This article addresses the process of formation of the mercantile group during the second half of the XVIII century and the first decades of the XIX century in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the scope of the Portuguese Colonial Empire. Thus, it analizes the ways of recruitment and the familiar and commercial networks in which his members are included. The analyses of the large amount of wealth, the composition and the extent of business of this local mercantile group allowed the comparison with the traders from Rio de Janeiro. This research also verifies that the necessary capital te neo constitute the first 'charqueadas' come from the commercial activities handled by this local mercantile group.
Traders; Rio Grande do Sul; Portuguese Colonial Empire
