 Within two years, and unfortunately for the duke's quiet life, Ferdinand was arrested and amongst his papers was found a nomination for the duke to be Commander-in-Chief of the Spanish forces.Tried and sentenced to death as a traitor, he was reprieved by popular sentiment and the intervention of the French Ambassador.A revolt in March 1808 resulted in the abdication of the king, the sacking of his manipulative chief minister Godoy and the ascent of Ferdinand VII to the Spanish throne, with the Duke of Infantado at his side.