should enable them, to
leave Revel. Sir Hyde Parker, however, having heard that the Swedes had
put to sea to effect a junction with their allies, altered his course,
hoping to intercept that part of the force of the confederacy. The
Swedish fleet was discovered on the 19th of April; but on perceiving the
English, it took shelter behind the batteries of Carlscrona. Sir Hyde
Parker lost no time in acquainting the governor with the armistice that
had been concluded between Great Britain and Denmark; and he called on
the Swedish government to renounce the northern confederacy. At this
critical juncture news was received of the assassination of the Czar
Paul, and the accession of his son, Alexander, who commenced his reign
by the abolition of the innovations of his predecessor, and by ordering
all British sailors in confinement to be conveyed to the ports where
their ships were stationed. Hostilities now ceased; Lord St. Helens was
sent to Petersburgh, as minister plenipotentiary, and a convention
was concluded between Russia and Great Britain, which subsequently
comprehended Sweden and Denmark, recognising the principle contended
for by England, and imposing such restrictions on the right of search as
might prevent any unwarrantable exercise of it on neutral vessels. Thus
the northern confederacy was dissolved.

EXPEDITION TO EGYPT.

The fate of the French army in Egypt was sealed about a fortnight before
the battle of Copenhagen. The British troops destined against Egypt in
the preceding year were sent to Marmorica, on the coast of Cara-mania,
under an expectation of receiving assistance from the Turks. This
expectation was not realized; but Sir Ralph Abercrombie resolved at all
hazards to attempt the dislodgement of the French from Egypt. He landed
in Aboutir Bay on the 8th of March, in the very face of the French, and
under a heavy fire of grape-shot from artillery, as well as from the
cannon of Aboukir castle. The French, however, were dispersed at the
point of the bayonet; and on the 12th the British army moved forward,
and came within sight of the enemy, advantageously p