made the answer that was dictated by the zeal, love, and loyalty to
his king and sovereign, namely, that they would sacrifice their lives
in defense of his arms and domains, and that they would make all the
defense possible. [130] They wondered at the so unlooked-for news,
and the first notice they had of the declaration of war, was that
given by the said generals with these threats and armed hand and
squadron. Having given the measures ordering the provinces to come to
the aid of the capital promptly, and those which exigency permitted,
having considered the few regular troops, and having given the musters
for the militia companies, the city suffocated with the consternation
of the conflict to which it was pledged, and which was so necessary,
was placed in a state of defense.
13. On the night of that day, the enemy began to disembark toward the
south. The Indians of the said places of the environs were not able
to resist the fire from their boats and ships. The people in those
places got under shelter of two regular companies who were obliged
to retire. The enemy found all they could need for their rearguard
and trenches in the strong edifices of the churches of Malate and of
Nuestra Señora de Guia, whence without loss of time, and with ease
they surrounded and took possession of the equally strong churches of
San Tiago and San Juan de Bagumbayan, whence it became necessary for
our men to retire. And although our men made three sallies, the enemy
were only driven out for a little time from the last place. In the
last sally, especially, their attack was arranged in three different
parts in order to kill some people, but with greater mortality on
our part, and through the inequality of arms and discipline, ours
yielded ground notwithstanding that the native troops who had come
in from the neighboring provinces, were now very numerous.
14. Meanwhile, a few clashes occurred, that of greatest consequence
being the death of an English officer who had left their camp with a
white flag and came toward our camp, and whom our natives attacked
without anyone being able to restrain them. They assassinated him
and hacked his body into many pieces. In the endeavor to shelter him,
Don Antonio de Sierra Tagle, the nephew of the archbishop, received
many mortal wounds from lance thrusts, from which he died in a few
days. He was a prisoner, [131] and knowing him to be a relative,
the generals sent him back with the above-mentioned unfortunate
officer. The said generals learning of that assassination and
mutilation, through the infraction also of the symbol of peace
(a white flag), demanded the aggressors, with the threat that if
the demand were not accorded, they would send back the heads of the
officers whom they had captured. But the archbishop having ordered an
investigation of the matter, it resulted that the Spaniards were not to
blame, and that they had ceased firing, and all hostility, on seeing
the symbol of peace. Notwithstanding this the sepais [i.e., Sepoys]
continued their fire, on account of which the Indians in irritation,
committed that assassination. With the letter and testimony of those
investigations, which the archbishop wrote to the general, the matter
seemed to be dropped.
15. The English made their trenches in a short time and mounted their
artillery and began to bombard the city at the bastion of the foundry,
as their fire was insufficient to reach the bastion of Carranza,
[132] and the active efforts which were able to be made in order to
undo their labors and dislodge them [i.e., the British]. Of not a
little importance (amid the inequality of forces and of practiced
soldiers) was the form in a cordon of some people of this vicinity
who were considered most fitting, and of some of the natives of the
environs from the site of Pasay which is at the south near the powder
factory to that of San Lazaro, which lies to the east. The archbishop
took that precaution, as it was very necessary, in order to guard
the Pasig River at the point where the provisions are traded, and
to obtain some opposition against the enemy. The fire of the latter,
by means of their land and ship artillery, and their bombarding, in
which the bombs fired exceeded four thousand, and the number of balls
of twenty-four, a trifle more, threw the city and all its inhabitants
into great consternation. On that account, and because the breach [in
the walls] was begun to be opened, in a general council on the night
of the third of October, what ought to be done in such a conflict
was discussed. [133]
16. Although the military men thought that they ought to capitulate,
other reputable votes were against it. One of them, namely, the fiscal,
[134] asked the engineer and military men, if what they said was [to be
understood as] in the present, and if they were to proceed immediately
to the capitulation. Receiving the negative answer, he, following
the advice of others, counseled defense. In view of everything and
the rest which appears in said council, the archbishop gave the
orders, which appear in the records, in regard to the work, labor,
and the defensive works, with the provision of materials, workmen,
and foremen, giving charge of these operations to the engineers,
and having appointed the chiefest military men to the most important
posts, and having ordered their vigilance in regard to the operations
of the enemy. But nothing sufficed, for, redoubling their fire, on the
following day, and adding bombs, which they discharged with their fire,
which caught in two buildings, to which it was so necessary to hasten,
the day and its night passed in moments of confusion and agony. At
six in the morning of the fifth of the above-mentioned October of
62, [135] having gained possession of its breach and of the bastion
of the foundry, [136] the English extended their troops along both
sides of the wall, and another column through the royal gate which
they forced; so that there was nothing else for the archbishop to do
than to wave the white flag and retire to the fort of San Tiago with
the ministers, and some officials and citizens. Notwithstanding that
he knew nothing of militia, and had never seen such functions, and
had at his side none but equally inexperienced men, and one or two
officials who had scarcely any knowledge more than was speculative,
yet as God aided, and the loyalty of our hearts, he did what he could
and what he comprehended.
17. Before this misfortune befell that of the capture of the galley
which had been despatched by the commander of the "Philipino," with
notice of its return from Acapulco and that it had put back to the
village of Palapa. Two days after the siege began, namely, on the
twenty-fourth of September, the galley entered the bay and came within
sight of the squadron (of which it had no news). A fragata gave it
chase and several barcas, it having been beached already toward the
north in Bancusay. Although some of those who came in it were able to
escape by swimming, its officers and the above-mentioned Don Antonio
Sierra Tagle were captured. The enemy took possession of everything in
the galley, and of many letters from which they gathered information
of the "Philipino" and of the place where the latter lay. Two days
later they sent a fragata and a ship in order to capture it; for the
day before they had been joined by a ship and two fragatas which had
become separated, or could not follow the squadron.
18. From some quite damp letters, among them that of the commander
of the "Philipino," which had been carried by those who escaped by
swimming, the archbishop learned (and it was the first news) that the
"Philipino" was in Palapa; that it had been unable to enter by way of
the Embocadero because of stormy weather; and that on leaving Acapulco,
by a letter of the viceroy to the commander, the latter had learned
of the breaking out of war with Ynglaterra, and he was advised to
have a care. Consequently, he must have come with that information;
but said commander knew nothing of what was happening in Manila. In
view of all things, and with the unanimous opinion of auditors and
principal citizens, a letter was written to the commander, giving him
an order to fortify himself in Palapa, and to land the silver and
chests. Fortifying himself as well as possible in said port, which
is very difficult to get at, and only very experienced persons know
its entrances, which with but slight work can be made impassable,
the said commander was to hold his ship in readiness for sinking by
burning, if the ships of the enemy met it. This letter was sent with
all care, by a person very skilful in the coasts of the Embocadero,
so that it reached Palapa in a very few days. It had been duplicated
as a precaution to what might happen to it at its first sending.
19. The rest that was done for the defense of the place was placed
in the diary. Some measures not necessary there were stated here as
belonging to the operations of the archbishop, such as those in regard
to withdrawing the treasury and the commission of Auditor Don Simon
de Anda. Both measures were vigorously promoted by the auditors--the
first, at the request of the treasurer, Don Nicolas de Echauz [137]
on the first day of the siege. Although it was at the instance of the
auditors, the archbishop resisted it strongly, for the reason that
the treasury could not be in better security than where there was
security of their lives. But reiterating their instances for various
reasons, and that it was advisable under any circumstances to have
placed the money outside the city, the archbishop had to comply; and
ordered that some quantity having been left, the greater part should be
withdrawn. Accordingly, this was done, and the sum of one hundred and
eleven thousand pesos withdrawn. Of the amount left in the treasury,
ten thousand pesos were paid out in order to supply the city with
provisions. In regard to that various precautions were taken, and a
commission was given to the fiscal, in order that he might attend to
those supplies. Other sums also followed for the current expenses,
all of which made the sum of twenty-four thousand pesos, account of
which is to be given by the accountant, Don Fernando Carabes of whom
it was demanded urgently by the archbishop.
20. The other measure in regard to Auditor Anda was passed with greater
haste by the auditors themselves on the third of October. Because of
the conflict in which we found ourselves, they told the archbishop
that it was advisable to despatch him outside the city with the title
of governor and captain-general. These titles were to be given him,
in order that he might keep the natives quiet in their Christian
instruction and in their obedience to the king. But notwithstanding
that this measure clothed itself in so specious reasons, the archbishop
answered that neither he nor the Audiencia had any authority to create
a governor and captain-general, which was the proper privilege of his
Majesty; and that it was enough to give him the title of visitor of
the land for the so just end that was claimed (which is in accordance
with the orders of his Majesty), and the title of lieutenant of the
captain-general which could be conferred on him. This was the custom
followed in like commissions to ministers. Since that seemed advisable
to the ministers and fiscal, it was executed with the celerity that
the present conflicts demanded. Furnishing him with official paper,
and a notary and advocate, the above-mentioned auditor Anda left
immediately that night. [138]
21. Other operations during the time of the siege which looked to the
care and watch of the city, the archbishop practiced vigilantly. For he
visited the walls personally, even at night, and some of the bastions,
namely that of the foundry and that of the fort. He went out daily on
horseback. Accompanied by various persons he examined the gates and
outside walls, the small fort, and the house of San Fernando, where,
as well as through all Bancuray and Tondo, the natives who descended
from the provinces lodged. Regulations were made there for them, and
they were aided with provisions. The arms that it was possible to give
were furnished them, and they were drilled in some manner. In short
the archbishop omitted nothing in order that he might go to give the
orders which appeared advisable, and personally, at the sites where
his presence seemed necessary or advisable.
22. The archbishop having retired, then, as above-mentioned, into the
royal fort of San Tiago, the articles of capitulation were begun to be
drawn up there. They were concluded after great labor, and received the
unanimous consent of the auditors and other military men and citizens
who were present. The enemy already having taken possession of the
city, extended their troops in two columns toward the said fort,
along the walls, and other companies in front protected by the royal
chapel. As a white flag was immediately flung in the fort, there was
no hostility directed toward the small citadel. Two officers entered
with a message from their general, demanding surrender. But within
a short time the colonel of those troops appeared, and demanded an
instant surrender, or one would be forced by arms. The archbishop gave
him the articles of capitulation with a message to his general. He
refused to receive them, and there were no means or manner to get
him to receive them and take them to his general. Consequently,
they had to abide by what the colonel tenaciously answered, namely,
that the general's order was the one which he had already expressed,
and that it was now no time to tire themselves out in demands and
replies concerning the surrender.
23. At this pass, and in view of what was already passing in
the presence of the archbishop in said fort, as the soldiers were
throwing themselves from its esplanade and from the walls, and casting
themselves into the river, and as some officers and regular troops
there, who never surpassed eighty in number were also in part doing
the same as the other soldiers, with not a few of the citizens;
and as the said fort was in itself indefensible, and the principal
curtain which looked on the city, and in front of which was the enemy,
was threatening to fall into ruins; the archbishop found no other
expedient in this conflict than to offer the colonel to accompany
him to treat with his general in regard to the fort and surrender
under his word of honor of the exemption from harm and safety of
his person. He condescended to that without any of the bystanders,
or auditors who surrounded him offering to take that matter upon
themselves, or even to accompany him, except the master-of-camp and
another officer. With them and the said colonel, he went to the royal
palace where the general had already taken up his quarters.
24. After the salutation and the respective courtesies, in which
General Draper was profuse (and he showed special veneration to the
archbishop), the latter handed him the articles of capitulation that
had been drawn up, and which treated of the surrender of the fort. The
general answered that Admiral Cornish, whom he was awaiting from his
ship, must also be consulted. But after a long time with incessant
interruptions because of the continual coming of the general's officers
to get his orders, and of many of ours who presented themselves to him,
the general said that since Cornish was giving time, the archbishop
should give the order for the surrender, and that that would be best,
because he knew the harshness of the nature of said admiral. Answer
was made that the order would be given under all the military honors
which were fitting. All these conferences passed by means of two
interpreters--one in the English language, and the other in the French
with a mixture of Latin in which the archbishop talked and which the
general understood, although they both pronounced it in accordance
with their native languages. Consequently, it was difficult for them
to understand one another. Nevertheless, the archbishop comprehended,
and not confusedly, that the general agreed to the condition proposed,
and the archbishop gave the order for the surrender of the fort. The
latter did not properly merit this name because of its weakness, and
the dislodging already mentioned, by which it could have no defense,
but manifest danger of life to those who remained there, and even of
those who remained in the city.
25. Great was the confusion of that day, and the grief of the
fierce sack. After the sack had lasted six hours, the archbishop
requested the general to forbid it, saying that neither church nor
palace would be left. The general went in person to attend to this,
and by the diligence of his men killed one, and maltreated another,
who was wounded in an arm, and commanded three to be hanged among
whom was an Indian of tender years, and it appears with small grounds
as only a few balls were found on him. But as a matter of fact, the
sack continued for more than thirty hours, as was asserted to the
archbishop, on account of which the latter made frequent requests of
the general. But in this madness of the sack, the very house servants
had not a little part and guilt, taking advantage of this unfortunate
occasion. And as regards the suburbs of the city, malicious persons
and robbers by profession (who abound in these districts) as well as
the very natives who had come from the provinces, and much more, the
characteristic perversity of the Sangleys executed this destruction
on the churches and many houses. [139]
26. The afternoon of the same day, both chiefs, Draper and Cornish,
sent the archbishop the conditions under which the city would be
free from the sack, the life of the citizens, and their possessions,
commerce, and religion, saved, namely, by the surrender of Cavite, and
the payment of four million pesos, two million to be paid at once. In
this manner, they would consider the articles of the capitulation
that had been signed by the archbishop, auditors, and city. Those
articles were sent shortly after on the same day by the generals,
approved with some restrictions as may be seen by all in their
originals and in the testimonies placed in the collection of papers.
27. From that afternoon a general council was called of all estates,
who met on the following morning to deliberate in regard to said
conditions. The archbishop ordered all to discuss the matter of
the said millions, while he was treating with the military men and
auditor of war in regard to Cavite. The latter excused themselves
from expressing an opinion under pretext of being prisoners of war,
whereupon the archbishop wrote to the general, asking him to declare
that those who were in the fort were not prisoners, and that meanwhile
he could not answer regarding Cavite. But he had not despatched said
letter, before he received a message from the generals in regard to
the fulfilment of their conditions, with the instant and terrible
threat, that if the contrary was done, they would put them all to
the sword without excepting a single person. Within a few moments
the same message was repeated by means of a Siquite [Sepoy?]. Both
messages were heard by all the Spaniards of the council, and by
many others who were in the palace; and it was learned for certain
that the order was given to the colonel, who had drawn up his
troops in front of the palace, and had taken the entrances of the
streets. Answer was made that a reply would be given in a very short
time. The archbishop, thereupon, turning to all the above-mentioned
persons in the council, told them that they should determine without
delay what was most advisable in regard to the millions, and that
they should do it while he was deliberating with the military men
regarding Cavite. The latter, with the auditor of war (forgetful
of their opposition toward giving an opinion a short time before),
not only gave one, by which Cavite was to be immediately surrendered,
but even asked that with great insistence. Being reprimanded and asked
why now they gave their opinion which they had refused so tenaciously
a short time before, they answered that circumstances had changed in
a few moments by the ruin that threatened all in a short time. [140]
The council also resolved that the four millions should be given, the
silver of the pious funds, chaplaincies etc., found existing being
given immediately, while the rest demanded would be given from the
wealth in the ["Philipino?" MS. worn]. What remained would be paid
by his Majesty, since there was no other recourse except his royal
clemency. The paper containing this proposition was signed by the
archbishop, and by the auditors and chief citizens.
28. In such a predicament, in which the archbishop conceived all
without any exception to be defendants and thrown into consternation,
he found no other means than to agree to the above-mentioned
proposition, which put in writing and signed by the chief persons,
was taken by two commissaries to the generals, and also the order for
the surrender of Cavite, stating that no move toward resistance would
be made, and taking the precaution of sending a suitable officer for
that purpose. The generals answered the commissaries that, if what they
said was contained in the paper, they would allow them to ascertain
that through their interpreter; and that since two of their ships had
gone in search of the "Philipino," if they had already captured it,
they [i.e., the Spaniards] ought not to reckon on it in the payment,
of which they could make use if it were not already captured. In
accordance with this, a letter was to be written to the commander of
the "Philipino;" and the abovesaid notice was to be executed ordering
him to come from Palapa to this [city? MS. worn]. This letter agreed
to by all the council and signed by the archbishop was shown to the
generals and was despatched to [that commander?] by two of the chief
inhabitants, who sent it safely; though as yet we are ignorant of its
receipt, and it has been rumored that it has been intercepted on the
way, and that even a contrary order has been given without us knowing
by whom.
29. The sum found in the pious funds, chaplaincies, etc., was really
ascertained and delivered. There was some difference in it because
of the small coins which had been clipped, and which were received
by weight. To this sum was added the amount of the wrought silver of
the churches (in which it appears that in some churches some of the
silver was reserved). There was a measure enacted by the archbishop,
in virtue of what was discussed in the general council and of present
circumstances. The superiors and the administrators of said church,
who were notified thereof, agreed, and they made the delivery without
any answer or protest; for they saw well that, although the secular
estate contributed with ¡ts interests in the "Philipino," it would be
impossible to get during those days a suitable distribution among the
citizens (and as it seemed), the destruction of the sack had left them
without money or anything of value, as they declared. Besides all their
powers could never make enough and be sufficient for the whole or half
of the contribution demanded. And the silver of the churches being in
sight, it was the best stimulus and incentive of greed, robbery, and
of violence, and with profanation of the altars and of the sacristy,
as had already been begun to be experienced, not only from the English
troops, but also from the natives themselves and the domestics, and the
especially covetous Sangleys. Not only did these misfortunes disturb
the heart of the archbishop, but also the gloomy consideration of the
Moros, those ancient enemies, who annually raided the provinces, and
of whom it was conjectured that, hearing of our fatality, they would
feed themselves with more audacity on their robberies, sacrileges,
and piracies, as, in fact, has been experienced even in a village near
the mouth of Marivelez which is the mouth of this bay. Thence, after
their accustomed molestations, they have taken one hundred captives
of both sexes, and, from the island of Marinduque, they have taken
one hundred persons and the Jesuit missionary of that island.