In this position as a junior officer, he apparently conducted himself well, and historians of the time as well as family documents praise his skill, intelligence and charisma. After rising up to rear admiral rank during the wars of the First Empire, he became commander of the École Navale (naval academy) at Brest (a mostly administrative post, as all actual training occurred at sea), before being named governor of the Isle de Bourbon.
In this junior officer position, he apparently performed well; historians of that era as well as family records commend his abilities, intelligence, and charm. After advancing to rear admiral during the First Empire's wars, he served as the commander of the École Navale (naval academy) in Brest (primarily an administrative role, since all actual training took place at sea), before being appointed governor of the Isle de Bourbon.