Governo e ilicitudes na capitania de Mato Grosso: a trajetória de João de Albuquerque de Melo Pereira e Cáceres (1789-1796)

Abstract

This thesis examines the administration and corrupt practices of João de Albuquerque de Melo Pereira e Cáceres, the fifth governor and captain-general of the captaincy of Mato Grosso. The temporal framework is set between 1789 and 1799, chosen to encompass significant administrative changes that affected the colony, including the beginning of João de Albuquerque's governorship, the subsequent investigation into his administration, and the conclusion of over twenty years of governance by the Albuquerque brothers in the captaincy of Mato Grosso. The primary objective is to understand both legal and illegal actions within the administration of the captaincy of Mato Grosso. We argue that, in the case of the Albuquerques, particularly João de Albuquerque de Melo Pereira e Cáceres, the Portuguese Crown prioritized the maintenance of conquered territories on the western frontier over controlling or punishing behaviors that harmed the Royal Treasury and involved corrupt practices by royal officials. The sources consulted include the collection from the Arquivo Histórico Ultramarino and the transcribed and published investigation in the book "Devassa no Guaporé: usos e abusos do poder na colônia, 1797-1805.(Investigation in Guaporé: Uses and Abuses of Power in the Colony, 1797-1805.)" To achieve this, we will analyze João de Albuquerque’s administrative trajectory through his governing actions and the strategies reported by witnesses during the investigation.