The French convoy slips through to Malta and Egypt

Napoleon's force expands as it moves through Genoa, Corsica, and Malta, but its dispersal and uncertain reports repeatedly create risks. When reports place Nelson nearby, Napoleon sends ships to investigate and temporarily weakens the convoy he is trying to protect. Nelson comes within roughly sixty nautical miles without making contact, illustrating the difficulty of maritime reconnaissance before modern communications. A fleet's apparent course could also mislead observers because sailing ships might steer for favorable wind rather than directly toward their destination. The French land successfully in Egypt, yet remain dependent on the fleet for their supply line.