delay, and even to carry the orders into execution without waiting for the Governor-General's directions, if they were ready in other respects.
The despatch concluded by expressing a belief that unless anything unforeseen should occur the armament under Sir Ralph Abercromby would reach the coast of Egypt in December, and that of Sir H. Popham would arrive at its destination in the February following. The Governor-General was therefore earnestly recommended to despatch the Indian Contingent as quickly as possible; not even to wait till the troops should all be collected if it would save time to forward them in two or three distinct detachments.
Lord Wellesley received this despatch, — dated the 6th October, 1800, and forwarded overland — on the 6th February. The same day he intimated to General Baird that a despatch from England would probably render it necessary for him to make some essential variations in the object of the armament he had equipped; that meanwhile General Baird had better remain on board the Phœnix, urging the captain, however, to make every necessary preparation for sailing, as he hoped to send the further instructions within forty-eight hours.
But it was not till the 10th that the Military Secretary to the Governor-General intimated to General Baird, in a short note, that the despatch from England had rendered it necessary that he should "assist Sir Ralph Abercromby in driving the French from Egypt instead of seizing on Batavia." The same evening Marquess Wellesley forwarded his instructions, accompanied by a very friendly letter, to General Baird.
