MENDES, Manoel 0dorico (men'-des), Brazilian politician, born in Maranhao in 1799; died in Paris, France, in 1864. He was graduated at Coimbra in 1824, and returning to Maranhao began to publish the "Argos da Lei." In 1826 he was elected to congress by his province, and sided with the most advanced political party, also publishing the "Astrea," a daily paper. In 1829 he issued in S. Paulo the "Pharol Paulistano." In 1831 he was present at the abdication of Pedro I., and, though asked to be a member of the regency, he absolutely declined, and retired to private life. In 1839 he appeared again as a journalist, publishing the "Liga Americana," which paper was under his direction till 1844, when he was again elected to congress. In 1847 he went to Europe on a commission from his government. Mendes is highly esteemed as a poet. His writings include "Himno a Farde," and translations of Voltaire's "Tancredo e Merope," and of Virgil's works. He published "Eneida Brasileira and Virgilio Brasileiro" (1854), and in his will left to his province a manuscript translation of the "Iliad," which has been published by the council of the province.