Battle of Alexandria: Abercromby defeats the French and dies of his wound

Background. In the days before the battle, the British position on the night of 20 March extended across the isthmus, with the right wing resting upon the ruins of Nicopolis and the sea, and the left on the lake of Abukir and the Alexandria canal. Abercromby anticipated a night attack, so on 21 March the British slept in position under arms. Jacques-François Menou had arrived from Cairo and was determined to defeat the British advance.

The Engagement. On 21 March, French forces attacked British outposts. During the fierce fighting, Abercromby was briefly captured by French dragoons but rescued by a highlander of the 42nd. The British routed Menou's army after several hours, forcing a retreat to Alexandria. British naval forces under Frederick Maitland also contributed significantly to suppressing the French attacks and inflicting casualties.

Death and Succession. Abercromby had been wounded in the battle; the ball could not be extracted, mortification ensued, and seven days later, on 28 March 1801, he died. Among the senior officers lost, the dead also included Lt Col David Ogilvy of the 44th Foot and Lt Col Dutens of the Minorca regiment. John Hely-Hutchinson replaced Abercromby in command of the British forces.