Several Hours elapsed, before the principal Magistrates could be brought to a Conference; during that Interval, the Inhabitants were undoubtedly great Sufferers. But, my Lord, this Violence was antecedent to our Settling the Terms of the Capitulation, and by the Laws of War, the Place, with all it's Contents, became the unquestionable Property of the Captors, until a sufficient Equivalent was given in Lieu of it. That several Robberies were committed, after the Capitulation was signed, is not to be denied; for Avarice, Want, and Rapacity, are ever insatiable: But that the Place was pillaged for Forty Hours, and that Pillage authorized and permitted by me, is a most false and infamous Assertion. The People of Manila, my Lord, have imposed upon their Court, by a Representation of Facts, which never existed; and to make such a groundless Charge the Reason for setting aside, and evading a solemn Capitulation, is a Proceeding unheard of until now, and as void of Decency, as Common Sense. The following Extracts from the Publick Orders, given out the very Day we entered the Town, will sufficiently convince your Lordship, of my constant Attention to the Preservation of those ungrateful People; who have almost taught me to believe, that Humanity and Compassion are Crimes. Extracts October 6th, Manila. "The utmost Order and Regularity to be observed. "All Persons guilty of Robberies, or Plundering the Churches and Houses, will be hanged without Mercy. "The Guards to send frequent Patroles both Day and Night, to prevent all Disorders. "The Drummers to beat to Arms, the Officers to assemble with their Men, and call the Rolls. "The Adjutants to go around the Town, and take an exact Account of the Safe-guards, posted for the Protection of the Convents, Churches, and Houses. October 7th. "All the Inhabitants of Manila are to be looked upon and treated as His Britannick Majesty's Subjects: They having agreed to pay Four Millions of Dollars, for the Ransom and Preservation of their City and Effects. "The Criminals executed for Robbery and Sacrilege, to be buried at Sunset." [203] I hope the foregoing Extracts, are sufficient to vindicate my Character. Moreover, the strictest Search was made on board the Squadron by the Admiral's Orders, and amongst the Troops, to recover what had been stolen and secreted; and all the Money, Plate, and Jewels, so recovered, were put into the Treasury, and allowed, and accepted of as Part of the Ransom.