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Gaza and Candahar ; on the banks of the laxartes and the shore of 

 the Hydaspes ; and constructs stupendous docks and havens at the 

 mouth of the Nile and in the Gulph of Cambay. The part of his 

 conduct more generally objected to by his accusers seems to be by 

 no means the least praise-worthy ; his march through Gedrosia. 

 That march, indeed, has afforded to some of his biographers an 

 ample field for eloquent declamation, and to others an opportunity 

 of unmerited censure. I have added my humble efforts to those of 

 the Editor of the Voyage of Nearchus, to rescue so great a general 

 from the charge of precipitation and temerity. The preservation of 

 his fleet, and, in consequence, the exploring of the country border- 

 ing on the coast of the Persian Gulph, were the objects nearest his 

 heart ; for these much was to be dared, but prudently dared. If the 

 sufferings of the army were great, great also was the stake and 

 urgent the necessity. The event proved that Alexander had not 

 formed a rash, though a bold, resolution ; for, that event was pros- 

 perous ; and, had he lived to have established his empire and com- 

 pleted the vast projects of his mind, there is no saying what un- 

 numbered benefits might not have resulted from it, not only to Asia, 

 but to the whole extent of the civilized world. 



But the King of kings, who, from his higher throne, beholds, and, 

 by his providence, regulates, the course of human events, in his 

 eternal, but inscrutable, councils, had determined that Alexander 

 should not accomplish the mighty designs his ambition had formed. 

 One of these, which was to enlarge and beautify BABYLON, and 

 make that interdicted city the emporium of the world, was re- 

 solved on in express opposition to a solemn decree which had gone 

 forth against it three hundred years before; the tremendous ana- 

 thema that Jehovah would make it an habitation for the bittern 

 and pools of water, and that he would sweep it with the besom of 



