434 
MANSOURA. 
We reached Mansoura by two, and again took up our residence 
in the Surbaje's garden. After having indulged ourselves at the 
Hummaum, which the Kiaia had ordered to be cleared of all other 
visitors for our accommodation, we walked to the canal that runs 
to the east of the town, beyond which, on the plain, St. Louis and 
his army were encamped, till driven, by famine and disease, to 
attempt their retreat to Damietta. Nobody can doubt the courage 
nor religious zeal of St. Louis; but it is impossible to allow him 
those necessary qualifications for a General— prudence and judg- 
ment. The misfortunes of the first Crusaders ought to have warned 
him not to attempt to penetrate into Egypt during the inundation 
of the Nile, when every canal became a defensible post. Later 
invaders have wisely chosen to remove the attack to Alexandria, 
where the' natural strength of the position, and the excellent har- 
bour, offer every advantage for repressing the attacks of the inha- 
bitants, and receiving supplies from the sea. 
In the evening we received an express from Major Missett, inform- 
ing us that a vessel of one thousand tons burthen had arrived from 
Malta, and meant to return thither shortly, and suggesting the ehgi- 
bility of my taking my passage in her, as it was doubtful whether 
Sir Alexander Ball might have an armed vessel disengaged, to send 
for me. We therefore determined to hasten our journey, and visit 
such places only in the Delta as lay directly in our way. By the 
paper sent us, we heard of Sir John Duckworth's victory, and of 
the capture of the Cape, for which good news we fired three small 
guns ; on which the Kiaia sent to congratulate us, and ordered a 
salute of seven to be fired from the town. 
We took leave of our worthy friend the Padre Basilio, who re- 
