The enemy landed about nine miles from the capital of the island; but no resistance was made, and every fort and battery was deserted without firing, or even spiking, a gun. The governor fled to the mainland, his timorous example being followed by the garrison; and although he was now safe he, for unexplicable reasons, thought fit to capitulate and surrender to the King of Spain not the island of _St. Catherine_ alone, but likewise all its dependencies upon the mainland. After this capitulation, Zeballos despatched orders to the governor of _Buenos Ayres_ to march against _Rio Grande_ with all the force he could collect. _Don_ Juan de Vertiz accordingly set out for _Sta. Teresa_ with two thousand troops and some cavalry; but the Viceroy, owing to contrary winds, was unable to enter _Rio Grande_, and therefore made for _Monte Video_, whence he proceeded without delay against _Colonia_. The commandant of the latter place had long been aware of his risk, and had applied to _Rio de Janeiro_ for reinforcements and provisions; but these had not reached him, having fallen into the hands of the enemy’s cruisers. Nor was this the only misfortune which befell him, for one of his despatches had likewise been captured, in which it was stated that his garrison could not hold out longer than the 20th of May. Zeballos reached _Colonia_ two days after this date, when the Portuguese had only five days’ supply of food left them. Resistance seemed useless; and, at the recommendation of a council of war, an officer was sent to propose terms of capitulation. He was detained the entire day, and at nightfall sent back by Zeballos with the reply that when his works were finished he would communicate the orders of his sovereign. When his batteries were in order, he informed the Portuguese that he had been sent to punish the insult which they had committed by invading _Rio Grande_ in time of peace; and they were required to surrender at discretion. They had no choice but to submit, and were treated with much inhumanity.