Subsequently Bonaparte had tried to lead his troops back to France overland, by way of Constantinople and Vienna.

This is an interesting statement. With France at war with the Ottoman Empire and Austria not favourably disposed to France, did Napoleon really think that he could march an army back to France via Constantinople and Vienna? Is this confirmed in his correspondence?

Regarding the Convention of El Arish, it is my understanding that the British Cabinet had issued instructions in December 1799 to agree to the French evacuation of Egypt but not to treat with the French army except to ensure that they surrendered as prisoners of war and not returned to France. This was communicated to Lord Keith commanding in the Mediterranean. Lord Keith issued instructions to his subordinates on 8 January 1800. The Convention of El Arish was signed on 24 January 1800. Clearly it was not up to either Lord Keith or Nelson to disregard their instructions.

Once news of the convention reached Britain, the cabinet reluctantly ratified the convention, although Sidney Smith had no authority to conclude such a convention without regard to his superior officers and government instructions.

However, the circumstances of the French had changed in Egypt. Kleber had defeated the Ottoman forces in Egypt and the French army was not now in bad straits. Kleber had then been assassinated and replaced by Menou. Menou was totally against the Convention of El Arish. When Sidney Smith informed him, in June 1800, that the convention was now ratified by Britain, Menou declined to ratify it on his part without reference to the Consuls in France. There the matter rested.

It would be instructive to know if the Consuls in France received any communication from Menou and what their response was, if any?

Good hunting.

Ron