Page:Final French Struggles in India and on the Indian Seas.djvu/293

Rh assigned it" — (the state of his health) — "and to inform you that, as I know what has been said and expected by the world in general, I propose, as well as for my own credit as for yours, to make known to my friends and to yours, not only the distinguished manner in which you have behaved towards me, but the causes which have prevented my demonstrating my gratitude by giving you every assistance in the arduous service which you have to conduct."

Colonel Wellesley accompanied his letter by a memorandum in which he detailed the course he would recommend the general in command of the force invading Egypt from India to adopt.

Dismissing as impracticable any attempt to gain Suez in sailing ships at that season of the year, Colonel Wellesley indicated Kosseir as the place of which the army should first gain possession.

After referring to the probable movements of the French troops, and the disposition of the Mamelukes and the Beys, the memorandum thus proceeded: —

"The first question which I shall consider, and which will lay the grounds for a consideration of, and decision upon others, is whether it would be practicable or even desirable to cross the desert from Kosseir at all, if that operation is not performed in concert and co-operation with a body of natives posted upon the Nile.

"It is needless to enter into a statement of the difficulties to be apprehended in crossing the desert; they are certainly great, but I imagine not insurmountable. But, if it is not certain that the army or