Miguel Pereira Forjaz, Count of Feira facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Miguel Pereira Forjaz
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Count of Feira
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| Born | 1 November 1769 Ponte de Lima, Kingdom of Portugal |
| Died | 6 November 1827 (aged 58) Kingdom of Portugal |
| Allegiance |  Portugal |
| Years of service | 1785–1820 |
| Rank | Lieutenant-General |
| Battles/wars | War of the Pyrenees War of the Oranges Peninsular War |
| Signature |  |
Miguel Pereira Forjaz (born November 1, 1769 – died November 6, 1827) was an important Portuguese general. He also served as the Secretary of War during a big conflict called the Peninsular War. He was known as the 10th Count of Feira.
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Life of Miguel Pereira Forjaz
Miguel Pereira Forjaz was born in Ponte de Lima, Portugal. His father was Diogo Pereira Forjaz Coutinho. Miguel was also the great-grandson of the 9th Count of Feira. He was married twice during his life.
Early Military Career
Miguel joined the army in 1785 when he was about 16 years old. He started as a cadet in the Peniche Regiment. Many members of his family were also in this regiment.
By 1787, he became a lieutenant. He worked as a chief of staff, helping to lead the infantry. In 1791, he was promoted to captain. Two years later, in 1793, he became a major. He served as an assistant to General Forbes during the War of the Pyrenees. This war involved fighting in areas like Roussillon and Catalonia.
Key Roles in Wartime
By March 1800, Miguel was a colonel. He was chosen to be the governor of Pará, a region in Colonial Brazil. However, he did not end up going there.
In 1801, during the War of the Oranges, he served as a quartermaster-general. This role meant he was in charge of supplies and planning for the army. In 1806, he became a brigadier and an inspector general of the army.
When the Portuguese royal family had to move to Brazil in 1807, Miguel was made deputy secretary of the government. This meant he was ready to take over if needed.
When the French General Jean-Andoche Junot took control of Portugal, Forjaz left his post. He went to Coimbra and helped start a revolt against the French. He then went to Porto and helped reorganize the army.
After the Convention of Sintra, he became the secretary of the regency. He was in charge of war and foreign affairs. He helped reorganize the Portuguese army. He worked with William Carr Beresford, who was the commander-in-chief. Miguel helped adapt the Portuguese army to British training methods. This helped the Anglo-Portuguese Army fight better.
In 1815, he successfully argued against sending Portuguese troops to fight Napoleon in the Low Countries. This was during a period known as the Hundred Days.
Later Life and Politics
In 1820, a major political change happened in Portugal called the Liberal Revolution of 1820. This event led Miguel Pereira Forjaz to leave his government position. He then retired from public life.
On May 13, 1820, he received the title of Count of Feira. He was also chosen to be a Peer of the Kingdom. This happened when the Constitutional Charter was given by Peter IV of Portugal. Miguel Pereira Forjaz passed away on November 6, 1827.
See also
In Spanish: Miguel Pereira y Forjaz para niños
