nor and royal officials of the
islands of it, sending them the registers, and notifying them of what
is advisable. The royal officials of Filipinas shall do the same with
those of Acapulco. [Felipe III--Valladolid, December 31, 1604.]

Law XVII

Inasmuch as the ships of the Filipinas line have been overladen,
many have been wrecked and their crews and cargoes lost; and,
inasmuch as it is advisable to provide beforehand the remedy,
therefore we order that great care be taken so that the toneladas
[assigned] be those that the ships can carry, in accordance with
their capacity. The things conveniently necessary for the crew, and
the necessary food, with a reserve in case the voyage be prolonged,
shall be left in them. Especial care is to be taken that the ships
do not sail overladen, or embarrassed, because of the danger of
being wrecked in any misfortune. They shall make the voyage each
way as lightly laden as is necessary for the chance of storms and
enemies. Felipe III--Valladolid, December 31, 1604.]

Law XXI

Illegal acts have been committed in taking more artillerymen and
sailors than were necessary, and some of them useless, in the trading
ships from Filipinas to Nueva Espana. We order that this be avoided and
remedied. For each piece of artillery, only one artilleryman, and no
more, shall be taken and superfluous pay shall not be given. [Felipe
III--Valladolid, December 31, 1604.]

Law XXIX

Inasmuch as the majority of those going annually from Nueva Espana to
Filipinas do not stop there, but return immediately, after investing
their money: therefore, we order the viceroy of Nueva Espana to permit
no one to go to Filipinas, unless he give bonds that he will become
a citizen and live there for more than eight years, or unless he be
sent as a soldier to the governor. [6] On those who violate this,
and their bondsmen, shall be executed the penalties that they incur,
without pardon. [Felipe III--Valladolid, December 31, 1604.]

Law XLII

We order and command that the generals, captains, agents, and officials
of the Filipinas ships give bonds, to what sum the governor and
captain-general shall deem best, for the greater security of what shall
be in their charge. They shall give their residencia of each voyage
before the auditors of our royal Audiencia of Manila and shall render
satisfaction in the aforesaid. [Felipe III--Valladolid, December 31,
1604; Madrid, May 23, 1620. Carlos II (in this _Recopi