The possession of the port of Cavita is an acquisition of great Consequence to the Squadron, by which I shall be enabled with a plenty of Stores of all kinds and a Number of Artificers to refit many of the Ships, that in their present condition it would not be safe to proceed with them to Sea; having these advantages together with a good Hospital and plenty of Provisions, I shall be able to give new Health to the People, to proceed from this place with the Squadron, in a better condition than it has been since my Arriving to the command. I gave Captain Parker an order to Command the Panther, as She was a Clean Ship, and joyn'd the Argo with him to go in quest of the Galleon St. Phillipina who was at Cayayagan between the Bocadero & Cape Spirito Santo the 10th of Sept.; and proposed remaining there till the Monsoon was broke up; As Capt. Parker was with your Lordsp and is very well acquainted with those Seas I have the most sanguin hopes of his success. I am very sorry to mention that the Company's Servants at Madrass took every method in their Power to obstruct the expedition, except Mr. Pigot (who proved himself hearty in it & wished it success) their behaviour on this occasion was shamefull; they would admit only of two Companys of their own Troops to goe on the Expedition; and those composd. of French deserters, [24] and Prisoners they released on this Occasion; of two thousand Seapoys they were to furnish about 500 only was embarked; they even refused a small Vessel which would have been of great use, the Master being a good Pilot in ye Streights of Mallacca and well acquainted with the Bay of Manila, he was threaten'd to be turn'd out of their Service, for Shewing a readyness for going with me; but of these Circumstances and many others regarding their behavior in the outset of the Expedition your Lordship will receive particular Information from Genl. Draper. I wish I could forbear to tell Your Lordsp that My Constitution is much hurt by my long Continuance in the West & East Indies during the course of this war, and puts me under the necessity of begging whenever the Public service will admit, that Your Lordship will indulge me with the favor of being relieved. For a more particular State of the Squadron I take the liberty of referring your Lordship to Captn. Kempenfelt, whom I send with my dispatches, and will have the Honour to present to you some Coppar Plates of the Philippine Islands, that were found in Manila. [25] This Gentleman having approved Himself a very able & diligent officer, as such I beg leave to recommend Him to Your Lordship's Protection. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Respect Your Lordship's most obliged & most humble Servt Sl. Cornish Norfolk, off Cavita in the Bay of Manila 1st of Novr. 1762. [Endorsed: "Copy of a Letter from Admiral Cornish to Lord Anson giving an acct. of Taking of the Manila Islands: Novr. 1st, 1762. Rece'd at the Admty. April 14th, 1763 at night."]