The British marched again on the 7th June, and encamped near Chybrachahabeha, where intelligence was received that two regiments of infantry and 3000 seapoys had landed at Suez from India, and were crossing the desert in the direction of Grand Cairo. The flotilla arrived in sight of the pyramids, and anchored above Ucksaus on the morning of the 9th. At this place about 2000 Mamelukes formed part of the great camp, and for the first time pitched tents with regularity, agreeably to the wish and direction of the English commander-in-chief. The same day Captains Stevenson and Curry proceeded up the river to station the flats and launches as an advanced guard, after which they reconnoitred the Egyptian capital.
The 11th June was devoted to the construction of a bridge of boats, under the directions of Mr. Bray, carpenter of the Tigre. Whilst thus employed, 300 of the 86th regiment arrived from Suez, after one of the most painful marches ever accomplished; and during which 3 officers and 20 privates had perished with thirst.
June 19th, orders were issued for the march across the Nile on the next morning. The bridge, composed of sixty djerms, and about one hundred and eighty yards wide, being completed, someof the guns were passed across; but at eight P.M. counter orders were issued, the possession of Giza being considered indispensable. This change of movement rendering the delay of a day necessary, the Grand Vizier was instantly requested to stop the progress of his troops, but without effect, as they struck their tents at day-break on the 20th, and moved forward in the most tumultuous and disorderly manner, till within cannon-shot of Grand Cairo, when they thought proper again to pitch them. The British flotilla were in the mean time employed in landing and dragging up the Turkish heavy artillery, ammunition, &c., a service requiring uncommon exertions.
On the morning of the 21st General Hutchinson advanced within a mile and a half of Giza; and the Mamelukes, under Osman Bey, attacked and routed a body of French cavalry in front of that place. Their subsequent occupation of Sachatmickle, a village about 300 yards from the enemy’s works, obtained them the highest commendation.
