including caballeros del hábito of various locations. Fajardo itself was still a small town, whose economy mostly revolved around the cattle industry. It had been militarized to combat recurrent attacks by pirates and buccaneers, mainly due to its proximity to Vieques and other adjacent islands, and to prevent the contraband that frequently entered through the coast as a response to the mercantile restrictions imposed by Spain (which led to uncontrolled inflation). In 18th Century Puerto Rico, the local military was entirely composed by nobles, as it was a requisite to hold a position. Valero de Bernabé spent his childhood and was raised in Puerto Rico until the age of 13, when his family sent him to Spain. In his Memorias, Valero de Bernabé was critical of the state of local education under the Spanish government, citing that he had been forced by it to leave towards Europe. His upbringing left a distinct affection for Puerto Rico, towards which he felt a strong connection despite years of exile. Once there, Valero de Bernabé opted for a military career and on April 25, 1803, joined the Spanish Army as a cadet. Joining the Military Academies in Spain at the age of 10 was a privilege reserved for the sons of noble military men. His first martial education was in charge of instructor Jacobo Duxtrax. On November 30, 1804, Valero de Bernabé was ascended to Second Lieutenant. He joined the Valencia Regiment, where he performed under this rank. On March 20, 1808, Valero de Bernabé was ascended to Lieutenant. With the promotion, he was assigned to the Murcia Regiment. When Napoleon Bonaparte refused to leave Spain after being granted access to Portugal through the country, a war erupted to protect the independence of the nation. Valero de Bernabé was among those enrolled to battle on behalf of Spain. Spanish War of Independence Battle of Tudela After losing at Bailén, the French were forced to reorganize and take refuge in the left side of the Ebro river. The 5th Central Division, where Valero de Bernabé served, traveled from Tarragona and was taken over by Field Marshall José de Caro at Tudela. They crossed the Ebro river several times to reach Funes, from which they were able to discern that the French were organizing to cross the river and reunite at Alfaro. During the night of the 19th they began to move back to Tuleda,