The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

It has been remarked, that the defence of Alexandria, is in some measure to France now, what Massena's astonishing defence of Genoa was to the campaign of Italy last year. There is some resemblance. Every body recollects how often Massena was killed in sallies from Genoa, and how often the French lost the whole number of their garrison, and yet the siege of Genoa proved the ruin of the Austrians. Buonaparte expects that the obstinacy of the garrison of Alexandria will hold out, till some fortunate accident enables him to send troops and supplies; till disease waste the assailants; till his usual good fortune save for him this his favorite conquest. Till Alexandria fall, doubtless our army can do nothing, though, according to all ordinary calculation, the efforts of the French government to relieve Egypt must be vain, while our naval force on that station is so great; while we have a double guard of ships to blockade the place, and to observe those who attempt to raise the siege. Lord Keith conducts the siege, while Sir J. Warren more at large watches the enemy's design.

Should these projects of the enemy fail it is probable that Buonaparte ultimately intends some grand attack on this country. He may carry on, without much interference, the preparations for both at once. He has men at his disposal; and, if the contest is prolonged, he must not allow the people of France to languish in a tedious inactive war; he must try something great and decisive, be the success what it may—and in all their designs, however varied, we must be prepared to meet the enemy.