After Dom Pedro I proclaimed the independence of Brazil from Portugal on September 7, 1822, several provinces in the northern and northeastern regions of the country were initially reluctant to join the new Brazilian Empire.

Antonio de Loureiro Barreto, one of the leaders, took command of the troops and managed to infiltrate the artillery compound by feigning the rank of a colonel.

[3] The first violent incident occurred when a loyalist officer, Lieutenant Colonel José Antonio Nunes, attempted to resist the occupation.

Sensing the rebels’ hesitation, Barata marched into Largo das Mercês, proclaiming allegiance to the Portuguese Crown and Dom João VI.

[3] Under pressure from the president of the provincial governing council, Romualdo Antonio de Seixas, authorities ultimately decided against capital punishment for the rebels, fearing that severe reprisals might provoke further unrest.

[3] Despite the failed rebellion, tensions in Grão-Pará continued, another revolt, just a month later, began on the island of Marajó, in May 1823, resulting in a Portuguese victory.