Rodrigo Pinto Guedes, Baron of Rio da Prata

Rodrigo Pinto Guedes, Baron of Rio da Prata (27 July 1762 – 13 June 1845) was a Portuguese-born Brazilian naval officer who served in the admiralties of the Kingdom of Portugal, its successor the United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves, and finally the Empire of Brazil, for which he acted as commander of all naval operations during the Cisplatine War.

Rodrigo Pinto Guedes Baron of Rio da Prata
Birth name	Rodrigo Pinto Guedes
Born	(1762-07-27)27 July 1762 Aguiar da Beira, Portugal
Died	13 June 1845(1845-06-13) (aged 82) Paris, France
Allegiance	Kingdom of Portugal United Kingdom of Portugal, Brazil and the Algarves Empire of Brazil
Service / branch	Imperial Brazilian Navy
Rank	Commander
Known for	Commander of all naval operations during the Cisplatine War

Biography

Guedes was born in the freguesia of Gradiz, Aguiar da Beira, on 27 July 1762 to Rodrigo Pinto Guedes and Maria da Silveira Pereira. His parents intended him to take on a religious life, and sent him to a monastery; however, he ran away and decided to embark on a maritime career. In September 1781, he was named a cadete (cadet) of the Portuguese Navy, and thus began what would prove to be a successful career.

He married Constanza Smissaert Pinto Caldas, daughter of José Pereira Caldas and Constanza Smissaert.

Bibliography

• "A War Betwixt Englishmen Brazil Against Argentina on the River Plate 1825-1830", Brian Vale, I. B. Tauris.