Richard Stayner had already intercepted part of a treasure fleet off Cádiz, making him an experienced subordinate for the new attempt. Blake refuses to scatter his force before missing ships return and the fleet is reprovisioned. He concentrates the blockade squadron before detaching only two ships to keep watch on Cádiz. Intelligence then sends him toward Santa Cruz de Tenerife, where the Mexico treasure fleet is expected to wait for an escort to Spain. The information identifies the correct harbor and produces a rapid Atlantic pursuit. Timing will nevertheless decide whether the raid can seize the bullion rather than merely destroy ships after their cargo has been landed.
Chapter · 2:28-4:47
Blake hunts the Mexico treasure fleet
Robert Blake leaves part of the Cádiz blockade and races to Tenerife after learning that the Mexico treasure fleet is crossing the Atlantic.