Luiz Alves de Lima e Silva Duque de Caxias (1803-1880), was the most famous soldier in Brazilian history. He led the Brazilian army in the pacification campaigns during the regency and served as allied commander in the Paraguayan War.

Luiz Alves de Lima e Silva was born on Aug. 25, 1803, into a respected military family. He compiled a brilliant record in the military school in Rio de Janeiro, took part in the independence campaigns, fought in Uruguay in 1825 against Juan Antonio Lavalleja, and by the age of 25 had risen to the rank of major. In April 1831, following the abdication of Pedro I, Lima e Silva was called upon to organize and command the national guard to maintain order in Rio and its environs.

During the hectic regency period Lima e Silva methodically extinguished insurrections in rebelling provinces and in 1841 was named Baron of Caxias for his distinguished service. Rio...