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 attacked with the more boldnes as they expected less resistance. The two divisions now formed line, the reserve remaining in column to cover the right flank. The whole moved forward in this order, suffering from the enemy's flying artillery which, having six horses to each gun, executed their movements with the greatest celerity; while the British with only a few badly appointed cavalry and no artillery horses, had their guns dragged by sailors, and occasionally assisted by the soldiers through sands so loose and so deep, that the wheels sometimes sunk to the axle. Yet slow as the movements were, the enemy could offer no effectual resistance, as our troops advanced and retreated to their lines in front of Alexandria. These lines Sir Ralph Abercromby determined to force. To accomplish this important object, General Moore with the reserve was ordered to the right, and General Hutehinson with the second line to the left, while the first line remained in the centre. From the formidable and imposing appearance of the enemy's defences, this seemed a bold attempt.

Not knowing their relative positions, or whether after they should be taken they could be maintained without proper artillery, if the one commanded the other, our commander found it necessary to reconnoitre with care. In this state of doubt and delay, the troops suffered exceedingly from a galling fire withont having it in their power to return a shot; while the French had leisure to take a cool aim: On this trying occasion, the intrepidity and discipline of the British remained unshaken. Eager to advance, but restrained till it could be done with success, and the least loss of lives, they remained for hours exposed to a fire that might have shaken the firmness of the best