the
same market. Shortly after his father's death he was enlisted, as was
then the custom, into the cavalry militia; here he was soon advanced to
the post of corporal which he held for a long time; he was next
elevated to the rank of ensign, and about the same time was appointed
treasurer of the national rents. Occupied in this manner, he continued
till the period of the declaration of independence, when his name had
acquired but little weight in the province, being better known for his
cunning disposition and uncouth manners, than for any more eminent
qualities. It was his custom to bestow gifts and attentions, and be
very obsequious to all persons high in authority, such as governors,
judges, &c, always providing men, horses, and provisions to bring
them up from the coast. In this manner he ingratiated himself in their
favour, and after their arrival was always their obedient servant; and
without regard to their line of politics was ever a staunch supporter
of their measures. He made it his endeavour on all occasions to gain
the good opinions of the religious part of the community, by showing
himself to be a great friend to all that belonged to the church, on
which account he was anxious to be appointed director of its festivals,
on which he did not hesitate to spend large sums, in this manner
obtaining the good will and friendship of the priesthood.
At
the time when Dom Joao the sixth gave the Constitution to Portugal, the
larger provinces of Brazil were ruled by Governors General
(Governadores Geriies), and the smaller by Governors only, the power of
all being to a certain extent despotic. At this time the province of
Piauhy was committed to the charge of Elias Jose BAbeiro de Carvalho, a
native of Portugal, but immediately on the proclamation of the
constitution in the mother country he was recalled, when the province
fell to the care of a provisional government, consisting of six
members, one of whom was the present president. It was during this time
that a Major Pedie arrived at Oeiras from Bio de Janeiro, as commander
in chief of the military force in the province, and who soon afterwards
became notorious for his opposition to the cause of independence. It
was also during the reign of this Govcrno Provisorio, as it was
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