In early 1798, Quérangal was appointed in command of the 74-gun "Duquesne", part of a Franco-Spanish fleet under Admiral Bruix. He briefly took part in the Saint-Domingue expedition, though "Duquesne" aborted her journey early due to a leak, and had to return to Toulon. Quérangal was then put in command of the Mediterranean station, and in October 1802, he was tasked to ferry reinforcements to Saint-Domingue.