Admiral Nelson now arranged every thing necessary with Captain Samuel Hood, who was to remain with his own ship, the Zealous; the Swiftsure, Captain Hallowell; the Goliah, Captain Foley; the Alcmene, Captain Hope; the Seahorse, Captain Edward James Foote; and the Emerald, Captain Waller: for the purpose of cruising off Alexandria, or continuing at anchor, as he might judge most proper, more effectually to prevent any supplies being thrown into that port for the French fleet; and, also, to intercept an expected French convoy with provisions, as well as to prevent, if possible, all communication between the French army at Rosetta, and their fleet at Alexandria. This business being settled, he sailed, on the 18th, from Alexandria; and having, on that day, received a letter from the Honourable William Windham, the British minister at the court of Florence, he wrote the following answer, dated on board the Vanguard, 21st August 1798, which presents some additional information respecting the glorious victory off the Nile, and it's beneficial effects. "My Dear Sir, "I received, three days ago, your letter of June 20th, and I beg leave to thank you for it. I send you a paper, which will inform you of the extent of our victory. My health, from my wound, is become so indifferent, that I think of going down the Mediterranean as soon as I arrive at Naples; unless I should find any thing very extraordinary to detain me, when my health is of no consequence. The command, in my absence, will devolve on Captain Troubridge; than whom, the king has not a better sea-officer. Sir James Saumarez is on his way to Gibraltar, with six of our prizes: the others I burnt, that the Mediterranean might not be left without ships; for each prize takes a ship of the line to man her, and attend to her wants. This you will believe, when I tell you that only two masts are standing, out of nine sail of the line. L'Orient certainly struck her colours, and did not fire a shot, for a quarter of an hour before, unfortunately for us, she took fire: but, though we suffer, our country is equally benefitted. She had on board nearly six hundred thousand pounds sterling: so says the adjutant-general of the fleet, who was saved out of her; and, although he does not say she struck her colours, yet he allows that all resistance on her part was in vain. Admiral Brueys was killed early in the battle; and, from the commencement of the fight, declared all was lost. They were moored in a strong position, in a line of battle, with gun-boats, bomb-vessels, frigates, and a gun and mortar battery on an island in their van; but, my band of friends was irresistible. The French army is in possession of Alexandria, Aboukir, Rosetta, Damietta, and Cairo; and Bonaparte writes, that he is sending a detachment to take possession of Suez and Fayume.