Spanish naval preparations for her South American expedition according to the Dutch newspaper Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 18 March

 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 London 12 March reported that the agent of the Spanish government succeeded in hiring two ships to transport troops to South America namely the Clarence of 316 and the Wellington of 365 last. He paid 3 months hire in advance.