investigation of it, ascertaining and assuring himself how and in what manner, and when and how, they embarked and where; who helped and protected them therein, and who saw them embark; and for what reason they secretly embarked.  The said officers shall arrest the person or persons who shall have embarked, together with those who shall have given their favor or assistance.  They shall be found guilty in conformity with the aforesaid, and placed in irons, so that at the first port where they arrive, they may be handed over, with a copy of the investigations which shall have been made, to the justice thereof, who shall keep them prisoners.  On the first occasion of the sailing of any ship, he shall send them as prisoners to this city under a sufficient guard, to the royal prison of this court, delivering them to the warden thereof, and taking his testimony in the matter, delivering also the original of the said investigation.  They shall send a complete and authentic copy of all the above to the fiscal of the said royal Audiencia, in order that such persons may be punished as their offenses demand.  They ordered unanimously that no person, of whatever rank or condition, for any cause or reason whatever, shall leave this city, to go beyond these islands, or to leave them for Nueva Espana, or any other places unless he has permission in writing from the said governor, with the necessary conditions.  Likewise, it shall be understood by the captains, masters, pilots, sailors, and other workmen on any ships whatever, in the manner aforesaid.  In order that this act be exactly enforced, it shall be publicly proclaimed in this city and the port of Cavite.  Copies shall be made of it and affixed to the doors of the royal houses, so that it may come to the notice of everyone, and no one may plead ignorance of it, so that one and all may observe it in the manner aforesaid—­under penalty of a fine of five hundred pesos of common gold, to be applied to the use of the royal treasury and the interests of the royal exchequer, to which sum they hold them condemned as soon as they disobey this decree, besides the deprivation of their offices.  This penalty is to be executed without any favor.  Thus they decreed, ordered, and ordained.

Doctor Antonio de Morga The licentiate Tellez Almacan

An act decreeing that one of the auditors shall have charge of reviewing the charges against prisoners every two months.

In the city of Manila, on the fifth of August, one thousand five hundred and ninety-eight, the president and auditors of the royal Audiencia of the Philipinas Islands, being assembled, declared that, whereas there are many prisoners in the royal prison of this court, whose numbers are constantly increasing, on account of arrests for vagabondage and other criminal charges:  therefore, in order that the cases of such prisoners be settled and despatched with all promptness, the charges against them reviewed during the week, and