On the 6th of May the whole put to sea, and, on their passage to leeward, were successively joined by the squadrons under Captain Harvey and Sir James Douglas.
It was now that the superior talents and solicitous zeal of Admiral Pococke appeared conspicuous. From the very advanced season of the year no time could be sacrificed in fulfilling his instructions, as dilatory measures might have proved ruinous, from the setting in of the rains. Two alternatives were before him—a tedious and circuitous navigation round the Island of Cuba, or a dangerous passage through the Old Straits of Bahama, hitherto avoided by single ships, and at no period of the world explored by so large a Fleet. The latter he chose, and it was crowned with success.
On the 6th of June the Admiral brought to about five leagues to the Eastward of the Havannah, to issue instructions; when having confided the superintendance of disembarking the troops to Commodore Keppel, he bore away for the mouth of the harbour.
The Marines were ordered into the boats early on the morning of the 7th, as a feint, while the whole Army, under the Earl of Albemarle, landed without opposition between the rivers Boca Nao and Coximar, the latter of which was also passed, after Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, had silenced a castle, that commanded it.
Having a large garrison, headed by the most gallant Officers, the enemy, though but recently apprized of this expedition, prepared for the most vigorous defence.
Lord Albemarle, after some skirmishing in his progress, having intimated, on the 10th, to the Admiral, his purpose of attacking the Cavannos, situated on the east side of the harbour, and commanding part of the Moro Fort, as well as the whole of the north east of the City, with the strong works in that vicinity, Captain Knight, in the Belleisle, was ordered against the Castle of Chorera, to facilitate the enterprize, while the Marines were embarked in boats to attract the enemy's attention towards the Havannah quarter.
This service was ably performed by Colonel Carleton, on the noon of the 11th, at the head of the Grenadiers and Light Infantry.
The Spaniards were not only driven into the Moro, but they also abandoned the Castle of Chorera; which allowed our immediately breaking ground on the advantageous site of the Cavannos. Never were greater obstacles encountered and overcome, than through the whole series of this siege. The Seamen were highly active in landing the cannon, manning the batteries, and supplying the Army with water, on a spot that yielded not a drop. Much harmony prevailed throughout these fatigues between the services.
On the 13th, 800 Marines were landed, formed into two Battalions, under Majors Campbell and Collins, and attached to the command of Colonel and Adjutant General William Howe, upon the Chorera side.