He also fought Indigenous insurgents at Zacatecoluca and Cojutepeque, who had attacked the garrison at San Vicente.

On 28 October 1838, conservative General Rafael Carrera, in command of 600 infantry and 200 cavalry from Guatemala, invaded the State of El Salvador.

Liberal General Francisco Morazán defeated Carrera at Chiquimula, taking prisoners and capturing military equipment.

On 6 April 1839, Morazán defeated the invading force in the battle of Espiritu Santo.

In accordance with a legislative decree of 22 April 1839, Menéndez prohibited the circulation of coins named maquiquinas and morlacos.