finding among the Ruins some of the little Cash they may have lost in their Habitations. The best orders have been given for preventing Rapine, and Murders, frequent instances of which we have had within these three Days, there being swarms of _Spanish_ Deserters in Town, who take hold of this opportunity of doing their business. As I have large sums deposited in my House, belonging to such of my Countrymen as have been happy enough to save some of their Cash, and that my House was surrounded all last Night with _Ruffians_; I have wrote this Morning to _M. de Carvalho_, to desire a Guard, which I hope will not be refused. We are to have in a Day or two a Meeting of our scattered Factory at my House, to consider of what is best to be done in our present wretched Circumstances. I am determined to stay within call of the Distressed, as long as I can remain on Shore with the least Appearance of Security: and the same Mr. _Hay_ (the Consul) seemed resolved to do, the last time I conferred with him about it. I most humbly beg your Pardon, Sir, for the Disorder of this Letter, surrounded as I am by many in Distress, who from one instant to the other are applying to me either for Advice or Shelter. The Packet has been detained at the Desire of the Factory, till another appears from _England_, or some Man of War drops in here from the _Streights_. This will go by the first of several of our Merchant Ships bound to _England_. I must not forget to acquaint you, that _Sir Oliver Vyell_ and Lady are safe and well, and have the Honour to be, &c." II. _From the Same to the Same._ 'BELEM, _November 7th_, 1755.