The British fleet consisted of eight ironclads and five gunboats, carrying three thousand five hundred and thirty-nine men and one hundred and two guns, commanded by Sir Frederick Seymour.
Two days before the approach of the fleet was known at Cairo, the French and English consuls proposed that the Khedive should issue a decree, declaring a general amnesty, and that the president of the council, the minister of war, and the three military pashas should quit the country for a year.

This request was complied with.
The ministry resigned, in a body, on the day the fleet arrived; on the ground that the Khedive acquiesced in foreign interference.

A great meeting was held of the chief personages of state, and the officers and the representatives of the army at once told the Khedive that they refused to obey his orders, and only recognized the authority of the Porte.
At Alexandria all trade ceased at once, when it became known that the troops were busy strengthening the forts, mounting cannon, and preparing for a resistance.

That this was done by the orders of Arabi, who was now practically dictator, there could be no question.

The native population became more and more excited, being firmly of belief that no vessels could resist the fire of the heavy guns; and that any attempt on the part of the men-of-war to reduce the place would end in their being sunk, as soon as fighting began.
The office and stores were still kept open, but Gregory's duties were almost nominal; and he and Mr.Parrot, who was also married, were told by the manager that they could spend the greater portion of their time at their homes.