It has been suggested that, in thus depreciating the importance of Malta to England, Nelson was unconsciously reflecting the wishes of Lady Hamilton, whose intimacy with the queen of Naples would lead her to use her influence in securing the restoration of the island to that monarchy. Nelson’s peculiar views about Malta can, however, scarcely be attributed to this cause, since, as his letter to the emperor of Russia shews, he was quite ready to co-operate in the transfer of the island to that power. It seems, indeed, as if he utterly failed to realize its vast importance to England.
In the month of December, 1799, a small body of British troops, consisting of the 30th and 89th regiments, in all 1,300 men, under General Sir Thomas Graham (afterwards Lord Lynedoch), and two Neapolitan battalions, together 900 strong, landed in the island, and assumed the direction of the siege. Captain Ball, having been meanwhile elected by the people as president of the national council, had landed from the Alexander, and assumed the office of governor of the Maltese, fixing his head-quarters at the country palace of St. Antonio, about four miles from Valetta. This appointment was sanctioned by the allied powers. From that time the command of the blockading fleet devolved upon Commodore Martin, who was sent to Malta for the purpose.
Shortly afterwards, General Pigot also arrived, and took over the command of the allied forces from Sir Thomas Graham, who remained under him in command of the British forces only. On the 18th January, 1800, Nelson encountered off Cape Passaro a French squadron, consisting of a line-of-battle ship and four frigates, conveying troops from Toulon for the relief of Malta. The line-of-battle ship was Le Généreux, 74 guns, bearing the flag of Rear-Admiral Perrée, one of the few vessels that had escaped from the battle of the Nile. She was now captured by Nelson’s flagship, the Foudroyant, the French admiral dying on the following day of wounds received in the action. One of the frigates was also captured by the Alexander. This failure to relieve the beleaguered garrison made it clear to every one that before long a surrender must take place. Still the gallant Vaubois determined to hold out to the very last. Whatever faults, and even crimes, the French
