The fall of Delhi to the British... was accompanied by the slaughter of thousands of civilians. One officer later confessed that his men "were very savage, treating those poor wretches like vermin. Some carried ropes on purpose to hang them with, which they did with great delight." The killing was accompanied by an orgy of looting with many officers becoming rich men. Queen Victoria herself "acquired some prize articles, including the evanescent emperor's jewelled hat and gilt chairs".