The An Historical View (1827) gives us a disenchantment dealing with the Portuguese navy around 1827. Although Portugal was no longer a first rate sea power like in the 16th and partly 17th century, if we want to believe the author, her navy wasn't worth hardly anything! (1) But what did he write? Well see the next paragraph:
"In how deplorable a state is the navy of Portugal! The docks of Lisbon produce as beautiful ships as can be launched, and the Portuguese sailors received much well earned commendation from our naval [British?] commanders, under whom they individually served during the last war. Yet it cannot be forgotten that, within a very few years, the Tagus was blockaded by two Algerine corsairs, who maintained their station for a considerable time, with impunity, and set the whole Portuguese navy at defiance. England has a right to demand particular attention to his very important branch of national defence. The next war in which we are involved may, probably, array a very powerful maritime people against us; and we, who have so prodigally lavished both our naval and military resources in the cause of Portugal, must require that she now establish a competent nursery for seamen, in the prospect of lending we such assistance hereafter as the remembrance of our former and present aid must render her desirous of placing at our disposal, if one honourable or grateful feeling exist in her bosom. A Portuguese squadron may be no unacceptable auxiliary to us, in the defence, perhaps, of its own coast".
Source
An Historical View of the Revolutions of Portugal since the close of the Peninsular war: exhibiting a full account of the events which have led to the present state of that country, p. 312-313. By an eye-witness. London, 1827. Digitized by Google.
Note
1. "The strength of the Portuguese navy around 24 July 1833 according to admiral Charles Napier".
