mitted solely to the citizens of
the said islands, for the space of six years. This license is not to
be renewed, and trade and commerce is unqualifiedly prohibited to any
other person whatsoever of the Western Indias, under the penalty of
confiscation of his merchandise.

Nevertheless, under cover of commissions, the citizens of both Piru
and Nueva Espana engage in trade, and they send their money in the
ships going from Nueva Espana--some registered, and some secretly.

Third Point

_That Chinese merchandise be not brought to Piru._

By the same decree it is ordered that the merchandise brought to Nueva
Espana from the Filipinas be not taken to Piru and Tierra Firme; and
that the goods which had already been brought be disposed of within
four years.

By another decree of the same date, like commands were given; and that
the merchandise brought to Nueva Espana be either consumed there or
sent to Espana.

Nevertheless, this merchandise is taken to Piru under pretense of being
that of Castilla. Hence arise many difficulties, and the commerce
of Espana with Piru and Tierra Firme is ceasing, and merchandise
from Espana is not sent to Piru. If this be not checked within a few
years, it is agreed by all that the trade of Espana in merchandise
with Tierra Firme, Piru, and Nueva Espana will cease.

Fourth Point

_The ships which must be used in the trade, to whom they shall belong,
and what has been permitted by the viceroys._

By the decree of January 11, 93, it is permitted that for this trade
two ships, each of no more than three hundred toneladas, may sail
annually from Nueva Espana to China. They may bring in return the
property which is to come, and no ships belonging to private persons
shall be sent. There shall be three ships, in order that one may remain
at the port of Acapulco for repairs. They will sail at the expense of
his Majesty, and the cost will be paid by their freight-charges and
the cargoes that they carry. This order was altered by the viceroy,
the administration of two ships having been given to private persons in
99, for this trade, with the power of appointing the officers thereof,
with salary, and license to take freight, as will be stated later
under the twelfth point.

Fifth Point

_The appointment of the commanders and officers of said ships, and
their number; the expenses incurred by them; and the question whether
it will be expedient to reduce their salaries._

By the decree