Blas de Lezo and Eslava prepare Cartagena

Admiral Blas de Lezo and Viceroy Sebastián de Eslava used the warning year to strengthen Cartagena. Lezo had already frustrated Vernon's two probes and brought extensive combat experience despite losing an eye, a hand, and a leg in earlier fighting. The defenders could not obtain large reinforcements from Spain, but they had money, local manpower, and experienced engineers, including Italian specialists in fortification. They invested those resources in forts, batteries, and readiness. Eslava's superior viceregal authority later settled disagreements over how the defenses should be fought.