Law XXVII

We charge and order the viceroys of Nueva Espanna that the troops that they send to Filipinas be useful, and that they go armed; and that the men go to the governor of the islands to ask for the pay that the captains take from their soldiers.  In regard to this the governor shall take legal action and punish those whom it touches. [Felipe III—­Denia, August 16, 1599.]

Law XXIII

The governors of Filipinas are wont to take the artillery and arms from the ships that sail from Nueva Espana.  Inasmuch as the vessels return unarmed and without the necessary defense, we order the said governors not to take, or allow to be taken, from the said ships the artillery, arms, supplies, or war-materials that those ships carry for their defense on the return voyage, for it is not advisable to risk what is so important. [Felipe III—­Valladolid, July 15, 1601.]

Law XXXIX

Since there are skilled and examined pilots for the Filipinas line, those who are not such shall not be admitted in our ships and other craft. [Felipe III—­Valencia, December 31, 1603.]

Law XVI

The utmost diligence shall be taken in the port of Acapulco to ascertain and discover the reals, silver, and other things taken to the Filipinas, and our officials of the said port shall take account of it all.  They shall advise the governor 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.]