The Cortes Generales ("General Courts") refuge in Cádiz during the Peninsular War. The Cortes opened their sessions in September 1810 on the Isle of Leon. They consisted of 97 deputies, 47 of whom were alternates from Cadiz residents. The Cortes were representatives of the provinces but were unable to hold elections, either in Spain or Americas. The assembly thus try a territorial representation who approved a decree expressing represent the Spanish nation in which lay the national sovereignty over Spain and Americas.