412 STRICTURES ON SEBASTIANTS ACCOUNT. 
The assertion, that there was an attempt to excite the Albanians 
against him, is equally devoid of truth. There certainly was a report 
current, that the French were seen off Syria, and were coming to 
Egypt ; but it was invented by the French themselves, and, Rosetti 
believes, by the orders of Sebastiani. This report was, at least, spread 
by him at Alexandria, where he officially notified to the Christians 
who waited on him, that they would not much longer be under 
the oppressive government of the Turks, for the French would soon 
be in Egypt. No letter was received from Rosetta on the subject ; 
no person was summoned before him, nor was any communication 
made to the Pacha on the occasion. 
General Stuart did indeed write to the Pacha, warning him not to 
credit the assertions of Sebastiani, that the English had hostile de- 
signs against Egypt, and apprizing, him of the real designs of France 
as exemplified by Bonaparte's proclamation. It was his duty so to 
do, as the representative of the British nation in Egypt, and conse- 
quently, the guardian of its interests and character : nor could 
any thing, except the habit of contemplating crimes, have led to an 
idea that this was *' an attempt to instigate assassination." Had 
General Stuart been the dupe of Sebastiani, he would not have 
been thus accused, nor have been reported to the First Consul as a 
man of mediocre talents. It was wounded vanity, and bitter dis- 
appointment, which instigated both assertions ; assertions which 
General Stuart has, I think with propriety, considered as un- 
worthy of reply, for no one who know^ him, even by the report of 
his whole conduct in Egypt, can believe him capable of the one, or 
Reserving of the other. 
In May 1803 the French establishment in Egypt was organized 
