João Frederico Caldwell (born John Frederick Caldwell;[1] c.1801 – 26 February 1873) was a Portuguese-born Brazilian marshal and politician who was a military figure during the 19th century. He was known for his extensive career since the Pernambuco revolt and was one of the main leaders of the Paraguayan Invasion of Rio Grande do Sul during the Corrientes campaign of the Paraguayan War.
In 1817, he fought against the Pernambuco revolt, under the command of General Luís do Rego Barreto. He returned to Rio de Janeiro in 1820, being promoted to lieutenant along the way. In 1821, he signed the manifesto of January 9, which requested that DomPedro I stay in Brazil, an event known as the Dia do Fico.
He returned to the court, and with his family he tried to return to Rio Grande do Sul, succeeding only in 1834 as a major. Having served D. Pedro I with appreciation, he was considered suspicious by Dom Pedro II's regents.
He became a merchant in Rio Grande do Sul, but with the beginning of the Ragamuffin War, he was summoned by the government to accompany the deposed president of the province Antônio Rodrigues Fernandes Braga on a trip to the court, abandoning his business and making himself available to the court to return to the South. However, contrary to his expectations, he received orders to fight the Cabanada in Pará but managed to reverse the orders and be sent back to Rio Grande do Sul, having received the military command of Rio Grande in 1836. He was soon designated a brigade major. He then organized a provisional cavalry along with João da Silva Tavares, with which he fought in the Battle of Seival. During the battle, was wounded in the right hand which he later lost and was taken prisoner. On 23 October, he managed to escape and rejoined the loyalist troops.[3][additional citation(s) needed]
After a season at court, he returned to Rio Grande do Sul, where he stayed until the end of the conflict, with records of a very particular situation, the help he granted to the population of the German Colony of Três Forquilhas in 1839 at a very difficult and traumatic time. in the lives of local settlers. In 1842, he was promoted to colonel and on 7 July 1845, he was appointed commander of the arms of Pará, where he remained until 2 September 1846. He was then transferred back to Rio Grande do Sul, he was promoted to brigadier in the same year and also commander of arms of the province, a position he held until 1848, having resumed the position in 1850 on an interim basis.
On 28 August 1850, he was appointed commander of the second division of the southern army which he commanded during the Platine War. In 1852, he was promoted to Marshal, being named commander of arms of Rio Grande do Sul, staying until 1856, again from 1857 to 1865, where he was at the beginning of the Paraguayan War.[4]
During the Siege of Uruguaiana, he had an intense debate with David Canabarro about the need to attack the enemy as Canabarro wanted to wait for more reinforcements.[5][6] After the surrender of the Paraguayans in Uruguaiana, he was sent to court, taking on various administrative positions. He commanded the Ministry of War from September 29 to November 10, 1870 during the Cabinet Pimenta Bueno.[7]
Empire of Brazil
Imperial Brazilian Army
Marshal
