ABSTRACT: This article reflects on the conception of war against the indians in the “sertão” of America Portuguese, especially among the decades of 1730 and 1740. Take as reference for the analysis, the narrative of Luiz de Nascimentos e Souza, registered on april 7 of 1788, entitled: “Rellação da sanguinolenta Guerra” (For the bloody war to the indians Paiaguá in the year 1733). Also, for the analysis of narrative, seeks to engage with the sources, that show the situation of other indigenous groups in the period, and with the scholars of Indian history which deal with the concept of war.