On This Day - May 31, 1764, Spain took back Manila

On May 31, 1764, the Spanish troops led by Simon de Anda y Salazar re-entered Manila, 

took back possession of the city in line with the terms of the peace treaty at Paris, ending the British occupation of Manila.

 

 

The peace treaty that ended the Seven Years' War, and the consequential return of the Philippines to Spain, was signed on February 10, 1763 by Britain, France, and Spain after having agreed on a preliminary treaty signed earlier by the same on November 3, 1762.

The president and auditors of the audiencia was taken prisoners a day after the British assault on Manila. The archbishop, Manuel Antonio Rojo del Rio, who was acting governor and captain general at the time of the British invasion was also captured. Anda, a judge in the audiencia, escaped captivity, assumed the position of governor and captain general and established resistance from the provinces.

The first news of the suspension of hostilities was brought to Manila by a ship from Madras (India) on July 23, 1763, and was sent forthwith to Anda by the archbishop. The preliminaries of peace, signed by both sides, were brought from the same port on August 26, 1763. Although Anda was also informed of this immediately, he has paid no attention to it, and has steadfastly dared to violate the orders of his sovereign.

On September 19, 1763, the British published an edict declaring Anda responsible for any further bloodshed because of his disregard of the news of the suspension of hostilities. Hence, if Anda does not acquiesce in the suspension, he or any of his adherents, will be attacked, wherever met, with arms; and at the first opportunity, information regarding his obstinacy and arrogancy will be sent to Spain.

Anda countered by issuing an edict on January 24, 1764, stating that when the British give truthful declaration that they will abide exactly by articles 21 and 22 of the peace preliminaries that have been signed between the English and Spanish, and which relate to the evacuation of the places occupied by the former, then hostilities will cease, and the British will be given all necessary help in their transportation. But until such time, the war will continue.

In a separate note addressed to the British military and civil chiefs of Manila, January 28, 1764, Anda cites two clauses of the treaty of February 10, 1763. Article 22 provides:

"That all the countries and territories that might have been gained by conquest in any part of the world, either by the arms of his Britannic and most faithful Majesty, or by those of his most Christian and Catholic Majesty, which are not comprehended in the present articles, article of cession, or article of restitution, shall be returned without raising any difficulty, and without asking compensation."

Article 22 provided that restitution and evacuation of places that might have been captured in the East Indies were to be made within six months. That time, declares Anda, was in August 1763, yet the British still hold Manila and Cavite, and if they do not leave in the next month, they must remain until the monsoon of 1765. He earnestly asks that the terms of the treaty be observed, and all hostilities suspended. In such case, the British will be furnished with food and all necessary supplies at a just price; otherwise hostilities will continue.

A note from the British officials to Anda on March 9, 1764, informs him of the arrival of an English vessel from Fort St. George (India) with the definitive treaty, of which a copy will be sent him as soon as possible.

A note from Anda of the same date, states that he was about to send his agents to Manila, but was holding them until receiving the copy of the treaty above mentioned. These agents will have power to treat on all matters. Anda would go himself, but necessary business renders it impossible.

On March 10, Anda writes again to the effect that he will facilitate the furnishing of supplies to the British as far as possible. He will appoint persons to arrange details of the delivery of Manila and Cavite, though the delivery itself is to be made to the troops in military style. Another note from Anda on the same date, announces that he has appointed the treasurer, Nicolas Echauz, Sargento-mayor Francisco Salgado, and the infantry captains, Mariano Tobias and Raymundo Español, to formally receive the effects of Manila and Cavite and other matters that may arise.

In the night of May 31, when the Spaniards took back Manila, a banquet was given to the British commanders. This was reciprocated on June 4 when Captain William Brereton tendered a banquet to Anda and other officials on his ship.

The British vessels left the Manila bay for India on June 10 and 11, 1764.