The intended sequence under Cathcart was to take Havana before attacking Cartagena. After Cathcart died, Vernon pressed for Cartagena, where he had twice been repelled in 1740. The later discussion suggests that Havana could have been easier because Spanish reinforcements had been directed toward the repeatedly threatened port. It remains uncertain whether those troops had actually come from Havana or merely could have been sent there. The target change committed the expedition to the place where British intentions had already become most obvious.
Notable Point · 1:05:08-1:05:44
Vernon abandons the intended Havana-first sequence
Cathcart's intended first target was Havana, but after his death Vernon returned to a port already warned by two attacks.