Bonaparte, while in Egypt, has stayed informed…

Bonaparte, while in Egypt, has stayed informed of European affairs through irregular delivery of newspapers and dispatches.

He has learned France has suffered a series of defeats in the War of the Second Coalition.

At this point, Bonaparte resolves to return to France, despite the fact he has received no explicit orders from Paris.

Taking advantage of the temporary departure of British ships from French coastal ports, he succeeds in slipping away on August 24, past the British fleet, leaving Kléber in command of the expeditionary forces.