MOREIRA, Luiz da Cunha (mo-ray'-e-rah), Brazilian naval officer, born in Bahia, 1 October, 1777; died in Rio Janeiro, 28 August, 1865. At the age of seven he went with his parents to Lisbon and entered the College Dos Nobles, where he was graduated as pilot in 1795. In 1799 he was promoted lieutenant, and two years afterward captain in the navy. In 1807 he commanded one of the vessels that conveyed the royal family to Brazil. In 1809 he was attached to the expedition for the conquest of Cayenne, led the forces that occupied Preaqui, and was present at several battles till the occupation of that province. He was afterward promoted rear-admiral, and in 1812 sent in a secret commission to Buenos Ayres. In 1816 he occupied Maldonado, and in 1817 he was at the siege of Pernambuco, where a revolution had begun. From 1817 till 1822 he served in the conquest of the province of Cisplatina, Uruguay. In 1822 he was appointed secretary of the navy, from which office he retired in 1823, not being willing to sign the bill for the dissolution of the constituent assembly. In 1825 he was promoted inspector of the navy-yard, and in 1826 director of the Academia de marinha of the city of Rio Janeiro. In 1831 he was offered the" presidency of the province of Para, but declined. He took an active part in the elevation of Pedro II. to the throne, and in 1844 aided in suppressing the revolution of Rio Grande. Until his death he took an active part in politics, affiliating with the most advanced party. In 1849 he was made Viscount of Cabo tCrio and promoted admiral of the navy.