The advance of the army, on the 13th of March, towards Alexandria, presents the spectacle of a movement of infantry through an open country, who, being attacked upon their march, _formed_, and _repulsed_ the enemy; then advanced in line for three miles, engaged along their whole front, until they drove the enemy to seek his safety under the protection of his entrenched position. Such had been the order and regularity of the advance!
Upon the 21st of March, the united force of the French in Egypt attacked the position of the British Army.
An attack, begun an hour before daylight, could derive no advantage over the vigilance of an army ever ready to receive it. The enemy's most vigorous and repeated efforts were directed against the right and centre. Our infantry fought in the plain, greatly inferior in the number of their artillery, and unaided by cavalry.
They relied upon their discipline and their courage. The desperate attacks of a veteran cavalry, joined to those of a numerous infantry, which had vainly styled itself _Invincible_, were everywhere repulsed: and a conflict the most severe terminated in one of the most signal victories which ever adorned the annals of the British nation!
In bringing forward these details, the Commander-in-Chief does not call upon the Army merely _to admire_ but _to emulate_ such conduct. Every soldier who feels for the honour of his country, while he exults in events so splendid and important in themselves, will henceforth have fresh motives for cherishing and enforcing the practice of discipline, and by uniting, in the greatest perfection, order and precision with activity and courage, will seek to uphold, and transmit undiminished to posterity, the _Glory_ and _Honour_ of the _British Arms_.
Nor is a less useful example to be derived from the conduct of the distinguished Commander who fell in the field.
His steady observance of discipline,--his ever watchful attention to the health and wants of his troops,--the persevering and unconquerable spirit which marked his military career,--the splendour of his actions in the field, and the heroism of his death,--are worthy the imitation of all who desire, like him, a life of honour and a death of glory.