between an English squadron under Vice-Admiral John Benbow and a French under Admiral Jean du Casse, off Cape Santa Marta on the coast of present-day Colombia, South America, during the War of the Spanish Succession.

[2] Benbow vigorously attacked the French squadron, but the refusal of most of his captains to support the action allowed du Casse to escape.

[4] On 19 August 1702, Benbow's squadron encountered the French along the coast of Colombia, off Santa Marta, a little to the east of the mouth of the Rio Magdalena.

Benbow intended to wait for Defiance to come up; but Falmouth opened the engagement by attacking the frigate, and Windsor a ship abreast of her, at four o'clock.

[5] During the night of 24 August, Benbow engaged one of the enemy ships alone and had his right leg wrecked by a chain shot, returning to the quarterdeck as soon as it could be dressed.

[6] Benbow received a letter from Jean du Casse after the engagement:[4][5] Sir, I had little hopes on Monday last but to have supped in your cabin: but it pleased God to order it otherwise.