 A few years later , in 1835 , his native province of Rio Grande do Sul was engulfed in a secessionist rebellion , the Ragamuffin War . The conflict lasted for almost ten years , and the Count was leading military engagements for most of that time . He played a decisive role in saving the provincial capital from the Ragamuffin rebels , allowing forces loyal to the legitimate government to secure a key foothold . In 1852 , he led a Brazilian division during the Platine War in an invasion of the Argentine Confederation that overthrew its dictator . He was awarded a noble title , eventually raised from baron to viscount and finally to count . 
