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.