Gibraltar and the uncertainty of Napoleon's expedition

The French expedition achieved a difficult operational breakout, but its destination was uncertain to British commanders. Nelson reached Egypt before the French, then doubled back because he feared Malta was a feint preceding an attack on Gibraltar. That fear was credible because a Franco-Spanish siege of Gibraltar had ended only fifteen years earlier and Napoleon already had a reputation for artillery and siege warfare. Geography and imperfect intelligence sent even a fast, capable fleet in the wrong direction. Had Nelson waited off Egypt, he might have intercepted the French transports while they were still crowded with troops.