Napoleon's expedition after the Battle of the Nile

The campaign began with the seizure of Malta and a successful passage to Egypt, combining amphibious manoeuvre with judgment and luck. Malta was a prestigious gain, but French control of the island proved vulnerable without command of the surrounding sea. After the Battle of the Nile, Nelson released French sailors rather than undertake the burden of feeding them as prisoners. Napoleon therefore had sailors without their battle fleet, many lacking the equipment and infantry training needed for land warfare. He employed some in small craft on the Nile and used the remaining frigates to assist the army. Their naval 18-pounders were substantial siege weapons by army standards, although an 18-pounder was an ordinary main gun for a frigate.