Editing War of Jenkins' Ear (section)

===First attack on Cartagena de Indias (13–20 March 1740)===
[[File:Blas de Lezo unknown author.jpg|thumb|Spanish Admiral Don [[Blas de Lezo]] 1741]]

Following the success of Portobelo, Vernon decided to focus his efforts on the capture of [[Cartagena de Indias]] in present-day Colombia. Both Vernon and [[Edward Trelawny (governor)|Edward Trelawny]], governor of Jamaica, considered the Spanish gold shipping port to be a prime objective. Since the outbreak of the war, and Vernon's arrival in the Caribbean, the British had made a concerted effort to gain intelligence on the defences of Cartagena. In October 1739, Vernon sent First Lieutenant Percival to deliver a letter to [[Blas de Lezo]] and Don Pedro Hidalgo, governor of Cartagena. Percival was to use the opportunity to make a detailed study of the Spanish defences. This effort was thwarted when Percival was denied entry to the port.

On 7 March 1740, in a more direct approach, Vernon undertook a [[Reconnaissance|reconnaissance-in-force]] of the Spanish city. Vernon left [[Port Royal]] in command of a squadron including [[Ship of the line|ships of the line]], two [[fire ship]]s, three [[bomb vessel]]s, and [[troop ship|transport ships]]. Reaching Cartagena on 13 March, Vernon immediately landed several men to map the [[topography]] and to reconnoitre the Spanish squadron anchored in Playa Grande, west of Cartagena. Having not seen any reaction from the Spanish, on 18 March Vernon ordered the three bomb vessels to open fire on the city. Vernon intended to provoke a response that might give him a better idea of the defensive capabilities of the Spanish. Understanding Vernon's motives, Lezo did not immediately respond. Instead, Lezo ordered the removal of guns from some of his ships, in order to form a temporary [[shore battery]] for the purpose of [[suppressive fire]]. Vernon next initiated an [[amphibious assault]], but in the face of strong resistance, the attempt to land 400 soldiers was unsuccessful. The British then undertook a three-day [[naval bombardment]] of the city. In total, the campaign lasted 21 days. Vernon then withdrew his forces, leaving HMS ''Windsor Castle'' and HMS ''Greenwich'' in the vicinity, with a mission to intercept any Spanish ship that might approach.