On February 12, 1873 was promoted to first lieutenant, and given command of the Toltén first, and the Magallanes later. It was in this later ship that he was going to make his name as one of the ablest naval commanders of the coming war.
On February 12, 1873, he became a first lieutenant and took command of the Toltén initially, then the Magallanes subsequently. In the latter vessel, he was expected to establish himself as one of the most skilled naval commanders for the approaching war.