MENEZES, Francisco da CUNHA e
(1747-1812)

Governor of Goa [3 November 1786- 22 May 1794], also Captain-General of India. Born on 10 April 1747; son of D. José Félix da Cunha e Menezes (1712-17??) and D. Constana Xavier de Menezes (1712-17??). He served as governor of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in the period 1782-1786; later promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General in 1807.
Died: 12 June 1812.

Macquarie described Governor Menezes in 1794 as a "youthful handsome gentlemanlike man; and to appearance, not above Thirty Six years of age." However, he was mistaken. Menezes was, in fact, 47 years of age. Six weeks later Menezes ceased his duties as Governor of Goa and was replaced by his deputy, Francisco António da Viega Cabral da Câmara Pimental (1733-1810) who had acted as an official guide to Lachlan and Jane Macquarie, and James Morley during their visit to Goa in March-April 1794.

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