How cool is this?! Heritage Malta have acquired the original later dating back to 1798 that Napoleon wrote, ordering his men to sail to Malta.

“In 1798, General Napoleon Bonaparte wrote a letter to his men to set sail for Malta - that letter would be the start of the French invasion of Malta!” Heritage Malta shares on Facebook. “222 years later, his letter is now back in Malta, and this time, it's available for everyone to see. Visit the National Museum of Archaeology during Public Service Week to see this unique exhibit, free of charge!”

In a statement, the Ministry for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government shared that the letter can now be viewed by the public. “Heritage Malta, the National Agency for cultural heritage, acquired this artefact in July, during an auction by renowned auction house Sotheby’s. Bonaparte’s decisive letter was acquired for the sum of €60,000.” They shared it will be exhibited during Public Service Week happening later this month.

“I fully support such acquisitions for our National Collection, for they stimulate research and debate,” stated Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government José Herrera. “With this letter, Napoleon changed our entire course of history.” 

“Heritage Malta is proud to participate in the upcoming Public Service week,” stated Mario Cutajar, Heritage Malta’s Executive Director. “Napoleon’s letter, together with various unique artefacts, will be displayed in the National Museum of Archaeology for all to enjoy.”

Liam Gauci, the Maritime Museum’s senior curator, explained this letter’s significance, which, he explains, “reveals young Bonaparte’s strategic military mind, as he gave detailed instructions to his General on how to invade the Maltese islands.”