In the vessels that we shall permit to sail from Perú to Nueva España
and the port of Acapulco or from Nueva España to Perú and its ports,
no quantity of Chinese stuffs can be laden, sold, bought, or exchanged,
even though it may be reported to be gratuitously as a gift or charity,
or for the service of divine worship, or in any other quality or form,
in order that the prohibition may not be evaded by such pretexts
and frauds. In case that any shall be convicted of the above as
chief factors, associates, or participants, or of aiding or giving
advice, they shall, besides the confiscation of their goods and boat,
incur on their persons the civil and criminal penalties imposed
on those who handle contraband goods, and of perpetual banishment,
and deprivation of the post that they shall have obtained from us
in the Indias. In regard to the above we charge the conscience and
care of our servants. [Felipe III--Valladolid, December 31, 1604 (?);
San Lorenzo, April 22, 1608 (?); clauses 16 and 17.] [7]