The British Occupation of Pasig 1762
Prelude-The British Invasion of Manila during the Seven Years’ War Simón de Anda defense of the Philippines against British Indian attacks Alegoría de la defensa de Filipinas The Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) was a global conflict driven by colonial rivalries. In 1762, Spain joined the war on France’s side and attempted to invade Portugal, a British ally. In response, Britain ordered the British East India Company to attack Manila, a Spanish colony in Asia. A diverse British force—over 6,000 strong—led by Brigadier General William Draper and Vice Admiral Samuel Cornish, sailed from Madras, India, to Manila. Their troops included British regulars, Indian Sepoys, African Caffrees, Lascars, Portuguese Topazes, and even French prisoners of war conscripted into British service. At the time, Manila was under the weak leadership of Archbishop Manuel Rojo del Río y Vieyra, who lacked military experience. With no knowledge that war had already begun, the Spanish were caught off guard when the Br...