Spanish naval preparations for her South American expedition according to the Dutch newspaper Bredasche Courant dated 17 April

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 1 April reported that recently 20 fully fitted out transports arrived at Cadiz coming from England, Bordeaux and Bayonne and a much larger number was expected.