Nelson initially saw the expedition's transports without its warships. Zealous and Goliath then found the anchored French line just up the coast, while Troubridge abandoned a merchant prize to rejoin the coming action. Initial signals differed over whether the anchorage held thirteen or sixteen ships of the line, but Nelson cared more that the enemy had finally been found at anchor. Scouting initiative and the prospect of prize money drew the British captains toward battle.
Chapter · 1:24:46-1:30:19
Scouting locates the French fleet at Aboukir
After finding transports at Alexandria but no battle fleet, British scouting ships located the French at Aboukir and the scattered squadron raced toward the expected prizes.