Spanish naval preparations for her South American expedition according to the Dutch newspaper Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 22 December 1818

After the Napoleonic wars suffered Spain huge problems in keeping her South American colonies. To be able to do so were almost continuous ships and troops send to that continent. In 1818-1819 did Spain all possible efforts to fit out a huge expedition. Lacking enough transports for the troops was the government obliged to hire ships abroad. An extract of a letter dated Irun, Spain 30 November reported that for some days large amounts of money were send from Madrid to Cadiz necessary to pay the costs of the expedition. A large sum received from Lima was with the same purpose transferred to Cadiz. Although it was possible to give an exact date of departure it was hoped that this would be soon. An extract of a letter dated Madrid 30 November reported that at Cadiz and other harbours an embargo was placed for vessels of a certain measurement suitable to serve as troop transports.