medy for the greater injuries that may be expected, are of
so great importance and moment (all these difficulties having been
represented to me), and as I have been petitioned by the prior and
consuls of the mercantile corporation of Sevilla, and other persons
who are zealous in behalf of my service that, in order to stop this,
I should command the entire prohibition also of the trade of the said
Nueva Espana with the said Philipinas Islands: Having discussed and
considered this in my royal Council of the Indias, and consultations
being held on all that should be considered in this matter, as it
appears that they desire to prevent and avert future losses, and
likewise aim to secure the preservation and growth of the Christian
religion in the said islands, and the neighboring kingdoms, wherein
the service of our Lord is so greatly concerned, I have decided that
for the present the trade and commerce of the said Philipinas Islands
with Nueva Espana should be maintained according to the ordinances;
that the quantity of merchandise which may be carried each year from
the Philipinas Islands to Nueva Espana is by no means to exceed two
hundred and fifty thousand pesos of eight reals, as is provided;
and the return of principal and profit in money is not to exceed
five hundred thousand pesos, which I have permitted. For no pretext,
cause, or reason to be alleged therefore is this to be exceeded, and
the traders in every case must be citizens of the said Philipinas
Islands, and none others whatsoever, as is likewise ordered by the
royal decrees of the king my lord, and under the penalties therein
provided. These I command to be executed without fail against the
trangressors, without there being any exemption or excuse.

Further, in order that this may be better accomplished, and to
remove the opportunities for shipping a great deal of merchandise,
and likewise that the crews may go and come in safety, it is my will
and I permit that there be four ships in this trade, each of two
hundred toneladas burden, and no more; and they shall be my vessels,
and shall sail on my account, two each year; and the others shall
remain in port making ready for the voyage of the succeeding year,
as is ordered--for in this way they will sail at the proper time,
without waiting for one another; nor shall they exceed this number
and capacity. These ships shall be built expressly for that route,
of the said size and of the required strength, on accou