Summary.—In the year 1754 there was a terrible eruption of Taal volcano. It began on May 15 and lasted for over six months. During this time the mountain poured out fire and lava. Awful showers of mud and stones fell, and there were terrible hurricanes. The towns of Taal, Sananan, Sala, and Lipa were wholly ruined, and great harm was done in places fifteen miles away. During Arandia’s term of office, war was waged against the Igorrotes, to conquer or to kill them all. This war was carried on with great cruelty, but the Igorrotes were not to be subdued, and it was given up. Later they were offered freedom from taxation if they would accept baptism, but they refused it. In 1749 the sultan of Sulu came to Manila seeking aid to put down a rebellion of his people. He was well received, and was persuaded to let himself be baptized. Afterwards it was claimed that he had written treasonable letters home, and he was kept a prisoner in Manila. Arandia tried to have him restored to his rights, but could not. The sultan was sent back in 1763 by the British, who then held Manila. This treatment of the sultan greatly enraged the Moros against the Spanish.
Questions.—When was the great overflow of Taal volcano? Give an account of it. Who decided to conquer the Igorrotes? Describe this war and its results. Why did the sultan of Sulu come to Manila? How was he treated by the Spanish? Who finally reseated him on his throne?
Chapter XI.
BRITISH OCCUPATION.
In the latter part of the year 1761 war was begun between Spain and France on the one hand, and England on the other. Spain and France were first to declare this war, but England carried on her part in it with great vigor. The English took Havana, and an English fleet under Admiral Cornish (k̤or´nish) was sent to the Pacific with orders to take the Philippine Islands.
With a fleet of thirteen vessels Admiral Cornish entered Manila Bay on the evening of September 22, 1762. The ships anchored off Cavite, and next day Cornish sent to demand the surrender of the city. This was, of course, refused by Archbishop Rojo (rō´hō), who was then acting governor-general of the city.
The archbishop’s forces at that time consisted of a small part of the King’s Regiment, not more than about 600 men and officers, and 80 pieces of artillery. The English troops, who were landed under command of General Draper (drā´per), numbered one regiment of British infantry, two companies of artillery, 2,200 Sepoys from India, and 3,000 seamen—in all, 6,380 men.
Nevertheless, in spite of the inequality of the two armies, the Spanish Churchman defied the second demand to surrender. A part of the Spanish force went bravely out to fight the landing English, but with what success it is easy to guess. They were driven back into the city, and the enemy landed in full force. The British encamped around Manila, at Malate (mä lä´tā), Santiago, and San Juan. On the 24th of September they began to bombard the city.
At this time one of the royal galleons was expected at Manila. This was the Philipina, carrying a very rich cargo and a large sum of money for the government. Some of the English ships went out to lie in wait for her. They missed her; for the Spanish friars managed to reach her first, and by their aid she gained a place of safety. The British, however, brought in another galleon, the Trinidad, from which they took $2,500,000.