 In 1821 he took a squadron to South America, ostensibly to protect French trade, but with secret instructions to seek a quarrel with the forces fighting for independence from Spain led by Simón Bolívar, Bernardo O'Higgins and José de San Martín.Returning to France in 1822, he was promoted to Rear Admiral.From 1824 until 1827 he served in administrative posts ashore.