For the glory and honor of the Empire!

Recruitment, organization and performance of the Paraiba Battalion at the War of Independence in Bahia (1822-1823)

Abstract

The purpose of this research paper is to discuss the performance of the Paraiba Battalion during the War of Independence that took place in Bahia between 1822 and 1823. Inserted in the context of Brazil's Independence, the military unit in question was formed from the recruitment of men from cities, towns and villages of the Paraiba Province, and was an important component in the siege of the city of Salvador, besieged by the so-called "Peacemaker Army", by land, and by sea. We present the sea as an important strategic space for the displacement of land forces, both the forces formed at the Court (Rio de Janeiro) and the battalions from the Northern provinces. We discuss the motives and hypotheses of this action. Furthermore, we will discuss how the Recruitment process took place, the organization of this force, and part of the performance of the Paraiba Battalion. The research was carried out in collections existing on the internet through primary sources and bibliographical support regarding the present historical context.