| abstract | - At the end of 1862, Spain sent a scientific expedition to South American waters, with the covert purpose of reinforcing the financial and legal claims of Spanish citizens residing in the Americas. The expedition was under the command of Admiral Luis Hernández Pinzón – a direct descendant of the Pinzón brothers who had accompanied Christopher Columbus on his voyage that resulted in the modern European discovery of America.[citation needed] Pinzón's squadron was composed of three warships: the twin steam frigates Triunfo and Resolución and the schooner Virgen de Covadonga.[citation needed] The Spanish ships arrived at the port of Valparaiso, Chile on April 18, 1863. Spain had recognized Chilean independence since the 1840s, and the nations had maintained diplomatic relations. The expedition was cordially received, and the Admiral exchanged visits with local authorities. The vessels left Chile in July amicably and moved on to Peru.[citation needed] Even though Spain had never recognized Peruvian independence (declared in 1821), the squadron received a friendly welcome at the port of Callao. They stayed in port for a few weeks and then sailed, bound for San Francisco, California.[citation needed]
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