After probing Cartagena, Vernon detached a much stronger force against Fort San Lorenzo near Portobelo in Panama. Four ships of the line, a frigate, three bomb vessels, two fireships, transports, and landed troops faced a position with only four guns and about 30 soldiers. The British destroyed the fort, as their numerical and material advantage made likely. The mismatch helps explain why this success said little about the challenge posed by Cartagena's layered defenses.
Notable Point · 35:42-36:38
Vernon's force overwhelms Fort San Lorenzo
A heavily overmatched raid near Portobelo destroyed Fort San Lorenzo but offered little evidence that Cartagena could be taken the same way.