thus sicily survived as a quasi-independent state for sixteen months, with the bourbon army taking back full control of the island on 15 may 1849 by force. the effective head of state during this period was ruggero settimo. on capitulating to the bourbons, settimo escaped to malta where he was received with the full honours of a head of state. unlike many, crispi was not granted amnesty and was forced to flee the country.