anchored the first on the outer side of the enemy; and was opposed, within half pistol-shot, to Le Spartiate, the third in the enemy’s line.  The shores of the Bay of Aboukir were soon lined with spectators, who beheld the approach of the English, and the awful conflict of the hostile fleets, in silent astonishment.

“Sir Horatio Nelson, as Rear-Admiral of the Blue, carried the blue flag at the mizen; but, from a standing order of the Earl of St. Vincent, the squadron wore the white, or St. George’s ensign, in the action.  This being white, with a red cross, the first quarter bearing the union, it occasioned the display of the cross on the renowned and ancient coast of Egypt.

“So entirely was the admiral resolved to conquer, or to perish in the attempt, that he led into action with six ensigns, or flags, viz. red, white, and blue, flying in different parts of the rigging.  He could not bear to reflect on the possibility of his colours being carried away even by a random shot from the enemy.

“In standing in, the leading ships were unavoidably obliged to receive into their bows the whole fire of the broadsides of the French line, till they could take their respective stations:  and it is but justice to observe, that the enemy received their opponents with great firmness and deliberation; no colours having been hoisted on either side, nor a gun fired, till our van ships were within half gun-shot.  At this time, the necessary number of our men were engaged aloft in furling sails, and on deck in hauling the braces, and other requisite employments, preparatory to casting anchor.  As soon as this took place, a most animated fire opened from the Vanguard; which ship covered the approach of those in the rear, who were following in a close line.  The Minotaur, Defence, Bellerophon, Majestic, Swiftsure, and Alexander, came up in succession; and, passing within hail of the Vanguard, took their respective stations opposed to the enemy’s line.  All our ships anchored by the stern; by which means, the British line became inverted from van to rear.  Captain Thompson, of the Leander of fifty guns, with a degree of judgment highly honourable to his professional character, advanced towards the enemy’s line on the outside, and most judiciously dropped his anchor athwart hause of Le Franklin, raking her with great success; the shot, from the Leander’s broadside, which passed that ship, all striking L’Orient, the flag-ship of the French commander in chief.

“The action commenced at sun-set, which was at thirty-one minutes past six, with an ardour and vigour which it is impossible to describe.  In a few minutes, every man stationed at the first six guns in the fore part of the Vanguard’s deck, was down, killed or wounded, and one gun in particular was repeatedly cleared:  one of the midshipmen was just remarking the escapes he had experienced, when a shot came, and cut