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In Spanish America, attacked in 1741 by a powerful fleet and a strong body of soldiers, both English and colonial, under Admiral Vernon. When England was preparing to send a force against the Spanish West Indies, the colonies north of Carolina were summoned to contribute four battalions to the armament. The requisition was generously complied with. But the expedition against Carthagena was anything but successful, though it was composed of twenty-nine ships and 12,000 land troops. The sailors and soldiers quickly fell ill with the fever. Only the outer fortifications were demolished; then the English were obliged to retire.