EGYPT. 355 
means of the bayonet, hoped thereby to throw chap. 
our army into confusion, by drawing the atten- 
tion from its right, where the main assault was 
intended. This project was soon perceived by 
our Commander-in-chief, and failed of its effect. 
It was still dark. The firing ceased upon the 
left, and was soon heard very warm upon 
the right. To that point General Ahercromhie 
directed all his attention ; although both armies 
discharged their artillery without discerning- a 
single object, except during the flashes of the 
cannon ; when, as an officer belonging to the 
reserve assured us, the French army was not 
otherwise visible, although now so near, than 
by the appearance of a long black line, disclosed 
during those momentary coruscations. As 
dawn appeared, the French were found to have 
succeeded in turning our right wing : and a 
party of their cavalry were actually seen 
advancing in the rear of the twenty-eighth regi- 
ment. The prudence and gallant conduct of 
this regiment gave the first favourable tuni 
to the conflict of the day. Cavalry in the rear 
of infantry have generally the power to throw 
it into disorder. It was at this critical moment, 
decisive as to the fate of Egypt, that an adjutant 
of the tiventy-eighth gave the word, *' Rear rank ! 
right about, face !'' This was readily obeyed ; 
and the soldiers, with astonishing firmness and 
