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 España. 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 España to