In this manner Bonaparte employed his time on board the Orient during the voyage, and it was also at this time that he dictated to me the following proclamation: HEADQUARTERS ON BOARD THE "ORIENT," The 4th Messidor, Year VI.
BONAPARTE, MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE, GENERAL-IN-CHIEF.
SOLDIERS--You are about to undertake a conquest the effects of which on civilisation and commerce are incalculable.

The blow you are about to give to England will be the best aimed, and the most sensibly felt, she can receive until the time arrive when you can give her her deathblow.
We must make some fatiguing marches; we must fight several battles; we shall succeed in all we undertake.

The destinies are with us.
The Mameluke Beys who favour exclusively English commerce, whose extortions oppress our merchants, and who tyrannise over the unfortunate inhabitants of the Nile, a few days after our arrival will no longer exist.
The people amongst whom we are going to live are Mahometans.

The first article of their faith is this: "There is no God but God, and Mahomet is his prophet." Do not contradict them.

Behave to them as you have behaved to the Jews--to the Italians.