This article examines João Pereira Caldas’s career within the Royal Service. Pereira Caldas is historically known as the governor of the Piaui captaincy. However, before considering the portrayal of the young military, this article presents his biographical traits, his family relationships and connections in the Court - key issues to analyze the recruitment of colonial administrators. Then, we will look at the various shifts in Pereira Caldas career, from governor and captain-general of the Grão Pará and Maranhão captainces to commissioner of the Treaty of San Ildefonso. His career came to an end in the Overseas Council. But, actually, the nomination only represented a distinction, and didn’t result in effective participation in the decisions of the Council. In light of the mechanism of service and remuneration, those different paths are assessed taking into account factors such as the experience gained by Pereira Caldas, the impact of his services in Lisbon and his political and personal relationships which maintained him active in all the achievements in the North.
João Pereira Caldas; career; Royal Service; Overseas Council