In 1822, Minister José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva wrote to the Provisional Government of Minas Gerais, in the year of the Proclamation of Brazil's Independence.

• Handwritten letter signed by José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva to the Provisional Government of the province of Minas Gerais.
• One page.
• In Portuguese.
• 21.9 cm x 15.6 cm.
• Rio de Janeiro, June 20, 1822.
• Excellent condition of conservation.
• Unique piece.

N 23

His Royal Highness the Prince Regent sends through the Secretariat of State
of the Kingdom's Businesses forward to the Provisional Government of the Province of Minas Gerais the enclosed Request of Thomé Pereira da Silva asking for the office of Afilador for the term of the City of Marianna: and there for the same government to grant it, according to justice and (?)

Palace of Rio de Janeiro on June 20, 1822.

Joseph Bonifacio

It is difficult to briefly and pertinently describe the entire life of a great historical figure like José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva. In short, in the early part of his life, the Santos native stood out as a scientist passionate about mineralogy, recognized in Europe for his research. Upon returning to Brazil, he assumed important political positions and was appointed tutor to Dom Pedro II by Dom Pedro I, after independence. He significantly influenced the young Emperor with his passion for science, in addition to his abolitionist and, in general, humanist ideas.

However, his best-known legacy was his fundamental role in the tireless fight for the country's emancipation from Portuguese rule: José Bonifácio de Andrada is considered the "Father of Brazilian Independence" in 1822. He defended independence from Portugal and the maintenance of a monarchical regime under the regency of D. Pedro.

This short letter was written by José Bonifácio de Andrade e Silva in June 1822, at the beginning of the Independence process that culminated on September 7 with the “cry of Ipiranga” by Regent Dom Pedro. From Rio de Janeiro, Bonifacio officially mentions his role as Minister at the orders of the Prince Regent, and the recipient, the Provisional Government of Minas Gerais. His large signature is also impressive. Letters by José Bonifácio de Andrada e Silva are uncommon and very rare in this decisive year of Independence, even more so in perfect condition despite being 100 years old.