War of the Oranges
Born to a Cantabrian family in Muriedas, Camargo, Velarde enrolled in the Artillery College ("Colegio de Artillería") at the Alcázar de Segovia in 1793. He graduated near the top of his class and was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant in 1799. He fought in the War of the Oranges against Portugal in 1800 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1801.