Capture of the San Joaquin

The Capture of the galleon ''San Joaquin'' or the Battle of Cartagena was a naval engagement that took place off the coast near Cartagena (present day Colombia). It involved five British ships of the line against the Spanish galleon ''San Joaquin '' and a smaller ship. After an action lasting barely an hour the Spanish ship surrendered. The galleon had fought in the previous encounter during Wager's Action nearly three years earlier but had just barely escaped capture.

Background

In late May 1711, the warships under the command of Jean du Casse arrived, and so on 3 August 1711 they sailed from Cartagena which now composed of the Treasure Fleet which was to return to Spain. The units of escort composed of the following: ''San Joaquin'' of 64 guns under Admiral Miguel Agustin Villanueva, ''Saint-Michel'' of 70 guns under Jean du Casse, ''Hercule'' of 60 guns under Captain Proglie and the frigate ''Griffon'' of 44 guns under Captain Turroble.

Meanwhile, Commodore James Littleton arrived with a number of ships which had sailed from Port Royal in Jamaica on 26 July: a fleet which consisted of of 50 guns under Captain Francis Hosier and Littleton's flagship, ''Salisbury Prize'' of 50 guns under Captain Sir Robert Harland, of 60 guns under Captain Edward Vernon, of 50 guns under Captain Sampson Bourne, 50 guns, under Captain Richard Lestock, 50 under Captain Thomas Legge, frigate ''Fowey'' of 40 guns under Captain Robert Chadwick.

Capture

Du Casse had left the frigate ''Gallarde'' in Cartagena for its defense and so on the day of leaving, the fleet were soon spotted by Littleton's fleet but a storm prevented any action, and both fleets dispersed. Most of the fleet, including du Casse, returned to Cartagena without giving any advice to Admiral Villanueva. On 7 August the galleon ''San Joaquin'' was separated along with a smaller vessel and a squadron was sighted. Villaneuva thought the vessels were that of du Casse, but it was the English squadron of Littleton.

When Villanueva realized his error, it was too late to flee, and he decided to take on Littleton's squadron. The ensuing engagement lasted less than 20 minutes. ''San Joaquin'' was dismasted and suffered many casualties. Villaneuva, surrounded by the overwhelming British squadron, was mortally wounded when hit by a musket shot and soon struck his flag. Littleton, went on board from ''Salisbury'' and took the surrender. Vernon in ''Jersey'' captured the smaller vessel, which was attempting to escape.

Aftermath

The galleon's prize money was shared amongst the captains and the British sailed back to Port Royal. By order of King Philip V, the treasure was transferred to the French ships. Three days after the battle, du Casse, knowing that ''San Joaquin'' was lost, left Cartagena and sent his forces first towards Martinique, then to Pensacola, and finally to Spain where they reached safely.Marley, pp. 234–235.

Notes

References

''Action off Cartagena'' Royal Geographical Society of South Australia
* Marley, David. ''Wars of the Americas: A Chronology of Armed Conflict in the Western Hemisphere''
* Phillips, Carla Rah
El Tesoro de San Jose — Muerte en el mar durante la Guerra Sucesión Española ''The Treasure of the San José: Death at Sea in the War of the Spanish Succession''
Johns Hopkins University Press (2007)

{{DEFAULTSORT:San Joaquin, Capture of the
Conflicts in 1711
Naval battles of the War of the Spanish Succession
Naval battles involving Great Britain
Naval battles involving Spain