The city garrison at this time consisted of Albanian troops, with the French Consul-General Bernandino Drovetti attempting to force them to repel the British landing west of the city. Despite the rough waves, almost 700 troops with five field guns, along with 56 seamen, commanded by Lieutenant James Boxer, were able to disembark without opposition near the ravine that runs from Lake Mareotis to the sea. These troops breached the palisaded entrenchments at eight in the evening on 18 March. It was fortunate for the British that they did not encounter serious resistance because the lines stretching from Fort des Baines to Lake Mareotis included eight guns in three batteries, and thirteen guns in the fort on the right flank. British casualties were light; however the Pompey Gate (also known as the "Pompey's Pillar"), was barricaded and defended by about 1,000 Ottoman troops and armed volunteers, forcing British troops to set up camp to the south. Two detachments were sent to occupy Aboukir Castle, and the "Cut", Qaitbay Citadel, a castle in Alexandria between lakes Maadia and Mareotis. The detachment's mission was to prevent Ottoman reinforcements from reaching the city. The next day, 20 March, the rest of the transports appeared off Alexandria, and an Arab messenger was sent with an offer of capitulation that was accepted by the city authorities. Sir John Thomas Duckworth appeared on 22 March, off Alexandria in his flagship , with a part of his squadron, further bolstering the confidence of the British troops.