ABSTRACT
The point of attack was settled, the horse ships were hourly expected from Smyrna; and Abercromby intended to sail for Aboukir bay as soon as they arrived. But no horse transports appeared. The days dragged by, and nearly five more weeks were to pass before the armada streamed out from the narrow mouth of the bay of Marmaris. Every day that went by gave the enemy more time to prepare his defences and receive reinforcements from France. Every day spent at Marmaris had to compensate for the lost opportunities by making the expedition better prepared to land and survive on the barren shores of Egypt. All branches of the force were at work on special training and the improvising of equipment.
