Although allowed to continue his career in the navy he was exiled to the remote naval station at San Blas, on the west coast of New Spain.
[3] The expedition's objective was to evaluate the Russian penetration of Alaska, search for a Northwest Passage, and capture James Cook if they found him in Spanish waters.
Arteaga and Bodega y Quadra carefully surveyed Bucareli Bay then headed north to present-day Port Etches on Hinchinbrook Island, near the entrance to Prince William Sound.
[4][5] All the officers and chaplains went ashore in procession, raised a large cross while cannons and muskets fired salutes.
[6] The title to Puerto de Santiago was important for years afterward, as it formed the basis of Spain's claim to sovereignty in the North Pacific up to 61°17′N.
[4] Arteaga and Bodega y Quadra also explored Cook Inlet, and the Kenai Peninsula, where a possession ceremony was performed on August 2, 1779, in what today is called Port Chatham.
After returning to San Blas, Arteaga requested and received a royal pardon and reinstatement of his loss of pension.