 Instead of following his father into the military, the intelligent and ambitious boy looked to economic possibilities farther afield.Brazil was an obvious possibility, owing to the success of many emigrants; at the age of twelve, with his father's blessing, he emigrated to the Brazilian capital of Rio de Janeiro on board the brig "Rio Ave".After working for a while for a merchant he became indignant with his remuneration and quits, taking several itinerant jobs.