POMBAL, SEBASTIAO JOSE DE CARVALHO E MELLO, MARQUESS OF (i699-1782), Portuguese statesman, was born at Soure near Pomba, on May 13, 1699. He was the son of Manoel de Carvalho e Athayde, a country gentleman (fidalgo) and of his wife D. Theresa Luiza de Mendonca e Mello. In 1739 he was sent as Portuguese ambassador to London, where he remained until 1745. He was then transferred to Vienna. In 1749 he was recalled to take up the post of secretary of State for foreign affairs and war. The appointment was ratified on Aug. 3, 175o, by King Joseph, who had succeeded John V. in that year. Carvalho's career from 175o to 1777 is part of the history of Portugal. Though he came into power only in his 51st year, with out previous administrative experience, he was able to reorganize Portuguese education, finance, the army and the navy. He also built up new industries, promoted the development of Brazil and Macao, and expelled the Jesuits. His complete ascendancy over the mind of King Joseph dates from the time of the great Lisbon earthquake (Nov. 1, 1755). In Sept. 177o he was made marquess of Pombal. His severe administration had made
many enemies, and his life had been attempted in 1769. Soon after the death of King Joseph, in 1777, Pombal was dismissed from office ; and he was only saved from impeachment by the death of his bitterest opponent, the queen-mother, Mariana Vic toria, in Jan. 1781. On Aug. 16, a royal decree forbade him to reside within 20 leagues of the court. He died at Pombal on May 8, 1782.