the 1st of August 1798, about
ten in the morning
With characteristic disregard of the possible consequences to his own fame and interest , in his determination to `` do the right , '' Nelson at once resolved to return to Alexandria . Accordingly , with all sail set , the fleet stood once more towards the coast of Egypt . Perseverance was at length rewarded . On the 1st of August 1798 , about ten in the morning , they sighted Alexandria , and saw with inexpressible delight that the port was crowded with the ships of France . And here we venture to say that we sympathise with the joy of the British on this occasion , and shall explain why we do so . Not every battle that is fought -- however brilliant in military or naval tactics it may be , or in exhibitions of personal prowess -- deserves our sympathy . Only that war which is waged against oppression is entitled to respect , and this , we hold , applies to the war in which the British were engaged at that time .