When rioting had broken out they had, as arranged, assembled at the Anglo-Egyptian Bank.

They were taken off to the merchant steamers, lying behind the fleet, and their information confirmed the worst forebodings of the fugitives there.
When the first gun of the bombardment was fired, Gregory had gone up, with the other employees, to the top of the house; where they commanded a view over the whole scene of action.

After the first few minutes' firing they could see but little, for batteries and ships were, alike, shrouded in smoke.

At first, there had been some feeling of insecurity, and a doubt whether a shot too highly aimed might not come into the town; but the orders to abstain carefully from injuring the city had been well observed, and, except to the Palace and a few houses close to the water's edge, no damage was done.
Towards evening, all those who had resolved to remain behind gathered at the Anglo-Egyptian Bank, or at Mr.Ferguson's.

But a consultation was held later, and it was agreed that next morning all should go to the bank, which was a far more massive building, with fewer entrances, and greater facilities for defence.