Mohammed, informed of this advance, consulted Bardissi, and it was
agreed that their united forces should march out to meet the enemy,
Hassan Bey being first sent out with a body of Arabian cavalry to
feel the enemy's lines.
With united forces they now marched out, Mohammed Ali and the beys,
his former enemies, side by side; the Albanians, Ottomans, and
Armenians, were in front; behind them came the Mamelukes and
Bedouins.
In the mean while, Cousrouf had advanced victoriously. He had driven
Hassan Bey before him, and had stormed the village of Fareskour, in
which the bey had fortified himself. The inhabitants were slain, and
the houses sacked and destroyed by Cousrouf's soldiers.
After this victory, the advance on Cairo seemed easier. Cousrouf,
however, preferred to retreat to Damietta, having learned that a
larger force was advancing to meet him. Hassan Bey had returned by
hurried marches to Cairo, and demanded re-enforcements, which were
given him. With these, he again advanced toward Damietta, followed
by Mohammed and Bardissi with their powerful columns. With great
haste, Cousrouf set about making Damietta strong enough to defy the
enemy. The walls were crowned with cannon, and two guns were placed
in position on the bridge that spans the Nile canal, at Damietta. A
plentiful supply of provisions and munitions of war was also
accumulated in the fortress.
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