He later fought in the First Carlist War on the Liberal (Isabeline) side, leading a column as colonel. He became a general in 1834 and field marshal in 1836. He participated in the battles of Arquijas, Mendaza and Luchana. He showed great skill and judgment in these battles, and his involvement at Arquijas was critical. Vicente Blasco Ibáñez has written: He served as Governor-General of the Philippines from February 14, 1841 to June 17, 1843. He put down two Filipino rebellions, led by Apolinario de la Cruz (Hermano Pule) and Sergeant Irineo Samaniego, respectively.