

Captain Jorge Juan - International Spy in the Age of Sail
In April 1748, the long War of Austrian Succession came to an end, leaving the Spanish Navy in a terrible plight. Spain was dependent for her financial survival on the flow of bullion from her American possessions, but her navy had proven incapable of protecting this vital life-line. Her treasure fleets had been captured by the Royal Navy, her warships defeated and vital bases in South America like Portobello had fallen. The coming of peace was acknowledged by all as only a t