 These intense efforts had a demoralizing effect on the populace, and in São Jorge, recruits cut their index fingers in order to avoid service.It was during his tenure that the sumptuous Church of São João Baptista, whose riches had expanded during the stay of King Afonso VI, was destroyed by fire.The following year he visited São Miguel (who had been without a Captain-General since 1767), and because of the unpopularity of the Captains-General he was obliged to stay in the municipal hall during his stay.