Manuel António Martins
Manuel António Martins | |
|---|---|
| Colonial governor of Cape Verde | |
| In office 1834–1835 | |
| Preceded by | D. José Coutinho de Lencastre |
| Succeeded by | Joaquim Pereira Marinho |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1772 Braga |
| Died | 1845 |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
Manuel António Martins (1772 in Braga-1845) was a Portuguese administrator and colonial governor of Cape Verde and Guinea (Portuguese Guinea, now Guinea-Bissau) from 1833 to 1835. After moving to Cape Verde in 1792, Martins was said to be the richest man in the country and nicknamed the Napoleon of the Islands.[1]
Partnership
In May 1819, Martins co-established a fishing company alongside the Governor of Cape Verde, António Pusich. Martins's partnership with Pusich weakened after Pusich accused Martin of allegedly trying to sell São Vicente and Sal to the British.[1] After the accusation, Martins instigated a Praia riot in May 1821 that led to the overthrow of Pusich.[1]
Diplomacy
In 1819, Martins was nominated by Samuel Hodges, Jr. as a honorary vice-consul to the United States.[2] and the main responsible of a settlement on Sal Island.[1] In December 1833, Martins was appointed by Francisco Simões Margiochi to become the 71st colonial governor of Cape Verde and Guinea. His tenure lasted until between 1835.[1]
Prefect
During his governance, Martins discontinued the usage of Cape Verde's military forces. On the other hand, Martins also stopped the usage of Guinea's military and merged the commanding forces of Bissau and Cacheu.[1]
Colonel
In a message to Philadelphia on December 26, 1832, Martins was identified as the colonel of Cape Verde's military. In the message, Martins praised the United States for providing aid to the citizens of Cape Verde.[3]
Personal life
In 1793, Martins married Maria Josefa Ferreira, daughter of Aniceto António Ferreira Álvares Mendes.[2]
See also
Notes
- ^ a b c d e f Brooks, George E. Western Africa and Cabo Verde, 1790s-1830s: symbiosis of slave and legitimate trades. pp. 99–120. ISBN 9781452088709. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
- ^ a b Brooks, G.E. (2008). "Samuel Hodges, Jr., and the Symbiosis of Slave and "Legitimate" Trades, 1810s-1820s". The International Journal of African Historical Studies. 41 (1): 101–116. JSTOR 40282458.
- ^ "Cape de Verds". The Evening Post (New York, New York). 19 April 1833. p. 2. Retrieved 31 October 2016.(subscription required)