EGYPT. 361 
certainty. A mere spectator in the fleet would ^^^ ^' 
have heard continual complaint of the tardiness ^. -v- -^ 
and torpor seeming- to prevail. Even the Frenchy 
from their advanced posts conversing with our 
oriicers, were known to indulge their sarcasm 
at the dilatory nature of our operations, by 
'txpressing pretended impatience for better 
quarters; and by occasionally remarking, " Mes- 
sieurs, vous vous hatez trhs lentement." The senti- 
ments however of their own Generals might be 
cited, if it were necessary, to prove that a 
more soldier-like undertaking was never brought 
to issue, nor one more characterized by sound 
military science, than the plan for the expulsion 
of the French, ^^ hich the successor oi Abercrombie 
adopted. 
To accomplish this desirable object, his first 
effort was, to interrupt all communication be- 
tween the garrison oi Alexandria and the rest 
of Egypt. This was effected by destroying the 
Canal of Alexandria ; and thereby not only pre- 
venting a supply of fresh water, but also 
causing the waters of the Lake of Abouhir to 
fall into the antient bed of the Lake Mareotis. 
We were present during this operation. The 
Canal was cut through in two places : the tor- 
rent, rushing vehemently down a steep of eight 
feet, soon carried away the intervening moimd. 
