Law XXIII

The governors of Filipinas are wont to take the artillery and arms
from the ships that sail from Nueva España. 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.]