From: Copies of original letters from the army of General Bonaparte in Egypt, intercepted by the fleet under the command of Admiral Lord Nelson. With an English translation (London, J. Wright, 1798-1800, 3 vols.), vol. 3, pp. 5-6.
TRANSLATION.
Head Quarters, Alexandria, August 23, 1799.
BONAPARTE, Commander in Chief, to the ARMY.
IN consequence of the news from Europe, I have determined to return immediately to France. I leave the command of the army to General Kleber: they shall hear from me speedily: this is all I can say to them at present. It grieves me to the heart to part from the brave men whom I am so tenderly attached; but it will be only for an instant; and the General I leave at their head is in full possession of the confidence of the Government and of mine.
BONAPARTE.
By order of the Commander in Chief, and of the General of Division, Chief of the Staff,
ALEX BERTHIER.
A true copy,
SONNET, Adjutant General.
A true copy,
LE ROY.
Note.
This address to the army was not delivered by Bonaparte. It was enclosed in the letter to Kleber, to be read to them after he was gone!
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