“(...)The city of Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is most beautiful situated at the head of a bay, the houses having a white and bold appearance, as seen from the anchorage, and shining under a sky as blue and serene as if a cloud had never crossed it, at once prepossessed us in its favour. To the left is Loo Rock jutting out into the sea, and, with its fort-crowned summit, presenting a lofty and singular appearance. In front of the bay is the Custom-House, with its plaza, on one side of which is the Governor’s Place, a strange barrack-like building; on the other, but more on the beach, stands a high tower, in an unfinished state, once intended to contain machinery for the unloading of the boats. On the heights above the city are seen, in every direction, quintas of the nobility and merchants, surrounded by their vineyards and orange groves. About a mile up the mountain, in a direct line from the city, stands very prominent that large Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte.

After remaining several hours at anchor, we were visited by the customs’ and medical officers, who showed their authority by at once placing us in quarantine, owing to our bill of health being signed by Don Pedro’s consul, instead of that of the recognised sovereign, Don Miguel.  A scene of tumult now commenced on board, which served for a time to dispel my own thoughts on quarantine laws, as well as on the rights of either Don Miguel or Donna Maria to the throne of Portugal. The Capitain swore most bitterly against all Portuguese, and declares, if he had not praticque the day following, he would weigh anchor, and proceed on to Jamaica; at the same time placing us on short allowance of water.(...)"

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DRIVER, John – Letters from Madeira in 1834. London: Longman &Co, 1838. P.4-5

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CARITA, Rui - A defesa do Funchal: secs. XV e XVII.  Islenha. Nº12  (Jan-Jun) 1990. P.37