The Pombaline Directory - a policy developed by the Marquis of Pombal for the natives of the state of Grão-Pará and Maranhão in 1757 - was established in Pernambuco and its annexed captaincies in 1758. Through it the missionary administration over the Indians and their lives and works were regulated. On the other hand, these individuals reacted whenever they could to the new directives of the Portuguese State.