At this era France had overcome her numerous foes by the enchantments of her principles, the charms of her gold, or the terror of her arms. Hitherto she had almost supported her immense armies within those provinces she had subdued, or the countries she had invaded. Peace shut the channel of such resources, as there were now but scanty gleanings from an unabating rapacity, which had desolated every soil that had been visited by her citizens. An army, long inured to plunder and to victory, became a natural object of jealousy within the bosom of their Country. One enemy, manly in politics, unexhausted in wealth, and unbended in attitude, continued to oppose this insinuating monster, too long arrayed in the borrowed garb of freedom. The riches of our island, and the virtues of its natives, had each their effects in stimulating this mass of men to farther dangers, and in attracting the hatred of a Government, which, consciously, derived all its temporary energies from that infidelity to God, and annihilation of every moral principle which, by pervading France, had reconciled Frenchmen to the commission of any act. The title of "Invading Army of England" was bestowed upon these extended corps, who were diverted from employing their speculative ideas as subjects, by pointing out to them future duties as soldiers. We may judge of this mighty force when we reflect that its right wing alone, posted on the coasts of the Mediterranean exceeded 40,000. At the head of it was Buonaparte, denominated the Conqueror of Italy, and deservedly standing high as a General; but his exploits had rendered him an object of suspicion to the rulers of France, who were well aware of his popularity amongst the soldiery, and his thirst for power. An expedition to Egypt, with a view to overthrow the British power in the East, had long been a favourite scheme of the Monarchy, and it was revived under the Republic, which was anxious to get rid of its legionary troops. It was well suited to the ambition of Buonaparte, and he was an admirable agent to execute such faithless purposes. My limits will not allow me to indulge in farther theories, nor can I accompany him in his unprincipled progress. Malta, that key to all his hopes, soon fell under his intrigues; after which he proceeded, with an unexampled secrecy, to the friendly and unsuspecting sea-coasts of the Turkish Empire. Alexandria and Cairo became easy and alternate conquests to his delusive promises. The covering fleet, under De Bruix, in the mean time anchored, and formed into order of battle, in the Bay of Aboukir, protected by flanking batteries, and seemingly impregnable by any force.