This Troubridge handed to Nelson, telling him also that it was Smith's intention to send word into Alexandria, that all French ships might pass to France.

This passport, adopted after Smith had been to Constantinople, had doubtless the sanction of the joint minister, his brother, and was signed by himself both as plenipotentiary and naval officer.

Nelson had by this time been instructed that Smith was under his command, and he at once sent him an order, couched in the most explicit, positive, and peremptory terms, which merit especial attention because Smith disobeyed them.
"_As this is in direct opposition to my opinion_, which is, _never to suffer any one individual Frenchman to quit Egypt_--I must therefore _strictly charge and command you_,[2] never to give any French ship or man leave to quit Egypt.

And I must also desire that _you will oppose by every means in your power, any permission which may he attempted to be given by any foreigner_, Admiral, General, or other person; and you will acquaint those persons, that I shall not pay the smallest attention to any such passport after your notification; and _you are to put my orders in force, not on any pretence to permit a single_ _Frenchman to leave Egypt_." It seems clear from these expressions that Nelson had gathered, through Troubridge, that it was the policy of the Sultan and of the British representatives to get the French out of Egypt at any cost,--to look, in short, to local interests rather than to the general policy of the Allies.

This he was determined to prevent by instructions so comprehensive, yet so precise, as to leave no loophole for evasion.
Here matters seem to have rested for a time.