Spanish naval preparations for her South American expedition according to the Dutch newspaper Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 16 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 Madrid 27 February reported that all efforts were done to collect the money to pay for the enormous costs of the expedition which probably would depart from Cadiz in begin May. All the ships of the line, frigates and corvettes which were part of the expedition were completely fitted out and equipped, even with too large crews. The best officers were appointed as commanding officers. All ready were many transports gathered in the bay of Cadiz although a large number was expected coming from Barcelona, Bayonne and England.