Previous to the sailing of Admiral Vernon for the West Indies, he, in an Address to the Duke of Newcastle, and in terms of an honest zeal for the public service, thus expresses himself upon the subject of Marine Soldiers:
"I could wish, indeed, we had each of us a company of regular troops sent on board of us, which would have strengthened us in numbers, as well as had their expertness in handling their arms, to have incited our Seamen to the imitation of them. If we should come to a general war with France as well as Spain, I believe your Grace will have already perceived, from the difficulty of manning these ships as they are, the necessity there may be of converting most of our marching regiments into Marines; and if, as they become Seamen, they were admitted to be discharged as such, that would make a good nursery for breeding them, at a time we might probably find such a necessity for them.
"As I have always looked upon our fleet as what must not only protect our trade, but secure us the blessings of a Protestant succession, your Grace will be so good as to excuse the overflowing of a sincere, though it may be an imprudent zeal; being strongly convinced in my own judgment, that preserving a superiority at sea is the best security of his Majesty's government, as well as the trade and prosperity of this kingdom."
The above ideas seem principally drawn from that system which existed as to the Marine previous to the reign of Queen Anne, and what has been already noticed. The arguments also bear a similarity to those subsequently adopted by General Lloyd, whose Treatise I shall have a future occasion to quote.
If the subordinate arrangements of a ship could allow of it, much benefit would ensue to the public service by a greater number of Marine Soldiers being added to the complement of each, instead of a set of men denominated wasters, who are partly composed of criminals that have compromised with the injured laws of their country, who rarely, even upon a stretch of years, become real seamen, and who, from their former habits of life, are too often the leaders of discord and insubordination.
On the contrary, if the plan which is suggested were generally adopted, with such an additional force on board, capable of striking terror upon either element, not a British squadron would put to sea that must not be viewed by our enemies with a jealous eye; but what would keep their extensive coasts for ever on the alert, and by that rapidity and secrecy which are peculiar to all naval movements, objects might be effected, and conquests achieved that never were anticipated by the political surmises of our countrymen, or the intelligence of our foes. Many other weighty considerations might also be adduced to enforce this expedient, which more properly fall within discussion under a future detail of events.
At no period of time was ever the voice of the nation more unanimous for war. The evidence of Captain Jenkins, before the House of Commons, stating his sufferings from Spanish cruelty, aroused the indignation of every member, and notwithstanding the pacific temper of the Minister of that day, and his powerful influence, all were anxious to vindicate the insulted honour of the nation.
Before the declaration of hostilities, Admiral Vernon sailed for the West Indies, and arrived at Jamaica in the month of October, 1739. The aspect of public affairs previous to his leaving Europe, fully sanctioned immediate enterprize against the enemy.
After taking in refreshments at Jamaica, and having embarked 200 Soldiers under Captain Newton, to serve as Marines, he shaped his course for Porto Bello, the destined object of his attack, and at that time the great mart for the wealthy commerce of Chili and Peru.
The attempt was fraught with many apparent obstacles, but it was undertaken and performed with an unexampled spirit and promptitude, which are the surest means of success in military enterprize; but more particularly when it is aimed against the distant territories of an enemy.