Mackshane’s Malice and Fleet’s Voyage to Jamaica
The fleet sails to Jamaica, where it anchors at Port Royal for roughly one month. Critics argue the fleet wasted time at Jamaica, rather than joining the pre-positioned West India Squadron at the western end of Hispaniola, which would have allowed them to launch a direct attack on Carthagena before Spanish forces could prepare their defenses.
Sailing to Hispaniola with West India Squadron
The fleet departs Jamaica and sails to join the West India Squadron that had received advance notice of their arrival and was waiting at the western end of Hispaniola, with the intention of sailing directly for Carthagena before Spanish forces could prepare for an attack or even learn of the English fleet’s plans.
Taking on Water, Sailing to Carthagena
After taking on water at Hispaniola, the combined fleet sets sail for Carthagena to carry out the planned attack on the Spanish port.
Greek Quarrel Exposes Mackshane’s Plot
The conflict between the two Greek witnesses leads one of them to disclose the full scope of Mackshane’s plot, including the details of how the surgeon bribed witnesses to provide false testimony against the narrator and Morgan.
Doctor’s Intercession Secures Our Release
The ship’s doctor, aware that the fleet will soon be within reach of Jamaica where the narrator and Morgan can clear themselves at a court-martial and expose Mackshane’s malice and incompetence, successfully intercedes with the captain to secure the pair’s release from confinement.
Morgan’s Initial Refusal of Conditional Release
Despite being freed, the stubborn Morgan initially refuses the conditional release, insisting he will remain in irons until he is formally discharged by a court-martial that he believes will also punish his enemies.
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