However, as they won't fight, I must send a flag of truce out, and endeavour to make terms.

At any rate, Colonel O'Connor, if you can manage to get off with your command, by all means do so.

Of course, I shall endeavour to obtain terms for the garrison to march out; but I fear that Massena will hear of nothing but unconditional surrender." "Thank you, Colonel.

Then I shall at once return to my corps, and endeavour to make my way through." On returning to the redoubt, Terence sent a message to Bull to come to him at once and, when he arrived, told him and Ryan the state of things in the town, and the certainty that it would surrender, at once.
"The Portuguese are so clamorous," he said, "that a flag of truce may be despatched to Massena, in half an hour's time.

The Portuguese are right so far that, if the place must be surrendered, there is no reason for any longer exposing the troops and the townsfolk to the French bombardment.