English: Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch (1797 - 98 ). It is important to know that, in those days, in Malta, there was a Party of French Knights and some Maltese noblemen promoting French interest. The Grand Master Hompesch knew about this French Party and for many times he was warned by his friends to watch their moves. But the Grand Master Hompesch thought that the strong fortifications of the islands were safe and so he didn't give much attention to his friends warnings.

On the 10th 0f June 1798, a great French fleet, of 472 war vessels under the command of General Napoleon Bonaparte, advanced on Malta and in no time the French troops landed in St. George's Bay. With little opposition, the French troops advanced to Zebbug and Siggiewi which both fell into their hands. The French Party was making things easy and were using their plans to help Napoleon to capture the Maltese Islands. Both Notabile ( Mdina ) and Gozo surrendered to the French strong army. Even tough Napoleon was leading a great strong army against Malta, he never really won Malta by war but a Capitulation which the Knights accepted and signed with General Bonaparte. This Capitulation has stirred the Maltese against both the Order and the French. Aware of the surrender of the Knights, the Maltese all alone continued to resist the French troops and from the Cottonera fortifications opened fire on them. It took great pains for some priests to convince the Maltese to surrender to the French strong army.

On the 17th. June 1798, the Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch together with the Knights of St. John left Malta for Trieste and Malta was now the property of the French.