The Knights of St John restrict the French fleet to two ships at a time because admitting the whole convoy would surrender control of the harbor. Napoleon answers by landing troops at seven places, while the order is weakened when many of its French members refuse to fight their countrymen. He secures Malta's fortifications, stores, artillery, and local armed forces after limited resistance. Soon afterward HMS Seahorse captures the French frigate Sensible on its voyage from Malta to Toulon. The prize carries treasure, wounded soldiers, and a senior officer from the defense of Malta, turning routine frigate warfare into a source of operational intelligence about the expedition.
Notable Point · 22:31-25:34
Malta falls, then HMS Seahorse captures Sensible
Napoleon forces the Knights Hospitaller to surrender Malta, but a British frigate soon captures a French vessel carrying treasure, wounded troops, and news of the conquest.