[CHAP. XLIV.]
Twenty thousand Marines formed the establishment of 1799.
An event truly brilliant in itself, and most important in its results, claim a merited precedence in my narrative of the transactions of this year. I mean, the noble defence of St. Jean d'Acre, in the land of Palestine. Yielding to the habitual sentiments of my mind, I am always led to exult in any occasion, upon which the energies of the Soldier, but more especially of my corps, have been conducive to the protection, or the aggrandisement of commerce. It constitutes the very vitals of our Country, and demands the fostering care of every member of it. The world is well apprized of the ambitious views which directed the expedition of Bonaparte to Egypt. Although his army had been cut off from all intercourse with France ever since the decisive battle of Aboukir, still the inventive resources of his genius had established within a few months, a little independent Empire guided by social institutes, and a regulated police. Versatile and accommodating in his principles, they always veered with his interests, and he knew human nature too well not to make them subservient to the religious prejudices of these superstitious natives, over whom he had usurped a government. Wherever hostility appeared, it was successively overcome, and his dominion over Lower Egypt might be said to have been complete at the opening of 1799.
This solid position, on the high road to our valuable possessions in the East, soon awakened all the active jealousy of the British Nation. Although secrecy had marked the steps of this unprincipled and hypocritical crusader, still they were guessed at, and traced by an enlightened Cabinet.
Sir Sidney Smith was selected to arrange and animate a plan for chacing this encroacher from his strong holds, who sailed from England for Constantinople, vested both with diplomatic as well as military powers, in the Autumn of 1798.
Having reached the Ottoman Capital, he, in union with his brother, discussed and signed a treaty of triple alliance between Great Britain, Russia, and the Turk. The outlines of future operations were also framed, which suggested an attack by the Pacha Djezzar from the deserts of Syria, upon the frontiers of Lower Egypt, who was to be seconded by an Army, penetrating across Asia Minor, while a maritime diversion took place at the different mouths of the Nile, and the remnants of Mourad Bey's forces, already twice defeated, should adopt a harassing system from the Upper Province.
Bonaparte having learned the active views of Djezzar, and the arrival of Sir Sidney, which foreboded instantaneous hostility, resolved to anticipate their schemes, and to march into Syria. After having adjusted all his measures in Lower Egypt, he put his Army in motion early in February, consisting nearly of 12000 men.—To detail his progress across the deserts would exceed my limits.
Upon the 10th of that month Bonaparte, in person, left Cairo to head his troops, whom he joined at El Arisch on the 17th; which village and its castle, were completely gained on the 25th. Ghazah likewise surrendered, and Jaffa, that theatre of his indelible crimes, was carried by storm upon the 7th of March. After the most incredible hardships, and many a harassing contest with the numerous Mamelukes, the French Army ascended the heights which command St. Jean d'Acre, upon the morning of the 18th of March, and commenced its investment.
Sir Sidney had employed this momentous interval, in a train of judicious measures. Leaving Constantinople on the 19th of February, he arrived off Alexandria upon the 3d of March, where he relieved Commodore Trowbridge, and assumed the command of the Naval Forces. That city had been long closely blockaded by Capt. Hood, and Sir Sidney, anxious to divert the French from their purposes against Syria, commenced its bombardment, but perceiving it fruitless, he proceeded for that coast in order to rally its affrightened Pacha, and to intercept the battering cannon destined for the siege of St. Acre, which he well knew must be transported by sea.