Wilson, Robert Thomas: The British expedition to Egypt: carefully abridged in two parts (London, 1803)

reinforcements arrived ; and which army the
French nearly doubled in numbers, exclusive of
the vast superiority afforded them by the
possession of the country, a powerf ul cavalry,
and a numerous artillery. The Turks should
not altogether be excluded from a share in
the triumph; but General Regnier exagge-
rates their numbers : and, although they did
contribute greatly to the success, still we
must remember that this is the first occasion
where their hordes were ever honoured with
any respectful attention by the French ; yet
also must we confess, that there is more
reason for some notice after General Belliard’s
defeat by the Grand Vizir at Elhanka, which
affair, a superior general officer described
with much humour, “ as a 'parcel °f sheep
running from dogs without teeth.”
However, after this exposure of Regnier’s
dishonesty, Sir R. Wilson pays a tribute of
justice to his talents, and laments that an
officer, so well qualified to impart valuable
information, should, from motives unworthy
•a man of honour, neglect to give it. He
' 7 e O O
then devotes a few lines to Vivant Denon.
. Denon, he observes, one of the Savans who
accompanied General Bonaparte to Egypt,
has published what was advertised to be a
scientific exposition of the antiquities of that
country, and which consequently was a la-
bour warmly to be encouraged. Unfortu-
nately, the philosopher proves himself a most
obsequious courtier, using that bombast in
the relation of the battles he was a spectator