Alva wrote Philip that it was "the bloodiest war known for long years" and begged for reinforcements.

[Sidenote: July 12, 1573] At last famine overcame the brave defenders of the city and it capitulated.

Finding that his cruelty had only nerved the people to the most desperate resistance, and wishing to give an example of clemency to a city that would surrender rather than await storming, Alva contented himself with putting to death to the last man 2300 French, English, and Walloon soldiers of the garrison, and five or six citizens.

He also demanded a ransom of 100,000 dollars[3] in lieu of plunder.

Not content with this meager largess the Spanish troops mutinied, and only the promise of further cities to sack quieted them.