As a result of successful military action, King Philip V of Spain made Castro- Figueroa y Salazar Alvarado marqués de Gracia Real on 4 October 1729.

The Dutch merchant ship transporting him to New Spain was detained by a British frigate near Puerto Rico, but he was able to launch a boat and, together with some other passengers, avoid being captured.

He did, however, lose all of his luggage, including his credentials and the royal orders and instructions, therefore, arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico, without papers.

To compensate Castro for the property he left behind onboard the Dutch merchantman, the Spanish Crown increased his salary to the amount then received by the viceroy of Peru.

Fearing that Veracruz was next, Castro y Figueroa ordered construction of new batteries at San Juan de Ulúa, more supplies, the drafting of a militia, and the raising of a battalion of marines named La Corona.