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 was promoted to first lieutenant and given command of the Toltén initially, followed by the Magallanes later. It was in this latter ship that he would establish himself as one of the most capable naval commanders for the impending war.