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260  At the attack made upon Alexandria, Captain Cochrane commanded a detachment of armed vessels stationed on the lake Mareotis to cover the approach of the troops. The surrender of this place Sept. 2, 1801, put an end to the war in Egypt, after a campaign of nearly six months, during the whole of which period the vigilance, activity, and judicious conduct of our officer was such as called forth the most honourable mention in the public despatches of Lord Keith, and Lieutenant General Hutchinson, the successor of the lamented Abercromby.

A treaty of peace having been signed at Amiens, the fleet returned to England, and the Ajax arrived at Portsmouth on the 8th Feb., 1802. At the general election in the same year, Captain Cochrane became a candidate for the boroughs of Dumferline, Stirling, &c. This produced a sharp contest with Sir John Henderson, Bart.; and both parties having petitioned, the latter was ousted.

On the renewal of the war in 1803, Captain Cochrane obtained the command of the Northumberland, a fine 74-gun ship; and on the 23d April, in the following year, he was advanced to the rank of Rear-Admiral, and sent to watch the