and with the permission to take two bales of cargo granted to each of the seamen and gunners the whole of their small capital would be expended.  Under these circumstances, if the ship were to be in any peril from storm they would obey commands with greater zeal and willingness because of their share in the treasure of the ship.  Without such bait as this, which induces many seamen to come to these islands, without doing any harm to the residents, it would be difficult to find anyone willing to come here.  If this permission were taken away, the wages alone would not be sufficient to support the men.

The sixth section provides that only so many officers shall be appointed as may be needed, that no one shall go as a gunner who is not one in fact, and that only one gunner shall go for every piece of artillery carried on the said vessels.  In this matter your Majesty’s commands shall be obeyed.

The seventh section provides that an inspector and an accountant shall go on the said ships to take the accounts and inventory of all the cargo.  It directs that they shall keep books, in which they shall enter the merchandise shipped from these islands and that which comes back on the return voyage.  It would seem that this expense also might be avoided, since this account and inventory are taken by the royal officials of these islands, and also by the royal officials of the port of Acapulco.  By their account it is possible to know the cargo which goes there, and what returns.  From here is sent to the viceroy of Nueva Espana a statement in which is contained the amount of the merchandise sent in the cargo, and the names of the consignors, in order that in conformity therewith license may be given, to the citizens who have shipped the goods, for sending back the money which their merchandise shall have yielded.  In this way the account and inventory required by your Majesty are obtained, since only the inhabitants of these islands send consignments, and the proceeds thereof are returned to them and no others.

The eighth section provides that the vessels shall be no more heavily laden than they ought to be, and that room be left in them for everything that is necessary for the men that sail in them.  This section also provides that sufficient provisions shall be carried for this long voyage, so that the men may not perish for lack of food.  This section also decrees that the vessels shall not be overladen and thus embarrassed and endangered; but that they shall be laden so as to be buoyant, and able to meet dangers from storms and enemies.  It is also provided that in lading the vessels a proper division of the space should be made.  In all these matters your Majesty’s will shall be carried out.