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 left Jamaica under the leadership of twenty-one-year-old Captain Horatio Nelson. Nelson held the position of the most senior officer but had limited authority within the scope of naval activities.