The article focuses on the involvement of the governor of Colônia do Sacramento, Luiz Garcia de Bivar (1749-1760), in the illicit business conducted with Spanish territories, made possible by commercial contacts with Buenos Aires. In addition to merchandise (Brazilian and European goods) traditionally traded with Buenos Aires, in the 1750s the Portuguese possession specialized in the supply of African slaves to the Rio de la Plata region. This trade was carried out by a substantial mercantile community, strongly connected to their peers in Rio de Janeiro. The article draws a brief profile of this merchant group, showing its relations to the smuggling activities protected by the governor.
smuggling; slave trade; merchants; Colônia do Sacramento.