Adilson Vila A

Francisco Xavier de Mendonça Furtado, born in Lisbon in 1701, embarked on a distinguished career in Portuguese service. He began as a military officer in the Portuguese Navy, rising through the ranks from soldier to sea captain over sixteen years. During this period, he participated in naval actions, including defending territories in South America from Spanish and French incursions.

Following his military service, Mendonça Furtado transitioned into colonial administration. He was appointed governor and captain-general of the newly established State of Grão-Pará and Maranhão in Brazil. This role was part of broader administrative reforms initiated by Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, the Marquis of Pombal, aimed at centralizing colonial governance and strengthening Portuguese control. Mendonça Furtado's governorship involved implementing directives focused on territorial expansion, economic development, and managing the region's indigenous populations and religious orders.

Born Francisco Xavier de Mendonça Furtado in Lisbon on October 9, 1701, he hailed from a notable family. His father, Manuel de Carvalho e Ataíde, was involved in the military and genealogical research, while his mother was Teresa Luisa de Mendonça e Melo. At the age of eleven, he was recognized as a nobleman of the Royal Court. Little is documented about his activities until he was 35. He was one of twelve children, and his brothers included Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, who would become the influential Marquis of Pombal and Secretary of State of Internal Affairs, and Paulo António de Carvalho e Mendonça, who served as Inquisitor-General. The close bond between these brothers was evident in their mutual support throughout their careers.

Mendonça Furtado joined the Portuguese Navy at age 35 on April 14, 1735, serving for sixteen years and advancing to the rank of sea captain. His early assignments included voyages to Rio de Janeiro and the Río de la Plata region. He was involved in conflicts with Spain over control of Colonia del Sacramento, participating in actions that temporarily restored Portuguese control. After this engagement, he traveled to Pernambuco to assist in defending the Fernando de Noronha archipelago against French forces. He continued in military service, leading eight expeditions between the late 1730s and 1750, including those in the Azores and Tenerife. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1741 and later to sea captain before concluding his military career.

In 1751, Mendonça Furtado was appointed governor and captain-general of the newly created State of Grão-Pará and Maranhão in Brazil, a significant administrative division established as part of the Marquis of Pombal's reforms. His appointment coincided with the issuance of the 'Royal Instructions,' a set of directives aimed at consolidating Portuguese influence in the Amazon basin. These instructions emphasized territorial expansion westward along the Amazon River and its tributaries, securing borders against Spanish encroachment, and strengthening royal sovereignty. Mendonça Furtado was tasked with overseeing economic development, including trade and plantation establishment, managing the indigenous population, and addressing the role of religious orders, particularly the Jesuits, within the colony. His arrival in Belém do Pará in October 1751 marked the beginning of his efforts to implement these policies.

“I urge you to look carefully at the means of securing the State, as well as to make commerce flourish, in order to achieve the first aim … and you will be careful, as far as possible, to populate all possible lands, introducing new settlers.”

“I instruct you to inform me of the number of troops that may be necessary for the service of the State”