The frigates that survived the Battle of the Nile were not left intact while Napoleon campaigned in Egypt and Syria. Some surrendered 18-pounder guns and much of their shot to the army, while Perrée's Junon, Courageuse, Alceste, Salamine, and Alerte ferried supplies and artillery around the coast. British and Ottoman blockades constrained this work without sealing the area completely, partly because their own ships operated at the far end of long supply lines. The French squadron was reduced to as few as fifteen rounds per remaining gun. It nevertheless evaded a force under Sidney Smith before attempting the dangerous return toward Toulon.
Chapter · 31:31-37:23
Perrée's depleted frigate squadron in Egypt
Three frigates and two brigs carried supplies and artillery through loose British and Ottoman blockades after surrendering weapons and ammunition to the French army.