Sailing from Jamaica to Isle of Vache
The fleet departs Jamaica and sails for 10 to 14 days against the wind to the Isle of Vache, originally intending to attack a French fleet rumored to be anchored at the island.
Missing French Fleet, Taking On Supplies
By the time the fleet arrives at the Isle of Vache, the French fleet has already sailed for Europe, having first sent an advice boat to Carthagena to alert Spanish forces to the English fleet’s presence, strength, and intended destination. The English fleet loiters at the island for several days to take on wood and brackish water, with each sailor restricted to a quart of water per day by order of the admiral.
Anchoring Windward of Carthagena Harbour
The fleet sets sail from the Isle of Vache and anchors in a bay to the windward of Carthagena’s harbor, remaining at anchor there for 10 days.
Criticism of Delay Allowing Spanish Preparation
Critics again condemn the leadership’s delay at the Carthagena anchorage, arguing that it wasted precious time ahead of the rainy season and allowed Spanish forces to recover from their initial terror at the arrival of the far larger English fleet to organize their defenses.
Landing Marines Under Enemy Fort Fire
The fleet moves closer to the mouth of Carthagena’s harbor and lands marines on the beach, who set up camp despite heavy fire from the nearby Spanish fort that kills a number of the troops.
Criticism of Deploying Raw Recruits Over Veterans
The choice to land troops under enemy fort fire is widely criticized as a reckless attempt to acclimate inexperienced new recruits—most of whom had been pulled from civilian farm work only a few months prior—to combat, rather than using seasoned veteran troops. Critics argue the government unnecessarily risked raw recruits on the dangerous Carthagena campaign while veteran regiments sat idle at home, though the narrator suggests the leadership may have avoided risking their best troops on the high-risk operation, or that veteran officers declined to embark due to the danger.
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.