06 ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT, ETC. [chap. iv. 



nied the expedition. From these lords of the soil the most 

 distinguished families in Madeira are descended. The la- 

 bouring class has been derived partly from their adherents, 

 partly from the disowned of the mother country, and from 

 Moorish captives ; there have been also subsequent admix- 

 tures of African and Negro blood, which shows itself strongly 

 in the features of some of the present inhabitants. 



ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT. 



To the two Governors was committed all jurisdiction, civil 

 and military, within their respective captaincies ; in cases of 

 life and death only was there appeal to Lisbon. Absolute 

 monopoly, and a tithe of all crown revenue, were also be- 

 stowed upon the captains and their heirs for ever, under the 

 title of donatorios. 



DEATH OF ZARCO. 



The first Governor of Funchal enjoyed his rule for forty- 

 seven years, executed many useful works, and left the name 

 of Zarco universally respected. His remains are deposited in 

 the convent of Santa Clara. 



FUNCHAL CONSTITUTED A CITY. 



In 1508 Funchal was invested with the dignities and privi- 

 leges of a city. In 1 540 the captaincy of Machico, in de- 

 fault of heirs, reverted to the crown ; the king bestowed it on 

 Antonio de Menezes. 



INVASION BY FRENCH PRIVATEERS. 



In 1566 (during the government of Simao Goncal ves da 

 Camera, the fifth captain) three French privateers made 

 their appearance off Funchal. The marauders effected a 



