The West Indies and North America, 1759

Upon taking office in late 1756, Pitt had doubled the size of the squadrons based at Antigua and Jamaica, each from about 6 ships to 12, but his thoughts were focused on Louisbourg. When news of its conquest reached London in mid-August 1758 he immediately gave serious attention to the West Indies. Martinique was so highly valued by the French that they would certainly be willing to exchange Minorca for it rather than ask for the return of Louisbourg. Although Pitt’s principal concern was Canada, the British navy now had ships and sailors enough for both a Caribbean expedition and a major operation against Quebec.