O governo e os governadores do Estado do Grão-Pará e Maranhão: recrutamento, trajetórias e remuneração de serviços (séculos XVIII-XIX)

Abstract

This paper addresses the governor and the profile of those who ruled the captaincies of the State of the Grand Pará and Maranhão (Pará, Maranhão, Piauí and Rio Negro), in the context of redefining colonial politics in the “pombalino” period. Based on both Brazilian and foreign historiography, we discuss the criteria for selection (origin, professional background, experience) and the recompenses offered to the higher authorities of those captaincies between 1751 and 1780. The analysis of their careers (some ended early in the nineteenth century)also covers their return to Portugal and assesses the importance of State Government inpromoting individuals in Royal Service.