Catalogue description War and Colonial Department and Colonial Office: Malta, Original Correspondence

Bound volumes arranged chronologically and usually within the following subject headings: Despatches (letters of the Governors), Offices (letters of government departments and other organisations), and Individuals (arranged alphabetically). With some case volumes. Each volume with a contents list, or a précis of each letter giving name of correspondent, date of letter and subject matter. From 1926 correspondence is arranged in subject files.

Malta was captured by the French from the Knights of St John of Jerusalem in 1798. It was surrendered to Britain in 1800, and ceded to her in 1814. From 1801 Malta had a British civil commissioner, who was replaced in 1813 by a governor. After lengthy constitutional negotiations Malta attained independence and became a member state of the Commonwealth on 21 September 1964. In December 1974 Malta became a republic.

The order of St Michael and St George was created in 1818 for the indigenous inhabitants of Malta and the Ionian Islands and for other British subjects holding high position there or in the British naval forces serving in the Mediterranean. It was extended in 1868 to all colonies.