The expedition sailed from Jamaica on February 3, 1780, escorted by twenty-one-year-old Captain Horatio Nelson in the . Nelson was the highest-ranking officer present, but his authority was limited to naval operations.
On February 3, 1780, the expedition set sail from Jamaica under the command of twenty-one-year-old Captain Horatio Nelson. Nelson was the most senior officer on board, though his role was limited to naval activities.