Spanish naval preparations for her South American expedition according to the Dutch newspaper newspaper Nederlandsche Staatscourant dated 9 August 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 22 July reported that the expedition with 3,000 men left on 17 July Cadiz probably to the mainland of South America or towards Cuba. The 2 regiments of cavalry of Catalonia and Malaga were commanded by lieutenant general Cagigal (1), since a long time appointed as captain general if Caracas. The embarking with troops was successful despite the problems some days earlier. The convoy existed of 12 transports namely 7 Spanish, 2 British, 2 Russian and one French and which was escorted by the frigate Sabine and the brig le Leger.

Note
1. Juan Manuel Cajigal y Niño (1754 Cadiz - 26 November 1823 Guanabacoa), appointed in 1819 as captain general of Cuba, 28 December 1813-1 December 1815 captain general of Venezuela.