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268 the beginning of time, particularly since the French invasion, will show to be impossible.

"I come now to consider the propriety and mode of crossing the desert, supposing that the Mamelukes should be inclined to shake off the French yoke and to co-operate with us. The first point for the General to ascertain is their sincerity in the cause, of which, as I have above stated, there is every probability. As soon as he will have ascertained this, it will be necessary that he should make arrangements with them for posting a supply of water on that part of the desert where it is most wanted, and for having a supply of provisions ready on the Nile; and he might cross over a part of his army immediately. The first object on his arrival on the Nile should be to establish a post at Keneh, and, if possible, another in the desert between that place and Kosseir, in order to insure his communications between the sea and the Nile. At Keneh he should make the depot of his stores, &c., which might be brought across the desert by degrees, and then he might commence his operations against the enemy.

"In the consideration of the question regarding the crossing of the desert I have omitted to mention the interruption which may be given to that operation by the enemy, because it is entirely distinct from the difficulties which are peculiar to the operation itself. It is obvious, however, that if the Mamelukes are not on our side, and if they should not have driven out of Upper Egypt the small French force supposed to be in that country before the operation is attempted, that force, however small, will greatly increase the