Four documents regarding the Manila campaign of 1762, with three late 19th century letters regarding the earlier manuscripts’ provenance.

Administrative / biographical background
William Brereton received his lieutenant’s commission on 4 July 1755. He was promoted captain on 25 March 1758. Britain declared war with Spain on 2 January 1762. Prior to this date, William Draper, an army officer serving in the East Indies, had identified weakened Spanish defences in the Philippines. When war with Spain became inevitable, Draper put forward his plan for an expedition to Manila. Having gained the support of Lord Anson, 1st Lord of the Admiralty, he was given command of the Army contingent. Rear Admiral Cornish was to command a naval squadron which included the FALMOUTH under the command of Captain Brereton. The expedition to Manila, echoing that against Havana, was put together with limited resources and only begrudging support from the East India Company. Nonetheless, by 5 October Manila’s defences had been breached and the city was taken. Subsequently, Brereton was given command of a naval detachment in Manila. This was a role that brought him into conflict with Dawsonne Drake, an employee of the East India Company who was appointed Governor of Manila. Brereton portrays Drake as a corrupt official intent on accruing personal wealth. By contrast Brereton describes himself as scrupulously honest, the doing of his duty to king and country being reward enough. It seems, however, that such an attitude left him seriously out of pocket and the context of the manuscripts is an attempt by Brereton to solicit Earl Harcourt’s support in his gaining financial recompense for monies spent during the campaign.