Martim Afonso’s voyage to Brazil (1530–1532) — Martim Afonso’s return

The return of Martim Afonso de Sousa to Portugal

A brief account of Martim Afonso’s return to Portugal after completing his work in São Vicente, covering royal decisions and appointments, as well as the journey back.

Regresso de Martim Afonso de Sousa a Portugal
The return of Martim Afonso de Sousa to Portugal

1. Context in São Vicente

Viagem de Martim Afonso ao Brasil (1530–1532) — Regresso de Martim Afonso
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Viagem de Martim Afonso ao Brasil (1530–1532) — Regresso de Martim Afonso

Martim Afonso continued his colonising work in São Vicente. As well as exploiting the land, he sent another expedition into the interior to search for the previous one, from which no news had ever been received.

Em São Vicente, Martim Afonso prosseguia sua obra colonizadora
Martim Afonso continued his colonising work in São Vicente.

2. Letter from King John III.

In September 1532, Dom João III wrote to him, via João de Sousa, leaving it up to him to choose whether to remain in the New World or return to Portugal, where preparations were underway to divide Brazil into hereditary captaincies.

Viagem de Martim Afonso ao Brasil (1530–1532) — Carta de Dom João III
Martim Afonso’s Voyage to Brazil (1530–1532) — Letter from Dom João III

3. Decisions and appointments

Martim Afonso de Sousa decided to return to Portugal, leaving Father Gonçalo Monteiro in charge of São Vicente and appointing João Ramalho captain-major of the area.

Martim Afonso de Sousa resolveu regressar a Portugal
Martim Afonso de Sousa decided to go back to Portugal.

4. Return journey to Portugal.

He set sail in March 1533. All that is known is that he landed in the Azores and arrived in Lisbon in August of the same year, after spending more than two and a half years faithfully carrying out his mission of coastguard duty, exploration and colonisation.

Viagem de Martim Afonso ao Brasil (1530–1532) — Viagem de regresso a Portugal
Martim Afonso’s voyage to Brazil (1530–1532): return voyage to Portugal.

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