The limits of royal sovereignty

The Paraíba do Sul captaincy between 1727 and 1730

Abstract

This article analyzes the limits of royal sovereignty in Paraíba do Sul
through conflicts between the donatory captaincy and the governor of
Rio de Janeiro. In 1674, the Portuguese monarchy granted it to the
House of Asseca, but the territory was abandoned and subject to the
occupations of religious orders, captains, and cattle ranchers. Years later,
viscount Asseca retook control, but faced strong opposition from
the governor who had annexed it illegally to the captaincy of Rio de
Janeiro. In this conflict, rivals were not always guided by the dictates of
the Crown. The abuses and conflicts of jurisdiction, intensified between
1727 and 1730, demonstrated the limits of royal sovereignty on the
borders of the Empire. Also highlighted in the paper are the differences
between royal interventions and the particular interests of the authorities
supported by the monarchy.