These accounts assert that Corte-Real was awarded the donatário–captaincies of São Jorge and Angra for his accomplishments, but contemporary documents contradict this claim.

Fragmentary evidence suggests the expedition in 1473 was a joint venture between the kings of Portugal and Denmark, and that Corte-Real accompanied the German sailors Didrik Pining and Hans Pothorst, as well as (the possibly mythical) John Scolvus.

This is contradicted by contemporary documents which state the grant was made for "expenses he had incurred" and "services rendered", with no mention of any discoveries.

[2] From this point onward he was granted the captaincy of Angra on Terceira by the Infanta Beatrice, Duchess of Viseu, and approved by the King, following the disappearance of Jacome de Bruges.

[2] Corte-Real and his wife, Maria de Abarca, were buried in the presbytery of the church of the Convent of São Francisco.