While the French were masters of Cairo, a conspiracy was formed against
them which exploded on the 21st of October, 1798. The populace, at the
instigation of the Sheiks, had sworn by Mahomet to exterminate the
French. At the commencement of the insurrection, General Dupuy was
mortally wounded, and several others were killed; when the drums were
heard beating to arms, the Turks repaired to the Grand Mosque, where
they assembled to the number of about 8,000. Here they were ordered to
surrender, but refused, and seemed determined to defend themselves to
the last, when Napoleon commanded bombs to be thrown from the citadel;
this spread dismay and terror amongst the besieged, which was greatly
increased by the French bursting open the doors. In a few moments the
carnage became dreadful. The fanaticism of the revolters prevented their
perceiving the impossibility of successful resistance to the French, who
had been infuriated by seeing Brigadier-General Sulkowski slain by the
multitude. Girodet has produced a very animated picture of the scene.
The most remarkable group is that where a man completely naked supports
a young Turk, richly dressed, who is about to receive his death-wound.
Near him is a negro, also naked, aiming to ward off the fatal blow, and
holding the head of a young Frenchman. On the left is an Hussar of
extraordinary stature, whose weapon seems to threaten death to the
unfortunate Turk.
[Illustration: THE REVOLT OF CAIRO.]