Bento Gonçalves da Silva

Bento Gonçalves da Silva (23 September 1788 – 18 July 1847) was a Brazilian army officer, politician and rebel leader of the Riograndense Republic. He was the first President of the Riograndense Republic and, by all accounts, one of the most prominent figures in the history of Rio Grande do Sul.

Bento Gonçalves
Gonçalves, unknown author, oil on canvas, 19th century. National Historical Museum
President of the Riograndense Republic
In office 6 November 1836 – 1841
Vice President	Gomes Jardim
Preceded by	Office established
Succeeded by	Gomes Jardim
Personal details
Born	(1788-09-23)23 September 1788 Triunfo, Rio Grande do Sul, State of Brazil
Died	July 18, 1847(1847-07-18) (aged 58) Pedras Brancas, Rio Grande do Sul, Empire of Brazil
Political party	Ragamuffin Party
Spouse	Cayetana Juana Francisca García González
Military service
Allegiance	Kingdom of Portugal United Kingdom  Empire of Brazil  Riograndense Republic
Branch/service	Portuguese Army Imperial Brazilian Army Riograndense Army
Years of service	1811–1844
Battles/wars	First Banda Oriental Campaign Second Banda Oriental Campaign Cisplatine War Ragamuffin War

Although a staunch monarchist,[1] Gonçalves led the rebel forces in the Ragamuffin War. Radicals within the rebel ranks forced the rebellion to become republican, something that Gonçalves opposed.[2] Still, even though he fought against the Empire of Brazil, Gonçalves and his troops celebrated the birthday of the young emperor Pedro II of Brazil.[3] After the conflict ended with the victory of the Empire, Gonçalves paid his respect to Pedro II by kissing his hand during the latter's trip to Rio Grande do Sul in December 1845.[3]

His main companions in arms during the rebellion were Antônio de Souza Neto and Giuseppe Garibaldi.