Spanish naval preparations for her South American expedition according to the Dutch newspaper Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 29 September 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 from a letter dated Irun, Spain 12 September reported that the government still continued with fitting out the large expedition. Troops were marching to Andalusia, numerous detachments sailors coming from the sea departments were gathered, the squadron was fitted out, transports collected and artillery, war stores and ammunition stored. Three beautiful 44-gun Russian frigates were daily expected at Cadiz to be part of the expedition which included 4 ships of the line, 6 1st class frigates, some corvettes and 30 large transports. The intention was to depart towards South America in coming October.