They spent two days in Manila while the fleet refueled at the port.
Coal barges moved slowly across the harbor, carrying fuel toward the anchored warships. Sailors worked along the decks while supply boats came and went between the piers and the fleet.
During that time, Villeneuve used the opportunity to learn more about the colony.
Most of the information came from the colonial administrators who worked under Governor-General Bernard.
One afternoon he sat inside a meeting room of the Palacio del Gobernador with several officials from the colonial council.
Maps of the Philippine archipelago were spread across the large wooden table.
Villeneuve studied them carefully.
"So the transition from Spanish rule was peaceful?" he asked.
One of the administrators nodded.
"For the most part, yes."
He pointed toward the northern islands on the map.
"The Emperor ordered sweeping reforms the moment Spain ceded the territory. Many of the Spanish systems were removed almost immediately."
