Chart of Alexandria, 1799 (coloured manuscript)

Creator: Anonymous Single sheet. Col. ms. Cartographic Note: North at 25 degrees. Variation shown. Ungraduated. Soundings in French fathoms. Contents Note: Key to chart and explanation of provenance. 3 beacon elevations. Passages marked. Inscribed 'This chart is an exact copy of one taken from Lt Vidal who was captured in La Courageux French Frigate by the Centaur. Lieut Vidal was employ'd together with Captain Barre of the Alceste Frigate by the late Admiral Bruyes to survey the old Port of Alexandria'. When the French fleet reached Egypt in 1798, local pilots told Admiral Bruyes that large ships drawing more than 20 feet could not enter the Old Port at Alexandria. He ordered a survey to locate the channels. This survey came into British hands in June 1799 when La Courageux was captured by Duckworth's squadron. A copy was sent to the Hydrographic Office who published it in 1801 - see G235:14/7.