Spanish naval preparations for her South American expedition according to the Dutch newspaper Nederlandsche Staatscourant 7 July 1819

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 item dated Cadiz 15 June reported that all efforts were done to load the transports with the artillery, victuals and war stores. Recently arrived 20 new completely equipped  transports of 10 from France. The military discipline was very strictly maintained by general O’Donnell. The date of departure was unknown