Vernon reconnoitred Cartagena in March 1740 with mapping parties, ships of the line, fireships, bomb vessels, and a provocative bombardment. The Spanish response included moving guns from ships into a temporary shore battery, making the defenses appear stronger. An attempted landing by about 400 soldiers failed, although the British gathered information. Vernon returned in May with a larger force and found six Spanish ships of the line positioned to frustrate his bombardment. He described these operations as tests or feints, but they advertised sustained interest in a vital treasure port. The 1741 expedition consequently faced commanders who had spent the intervening year preparing.
Chapter · 32:31-40:09
Vernon's 1740 attacks reveal the target
Two attacks in 1740 tested Cartagena's defenses but also gave Spain a year to fortify the obvious target of Vernon's return.