squadron; that they had been cruizing on the coast of China, but that their crews being sickly they were come to Manilla for refreshment, and to form a junction with the Spanish squadron, a part of which it was hoped would accompany them to sea. The Don hereupon replied, that he was directed by the Governor to acquaint them that their wants should be supplied, but that he believed it would be impossible to get any of the ships ready in less than two months, as they were in want of every article of equipment, and their crews likewise sickly. Captain Cooke now arrived on board the Fox, and was introduced by Captain Malcolm as his Commodore Citoyen la Tour. After nearly an hour’s instructive conversation with their friend, who opened his heart most freely on every subject, and drank to their joint success against the English, other boats were observed coming from the shore; and there being no further information to be gained from him, he was made acquainted with his true situation, and had nearly fainted with astonishment; but a bumper of Madeira, and the promise given him by the British Captains that he should not be detained a prisoner, had the effect of composing him.
In the second and third boats were the Governor’s nephew and Don Alava, the Admiral’s aid de camp. They brought compliments of congratulation on the arrival of the frigates; and information that launches were getting ready, with anchors and cables, to assist them into port; these omcers were of course invited to join their countryman in Captain Malcolm’s cabin; and their astonishment at what they there learnt may readily be conceived.
The English seamen now exchanged clothes with the crews of the Spanish boats; in which, and in others belonging to their own ships, they proceeded to take possession of three gun-vessels, lying just without the river leading to the town; which was done without opposition, the enemy being lost in wonder. The prizes mounted one long gun of large calibre, and four swivels each; rowed 88 oars; and had on board 152 officers and men. This transaction being perceived from the shore, and thought rather unaccountable, a fourth boat was sent off with the Captain of the port, to know why the others were detained; and to say that, if they were not
