Travassos Valdez (José Lúcio)

This governor and captain-general (capitão-general, military governor of Madeira) of Madeira was appointed in March 1827 and arrived in Funchal on 27 April following, taking office on the 29th of the same month.

Despite his short administration, Travassos Valdez sought to be of use to this archipelago, informing the central government of the most urgent public needs that ought to be met without delay. He paid special attention to the construction of a quay and to the repairs to the forts and barracks, which had long been needed.

During his governorship Miguel I was proclaimed absolute king, in May 1828, but Valdez did not follow the movement in favour of absolutism that was under way in the country, and he prepared to defend Madeira against any attempted attack by the Miguelite (supporter of the absolutist King Miguel) troops. When, on 25 June 1828, the royalist frigate Príncipe Real appeared off our harbour carrying the new governor, José Maria Monteiro, Valdez prevented him from landing, and the frigate left our waters. As is well known, on 22 August 1828 the town (vila) of Machico was bombarded by the Miguelite squadron, and the island was then occupied by the invading forces; on 24 August Miguel was proclaimed and the new governor and captain-general, José Maria Monteiro, took office. As for Valdez’s actions on this occasion, which were very important, the reader is referred, to avoid needless repetition, to the article Occupation of Madeira by the Miguelite troops.

Travassos Valdez, who on 23 August 1828 had taken refuge with his wife and six children aboard the English corvette Alligator, left for England on the same ship, with other political exiles, on 6 September of that year.

José Lúcio Travassos Valdez had distinguished himself notably in the Peninsular Wars under the command of General Beresford, and later in the campaigns for liberty, soon rising to the highest ranks. He was later honoured with the title of Count of Bonfim and held the high offices of deputy, peer of the realm and minister of state, as well as carrying out other important public-service commissions. He was born on 23 February 1787 and died on 10 July 1862.