reprint of 1808 version

Ovid Saraiva de Carvalho e Silva was born in the village of St. John of Parnahiba, the captaincy of São José do Piauhy in the distant year of 1787. He died in the village of Pirai, in Rio de Janeiro, on 11 January 1852. In 1805 he enrolled in law at the U of Coimbra and wrote this book dedicated to his rector. In 1809 is published a book of marches. He was active against the occupying french forces.

He was an active jurist in Portugal and then went to Brazil where he was active in the independance movement.

He was present when his friend John William Ratcliff was sentenced to be shot in Rio. In 1831 he wrote the words to the National Anthem of Brazil.