After having made a practicable breach, it was resolved to storm the place upon the 6th of October, and it was executed with that bold ardour which is the native birth-right of Englishmen.
Were my limits to allow, with pleasure would I particularize such exertions, and the gallant actors in them. I can only say, that through the whole the Soldier and Sailor felt no jealousy but that of being foremost in danger and in discipline.
Humanity mingled with policy, influenced the Commanders in Chief to avert from the City the calamity of promiscuous plunder, by a pecuniary compromise for its protection. The laws of war sanctioned this vengeance, from its having fallen by storm. The conquerors here, became ennobled by compassion, and they stipulated to save the property of unoffending individuals, while they at the same time consulted their Country's honor and her interests.
To the eternal disgrace of the Spanish Nation, this generous compact continues unfulfilled.
The Port of Cavite, with the other dependencies of Manilla, were included in the capitulation, and Captain Champion, with 100 Marines, and some Seapoys, were detached as a garrison to the former.
Our total loss upon this brilliant service was 4 Officers, 1 Serjeant, and 29 Privates killed; 1 Lieutenant drowned; and 6 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 102 rank and file wounded. Among the first were 5 Marines, and the latter, Lieutenant Spearing, besides 6 Privates.
The East India Company, in consequence of the aids they had afforded, was entitled to one third of the settled ransom, which was four millions of dollars; and the acquired conquest was given up to its servants in trust for his Majesty.
Such united harmony existed between the naval and land services, that they agreed to share their fortunes mutually, afloat and ashore.
From the intelligence gained at Manilla, the Admiral detached a force to intercept the annual galleon. The Panther and Argo overtook the ship which had sailed from that place, on the 1st of August, much to their surprize, instead of the one that had been expected there. Nearly three millions of dollars were on board the Sanctissima Trinidad, which were defended with much obstinacy, but she was at last compelled to strike.