We were now cut off from all communication with France, and all hope of returning thither, except by a degrading capitulation with an implacable and hated enemy.

Bonaparte had lost all chance of preserving his conquest, and to him this was indeed a bitter reflection.

And at what a time did this disaster befall him?
At the very moment when he was about to apply for the aid of the mother-country.
From what General Bonaparte communicated to me previously to the 1st of August, his object was, having once secured the possession of Egypt; to return to Toulon with the fleet; then to send troops and provisions of every kind to Egypt; and next to combine with the fleet all the forces that could be supplied, not only by France, but by her allies, for the purpose of attacking England.

It is certain that previously to his departure for Egypt he had laid before the Directory a note relative to his plans.

He always regarded a descent upon England as possible, though in its result fatal, so long as we should be inferior in naval strength; but he hoped by various manoeuvres to secure a superiority on one point.
His intention was to return to France.