Spanish naval preparations for her South American expedition according to the Dutch newspaper Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 20 February 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 Madrid 2 February reported that at Cadiz the needed transports for the expedition still were awaited.