Edward Vernon argued that a small fleet mobilized quickly at the opening of a war could achieve results unavailable to a larger but slower force. He assembled roughly eight vessels, including six fighting ships and two used in support roles, by taking guard ships from two critical ports. The force included two 70-gun ships, three 60-gun ships, and a 50-gun ship. Beginning the movement before the formal declaration of war allowed Vernon to appear off Portobelo in November 1739 before Spanish preparations caught up.
Chapter · 15:23-17:26
Edward Vernon mobilizes guard ships before war is declared
Vernon drew guard ships from two important ports to assemble a small force that reached the Caribbean almost as soon as the War of Jenkins' Ear began.