Portuguese ships, HMS Alexander, and the blockade of Valletta

Portuguese ships first arrived to support their fellow Catholics, followed by British vessels that had recently fought at the Nile. Although some British ships were damaged, their presence made the French commander see a powerful fleet offshore and deepened his isolation. After the French commander rejected James Saumarez's truce offer, Saumarez supplied weapons to the Maltese before departing for Gibraltar. Captain Alexander Ball later arrived in HMS Alexander, an Alfred-class 74-gun third rate named after Alexander the Great that had briefly served under French control. Nelson followed as the blockade tightened. When Gozo's French garrison surrendered, the captured food and stores went to the inhabitants, while British carpenters helped repair local church property. These practical measures strengthened cooperation with the Maltese.