Emiliano Augusto de Bettencourt
Memoria sobre a descoberta das ilhas de Porto Santo e Madeira 1418-1419
(Fragmento de um livro inedito)
"Memoria sobre a descoberta das ilhas de Porto Santo e Madeira 1418-1419" by E. A. Bettencourt is a historical account produced in the late 19th century. The book examines the discoveries of the islands of Porto Santo and Madeira, detailing the voyages of Portuguese navigators during the early 15th century. Bettencourt explores the contributions of notable figures, such as Prince Henry the Navigator, and recounts the series of events that led to these significant maritime discoveries. In this account, the author highlights the adventures of João Gonçalves Zarco and Tristão Vaz Teixeira, who, initially aiming for Guinea, were driven off course by a storm and stumbled upon the island of Porto Santo. After recognizing this new land, they returned to report their findings to Prince Henry, who later authorized further exploration leading to the eventual discovery of Madeira. Bettencourt intricately discusses the various narratives surrounding these discoveries, addressing legends, discrepancies in historical accounts, and the impact of these voyages on navigation and colonization. Through careful analysis, he attempts to establish the validity of the explorers' claims against competing theories, ultimately underscoring the significance of the Portuguese exploration era in the broader context of maritime history.