“It has been already mentioned, that the Pharos of Alexandria was seen at noon on the 1st of August.  The Alexander and Swiftsure had been detached ahead on the preceding evening, to reconnoitre the port of Alexandria, while the main body of the squadron kept in the offing.  The enemy’s fleet was first discovered by the Zealous, Captain Hood, who immediately communicated, by signal, the number of ships, sixteen, lying at anchor in a line of battle, in a bay on the larboard bow, which was afterwards found to be Aboukir Bay.  The admiral hauled his wind that instant; a movement which was immediately observed, and followed, by the whole squadron:  and, at the same time, he recalled the Alexander and Swiftsure.  The wind was, at this time, north north-west; and blew what seamen call a top-gallant breeze.  It was necessary to take in the royals, to haul up on a wind.  The admiral made the signal to prepare for battle; and, that it was his intention to attack the enemy’s van and centre as they lay at anchor, according to the plan previously developed.  His idea, in this disposition of his force was, first, to secure the victory; and, then, to make the most of it, as circumstances might permit.  A bower cable of each ship was immediately got out abaft, and bent forward.  They continued carrying sail; and standing in for the enemy’s fleet, in close line of battle.  As all the officers of the squadron were totally unacquainted with Aboukir Bay, each ship kept sounding as she stood in.

“The enemy appeared to be moored in a strong and compact line of battle, close in with the shore; their line describing an obtuse angle in it’s form, flanked by numerous gun-boats, four frigates, and a battery of guns and mortars on an island in their van.  This situation of the enemy seemed to secure to them the most decided advantages; as they had nothing to attend to but their artillery, in their superior skill in the use of which the French so much pride themselves, and to which, indeed, their splendid series of land victories are in general chiefly to be imputed.

“The position of the enemy presented the most formidable obstacles:  but the admiral viewed them all with the eye of a seaman determined on attack; and it instantly struck his eager and penetrating mind, that “where there was room for an enemy’s ship to swing, there was room for one of our’s to anchor.”  No farther signals were necessary, than those which had already been made.  The admiral’s designs were fully known to his whole squadron; as was his determination to conquer, or perish in the attempt.  The Goliah and Zealous had the honour to lead inside, and to receive the first fire from the van ships of the enemy, as well as from the batteries and gun-boats with which their van was strengthened.  These two ships, with the Orion, Audacious, and Theseus, took their stations inside the enemy’s line, and were immediately in close action.  The Vanguard