If you ask people how Malta fought against French occupation, most will talk about how the British helped the Maltese out. Few know that the Portuguese navy played the decisive part in this battle.
This article sets the record straight.
Context
The Knights of Malta had ruled the islands since the 16th century. By the end of the 18th century, the Knights’ nemesis – the Ottoman Empire – was no longer a threat. The Knights became complacent and their administration of the islands was poor. Faced with higher taxes and an unpopular governing class, the islanders were happy to help the French take over the islands.
The French exploited the islands for their own needs. They forced men to join French battleships heading for Egypt. The army forced the upper classes to lend them money. They also stole from churches and raped women1.
As a result, in less than two years, the Maltese wanted the French out. The local population was neither armed nor familiar with guerilla techniques. Despite this, the Maltese grouped together as best they could. On 2 September 1798, Vincenzo Borg led a rag-tag crew of people from the Mosta and Birkirkara areas. They fought the 5 000-strong French forces who were auctioning church property to pay for war efforts.
I’ve written about Vincenzo Borg. His farmhouse, from which he commanded the Maltese against the French, still exists today.
Borg wrote to Sir Alexander Ball of the British forces stating that the majority ‘of us would like to see the islands under British jurisdiction.’
British support via Portugal
As well as Borg’s letter to Sir Alexander, the Maltese made contact with the King of Two Sicilies for help1. Lord Nelson couldn’t make it to Malta because most of his fleet needed urgent repairs following the Battle of Abukir Bay in Egypt. He sent word to Rear Admiral Marquis de Niza of the Portuguese navy, asking if Portugal could help Malta1.
De Niza headed for the islands on his flagship Principe Real1. He managed to gain control of the harbours with ease because most of the French navy was in Egypt1. The remaining 2 French battleships were no match for De Niza’s 2 frigates and 7 ships of war. The Portuguese also put 3 000 men on the islands to besiege Valletta.
Once the Maltese heard the Portuguese had arrived, they raised 3 flags on the roof of the tower in Mdina: the Maltese, Napolitan and Portuguese flags.
Together with the motley crew of Maltese insurgents, De Niza blockaded the French in Valletta. Malta was in such a dire state that thousands died of malnutrition1. Seeing this De Niza wrote to Lord Nelson describing the situation.
On 4 October 1798, Nelson wrote to the Marquis to congratulate him on his blockade and efforts. He also sent reinforcements in the form of HMS Alexander2.
On 24 October 1798 Nelson wrote to Lady Hamilton about this.
‘Not a house of bastion […] is in possession of the islanders, and the Marquis de Niza tells me, they want arms, victuals, and support.’2
The Dispatches and Letters of Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson: January 1798 to August 1799
De Niza’s men gave 500 muskets to the Maltese. They also provided training, and taught the Maltese how to build trenches, and where best to do so.
After the French
Two weeks later, British ships made port bringing supplies and armaments1.
This is not the only commemorative plaque in the Upper Barrakka gardens.
The British took over the islands on the understanding that they would end up back in the Knights’ hands. The Treaty of Paris governed this, but Napoleon soon broke his side of the deal.
The Treaty of Amiens ensured the islands would remain under British rule.
The Portuguese fleet left Malta on 13 December 1799, when two British regiments arrived to relieve them1.
De Niza ended up as Portuguese ambassador to Russia where he died in Konigsburg in 1802.
This little-known chapter in Maltese history is not well-known and isn’t taught in schools, which is a shame. The Maltese have commemorated the event and the Marquis with a commemorative plaque in Valletta’s Upper Barrakka gardens.