Ignacio Fotheringham, a contemporary, described him as short in stature but muscular, strong and agile, with reckless courage.

[2] He served under the Unitarian General José María Paz and was captured in 1831 after the Battle of Rodeo de Chacón.

[3] After Juan Manuel de Rosas fell from power in 1852, Baigorria returned to the European side of the border.

He also fought on both sides in the civil wars at that time, the Argentine Confederation and the secessionist State of Buenos Aires.

In his later years, he advised General Julio Argentino Roca, teaching him the secrets of the desert geography and the customs of the Indians.

Although at times he led horsemen on raids, he was not excessively greedy or bloodthirsty, mainly wanting foals, books and newspapers as his share of the loot.