The Archbishop, Manuel Antonio Rojo, who acted also as Governor,--the
seat of that functionary being vacant at the time,--seeing the
hopelessness of the conflict, and desiring to avert unavailing
bloodshed, counseled surrender. But the soldiers in the garrison,
under their fiery leader Simon de Anda, were utterly intractable,
and prepared vigorously for the defense. After a few unsuccessful
sorties, the Spanish batteries, on the 24th September, began a
rapid but harmless cannonade. Again a company sallied forth from
the garrison to attack the invaders, but this also was repulsed,
with considerable loss to the Spanish. The English now renewed the
bombardment, and terrific havoc was made among the ranks of the
enemy. Some two thousand natives, in three columns, advanced toward
the three improvised redoubts held by the British, and were driven
back with great loss and confusion. Panic-stricken, the natives fled
back to their villages, and on the 5th of October the besieging forces
entered the walled city. The bombardment, meanwhile, continued. Nor
did it cease until the forts were demolished and most of the Spanish
artillerymen killed. It is estimated that 20,000 cannon-balls and
5000 shells were thrown into the city.
The military men among the Spanish now counseled surrender. The
civilians, contrariwise, were eager to continue the defense. But as
most of the fortifications were destroyed, and since "confusion worse
confounded" already reigned in the city, many fled to the surrounding
villages.
The opposing civilians having barricaded and otherwise obstructed the
streets, the British advanced into the heart of the city, clearing
the way before them with a raking fire of musketry.
General Draper now sent Colonel Monson to the Archbishop, demanding
instant and absolute surrender. The Archbishop appeared and offered
himself as a prisoner, also presenting terms of capitulation. These
provided for the free exercise of religion, the security of private
property, unrestricted commerce between the Spaniards and the natives,
and the English support of the Supreme Court in its attempts to
preserve order.
The British Demand an Indemnity.
General Draper readily granted these terms, but demanded an indemnity
of $4,000,000. To this the Spanish agreed, and these terms were then
signed by both parties to the compact.
When the Union Jack was first unfurled from Fort Santiago, it is said
that the British burst forth into a chorus of ringing cheers.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account