Set sail towards Malta – Napoleon’s decisive letter to his General, has been acquired by Heritage Malta for Maltese history.

The letter, by which Napoleon Bonaparte ordered General Desaix to gather the troops and set sail towards Malta, had up until 1798, belonged to the Order of the Knights of St John.

“This letter has great significance for Maltese history,” explained Liam Gauci, the Maritime Museum’s principal curator. “In it, one can also observe Bonaparte’s strategic military mind at his peak, just prior to his Egyptian campaign.”

This artefact was acquired by the National Agency for Cultural Heritage, for the sum of €60,000 during an auction by renowned auction house Sotheby’s. The letter was acquired through national funds, and it is now making its way to Malta.

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government José Herrera stated that, “this document forms a crucial part of the Maltese tale, which is why we deemed its acquisition to be paramount.”

Mario Cutajar, Heritage Malta’s Executive Director explained that, “Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign brought together the largest expeditionary fleet ever assembled in the Mediterranean. This letter will therefore be displayed within the context of the Maritime Museum, once restoration works are completed.”

“Napoleon’s 1798 letter represents a milestone in our nation’s modern history,” emphasised Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta’s CEO, who added, “it is the perfect companion to the extraordinary memoirs of Censu Borg Brared, purchased last year.”

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