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HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF LISBON COLLEGE

as they were strong and newly erected, withstood the shocks, and none of those who remained within received any serious injury. As for the body of Father Manley, it was extricated with great labour and difficulty three days after, bruised and lifeless.

But a difficulty now occurred how to procure subsistence, in the general calamity and consternation, for so great a number of persons. Besides, who would venture to repose under the walls and dislocated beams of a building which had lately experienced so rude a shock? It is true the edifice stood, but the frequent commotions that succeeded the three great shocks seemed to indicate that another still more dreadful concussion might be expected. In this emergency the resolution was adopted of sending the entire Community to the country residence, or Quinta, on the south side of the Tagus, with the exception of one or two of the Superiors who were to be left in charge of the College. The expedient, however well judged, involved a certain amount of peril. In the midst of the general calamity, a mulitude of thieves from all parts of the country were seen prowling amongst the ruins and loading themselves with booty. To prevent the escape of these inhuman plunderers, the Authorities issued an order forbidding any boats to pass to the other side of the river, without having first obtained their express permission. The College fugitives, either ignorant or in their haste to quit the scene of peril and calamity, disregarded the decree and embarked without the necessary permit. The boat which conveyed them was no sooner observed from the land than the alarm was given. The guns, which were kept ready loaded, were directed upon them, and discharge after discharge followed them as they proceeded. A single shot striking the boat would have sent it to the bottom with its living freight, but Providence watched over their preservation. They reached the shore and arrived in safety at Pera. Those who were left in charge of the College, following the example of the other inhabitants, erected tents in the open air at a convenient distance from the walls and