Alexandria, battle of, 1801. Napoleon expedition to Egypt was cut off in August 1798 by Nelson's victory of the Nile, and a year later Napoleon abandoned his men and returned to France. In March 1801 a British force of 14, 000 men under Sir Ralph Abercromby fought its way towards Alexandria. On the 21st, after heavy fighting in which Abercromby was killed, the French capitulated.




